This course will teach students the basics of photography, camera functions, video editing, media analysis, and filmmaking. Students will work individually and in groups to write, shoot, and edit their own projects. Sample student projects during the semester include commercials, short films, music video and news stories. Selected videos are screened during class throughout the semester to enhance the critique process. Students will work with the following software on desktop computers: Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe Photoshop.
Objective: Students will learn the foundation of Digital Art, AV production and Animation and be exposed to different career paths in AAVTC. Students will learn how to do basic editing, film, produce and direct visual creations using various equipment and editing software.
We Will: Learn art, audio and video terminology of crews and equipment and operate video cameras and tripods.
I Will: Produce news stories, PSAs, and music videos. Learn to turn an idea into a finished video through scripting, planning, story-boarding, shooting and editing. Create 2D visual presentations.
Syllabus
Sem1/ Part A
Unit 1: Introduction to AAVTC
Weeks 1–2
- High-skill, high-wage, and high-demand jobs
- Industry certifications and post-secondary education
- Career research project
TEKS: §130.82(c)(1)(A–E)
Unit 2: Professional Standards and Ethics
Weeks 3–4
- Work ethics, responsibility, and accountability
- Intellectual property, copyright, and fair use
- Plagiarism, legal issues in content creation
- Time management, self-advocacy, and critical thinking
TEKS: §130.82(c)(2)(A–C)
Unit 3: Safety in AAVTC Environments
Weeks 5–6
- Studio, equipment, and electrical safety
- Emergency procedures
- Safe practices in video/audio production
TEKS: §130.82(c)(3)(A–B)
Unit 4: Technology and Tools
Weeks 7–9
- Introduction to digital equipment (cameras, mics, computers)
- Basic software tools (Adobe Creative Cloud, iMovie, Audacity, etc.)
- Equipment handling and maintenance
TEKS: §130.82(c)(4)(A–B)
Unit 5: Project Development Process
Weeks 13–15
- Brainstorming and ideation
- Planning, scripting, and storyboarding
- Scheduling and time management
TEKS: §130.82(c)(6)(A–C
Unit 6: Final Project & Review
Weeks 16–18
- Students develop a short media project (poster, short video, podcast, etc.)
- Presentations and peer critique
- Midterm exam review and test
TEKS: Review from Units 1–6
Sem2/ Part B
– Skill Development and Creative Production
Unit 8: Graphic Design and Visual Arts
Weeks 1–3
- Elements and principles of design
- Typography, color theory, composition
- Intro to design software (Photoshop, Illustrator)
TEKS: §130.82(c)(4), (6), (8)
Unit 9: Audio/Video Production
Weeks 4–6
- Audio editing basics (recording, mixing, effects)
- Video production: shooting, lighting, editing
- Software: iMovie, Premiere Pro, Audacity
- Project: 30-second commercial or music video
TEKS: §130.82(c)(6), (8)
Unit 10: Animation and Motion Media
Weeks 7–8
- Intro to animation techniques (2D/stop motion)
- Basic animation tools (Pencil2D, Adobe Animate)
- Project: short animated clip
TEKS: §130.82(c)(4), (6), (8)
Unit 11: Journalism and Multimedia Writing
Weeks 9–10
- Writing for media: headlines, scripts, interviews
- Layouts for print and digital publishing
- Project: design a magazine cover or blog layout
TEKS: §130.82(c)(1), (7), (9)
Unit 13: Final Project and Showcase
Weeks 14–17
- Students choose a medium (video, podcast, graphic design, etc.)
- Plan, develop, and present a polished project
- Class presentation or school-wide showcase
Unit 14: Course Wrap-Up and Final Exam
Week 18
- Course reflections
- Final exam