MCA-258: Advanced Media Production

School
Liberal Arts
Division
Communication & Media
Department
Media Communication Arts
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Media Communication Arts
Course Number
258
Course Title
Advanced Media Production
Credit Hours
3.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
Eligible to take ENG 131 at HFC. MCA-157 and MCA-257
Catalog Course Description

This course is designed to build on foundational knowledge and equip students with advanced tools to further develop their skills in multimedia production. Through hands-on projects such as drone, gimbal, and glide camera operation, students will explore advanced techniques in shooting, lighting, editing, and special effects across specialized formats for news, entertainment, and education, working both on location and in studio settings.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Goal Statement

The goal of this course is to equip students with advanced video production skills, emphasizing specialized techniques such as drone, gimbal, and glide camera operation, sophisticated lighting setups, and special effects. Students will create projects across various formats, while developing post-production plans and exploring distribution strategies. Through collaborative projects and ethical analysis, students will be prepared to meet industry standards and produce professional media content for news, entertainment, and education, with a focus on continuity, production values, and responsible storytelling.

Core Course Topics
  1. Instructional, Educational and Informational Videos: Purpose and Standard Production Guidelines for Specialized Video Formats
  2. Advanced Special Effects Techniques
  3. Advanced Camera Techniques Using Equipment Such as Drones, Gimbals and Glides
  4. Enhanced Lighting Choices and Techniques
  5. Advanced Editing Techniques
  6. Post Production Planning
  7. Distribution Choices
  8. Group Work: The Team Approach to Video Production
  9. Industry Standards and Analysis for Ethical and Professional Considerations
  10. Dramatic Scenes Focusing on Continuity and Advanced Production Values
  11. Documentaries Using Appropriate Production Guidelines
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)

• Plan and produce short instructional/educational/informational videos, including dramatic scenes, documentaries and special effect sequences • Advanced camera techniques using equipment such as drones, gimbals, and glides • Execute advanced lighting skills • Execute advanced editing and special effects skills • Generate post-production plan of work to achieve desired end results • Compare and contrast distribution options for video • Debate choices for content/editing as a group to support a final product as it relates to responsible media production • Evaluate industry standards while assessing ethical implications of media production choices/techniques

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement
  • Tests on the pertinent theoretical and critical knowledge
  • Review of portfolio of video work produced

Outcomes

Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No
Satisfies Honors Requirements
No

Credit for Prior College-Level Learning

Options for Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Other
Effective Term
Fall 2025