Division of Continual Learning
Digital Filmmaking Certificate for Teens
Perhaps the fastest growing medium of the modern age is digital filmmaking. As technology progresses, the tools of this fascinating trade are more and more accessible. Now, you too can be part of this growing, glamorous industry. UNCG’s Digital Filmmaking Program, led by industry professionals, will teach you the necessities for making your first digital masterpiece, and many to follow. The classes are kept small, a maximum of twelve students, to assure you receive hands-on attention as we guide you through the filmmaking process. By the end of these courses, you will have not only greater insight in the trade, but your own short film and a certificate that could help serve as a profitable side job or even a career. To be well prepared for this class, be sure you have a digital video camera that uses mini-dv tapes. You can complete this certificate in only five courses (each course meets 8 times for 3 hours) which include: Fundamentals of Videography, Fundamentals of Digital Editing, Fundamentals of Digital Directing, Fundamentals of Screenwriting, and Digital Production.
Watch our students' testimonies here:
The Stairwell:
The Movie:
UNCG's Digital Filmmaking Program for Teens will teach you the necessities for making your first digital masterpiece. To register, click here and then follow the steps: Click on "CALL" -> Click on "Career, Certificates & Life Planning" -> Click on "Digital Film Making Certificate for Teens"
Here's our instructors' information:
William Singletary
William Singletary currently works as a videographer for the Division of Continual Learning at UNCG and teaches various courses related to videography. William has shot video that aired on national TV. He has worked professionally for three years on film and video sets.
Michael Anthony
Michael Anthony is a 2004 graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Professional Theater (Directing concentration). Michael has extensive filmmaking experience, as a writer, actor, director and producer, with 10 film credits since completing his college education. Several of his films have had festival exposure, including entries in the Atlanta Film Festival, Urban Literature Film Festival and Spaghetti Junction Film Festival, among others.
Michael has a background in arts education, as an acting instructor with the Community Theater of Greensboro. He also wrote, directed and produced children’s stage productions for Black History Month events.
Michael brings a trained filmmaker’s eye and instincts to his classes, with an infectious enthusiasm for the craft of filmmaking, and a particular interest in emerging artists and filmmakers. He is a firm believer in nourishing the artistic instinct at a young age, and helping to create the next generation of dynamic young artists.
Fundamentals of Digital Directing
PRICE: $450
DATE: January 27 - March 16 (8 Sundays, 1:30-4:30pm)
Everything you need to know about basic photography is found in this photography fundamentals course. Regardless of your type of camera (digital or 35 mm) or your experience level, this course will help bring out the expert photographer in you. By the end of these intensive sessions, you will learn how to successfully take, store, and display great photography for both personal and professional use. This fundamentals course is designed to be largely hands-on and will offer a broad and impressive introduction into the world of photography. The field component will give you experience in a variety of creative settings and will contribute to the development of your final portfolio. You will have the opportunity to learn the basics in theory and practice, get feedback from your peers and instructor, and conclude the course with an impressive digital portfolio of your greatest works. By the end of the course, students will acquire the skills and knowledge to become bona fide photographers..
INSTRUCTOR: Michael Anthony
Fundamentals of Videography
PRICE: $450
DATE: March 30 - May 18 (8 Sundays, 1:30-4:30pm)
This hands-on course covers a wide range of topics including frame, composition, movement, aspect ratios, exposure, basic light and color theory, color temperature, the quality of light, professional portable lighting fixtures and grip equipment, strategies for the control and modification of light and electrical safety. Emphasis is placed on working in small crews and making the most of natural and available light. The class also covers technical components of digital cinematography, presenting the use and application of customized scene-file settings, time code formats and new options in high-definition acquisition. Shot design exercises in this class and the production of in-class short films help students understand the relationship between the cinematographer and director.
NOTE: Limited to 12 participants.
INSTRUCTOR: William Singletary currently works as a videographer for the Division of Continual Learning at UNCG. William has shot video that aired on national TV. He has worked professionally for three years on film and video sets.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will there be homework?
Some courses may suggest assignments for home that will help further strengthen student’s skills, but they are not mandatory.
What kind of camera is best for the class?
A camera that uses Mini-DV tapes is recommended. If every student uses the same recording format, it’s easier and convenient to view one another’s work. Mini-DV cameras can be found for as low as $200; however, they are not required.
What level of experience is required?
None. Some students may have more experience than others, but the activities in our courses range for various skill levels. Some students will be learning to load a tape for the first time, while some will have already made dozens of their own short films at home.
Is attendance mandatory?
We ask that each student miss no more than one day of class. Each day is packed with new information that is necessary for future classes, as well as to earn the Digital Filmmaking Certificate. Exceptions will be made for particular circumstances.
Do I have to take all five courses?
No. You can take as many or as few of the courses as you like. However, in order to earn the Digital Filmmaking Certificate, completion of all five courses is mandatory.
What can I do with my Digital Filmmaking Certificate?
Once you are a certified Digital Filmmaker, you can use the credential on a college application or job resume.
Why only twelve students per class?
Our goal is to provide hands-on training while catering to each student’s individual needs. Small groups create a more open and flexible working environment for both students and instructor.