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The Digital Filmmaking program prepares students for an exciting and challenging career in narrative video production. Course work gives students the opportunity to lead a team, develop entry-level skills required by media and production houses, and create their own production business. The writing/directing curriculum focuses on directing crews and talent, screenwriting, cinematography, essential video editing and sound design, production management, and basic film marketing. The production design emphasis centers on collaborative art design and direction, video editing, audio mixing, special effects compositing, basic multimedia marketing graphics and event coordination.

Why choose the Digital Filmmaking program at CMU Tech?  

  • Training focuses on current production needs, diverse learning styles, hands-on classroom experience and practical program-related work
  • Small class sizes ensure students receive the level of instruction needed to be proficient in a media production environment
  • Students learn general production management and marketing practices
  • A flexible curriculum includes several one-semester technical certificates

The Associate of Applied Science Digital Filmmaking with a writing/directing emphasis prepares and develops students for entry-level jobs in the film, broadcast and commercial video industries. Digital Filmmaking - Writing/Directing is about storytelling with production to relay facets of experiences to audiences. During this program, students will cover the in-depth fundamentals of screenwriting, planning and filming productions, and implementing essential post-production to present the story. Students will also use common research skills, collaboration, actors, lighting and sound, and non-linear editors and video/graphic compositors. Plus, students learn not only the filmmaking business but information they can use if they want to become freelancers.

Academic Requirements for Associate of Applied Science in Writing/Directing, Digital Filmmaking

This Digital Filmmaking Writing/Directing Elements certificate helps prepare students with the foundational skills needed for entry-level careers in the film, TV and commercial video industries.

Academic Requirements for Technical Certificate in Writing/Directing Elements, Digital Filmmaking

This Digital Filmmaking Basic Writing/Directing certificate helps prepare students with the basic skills needed for entry-level careers in the film, TV and commercial video industries.

Academic Requirements for Technical Certificate in Basic Writing/Directing, Digital Filmmaking

This Digital Filmmaking Intermediate Writing/Directing certificate helps prepare students with the intermediate skills needed for entry-level careers in the film, TV and commercial video industries.

Academic Requirements for Technical Certificate in Intermediate Writing/Directing, Digital Filmmaking

Career Opportunities

  • Independent film producer/director
  • Cinematographer
  • Screenwriter
  • Art director
  • Storyboard artist
  • Video editor
  • Visual effects artist
  • Audio designer

Career Pathways

Career pathway programs prepare students for employment in industries while also providing a stepping stone to an associate degree, bachelor’s degree and beyond.

Career Pathways Certificate Length of Program
Writing/Directing Elements 1 semester (12 credits)
Basic Writing/Directing 1 semester (13 credits)
Intermediate Writing/Directing 1 semester (7 credits)
Production Design Elements 1 semester (12 credits)
Basic Production Design 1 semester (12 credits)
Intermediate Production Design 1 semester (9 credits)

Student Work

Our goal at CMU Tech is to make sure our graduates can go out into the business community and perform. From day one, students get hands on experience with the equipment and technology, and gain experience in writing, directing and production design. Students often work with real clients from the community to create a final product.

Check out some of our student work.

Digital Filmmaking on Facebook

Digital Filmmaking on Instagram

Program Faculty