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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Theatre Arts Film

Theatre Arts Film

Overview

The Theatre Arts Film program offers certificates in Film Production and Film Studies that provide a core foundation in these fields. The collaborative nature of filmmaking will be taught through classroom presentations and hands-on crew experiences. The process allows students to explore both the creative and technical aspects of production. Students learn an appreciation of film as a medium of communication.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • A.A. in Film
  • Film Production Certificate
  • Film Studies Certificate

Associate Degree

A.A. in Film

The Film degree will provide the opportunity for students to develop a core foundation in various aspects of film history, diversity, and production. Students can learn the collaborative nature of filmmaking through classroom presentations and hands-on crew experiences. The process allows students to develop skills in all areas of the craft while exploring both the creative and technical aspects of production. Students learn an appreciation of film as a medium of communication. This degree provides lower division preparation for transfer to a baccalaureate degree in this field.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
TAFILM 300 Introduction to Film (3) 3
   or ENGLT 400 Introduction to Film (3)
TAFILM 302 History of Film (3) 3 - 6
or [ TAFILM 303 History of Film: 1880's through 1950's (3)
and TAFILM 304 ] History of Film: 1950's to Present (3)
TAFILM 307 Diversity in American Film 3
TAFILM 330 Film Making 3
A minimum of 18 units from the following: 18
ENGLT 403 Film Adaptations (3)
MUSM 322 Introduction to Film Music (3)
MUSM 356 Pro Tools 101, Introduction to Pro Tools (1.5)
MUSM 357 Pro Tools 110 Intermediate Pro Tools (1.5)
MUSM 362 Mixing and Mastering Music Projects (3)
MUSM 366 Pro Tools 201, Advanced Pro Tools (1.5)
MUSM 367 Audio for Video Post Production (3)
TA 356 Acting for the Camera I (3)
TA 420 Stagecraft (3)
TA 422 Stage Lighting (3)
TA 430 Costume Construction (3)
TA 437 Stage Make-up I (3)
TA 438 Stage Make-up II (2)
TAFILM 309 From Stage to Screen: Production Design and Art Direction (3)
TAFILM 320 Cinema Genres (3)
TAFILM 332 Film Production Workshop I (3)
TAFILM 333 Film Production Workshop II (3)
TAFILM 334 Film Production Workshop III (3)
TAFILM 340 Film Editing (3)
TAFILM 341 Advanced Film Editing (3)
TAFILM 343 Motion Graphics for Video (3)
TAFILM 344 Introduction to Digital Effects (3)
TAFILM 345 Intermediate Digital Effects (3)
TAFILM 347 Color Correcting and Grading for Film (3)
TAFILM 360 Screenwriting (3)
Total Units: 30 - 33

The Film Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • describe the development of film and the art of filmmaking.
  • compare and contrast different cinematic styles and structures.
  • analyze films for their effective use of visual techniques.
  • formulate an independent and critical aesthetic perspective on the cinema.
  • develop and apply film production elements to independent projects.
  • exhibit fundamental skills necessary to obtain employment in the film industry.
  • fulfill various requirements for transfer to a baccalaureate degree program in this field.

Career Information

Skills learned in this program could lead to employment in the following fields: production management, camera (i.e. director of photography, camera operator), lighting (i.e. rigger, lighting technician), sound (i.e. production mixer, boom operator), grip, set decoration, production design, props, make-up, film editing, acting, and directing.

Certificates of Achievement

Film Production Certificate

The Film certificate will provide the opportunity for a core foundation in various aspects of film production. The collaborative nature of filmmaking will be taught through classroom presentations and hands-on crew experiences. The process allows students to explore both the creative and technical aspects of production. Students learn an appreciation of film as a medium of communication. This certificate focuses on hands-on production and the understanding of the film making process.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
TAFILM 302 History of Film (3) 3
   or TAFILM 303 History of Film: 1880's through 1950's (3)
   or TAFILM 304 History of Film: 1950's to Present (3)
TAFILM 330 Film Making 3
A minimum of 12 units from the following: 12
MUSM 322 Introduction to Film Music (3)
MUSM 356 Pro Tools 101, Introduction to Pro Tools (1.5)
MUSM 357 Pro Tools 110 Intermediate Pro Tools (1.5)
MUSM 366 Pro Tools 201, Advanced Pro Tools (1.5)
MUSM 367 Audio for Video Post Production (3)
TA 356 Acting for the Camera I (3)
TA 420 Stagecraft (3)
TA 422 Stage Lighting (3)
TA 430 Costume Construction (3)
TA 437 Stage Make-up I (3)
TA 438 Stage Make-up II (2)
TAFILM 332 Film Production Workshop I (3)
TAFILM 333 Film Production Workshop II (3)
TAFILM 334 Film Production Workshop III (3)
TAFILM 340 Film Editing (3)
TAFILM 341 Advanced Film Editing (3)
TAFILM 343 Motion Graphics for Video (3)
TAFILM 344 Introduction to Digital Effects (3)
TAFILM 345 Intermediate Digital Effects (3)
TAFILM 347 Color Correcting and Grading for Film (3)
TAFILM 360 Screenwriting (3)
Total Units: 18

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • describe the development of film and the art of filmmaking.
  • compare and contrast different cinematic styles and structures.
  • analyze films for their effective use of visual techniques.
  • formulate an independent and critical aesthetic perspective on the cinema.
  • develop and apply film production elements to independent projects.
  • exhibit fundamental skills necessary to obtain employment in the film industry

Career Information

Skills learned in this program could lead to employment in the following fields: production management, camera (e.g. director of photography, camera operator), lighting (e.g. rigger, lighting technician), sound (e.g. production mixer, boom operator), grip, set decoration, production design, props, make-up, film editing, acting, and directing.

