2026-2027 Course Catalog
Film and Media Production, AAS
Location(s):
Ankeny
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 Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
The Film & Media Produciton AAS program is designed to prepare students for employment as filmmakers, set assistants, video producers, videographers, camera operators, grips/gaffers/electricians, sound mixers, editors and motion graphic designers. Students gain basic and advanced knowledge in film set protocols, production for corporate videos, commercials, film narratives, documentaries, music videos, news videography, video editing, color correction, sound recording, editing, and design. Students gain a broad understanding of standard industry techniques while developing a personal style. Current and industry state-of-the-art equipment, software, and techniques are utilized with a large emphasis on hands-on experience. Students also learn to implement their employability skills with customers, fellow students, and employers. Students are encouraged to consider social and environmental issues in the context of their work and how that work contributes to the fields of film and media.
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Students may start this program any semester
Program Graduation Requirements
To earn a Video Production, AAS, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Students are required to produce a resume, production reel and completed videos of their work that demonstrates their ability to conceptualize and produce a variety of creative and effective videos. Option 1 - Select 3 Credits
- Any 3 credits DRA course (recommending DRA 139 ) Credits: 3
- Any 3 credits in GRD in addition to required courses Credits: 3
- Any 3 credits JOU course Credits: 3
- Any 3 credits MKT course Credits: 3
Option 2 - Select 3 Credits
Total Credits Required to Complete this Award - 64
Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 per credit The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change. Varied Costs
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Semester 5 | | Books (approximate) | 150 | 150 | 75 | 150 | 150 | | Supplies | 150 | 200 | 100 | 150 | 150 | | Equipment | 1200-1500 |
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| | Software (Optional) | 80-100 | 80-100 | 80-100 | 80-100 | 80-100 |
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Approximate total cost for the program: $16,785-$17,185**
**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost. What Kind of Work Will You Do?
- Video production on a crew working on sets and in studios.
- Video production job at a corporation, ad agency, TV station or production company, or as a freelancer.
- Planning, budgeting and producing video projects with your own company.
- Video production for weddings, engagements and other social functions.
- Video production for social media, YouTube, Vimeo and other media.
- Editing, motion graphics, music recording and mixing, sound design and color correction on video and audio projects.
- Using video to communicate messages and ideas to others.
What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?
- Be able to take a video project from start to finish.
- Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Must be ready and willing to collaborate and work with a diverse group of people.
- Basic computer skills.
- Must be able to follow directions and take direction from supervisors, clients and co-workers.
What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?
- Be able to work on more than one project at a time.
- Require hours outside of class to complete projects.
- Produce accurate work with original ideas.
- Have creativity and imagination.
- Be open to trying new things.
- Be a self-starter.
- Will need to update tools as technology changes.
- Other sources for employment and salaries would be the following employers: Mittera, Grey Dog Media, Meredith Corp, Applied Art & Technology, Red Noise 6, Principal Financial Group, EMC Insurance, Farmers Insurance, Strategic America, WOI-TV, KCCI-TV, Iowa Public Television, etc.
Program Competencies
- Describe how to create a message and script, complete the pre-production steps and how to work with clients to develop film projects that meets the client’s goals
- Demonstrate various camera equipment, accessories, and settings used for production assignments and proper camera principles for composition and effective shots
- Describe various types of production lighting instruments and their proper use in different production situations, including diffusion, direct, bounced, key, fill, various color temperatures, and backlight
- Demonstrate various types of audio recording equipment, including microphones, digital mixers, and recorders - both wired and wireless and the proper audio recording techniques to acquire clean dialogue and natural sounds on set, outside, and on location
- Describe non-linear editing software and how to edit, create effects, create graphics, mix sound, and color correct the video to achieve maximum storytelling and messaging impact
- Analyze the process of determining the story by creating the central message using character and dialogue development and evaluating good storytelling
- Describe how to visualize the action through shot list creation
- Demonstrate audio recording using proper microphones, placement and recording software and techniques, Voice Over recording, and sound design for video production
- Demonstrate the multi-step process of “workflow” from pre-production through production and post-production while working on film production assignments in class and on actual set locations
- Describe non-linear editing software using proven industry techniques and how to import, edit, create transitions and add effects to the video and audio files to achieve maximum storytelling and messaging impact
- Demonstrate creating graphics, mixing audio, and color correcting video using the film and TV industry software
- Demonstrate effective communication with customers to develop client-centric film and video work
- Incorporate social and environmental issues in the context of work
Competencies revised date
AY2026 Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov (2026) |
Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
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