ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN POST PRODUCTION - Course descriptions
First Quarter (237 hours)
Advanced Computer Systems and Software (CSS200) 9 hours
This course critically examines the technological offerings at the forefront of media creation. The course explores how computers have influenced media production and discusses equipment and workflows students may be exposed to in the field. In addition, the course offers practical instruction on software/hardware compatibility, network infrastructures, and data/media management.
Advanced Audio Recording Techniques for Post-Production I (ART200P) 24 hours
Students will explore the details of capturing audio in conventional studio spaces and soundstages as well as mobile recording on-location. The course focuses on intelligibility in recording dialogue as well as capturing ambient sound. Equipment specific to these areas is assessed and reviewed and students are challenged to record audio on location.
Advanced Digital Audio Workstations (DAW300) 24 hours
We’ll cover techniques for working with Pro Tools systems in a professional production environment. Concepts and skills learned in Pro Tools 101, 110, 201, and 210M/P are reinforced with practical examples, and students learn advanced Pro Tools techniques and tools that are used in the highest-level studios.
Music Editing (MET200) 24 hours
We present an overview of the many aspects of synching music to picture. The course explores the duties of music supervisors, the use of music libraries, standard terms for music licensing, and the practice of working with and manipulating original scores.
Dialog Editing (DET200) 24 hours
The focus of this course includes the detail-oriented work of dialog editing. The course includes hands-on project work with iZotope’s industry-leading RX software for audio restoration and “clean-up” and explores organizational strategies and workflows for synchronizing audio and picture.
ADR (ADR200) 24 hours
This course examines the process of Automated Dialog Replacement (ADR), the practice of re-recording and replacing dialog captured on shoots, as is commonly used in T.V. and film post-production. The course will examine the industry standard approach to ADR sessions and explore the tools of the trade that enable remote recording sessions to connect the “talent” to the “studio.”
Foley (FOL200) 24 hours
Students will explore the process of capturing and recreating the additional sounds needed to make a viewing experience realistic or even hyperrealistic. The course will explore methods for recording or generating foley sounds, such as footsteps, clothes rustling, body contact, food preparation, and much more.
Sound Design (SDT200) 36 hours
This course builds on concepts introduced in ART200P and FOL200 by examining the process of creating an audio landscape and sound effects that are cohesive and appropriate for the visuals on screen. The course covers topics such as working with sound libraries, sound synthesis, and a deep dive into techniques for software audio processing.
Portfolio Development I (SWS201) 9 hours, +39 hrs of studio time
One of the key focuses of the Advanced Diploma in music production is helping students build a compelling portfolio of their work. The portfolio development class meets three times per quarter to help students plan and manage their use of time in the studios. The course also requires that students spend a minimum of 39 hours in studios working on their portfolios.
second Quarter (237 hours)
Advanced Audio Recording Techniques for Post-Production II (ART210P) 24 hours
This course explores the details of capturing audio in conventional studio spaces and soundstages as well as mobile recording on-location. The course focuses on intelligibility in recording dialogue as well as capturing ambient sound. Equipment specific to these areas is assessed and reviewed and students are challenged to record audio on-location.
Game Audio (GAT200) 24 hours
Students examine the similarities and differences between audio for video games as compared to audio for film. The course focuses on recording, editing, and delivery specifications that are unique to game audio while giving an overview of various software used for game development and programming.
Audio Podcasting (APT200) 24 hours
We’ll examine methods for conceptualizing, planning, recording, editing, and producing podcasts. It focuses on production efficiency, working with budgets, and meeting deadlines and distribution standards. Students will be challenged to produce a pilot episode for an original podcast which will be reviewed and critiqued by their instructors.
Video Podcasting (VPT200) 18 hours
Building on concepts explored in APT200, this course adds the additional element of video capture. This course makes use of Studio West’s Podcast Studio and discusses multi-cam editing and distribution standards for video.
Experimental Sound Practices (ESP100) 15 hours
Students explore key concepts and practices in the field of experimental music. Topics include aleatoric music, granular synthesis, experimental instruments, musical interface prototyping, notable experimental artists, and innovative effects. The goal is to think outside of the box and to be prepared for anything in audio production and sound design.
Mastering and Advanced Mixing for Post-Production (MAM200P) 60 hours
We’ll provide an in-depth look at mixing and finalizing audio for T.V. and film. The course focuses on surround sound mixing and examines the process of dubbing sessions. Students are challenged to finalize the balance of all aspects of audio for a scene in a film, including dialogue, sound effects, foley, and music/score.
Dolby Atmos Mixing (DAM200) 24 hours
This course examines mixing workflows and spatial audio processing enabled by the Dolby Atmos format. Students will get hands-on experience working with this increasingly popular format and instruction on implementing Dolby’s proprietary technology to render three-dimensional sound from an array of speakers in a room.
Portfolio Development II (SWS202) 9 hours, +39 hrs of studio time
The portfolio development class meets three times a quarter to help students plan and manage their use of time in the studios. Special attention is paid to aiding students in facilitating the completion of their portfolio and final Capstone Presentation, which are reviewed by a committee of instructors and professionals.