Associate of Applied Science

Our AAS program is a great degree, providing students with essential skills and experiences that will help them get started in the industry.

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ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (AAS)

IN FILM AND MEDIA PRODUCTION (60 CREDIT HOURS)

Visual storytelling is a powerful resource in today’s media-driven world.

From feature films, news broadcast, online streaming, and marketing, millions of people turn to their screens for information and entertainment each day. As a result, there is a growing demand for artists with the talent to create impactful stories for every industry. Compass College of Cinematic Arts recognizes this need and teaches the art of film and digital media production with a story-centric, hands-on method that will best prepare you for a successful career.

The Compass Difference - In Numbers

#1
Most Affordable
5OO
Hours on set
85%
Graduation Rate
86%
Employment Rate
6o
Credit Hours

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SUBJECTS OF STUDY

As a part of the occupational AAS program, you will learn from a broad range of subjects, so you are ready for any job opportunities that arise. Some of the subjects covered in the program are:

Screenwriting
Producing
Cinematography
Directing
Editing
Production Audio
Narrative Structure
Broadcast Management
Leadership
Marketing
Animation
Music Video Production
Drone Flight

MAJOR PROJECTS

Essential to our hands-on approach to learning is the opportunity to actually make films. During the course of the occupational AAS program, students will work on the following films:

Core Shoot – In the first semester of freshman year, students work alongside faculty and alumni to create a 3-minute film. It’s our student’s first exposure to the filmmaking process.
5-Minute Shoot – During the second semester of freshman year, students do their first student-run films. These projects will result in a 5-minute film that was written, produced, and edited by a team of freshmen.
Silent Films – Experts say that 90% of communication is done through tone and body language. These films capitalize on that by creating a 5-minute film without dialog.
Capstone Film – This is a 10-minute short film created during the summer between sophomore and junior year of the program. It is a great step in expanding the storytelling arc as these students grow.

Career Outlook

The goal of any student is to find a job that they love doing, while also make a good living. Film is that job! The career outlook for film and media professionals just keeps getting better and better, so rest assured that a degree from Compass College will put you on track for a rewarding career.

14%

Projected Industry Growth

With a national industry average growth rate of 5%, the film and media industry is on a steep climb and is in desperate need for qualified creative professionals. There has never been a better time to begin a film and media career.

$43k – $59k

Industry Median Salary

Of course, every student wants to start their career with a good-paying job. Students with an AAS in film can expect a median salary between $43,000 and $59,000, depending on the position they take and their level of experience.

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On the Line

In the film and media industry, the “line” is a term that refers to how much influence a position has on the creativity of a project and the final look of a product. Payscale generally follows this rule of thumb too, with entry-level, below-the-line jobs paying the least and and increasing pay for positions in higher brackets.

The occupational AAS program at Compass College prepares its students for job opportunities below-the-line and on-the-line.

Above the Line

Covers the acquisition of a property and individuals who guide and influence the creative direction of the narrative in a film before shooting starts.

Executive Producer
Producer
Director
Screenwriter
Cast

On the line

Covers the team members that bridge the gap between pre-production and principal photography.

Line Producer
Director of Photography
Casting Director
Location Manager
Production Manager
Art Director

Below the line

Covers team members that cross over from principal photography through post-production.

Film Editor
Editorial Team
1st Assistant Director
Art Team
Stunt Team
Composer
Hair Stylist
VFX Team
Make-up
Camera Team
Sound Team
Production Assistants

Be empowered as a visual storyteller

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