Media Production Pathway

Media Production Pathway

Animation, Visual Effects, and Games

Focus Area Description:
Students will prepare for career paths in animation, visual effects (VFX) and video game industries. Students will apply principles of drawing, design, and storytelling to visual development, develop skills in 2D and 3D animation, technical art, and VFX, and work collaboratively in industry-specific production pipeline environments.

Recommended Prerequisites[^8]:
Level 1–2 Visual Art/Design Course(s)
Level 1–2 Media Arts/Design Course(s)
Introductory Arts, Media, and Entertainment Course

Occupational Alignment and O-Net-SOC Codes:[^9]
13-1082.00 Project Management Specialists
15-1255.01 Video Game Designers
27-1011.00 Art Directors
27-1013.00 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
27-1014.00 Special Effects Artists and Animators
27-2012.00 Producers and Directors
27-2012.05 Media Technical Directors/Managers
27-4032.00 Film and Video Editors

Aligned Course Titles[^10]
Animation, VFX, and Games
Animation
3D Animation
Game Design
Visual Effects (VFX)

17.0: Animation, VFX, and Games: Skill Building

• AVG.17.1 — Apply principles of art and design to development of environments, props, and other assets (perspective, dimension, color theory, color modes, shading, contrast, opacity/transparency, layering, etc.)

• AVG.17.2 — Apply knowledge of anatomy, body mechanics, and facial expressions, to human, animal, and fictional characters.

• AVG.17.3 — Utilize character dynamic poses to express personality, emotion, tone, and story points.

• AVG.17.4 — Apply principles of animation to simple objects or text.

• AVG.17.5 — Model 2D and/or 3D digital props and characters and create turntable / orthographic views.

AVG.17.6. Apply principles of rigging and animated movement to a digital character or prop using original animation or match-moving.

• AVG.17.7 — Apply principles of digital effects such as smoke, water, fire, destruction, and/or fur/hair to a scene.

• AVG.17.8 — Apply principles of color/lighting and texture of props, characters, and/or digital effects in a scene.

• AVG.17.9 — Apply principles of rotoscoping, digital paint, and compositing to a scene.

18.0 Animation, VFX, and Games: Process and Practice

• AVG.18.1 — Examine the production pipeline and responsibility of each department, including the steps, skills, and processes within each pipeline stage.

• AVG.18.2 — Understand the artist workflows necessary to create 3D models, textures, materials, lighting, VFX, rigging, and animation.

AVG 18.3 Turn a storyboard into an animatic that incorporates sound and music.

• AVG.18.4 — Turn an animatic into previsualization using CG characters, animatics, and props.

• AVG.18.5 — Contribute to a comprehensive animated scene and/or sequence in a professional environment.

• AVG.18.6 — Use standard digital content creation software to create 3D models, rigging, materials, animation, and visual effects.

• AVG.18.7 — Work with an editorial team to finalize an animated game, short, or other creative project.

• AVG.18.8 — Demonstrate understanding of distribution across animation, VFX and games, including marketing and publicity planning.

19.0 Animation, VFX, and Games: Career Exploration

• AVG.19.1 — Explore career pathways within animation, visual effects (VFX) and games.

• AVG.19.2 — Explore career pathways for storyboard and concept artists across industries.

• AVG.19.3 — Understand career pathways for animators across industries.

• AVG.19.4 — Understand career pathways for producers and coordinators across industries.

• AVG.19.5 — Understand career pathways for game design and development professionals.

20.0 Animation, VFX, and Games: Advanced Technologies

• AVG.20.1 — Explore fundamentals of virtual production using real-time rendering and new VFX technologies.

• AVG.20.2 — Examine principles of motion capture and its applications in animation, gaming and VFX.

• AVG.20.3 — Examine principles of crowd simulation to create movement and/or dynamics for multiple objects or characters.

• AVG.20.4 — Demonstrate foundational knowledge of common programming languages and how scripting automates tasks in games.

Guidance for High Quality Pathway Sequencing Table

Media Production Pathway

Animation, VFX, and Games Focus Areas Concentrator Course(s) [^11]

Guidance for High Quality Pathway Sequencing Table

Media Production Pathway

Animation, VFX, and Games Focus Areas Advanced and Capstone Course(s) [^12]

Media Production Pathway

Film and Television

Focus Area Description:
Students will prepare for careers in film and television with an emphasis on production crafts and post-production. Students will understand the cinematic process, properly operate tools and equipment, and work collaboratively in live-action production environments across scripted, unscripted, episodic, commercial, music video, and/or virtual production.