Film Studies Certificate

The Film Studies certificate will provide the opportunity for students to develop a core foundation in various aspects of film history, diversity, appreciation, and production. The collaborative nature of filmmaking will be taught through classroom presentations and hands-on crew experiences. The process allows students to explore both the creative and technical aspects of production. Students learn an appreciation of film as a medium of communication. This certificate focuses on the analytical understanding of the film making process rather than on hands-on production.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
TAFILM 300 Introduction to Film (3) 3
   or ENGLT 400 Introduction to Film (3)
TAFILM 302 History of Film (3) 3 - 6
or [ TAFILM 303 History of Film: 1880's through 1950's (3)
and TAFILM 304 ] History of Film: 1950's to Present (3)
A minimum of 9 units from the following: 9
ENGLT 403 Film Adaptations (3)
MUSM 322 Introduction to Film Music (3)
TAFILM 307 Diversity in American Film (3)
TAFILM 309 From Stage to Screen: Production Design and Art Direction (3)
TAFILM 320 Cinema Genres (3)
TAFILM 330 Film Making (3)
TAFILM 332 Film Production Workshop I (3)
TAFILM 360 Screenwriting (3)
Total Units: 15 - 18

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • describe the development of film and the art of filmmaking.
  • compare and contrast different cinematic styles and structures.
  • analyze films for their effective use of visual techniques.
  • formulate an independent and critical aesthetic perspective on the cinema.
  • exhibit fundamental skills necessary to obtain employment in the film industry.
  • develop and apply film production elements to independent projects.

Career Information

Skills learned in this program could lead to employment in the following fields: production management, director, assistant director, production researcher, film critic, and acting.

Theatre Arts Film (TAFILM) Courses

TAFILM 300 Introduction to Film

  • Same As:ENGLT 400
  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (Same as ENGLT 400. Formerly approved for TA 310.)
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course explores the artistic, business, and social elements of modern film. It examines the elements that go into making films: acting, directing, cinematography, writing, and editing. It investigates the techniques used to manipulate the audience into fear, laughter, and sadness and compares the commercial box office hit and "movie star" to enduring artistic films and actors. This class will view and analyze films to evaluate filmmaking techniques and the impact of films and the movie business on society. This course is cross-listed with ENGLT 400. It may be taken only once for credit as TAFILM 300 or as ENGLT 400, but not both. This course was formerly known as TA 310.

TAFILM 302 History of Film

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a general survey of the development of the art of narrative film from early silent films to modern sound films using lecture, discussion, and films chosen to represent important developments in the film history. (This course was formerly known as TA 312.)

TAFILM 303 History of Film: 1880's through 1950's

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a historical and critical survey of film as an art form. It emphasizes the evolution of artistic and technical facets of production in features, documentaries, and experimental films. The focus is on films from the 1880s through 1950s. (This course was formerly known as TA 314.)

TAFILM 304 History of Film: 1950's to Present

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a historical and critical survey of film as an art form. It emphasizes the evolution of artistic and technical facets of production in features, documentaries, and experimental films. The focus is on films from the 1950s to present. (This course was formerly known as TA 315.)

TAFILM 307 Diversity in American Film

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to cultural diversity as it is expressed in American film. The course will focus on the cultures of Asian/Pacific Americans, Black/African Americans, Chicano/Latino/Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and recent immigrant groups, as expressed in film narrative, production practices, and critical responses. Issues of class, gender, and sexuality will be examined and compared cross-culturally. Media stereotypes and their social, political, and cultural origins and the responses to these stereotypes by 20th and 21st century film makers will be examined through film viewings, lecture, and discussion. (This course was formerly known as TA 318.)

TAFILM 309 From Stage to Screen: Production Design and Art Direction

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course will examine the aesthetic design of films by looking at costume, scenery, and prop design. Students will evaluate how the production design of a film helps to shape all of the other elements that make up the film. Students will examine how production design has been utilized to show the past, present, and future as well as imaginary time periods. This course will draw upon theatrical design techniques and evaluate how those techniques have been used in film production. (This course was formerly known as TA 323.)

TAFILM 320 Cinema Genres

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L3; Cal-GETC Area 3A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is designed to explore in depth one or more film genres. Special attention is paid to development, aesthetics, popularity, and artists of the specific form. (This course was formerly known as TA 320.)

