Media Arts Class Descriptions

100 Introduction to Media Arts (3) CSU

Prerequisite: None.
Lecture, 3 hours.
Introductory, interdisciplinary survey of the media arts in the entertainment industry: through the creative process from start to finish, from development and pre-production (idea to script) to production (casting, story-boarding, acting and shooting), postproduction (editing, visual effects, sound/music), and distribution. Changes in the media owing to new technology and various other forms of production, including but not limited to, video games and Internet direct projects will be covered. NOTE: Students will be required to provide instructional materials to complete class assignments. Additional time required.

101 Introduction to Digital Film/Video Production (3) CSU

Prerequisite: Media Arts 100 or Cinema 107 with a grade of C or better or concurrent enrollment in either course.
Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.
Comprehensive overview of all aspects of digital film/video production from script concept to finished project, centering on basic theory and its applications via exams, demonstrations, and hands-on digital media exercises. NOTE: Students will be required to provide instructional materials to complete class assignments. Additional time required.

102 Digital Media Tools for Filmmaking (3)

Prerequisite: None.
Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.
A survey of the computer hardware and software currently used in media arts and multi-media. Different operating systems will be presented along with applications used for pixel-based images, vector-based images, 3-D imaging, digital video, animation, sound production, scriptwriting and production management. NOTE: Students will be required to provide instructional materials to complete class assignments. Additional time required.

103 Digital Imaging and Motion Graphics for Film and Television (3) UC:CSU

Prerequisite: Media Arts 102 or Media Arts 120 with a grade of C or better.
Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.
Intermediate level course dealing with motion graphics for film and television using digital imaging and animation software, with an emphasis on Photoshop and After Effects, including layers, masks, filters, animation techniques and output to video, via demonstrations, practicums, and exercises. NOTE: Students will be required to provide instructional materials to complete class assignments. Additional time required.

110 Digital Film/Video Audio (3) CSU (Same as Cinema 110)

Prerequisite: Media Arts 101.
Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.
Intermediate course dealing with all aspects of film/video sound recording, mixing, and editing from theory to application, centering on learning the basic parts and functions of professional motion picture and digital video sound equipment, as well as sound techniques and aesthetics. NOTE: Students will be required to provide instructional materials to complete class assignments. Additional time required.

113 Low Budget Filmmaking (3) CSU

Prerequisite: None.
Lecture, 3 hours.
Overview of the administrative and creative aspects of producing low-cost motion pictures from budgeting, financing pre-production to completion, distribution and marketing. Students will prepare an actual film proposal, budget and schedule.

115 Digital Film/Video Cinematography (3) CSU

Prerequisite: Media Arts 101 with a grade of C or better.
Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.
Intermediate level course dealing with theory, techniques, and aesthetics of digital film / video cinematography and lighting, via demonstrations, exams, practicums, and shooting exercises utilizing a variety of industry-oriented digital appliances, cameras, and accessories. NOTE: Students will be required to provide instructional materials to complete class assignments. Additional time required.

118 Directing (3) CSU

Prerequisite: Media Arts 100 or Cinema 107.
Lecture, 3 hours.
Introduction to the art and craft of film directing, with emphasis on the role of the director as a storyteller, the visualization of the script, directing the actors, and the creative interaction with above and below the line personnel. Visual presentations, discussions and exercises will illustrate the director’s process during pre-production, production and post-production as well as the beginning steps toward a directing career.

120 Digital Film/Video Editing (3) CSU (Same as Cinema 120)

Prerequisite: Cinema 101 with a grade of C or better.
Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.
Intermediate course covering theory, techniques and aesthetics of film/digital video non-linear editing. A variety of industryoriented digital applications, with emphasis on Final Cut Pro, will be utilized in the editing exercises. NOTE: Students will be required to provide instructional materials to complete class assignments. Additional time required.

121 Advanced Digital Film/Video Editing (3) CSU

Prerequisite: Media Arts 120 with a grade of C or better.
Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.
Advanced level course dealing with theory, techniques, and aesthetics of digital film/video editing, with emphasis on advanced features of Final Cut Pro including titling/graphics, audio filtering/mixing, and advanced compositing techniques, via demonstrations, practicums, and editing exercises. NOTE: Students will be required to provide instructional materials to complete class assignments. Additional time required.

125 Producing for Film, Television and New Media (3)

Prerequisite: Media Arts 100 with a grade of C or better.
Lecture, 3 hours.
Introduction to the creative art and business of film/television producing, with emphasis on the job functions and skills required for the producer to actualize his/her ideas, and vision. The course will cover all the functions of the producer from development, preproduction, production, post production and distribution. Additionally it will cover the creative interaction of the producer with above/below the line talent; and explore the relationship of producer with the writer, director, actors, studio executives, and all other crew positions.

129 Mythology, Spirituality, and the Art of Story (3)

Prerequisite: None.
Lecture, 3 hours.
Analytical and critical overview of storytelling, examining the historical and modern role of mythology spirituality, legends and parables, and how they have shaped and formed stories found in today’s motion picture and television writings.

130 Advanced Screenwriting (3) CSU

Prerequisite: Broadcasting 25.
Lecture, 3 hours.
An advanced screenwriting workshop emphasizing the skill and understanding of structure, character and story. Students write an original screenplay or teleplay in a workshop setting, developing an effective and marketable sample of work. NOTE: Students will be required to provide instructional materials to complete class assignments. Additional time required.

132 Business of Entertainment (3)

Prerequisite: Media Arts 100 with a grade of C or better.
Lecture, 3 hours.
Introduction to the business of film and television, with emphasis on analysis of the deal in all media. The course will cover the process of making the deal, negotiating the deal, the elements in a contract, and a detailed analysis of the contract. The course will cover the roles of the business affairs executives, attorneys, agent, manager, and lawyer, and how they function in the process of deal making in the entertainment industry.

185 Directed Study - Media Arts (1) CSU
285 Directed Study - Media Arts (2) CSU
385 Directed Study - Media Arts (3) CSU

Prerequisite: Approval of project.
Conference, 1 hour per unit.
Allows student to pursue Directed Study in Media Arts on a contract basis under the direction of a supervising instructor. Credit limit: A maximum of 3 units per subject in Directed Study may be taken for credit.

911-921-931-941 Cooperative Education – Media Arts (1-4) CSU

Media Arts is approved for Cooperative Work Experience Education credit.
See Cooperative Education, page 72, for prerequisite, course description and credit limits.

Media Arts Department
Los Angeles Valley College
5800 Fulton Avenue
Valley Glen, CA 91401
[818] 947-2600 x5503