Recommended Prerequisites:
Level 1–2 Media Arts Course(s)
Introductory Arts, Media, and Entertainment Course

Occupational Alignment: O-Net-SOC Codes
27-1011.00 Art Directors
27-1014.00 Special Effects Artists and Animators
27-1024.00 Graphic Designers
27-1027.00 Set and Exhibit Designers
27-2012.00 Producers and Directors
27-2012.03 Media Programming Directors
27-2012.05 Media Technical Directors/Managers
27-4012.00 Broadcast Technicians
27-4014.00 Sound Engineering Technicians
27-4015.00 Lighting Technicians
27-4021.00 Photographers
27-4031.00 Camera Operators, Television, Video and Film
27-4032.00 Film and Video Editors
39-3092.00 Costume Attendants
39-5091.00 Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
49-9096.00 Riggers

Aligned Course Titles
Cinematic Arts
Film Editing/Postproduction
Film/Video Production
Film Production
Virtual Production

17.0 Film and Television: Skill Building (Production Crafts)

• FT.17.1 — Research and demonstrate understanding of the cinematic process, including story structure and development, script development and analysis, preproduction[^13], production, and postproduction.

• FT.17.2 — Research and demonstrate an understanding of call sheets and the roles and responsibilities for each department [^14]

• FT.17.3 — Observe sets/locations for potential challenges and to determine filming and lighting requirements.

• FT.17.4 — Research and identify needs of props, set, costumes, hair, and makeup in alignment with show design and creative direction.[^15]

• FT.17.5 — Confer with directors and department heads to execute filming sequences, camera movements, and lighting requirements.

• FT.17.6 — Properly handle, place, and operate cameras and related equipment (i.e., lenses, and filters) to capture high-quality content to achieve desired effects for an audience.

• FT.17.7 — Apply knowledge of power and data distribution (i.e., signal flow, networking systems, connectors, cabling, show power, and balancing of power loads)

• FT.17.8 — Place and operate sound equipment (i.e., dynamic, condenser, lavalier/lapel, and shotgun/boom microphones, and speakers) to capture high quality audio.

• FT.17.9 — Operate grip and set lighting equipment (i.e., green screens, camera mounts, Century Stands (C-Stands), tripods, and/or camera dollies) to control shadows, brightness, color, and effects.

18.0 Film and Television: Process and Practice (Editing and Postproduction)

• FT.18.1 — Properly transcode and import all media and digital assets from production after each shoot to prepare for edit and proper delivery specifications.

• FT.18.2 — Organize and tag all digital assets and footage based on camera logs, notes from script supervisors, and scene numbers or shoot dates using editorial script programs.

• FT.18.3 — Review footage, select scenes, and assemble into a rough cut according to the lead creative’s vision.

• FT.18.4 — Edit scenes together with smooth transitions (i.e., cut, dissolve, and wipe) using industry-standard software.

• FT.18.5 — Generate and/or integrate effects, motion graphics, captions, credits, and/or animation into editorial workflow.

• FT.18.6 — Collaborate with artistic and editorial team to apply constructive feedback, finalize an edit, and lock the film according to the director’s instruction.

• FT.18.7 — Create a locked final edit to initiate final color and sound editing process.

• FT.18.8 — Assist and understand process for spotting sound, music, and VFX in a final edit.

• FT.18.9 — Export final master for distribution in accordance with specs and legal requirements of platform or distributor.

19.0 Film and Television: Career Exploration

• FT.19.1 — Explore career pathways in different production environments (i.e., commercials, music videos, scripted and unscripted television, independent films, and feature films.)

• FT.19.2 — Explore career pathways in the production crafts, visual effects (VFX) and post-production (i.e., below the line) on set and in production support facilities.

• FT.19.3 — Explore career pathways for actors, producers, screenwriters, and directors (i.e., above the line.)

• FT.19.4 — Explore corporate and marketing careers across industries for filmmakers, content creators, and editing professionals.

20.0 Film and Television: Advanced Technologies (VFX and Virtual Production)

• FT.20.1 — Examine the VFX pipeline (creative and technical) from prep to delivery.

• FT.20.2 — Examine on-set VFX and Virtual Production technologies including green screen, motion capture, motion control, LED soundstages, virtual storyboarding, virtual art department, virtual scouting, etc.

• FT.20.3 — Explore fundamentals of virtual production using real-time rendering and new VFX technologies.

• FT.20.4 — Examine principles of motion capture and its applications in VFX.

Guidance for High Quality Pathway Sequencing Table

Media Production Pathway

Film and Television Focus Areas Concentrator Course(s)

Guidance for High Quality Pathway Sequencing Table

Media Production Pathway

Film and Television Focus Areas Advanced and Capstone Course(s)

Media Production Pathway

Digital Communications

Focus Area Description:
Students will prepare for career paths in communications across digital platforms. Students will apply the journalistic process to the development and refinement of original audio and/or visual (A/V) content, learn how to capture and edit content for specific audiences, and to properly operate equipment for capturing, editing, broadcasting, and streaming content in different environments.

