Associate of Applied Science

Our AAS program provides students with essential skills and experiences that will help get them 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 (based on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019-2021) with the talent to create impactful stories for every industry. Compass College of Film & Media recognizes this need and teaches the art of film and digital media production with a story-centric, hands-on method that will prepare you for a career in the film and media industry.

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
Cinema Aesthetics
Aerial/Drone Filming

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.
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 career outlook for film and media professionals just keeps getting better and better. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019-2021, it is a booming industry.

13%

Projected Industry Growth According to
US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019-2021

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 According to
US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019-2021

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.

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