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Compass College of Cinematic Arts Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Film and Media Production
Compass College of Cinematic Arts

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Film and Media Production

Grand Rapids, USA

24 Months

English

Part time

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On-Campus

* cost per credit hour $485

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Introduction

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Film and Media Production Program is designed for students who are passionate about visual communication through filmmaking and media arts and who have a strong desire to become fully involved in the film and media industry. Does that sound like you? If so, the A.A.S. degree at Compass College might be exactly what you are looking for!

The A.A.S. program provides an accelerated and extensive study of the film and media arts industry covering pre-production, production, post-production and other visual communication elements. The program consists of three terms and a minimum of 60 credit hours is required for graduation. Term 1 is made up of 22 credit hours and 16 weeks of instruction. Term 2 consists of 24 credit hours and 16 weeks of instruction as well. Term 3, made up of 16 credit hours and 18 weeks of instruction, is the final term of the A.A.S. degree.

Program Objectives: A.A.S. Degree

Compass College's primary education goal is to train students in filmmaking and media arts, giving them the creative tools needed to succeed in the entertainment industry. CCCA's story-centric curriculum and instruction are integrated, project focused, and hands-on. Through this comprehensive approach, students learn and apply the process of writing and production and the elements needed to be successful in the film and media arts industry. To accomplish this, CCCA provides a variety of program objectives for our students.

Compass College's A.A.S. program provides students with the necessary competencies for entry-level employment, first, by understanding the film and media production elements, and second, by practicing the elements. Some of the skills students will learn in this program include the ability to:

  • Create a film from concept to creation and provide a screening for family, friends and the general public.
  • Function as a contributing member of a production team.
  • Understand the relationship of filmmaking communication and culture.
  • Build key relationships with class members, alumni, and professionals.
  • Understand the basic requirements of each primary film department head: Writer, Executive Producer, Unit Production Manager, Director, 1st Assistant Director, Director of Photography, Gaffer, Field Sound, Art Director, and Key Grip.
  • Build and practice skill sets needed for employment and further academic learning, such as:
    • Communicating and networking in a professional setting
    • Problem-solving
    • Expressing creative ideas clearly
    • Collaborating with and/or leading team members in specific tasks
    • Ability to research and confirm topics and ideas
    • Setting goals - both personal and professional
    • Appreciating ideas and opinions contributed by individuals.

Application Requirements

Compass College of Cinematic Arts accepts applications from students who are eager to learn the process of filmmaking and who have a drive to implement the skills they develop. Admission takes place on a rolling basis until all cohort seats are filled. However, priority consideration will be given to applicants who have completed their portfolio and application before April 1. Applications received after April 1 will be considered if space is available. You are welcome to call and check on availability at any time.

We currently offer one start date during the year - September - but there is no sense in waiting to apply! If you are a high school senior or beyond, don't wait! If filmmaking is your passion and you know it, it's never to early to submit your application for review. Applications are available for download now.

A complete application includes:

  1. An application form completed by and signed by the student
  2. Non-refundable $25 application fee
  3. Official high school transcript (with graduation date) or proof of completion of GED
  4. College transcript(s) from previously attended colleges or universities (Students must complete this form if they desire to transfer credits in from another institution)
  5. ACT or SAT test scores (CCCA's ACT code is 6098 and SAT code is 5933)
  6. Two essays (250+ words each)
  7. Academic Recommendation Form
  8. Character Recommendation Form
  9. Portfolio of creative work related to film and non-film work
  10. An in-person or phone interview with a CCCA Admissions Representative

When all admission requirements have been satisfied, applicants will receive a written notice of their program acceptance status. An admissions committee reviews applications, and the applicant is notified of his or her acceptance status within four weeks of the completion of application requirements. CCCA reserves the right to chance the application minimums and requirements at any time.

Portfolio Requirements

The purpose of the portfolio is to allow the staff and faculty at Compass College to get a sense of who you are and where you are on your journey as an artist. It is meant to show us your creative and artistic talents and to share your experiences with us. Don't be shy. Now is the time to show off your best work!

A complete portfolio should include the following:

  1. A minimum of two film related items. This can include any films, scripts, treatments, documentaries, music videos, production sketches and/or storyboards, etc.
  2. A minimum of two non-film related, creative items: This can include photography, painting, sculpture, poetry, creative writing, building, music, or other creative venture.

Please include comments regarding the position you held in each project (i.e. writer, editor, actor, photographer, director, etc.). Each item of your portfolio should also be labeled with your name. The admissions review committee does consider the presentation of the portfolio (hand-written vs. typed, loose papers vs. binder/folder, etc.).

Note: Please do not include flash-drives, original pieces of artwork or photography, etc. that you desire to have returned to you, as we cannot be responsible for original materials. Instead of original pieces, we invite the applicant to submit film related work on a DVD or via internet links. Non-film related work (sculpture, paintings, etc.) may be photographed and the photographs may be submitted in place of the original item. Submitting pieces in this way will not effect the outcome of the admission team decision.

Portfolios may be submitted in a variety of ways:

SUBMISSION BY MAIL

United States Postal Service, UPS, FedEx, or other carrier All media, including scripts and creative writing, may be submitted on one DVD (not required, may be submitted separately, if desired).

Note: Please make sure to confirm that all media is on the submitted discs and that all discs are clearly labeled with the applicant's name and contact information. Please also remember that the applicant is required to submit comments regarding the position held on each project. This may be included as a document on the disc or on a separate sheet of paper included with the disc.

SUBMISSION BY E-MAIL

You may e-mail portfolio materials to the Admissions Office. Please use .pdf or .jpeg formats and clearly title each document in the following format: lastname_firstname_nameofapplicationcomponent (i.e. Essay, Film Related, etc.) You may also send us links to online video materials using Vimeo or YouTube.

English Language Requirements

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