Documentary Film Production
The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Documentary Film Production introduces the fundamentals of nonfiction filmmaking in a small, supportive setting with industry professionals as mentors. Includes technical aspects of documentary filmmaking (producing, camera, and audio) and exposure to the history and theory behind the art. Students will develop, shoot, and edit an original short documentary film, as well as collaborate on various non-fiction productions, which can include work for clients, non-profits, and new media. An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Film and Media Production is also available.
Details
Field of Interest
Visual and Performing Arts
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Documentary Film Production (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5059
Total credits required
31-34
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:
- Produce independent nonfiction media using digital tools and technologies according to industry standards.
- Apply principles of story, cinematography, sound, editing, and art in the development of film and media productions.
- Integrate knowledge of historical and current trends in documentary film in the production of nonfiction work.
- Employ industry standards for safety and set etiquette in a production environment.
- Apply knowledge of industry roles and techniques for each stage of the documentary production cycle, from development through distribution.
- Demonstrate collaboration and inclusivity to promote an ethical and diverse work environment.
- Demonstrate qualifications and experience as a competitive film and media industry professional through a portfolio.
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 Arizona-based annual median wages* for this program. 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.
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
$73,170 Show expanded career information for Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Film and Video Editors
$47,560 Show expanded career information for Film and Video Editors
Producers and Directors
$58,170 Show expanded career information for Producers and Directors
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 Pathway Planner 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
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FMP108 | Video Production | Critical course Gateway course | 3 | ||
| FMP111AA | Scripting for the Media | 3 | |||
| FMP115 | Introduction to Editing for Media | 3 | |||
| AVC142 | Introduction to Digital Photography | 3 | |||
| ENG101 or ENG107 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | OR Equivalent coursework and/or experience approved by Program Director | FYC or FYC | 0–3 | |
| FMP125 | Podcasting | 3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HUM212 or FMP170 | Documentary Film or Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking | HU, L or None | 3 | ||
| FMP114 | Audio Production | 3 | |||
| FMP204 | Advanced Video Production | 3 | |||
| FMP/FMT270 | Documentaries for Social Change | 4 | |||
| FMP/FMT117 or FMP208 or FMP260 or FMP/FMT294AC | Introduction to Cinematography or Production Company Management or Film and Media Producing and Financing or Special Topics in Motion Picture, Television, Documentary, and New Media Production | Select in consultation with Advisor or Program Director | 3 |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FMP108 | Video Production | Critical course Gateway course | 3 | ||
| FMP111AA | Scripting for the Media | 3 | |||
| ENG101 or ENG107 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | OR Equivalent coursework and/or experience approved by Program Director | FYC or FYC | 0–3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FMP115 | Introduction to Editing for Media | 3 | |||
| HUM212 or FMP170 | Documentary Film or Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking | HU, L or None | 3 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVC142 | Introduction to Digital Photography | 3 | |||
| FMP125 | Podcasting | 3 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FMP114 | Audio Production | 3 | |||
| FMP/FMT270 | Documentaries for Social Change | 4 |
Term 5
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FMP204 | Advanced Video Production | 3 | |||
| FMP/FMT117 or FMP208 or FMP260 or FMP/FMT294AC | Introduction to Cinematography or Production Company Management or Film and Media Producing and Financing or Special Topics in Motion Picture, Television, Documentary, and New Media Production | Select in consultation with Advisor or Program Director | 3 |
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.
- FYC = First Year Composition
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
- L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
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=184806).
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.