TAFILM 330 Film Making

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 72 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course emphasizes contemporary methods of film production, including low-budget art films with a concern for the aesthetics of film making. Stressed are techniques of direction, lighting, tilting, camera use, editing, film types, lenses, and other aspects of cinema. Equipment and supplies for individual projects must be furnished by each student. Supplies and equipment are furnished for students working on group projects. (This course was formerly known as TA 331.)

TAFILM 331 Directing Movies

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 72 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:TAFILM 330 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU (effective Fall 2026); UC (effective Fall 2026)
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Students will learn the art of film directing through director workshops, guest lectures with filmmakers, exercises with actors and cinematographers, as well as lectures and readings that offer a deep dive into the techniques of several pioneering filmmakers.

TAFILM 332 Film Production Workshop I

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 72 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:TAFILM 330 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course will give an overview of the creative, technical, and management skills necessary to design and produce a film production on location. Students will gain hands-on experience in production techniques using film production equipment. Within this course, students plan the total operational process for actual film productions. Students participate in and take responsibility for various aspects of the finished product, such as pre-production planning, scripting, equipment operations, lighting, audio, and post-production. (This course was formerly known as TA 332.)

TAFILM 333 Film Production Workshop II

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 72 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:TAFILM 332 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course allows students to gain additional experience in technical and management skills necessary to design and produce a film production on location. Students may take more active lead roles for various aspects of the finished product, such as pre-production planning, scripting, equipment operations, lighting, audio, and post-production.


TAFILM 334 Film Production Workshop III

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 72 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:TAFILM 333 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course allows students to gain advanced skills and leadership experiences in technical and management areas necessary to design and produce a film production on location. Students will take lead positions and may be required to assist in the training of other students for various aspects of the finished product, such as pre-production planning, scripting, equipment operations, lighting, audio, and post-production. Students may serve as department heads or as producers, directors, and production managers.

TAFILM 338 Business of Filmmaking

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to the concepts needed to manage a successful business practice in filmmaking. Students will gain practical experience in budgeting for a film, fundraising, writing a resume for job specific industry work, creating an official business and managing taxes, marketing their work, finding distribution, reviewing and assessing contracts, and submitting to film festivals.

TAFILM 340 Film Editing

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to the concepts and technical elements of film editing for the cinema. Students will gain practical experience in editing images and synchronous sound to create cinematic products. Students will receive training in the features and capabilities of current film editing equipment including the latest film editing software. Some of the topics covered in the course include a basic overview of editing, video montage, subclippings, storyboarding, and editing dialogue, as well as digitizing and final output. This course involves the use of software that is regarded as the current industry standard. (This course was formerly known as TA 333.)

TAFILM 341 Advanced Film Editing

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:TAFILM 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is designed for experienced users or those wishing to increase their overall film editing knowledge. This course delves into the details of such topics as compositing, power trimming, media management, color keying, audio finishing, color correction, and much more. Instruction also covers tips, tricks, and other secrets that allow participants to master the finer points of film editing and edit software. (This course was formerly known as TA 334.)

TAFILM 343 Motion Graphics for Video

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:DDSN 331 and TAFILM 340 with grades of "C" or better and basic knowledge of the Macintosh OS
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This hands-on course will familiarize students with motion graphics design. The course comprehensively covers software engine and interface, behavior-based animation, parameter behaviors, blend modes, advanced particle system design, advanced title animation, working with templates, chroma key techniques, masking methods, motion menu design, tablet-driven gesture UI techniques, working with audio, keyframing, and integration. (This course was formerly known as TA 336.)

TAFILM 344 Introduction to Digital Effects

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:TAFILM 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introductory study of digital effects production, with specific focus on motion graphics, compositing, effects processing, and title sequences. Students will explore digital effects for film, multimedia, and emerging broadcast technologies.

TAFILM 345 Intermediate Digital Effects

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:TAFILM 344 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

The course presents an intermediate level exploration of the theory and practice of digital effects for film multimedia and emerging broadcast technologies. Intermediate level skills are developed in digital effects software. Techniques for compositing, keying, motion graphics, and color correction are demonstrated.

TAFILM 347 Color Correcting and Grading for Film

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:TAFILM 340 with a grade of "C" or better and basic knowledge of the Macintosh OS
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This hands-on course will familiarize students with color grading and finishing software. This course will begin with the basics of color balancing and correction. Students will move on to the fine points of secondary grading, including scene matching, using vignettes to isolate and track regions, creating advanced color effects and “looks,” skin tone adjustments, adjusting the composition and framing of a shot, and much more. (This course was formerly known as TA 337.)

TAFILM 360 Screenwriting

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is designed to develop student technique and craft in writing short film screenplays. The course will include small group workshops of student-generated screenplays. Through lecture, discussion, assigned reading, and writing exercises, students will critically examine the elements of screenwriting, and produce and present their own original works. (This course was formerly known as TA 339.)

TAFILM 495 Independent Studies in Film

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:6 - 36 hours LEC; 36 - 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course involves an individual student or small groups of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses, pursuant to an agreement among college, faculty members, and students. Independent Studies in Film offers students a chance to do research and/or experimentation that is more typical of advanced studies in Film.
UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted toward the minimum 60 units required for admissions

TAFILM 499 Experimental Offering in Theatre Arts Film

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog