Digital Video Arts Level 2 (Advanced)

Digital Video Arts II (aka Advanced Video) was approved for Visual & Performing Arts credit through the UC system in October of 2008.

Students may repeat this class as often as their home school allows, although credit is limited to 10 units. Development of DVA III is currently under way.

The advanced course is far more dependent on students managing their own time and working with less supervision than they were used to in the beginning course.

Please note the listing of student film festivals on the class resources page. Many of these are annual festivals whose sites are updated a month or two before the due date. So if you have a great idea but it's last year's info, go ahead and plan. They'll update their site when they're ready to take your video.

Course Description - in layman's terms
The Official Course Description

Certificate of Completion
A Certificate of Completion will be awarded for a those achieving a grade of 70% or higher in this class, have received a passing grade on their final video & portfolio and who have demonstrated a good work ethic (i.e. No behavior issues).

Course Description in Layman's Terms

While the advanced class is often scheduled at the same time as the beginning course, rest assured it has it's own curriculum. Advanced students dig deeper into the persuasive techniques found in advertising, and how to create videos for a specific demographic. Students in the advanced course will "create" their own production companies including choosing equipment for purchase using a given budget (we can't all be funded by George Lucas!), writing their company mission statement, creating a production bumper, and practice pitching their ideas to "investors".

In-class studies include looking at a variety of genres then re-creating one themselves. Creation of sound effects and replacing the audio in one of their one films. Creation of a demo reel / job portfolio and discussion of the emergence of electronic portfolios. Advanced students will also begin exploring other software options such as Color and After Effects, time and equipment permitting.

Students are encouraged to create projects that can be entered in festivals. (a wide variety of festival info is provided) Advanced students also are offered opportunities to participate in various ROP projects that are seen by hundreds as well as streamed on the internet.

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The Official Course Description

Advanced Digital Video Arts is a mix of film theory, criticism and hands-on production. Students will explore sources of inspiration for films and the creative process, and further study the different genres as they practice storytelling and find an audience and purpose for their projects. The course covers advanced levels of technical production, industry standards and crew management. Teamwork and group dynamics are emphasized in the beginning of the semester as students are placed into production crews, and take turns acting in the capacities of Director, Producer, Cameraperson, Editor, etc.

Students will have practice in writing scripts, treatments for marketing, copy, critical analysis, and self-critiques of their own work. A number of professional and student films in varying genres will be viewed for analysis and critique in both artistic and technical categories. Students will have an opportunity to specialize in a job position during the second half of class and develop their own style with the creation of an artistic piece.

From concept through scripting, production, and finally post-production, students will gain an intimate understanding of the requirements necessary for narrative and documentary production as well as live television production. Student projects will be completed with the intention of distribution to other classes (DVD), internet streaming / downloads, and entry in student film festivals.

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