Recommended Prerequisites:
Level 1–2 Media Arts Course(s)
Introductory Arts, Media, and Entertainment Course

Occupational Alignment: O-Net-SOC Codes
11-2011.00 Advertising and Promotions Managers
13-1082.00 Project Management Specialists
13-1161.01 Marketing Strategist
27-1024.00 Graphic Designers
27-2012.00 Producers and Directors
27-2012.03 Media Programming Directors
27-2012.05 Media Technical Directors/Managers
27-3011.00 Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
27-3023.00 News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
27-3031.00 Public Relations Specialist
27-4011.00 Audio and Video Technicians
27-4012.00 Broadcast Technicians
27-4014.00 Sound Engineering Technicians
27-4021.00 Photographers
27-4031.00 Camera Operators, Television, Video and Film
27-4032.00 Film and Video Editors

Aligned Course Titles
Broadcast Journalism
Broadcast and Streaming
Media Arts/Multimedia Production
Podcasting/ Radio Broadcast
Public Relations
Sports Broadcast
Content Creation

17.0 Digital Communications: Skill Building (Story Development)

• DC.17.1 — Identify the target audience, main objective, message, and tone of a story, and select content based on community interests, audience preference, and/or requests from the public.

• DC.17.2 — Study background information, including relevant statistics and data, community interests, audience preference, and/or requests from the public to prepare for programs or interviews.

• DC.17.3 — Write outlines, scripts, and interview questions to develop a program and prepare to interview guests about topics of interest.

• DC.17.4 — Design content around specific formats (i.e., social media, podcast, news broadcast, and public service announcements) and determine appropriate story structure and media elements.

• DC.17.5 — Prepare, write, and deliver reports (i.e., news, sports, and weather); organizing material to convey a specific message and to fit specific time slots.

• DC.17.6 — Refine and edit digital content to ensure it effectively conveys the intended message and tells a clear story.

• DC.17.7 — Create content that describes or demonstrates the value of products, goods, or services.

• DC.17.8 — Provide commentary and conduct interviews online and/or during live events, (i.e., sporting events, parades, conventions, and concerts).

• DC.17.9 — Moderate panels or discussion shows on topics such as current affairs, art, education, etc.

18.0 Digital Communications: Process and Practice (Content Capture and Editing)

• DC.18.1 — Properly handle and operate cameras and related equipment including selecting appropriate placement, lenses, filters, and camera settings to achieve desired effects for an audience.

• DC.18.2 — Operate sound equipment (i.e., dynamic, condenser, lavalier/lapel, speakers, mixers, and amplifiers) to achieve high quality audio capture and reproduction.

• DC.18.3 — Apply techniques to record content for various platforms, including camera and/or microphone selection and placement.

• DC.18.4 — Properly operate equipment, hardware, and software in a recording or broadcast studio including switchers, mixing boards, Digital Audio Workstations (DAW), receivers, and transmitters.

• DC.18.5 — Scout locations to identify potential needs and challenges.

• DC.18.6 — Apply knowledge of power and data distribution (i.e., signal flow, networking systems, connectors, cabling, show power, and balancing of power loads).

• DC.18.7 — Examine and apply best practices to transmit content from remote locations, using streaming, networking, and/or broadcast equipment.

• DC.18.8 — Review, manipulate, and enhance digital content to tell a clear story, using industry software.

• DC.18.9 — Generate and/or integrate images, effects, graphics, captions, and/or animation into final content; Collaborate with artistic and editorial team to apply constructive feedback and finalize an edit.

19.0 Digital Communications: Career Exploration

• DC.19.1 — Explore career pathways for content creators and editors in marketing, branding, and other commercial and web-based environments.

• DC.19.2 — Explore career pathways for podcast, live streaming audio/visual (A/V), and broadcast professionals.

• DC.19.3 — Explore career pathways in public relations, journalism, and documentary storytelling.

• DC.19.4 — Explore career pathways for show hosts, commentators, shout casters, and media anchors.

20.0 Digital Communications: Advanced Technologies

• DC.20.1 — Examine how web-based technologies are evolving and changing the way content is funded, produced, monetized, and consumed.

• DC.20.2 — Examine how innovative technologies have changed what is possible in live streaming and broadcast, including the roles and responsibilities of streaming platforms and content creators.

• DC.20.2 — Explore possibilities with immersive storytelling and journalism through virtual and augmented reality technology.

Guidance for High Quality Pathway Sequencing Table

Media Production Pathway

Digital Communications Focus Areas Concentrator Course(s)

Guidance for High Quality Pathway Sequencing Table

Media Production Pathway

Digital Communications Focus Areas Advanced and Capstone Course(s)