Associate of Arts students in instrument performance programs (Bass, Drums, Guitar, Keyboard Technology, Vocals) may opt for a combined course of study which is a combination of the performance program and a music industry program (Audio Engineering, Film, Guitar Craft, Music Business, Independent Artist).

Enrollment in such programs is dependent upon admission approval and space availability.

*Associate programs are vocational and do not include General Education requirements or specific preparation for study at the Baccalaureate level.

Certificate in Music Video, Film and Television
MI’s innovative two-quarter/30 credit-unit certificate program in film and television production lays the foundation for a career in professional filmmaking. Learn the art and science of creating professional visual media under the guidance of award-winning filmmaker/instructors. The total-immersion, hands-on curriculum takes you through every step in the professional filmmaking process from screenplay development and storyboarding to set design, lighting, cinematography, directing, editing and VFX creation as you direct your own production and bring your personal vision to life.

Major area

Directing 1
An introduction to the art of music selection, script writing and directing, including how to write and pitch music-based scripts and treatments, create shot lists and storyboards, and develop communication techniques necessary for productive creative relationships with composers, arrangers and artists, producers, directors of photography and art directors. One and one-half lecture hours per week plus class projects for one quarter.

Directing 2
Students decide on visual elements and direct actors. The class also focuses on the business side of directing, including getting an agent, working with composers, musical artists and production companies, and dealing with advertising agencies and record labels. One and one-half lecture hours per week plus class projects for one quarter.

Producing 1
An introduction to the complete music video/film production process. Topics include understanding key production departments, the role of each member of the production team, selecting and renting equipment, creating budgets, specification sheets, contracts, riders and obtaining permits.One and one-half lecture hours per week for one quarter.

Producing 2 
Learn the more complex aspects of production including dealing with film commissions, international productions and setting up your own production company. Bidding commercials and music videos is covered. One and one-half lecture hours per week for one quarter.

Editing 1
An introduction to the short-form, music-driven editing process. Technique and concepts include compression and mastering formats, time code, file management, and workflow with DSLR and RED cameras using industry-standard editing programs such as Avid Media Composer & Final Cut 7.0. Students carry out exercises in montage, synchronization and story development. Two lecture hours per week plus lab for one quarter.

Editing 2 
An exploration of advanced editing and finishing techniques including multi-cam, color grading, format conversions, and mastering of various HD and 4K formats. One lecture hour per week plus lab for one quarter.

Cinematography 1
The fundamentals of cinematography, including aspect ratios, film stock, digital compression, essential lighting skills for people, objects, and sets, film, 4K and HD camera operation, including DSLR and RED cameras and exposing film. Students complete class projects and exercises plus field trips. Two lecture hours per week plus lab for one quarter.

Cinematography 2 
Explore more advanced aspects of cinematography, including beauty, mood and effect lighting and filtering, and camera support as well as shooting and lighting techniques for green screen. Field trips to Panavision and Company 3. One lecture hour per week plus lab for one quarter.

Motion Graphics 1
Introduction to compositing using Adobe After Effects, including title manipulation, layering and third-party plug-ins. Introduction to DVD authoring using industry standard software DVD Studio Pro and Encore. One lecture hour per week plus lab for one quarter.

Motion Graphics 2 
More advanced techniques including photorealistic compositing and CGI, animating to music with motion math, matting & rotoscoping, motion tracking, and working with plug-ins including Magic Bullet, Trapcode, Twitch, and Evolution. One lecture hour per week plus lab for one quarter.

Music for Visual Media 1
Essential elements of song form, meter and rhythm, the relationship between musical structures, emotion and imagery, music editing and processing as fundamental skills in the production of music-based film and video. One lecture hour per week plus lab.

Music for Visual Media 2 
Course focuses on sound design and soundscape creation, music and location recording, mixing and synchronization of music and image, post-production sound mixing and ADR, location sound recording and music playback. One lecture hour per week plus lab.

Final Project
Students write, plan, produce, shoot, and edit a complete short film, commercial or a music video. Applied skills include developing a script or a treatment, story-boarding, planning a budget, assembling a crew, casting, securing location permits and insurance, directing, shooting, editing, composting, grading and mastering. Final projects are shown in open counseling for review, critique and grade. Independent study for one quarter.