Motion Picture Production

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Motion Picture Production is designed for students who plan to enter production careers in film, television, and new media. Students apply cinematography and production principles as they participate in a variety of film, television, and new media projects using industry equipment, standards, and protocols. Students receive hands-on training to produce short films and videos designed for a variety of media outlets. An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Motion Picture, Television, and New Media Production degree is also available.

Details

Field of Interest
Visual and Performing Arts
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Motion Picture Production (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5989
Total credits required
45-47
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

What You'll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  1. Produce cinematic works using film and digital media tools and technologies according to industry standards.
  2. Apply principles of story, cinematography, and editing theory in the development, production, and post-production of cinematic works.
  3. Apply principles of historical and current film genres, styles, and movements in the development and creation of cinematic works.
  4. Employ industry standards for safety and set etiquette in a production environment.
  5. Apply knowledge of industry roles and techniques for each stage of the production cycle, from development through distribution.
  6. Demonstrate collaboration and inclusivity to promote an ethical and diverse work environment.
  7. Demonstrate qualifications and experience as a film and media industry professional in a portfolio of work.

Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Film and Video Editors

$58,834

Media Programming Directors

$55,091

Producers

$55,628

Producers and Directors

$55,091

Stage, Motion Picture, Television, and Radio Directors

$55,628

Talent Directors

$55,091

Technical Directors and Managers

$55,091

Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators

$46,858

* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
FMT100 Introduction to Production 3
FMT107 Career Pathways in the Media Critical course Gateway course HU 3
FMT121 Story Theory for Film, Television and Media Critical course 3
HUM/THF205 Introduction to Cinema HU 3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
FMP/FMT151 TV and New Media Production 3
FMT134 16mm Film Workshop: Pre-Production 3
FMT135 16mm Film Workshop: Production 3
FMT136 16mm Film Workshop: Post-Production 3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
FMP/FMT117 Introduction to Cinematography 3
FMT118 Lighting for Film, TV, and Media 3
FMT/MUC120 Introduction to Sound Design for Film and Video 3
FMT241 AVID Media Composer Editing 4

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
FMT242 Professional Portfolio for Film, TV, and Media 2
FMT248 or
FMT298AC		 Advanced Film Production Techniques or Special Projects 3–4
FMP/FMT270 or
FMT217 or
FMT230 or
FMT260		 Documentaries for Social Change or Advanced Cinematography or Motion Picture Directing or Motion Picture Producing and Production Management 3–4

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
FMT100 Introduction to Production 3
FMT121 Story Theory for Film, Television and Media Critical course 3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
FMT107 Career Pathways in the Media Critical course Gateway course HU 3
HUM/THF205 Introduction to Cinema HU 3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
FMT134 16mm Film Workshop: Pre-Production 3
FMT135 16mm Film Workshop: Production 3
FMT136 16mm Film Workshop: Post-Production 3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
FMP/FMT151 TV and New Media Production 3
FMP/FMT270 or
FMT217 or
FMT230 or
FMT260		 Documentaries for Social Change or Advanced Cinematography or Motion Picture Directing or Motion Picture Producing and Production Management 3–4

Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
FMP/FMT117 Introduction to Cinematography 3
FMT118 Lighting for Film, TV, and Media 3

Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
FMT/MUC120 Introduction to Sound Design for Film and Video 3
FMT241 AVID Media Composer Editing 4

Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
FMT242 Professional Portfolio for Film, TV, and Media 2
FMT248 or
FMT298AC		 Advanced Film Production Techniques or Special Projects 3–4
Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

  • HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm11?id=182619).

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.