The Film and Video Production program is for creative students who want to make movies, commercials or documentaries. Work on a variety of single-camera productions and learn essential filmmaker tasks, including scripting and pre-production, camera and lighting techniques and editing and post-production.
You will have the opportunity to write, direct, shoot and edit your own narrative movies, such as dramas, comedies and action films. You’ll also learn how to work on larger productions as part of a filmmaking crew.
Determine Your Path
Students who dream of working in movies should start with the Film/Video degree to prepare them to work on several types of single-camera production. First-time students seeking this degree should start with the following MPTV courses: Film/Video Aesthetics (MPTV 1111) and Film/Video History (MPTV 1113), as well as the Intro class. Advanced students should take Pre-Production (MPTV 2031, Emphasis on Film), Film/Video Directing (MPTV 2133), and Film/Video Production (MPTV 2131).
For over 15 years, the Motion Picture/Television program at College of DuPage has been educating and training students in videography, television, animation and documentary filmmaking.
As an MPTV student, you'll find:
- Passionate faculty with award-winning national production credits including Disney, Warner Brothers, Paramount and Universal with degrees from top MPTV programs.
- Smaller class sizes with hands-on learning.
- State-of-the-art film and television studio with multi-camera control room, lighting grid, chroma-key screen, green room and more.
- Computer labs with the latest professional, cross-platform software.
- Audio studios with computers, professional software, mixers and professional microphones.
- Individual computer editing suites for advanced students.
- Professional HD/SD digital video cameras and extensive support equipment.
- Internship and employment opportunities with a broad range of employers in Chicago and the suburbs.
- Articulated transfer programs with several prestigious institutions.
Film/Video Production, Associate in Applied Science
The Film/Video Production, Associate in Applied Science degree program combines classes in editing, audio, cinematography, pre-production and directing. This provides students pursuing a bachelor's degree in film/video production with a two-year foundation of coursework.
Motion Picture/Television
The Motion Picture/Television certificate program requires 45 credits to completion. Students will take a variety of classes including editing, audio, cinematography, pre-production, directing, 3D animation and more.
COD Stories
"COD was the best choice for me because from day one, you are making films. Theory of filmmaking is taught as well but using that theory with hands-on experience in every class is what has helped catapult me as a filmmaker." - Frances Wilkerson
Frances' COD StoryCOD Stories
"For a while, I struggled to find what I actually wanted to do with my career. Filmmaking is what makes me happy, which is how I know I won’t regret not pursuing my dreams later down the line.” - Luke Buchanan
Luke's COD StoryCOD Stories
"The department is set up so that you can get exactly what you want out of it. The teachers are willing to offer their advice, but they also are willing to step aside and allow you to figure it out on your own if you so choose.” - David Baker
David's COD StoryCOD Stories
"My experience at College of DuPage provided the foundation that is enabling me to pursue film to greater heights. The faculty is the bomb. If you come to COD with a purpose, the resources can take you wherever you want to go." - Rachel Bass
Rachel's COD StoryCOD Stories
"I feel like I was able to find my true passion within this enormous industry, and that’s thanks to the amazing people teaching at COD.” - Chris Colucci
Chris' COD StoryGet Started Today
The first step to getting started in the Animation program is to apply for admission.
Our Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a timeline based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Film Degree and Certificate
During the Associate in Applied Science degree program, students will also work toward fulfilling COD’s general education student learning outcomes.
- Plan production using pre-production techniques and materials.
- Recognize technical and aesthetic elements of directing, screenwriting, camera operation, editing, and sound, which mark specific film works, styles, or periods.
- Produce video and audio for the post-production phase of a project.
- Apply principles used in historical works to production.
- Learn how to write for different digital media formats.
- Assemble video and audio to completion of film/video projects.
- Create a unified visual design for a project.
- Prepare students for an entry level position in areas of study.
- Apply visual design rules to techniques used in project creation.
- Construct a portfolio.
- Demonstrate ability to present demo reel to prospective employer.
- Learn research skills.
- Organize film/video crews and shoots for production.
- Plan marketing and distribution of a film/video project.
College of DuPage has several motion picture/television transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.
Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.
Career Information
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