About this Program
The digital revolution transformed filmmaking, and now it's possible to produce independent movies and video projects without huge budgets, expensive cameras or large crews. This change means that many different organizations and companies today use film and video as part of their work. Whether the goal is to fulfill a personal artistic vision, market a product or advance a cause, the fundamental need to tell a story remains paramount, and film is a powerful means to do it.
In this three-course certificate program, you’ll receive direct, hands-on experience creating visual stories that are intelligent, emotional, compelling, succinct and informative. By making films, you'll learn and practice primary aspects of film production, including scripting, camera and lighting, sound, directing and editing. You’ll emerge with your own short film for your personal or professional portfolio.
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Designed For
Current and aspiring filmmakers and video production specialists.
See Requirements
Admission Requirements
To apply, you must have ONE of the following:
Some experience in film, video, theater, content creation or writing
Some professional experience in film, video, theater, photography, content creation or writing
Some volunteer or personal experience in shooting, producing or editing film or video
TIME COMMITMENT
In addition to the weekly class and assigned online tutorials, you’ll need to spend time outside class producing your film projects, and most shoots are on weekends. The number of hours will vary greatly depending on individual student goals. For more details on time commitment, talk to an enrollment coach .
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To see if you qualify, make sure you are at the B2 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid . To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs .
International Students
To enroll, international students must have a visa that permits study in the United States. This program does not enable students to obtain or maintain F-1 visa status. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students .
Technology Requirements
Access to a laptop computer with a high-speed internet connection
An additional monitor
External hard drive (2 terabyte minimum) for media storage
Video camera (a professional video camera, DSLR and mobile phone camera are all OK)
High-quality headphones (not earbuds)
DaVinci Resolve editing software (recommended; free download version) or your preferred editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)
If you’re unable to provide your own computer or video equipment, you can borrow equipment from the UW Student Technology Loan Program . To access the STLP program, you’ll need to show your Husky Card and pay a quarterly $55 computer account fee to Registration Services .
Note: You might not be able to borrow all of your preferred equipment, and there might be limits on the length of time you can borrow items.
Earning the Certificate
You earn a certificate of completion by successfully completing all required courses. For more information, see Earning the Certificate .
Video Overview
Maria Gargiulo, an instructor in the Certificate in Film and Video Production, gives you an in-depth look into the program and shares the relevance of storytelling to a variety of professions.
Duration: 03:20
Play
What You’ll Learn
Visual storytelling techniques, script and story development strategies, and the principles of cinematography and lighting
Directorial skills such as camera placement, staging a scene, directing actors, documentary interviewing and casting
Editing techniques and elements such as montage and mise-en-scène (scene arrangement)
The fundamentals of audio recording, sound editing and final mix
Resource management and production leadership strategies for collaboration with the crew
Get Hands-On Experience
You'll write, shoot and edit your own film with guidance and instruction from professional filmmakers.
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
You may be eligible to apply for a UW Certificate Scholarship or Rotary Scholarship to cover most of the costs of this program. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the potential of the program to positively impact your career. For more information, see the Scholarships page.
APPLY FOR THE PLAYFISH SCHOLARSHIP
Playfish Media, a woman-owned company, strives to uplift lesser-heard voices in media production.
They offer annual scholarships to students enrolled in media-centered programs to create a more inclusive environment. The scholarship is dedicated to advancing students from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others needing financial assistance to achieve their career goals.
For more information and to apply for the scholarship, visit the Playfish Media Scholarship page .
Career Stats
Sample Employers
Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence (Ai2), Amazon, Casual Films, Pacific Outdoor Living, Rick Steves' Europe, Seattle Asian American Film Festival
27%
Projected job growth for producers and directors in Washington state (2020–2030)
$74,700
Average salary for producers and directors in Washington state (2022)
OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options .