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Prepare for a career in Design, Visual, and Media Arts, Production and Managerial Arts, or Game Design.

“Students will realize that their hard work and their effort and their learning is putting out a better product, which is really important in the arts, media, and entertainment industry.”

Kevin Clifton
ArtVenture Production Academy Teacher

Overview

Pathways in the Arts, Media, and Entertainment sector prepare graduates to work in the arts as editors, graphic designers, photographers, set designers, video game designers, and more.

Students may have the opportunity to receive college credit and industry recognized certifications as well as participate in paid and unpaid internships.

Arts, Media, and Entertainment

Sample Arts, Media, and Entertainment Courses

Photography, as a nonverbal language, allows students to increase their visual perception and provides a medium for creative expression. Students learn to understand the artistic qualities of the photographic medium while acquiring the techniques for utilizing photography for expressive and advertisement purposes. Instruction includes studio and field techniques, photojournalism, fashion photography, and commercial, portrait, scientific, nature, wildlife, and sports photography. In producing their own work and by studying the photographs of others, students will develop a base for making informed aesthetic judgments. Integrated throughout the course are career preparation standards which include basic academic skills, communication, interpersonal skills, problem solving, workplace safety, and technology and employment literacy.

Students will learn the aspects of design and implementation of design in scenery, props, costumes, lighting, and sound. Students will recognize the interdependence of all theatrical elements, and the role of a technical director and a technician in the rehearsal and performance process of a show. Students will learn and practice theatre safety. Students learn in depth the fundamentals of technical theater including: complete a comprehensive project planning the technical elements for a play, self-correct in response to suggestions, demonstrate the ability to establish aesthetic criteria and apply it in evaluating their own work and that of others and demonstrate an understanding of theater in various cultures and historical periods. Students will: create and execute a lighting design, create and execute a sound design, create and execute a staging of a play including designing and building a set, and design and use props and costumes for a play. Students will participant in lighting, sound, costumes and props, set design and building, as well as stage management. An important emphasis will be on drafting and a deeper understanding of set design and structural knowledge for building.

This integrated Fine Arts and Career Technical Education course is designed to investigate and explore visual, performing, and design careers in the United States while practicing hands-on technical art skills specific to multiple careers in the Arts, Media, & Entertainment industry sector. Students will gain hands-on experience in drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic design, acting, singing, dancing, instrumental, and vocal arts as well as circus arts while learning about the multiple career choices available within these creative disciplines. This course has been designed to engage students through multiple art projects and career exploration and upon its completion students will be able to communicate using art specific vocabulary, complete art projects with multiple types of media, and understand careers in creative professions. Students will have a strong foundation in observing, interpreting, critiquing, discussing, and producing all art forms

Cinematography students learn videography, 3D graphics, animation and interactive multimedia, and advanced techniques in recording and editing. Students utilize equipment under a variety of technological conditions, produce and evaluate hard and digitalized copy, create a portfolio of work, and demonstrate an understanding of technology and career opportunities in the field of videography. Option to earn college credit in high school; see instructor for information.

Digital Media and Design is a hands-on project-based course where students will explore many facets of digital media created with technology. This course provides entry-level training in media production and technologies. Students will develop and/or design a variety of digital media products including text, 2D and 3D images, and videos using their creativity and skills. They will learn how to integrate multiple digital medias into a single product. This is also a career focused class in which students will explore career prospects in post-secondary education and professions. Students will learn and use a wide range of computer applications and hardware through knowledge and skills acquired in this class. These abilities will empower students to be more successful in today’s technology-driven society.

Digital Photography II is a year-long course designed for students who are interested in strengthening the skills learned in Digital Photography I. Students will learn advanced DSLR functions, industry-standard photo manipulation, and application of the principles, elements, and design. Students will acquire skills to create, represent, and design through digital photographic and software media. Students will explore their interests in photography through project-based artwork, learn career opportunities, historical perspectives, and commercial applications.

Students will take video production and broadcast to the next level. Using digital A/V tools they will produce multiple media and news projects expressing their creative process and demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of pre-production, production, and post-production in the areas of video and broadcast media. Integrated throughout the course are career preparation standards such as communication skills, interpersonal skills, and problem solving.

IB Film is studied at the higher level or standard level and is adaptable to different cultural contexts. The emphasis is on creativity in the context of disciplined, practical research into the relevant genres. In addition, each topic is designed to foster critical, reflective, and informed practice; help students understand the dynamic and changing nature of the arts; explore the diversity of arts across time, place, and cultures; and express themselves with confidence and competence.

Video Production examines the multiple uses of video technology in various entertainment and industry sectors. Students will receive task-oriented training in pre- and post-production jobs, competencies, current and emerging technologies, and the collaborative nature of the creative process involved in video production. Students will examine the technological interface of lighting, sound, recording, and computer modification involved in digital video as well as the historical and artistic significance of film and television as it applies to society.

Videography is an introductory class that emphasizes and develops critical thinking skills by exploring the influence of design principles, historically significant art forms from various genres, and the production process of films and television programming. Students will analyze a variety of film and television programming as they learn to critique artists’ work. Students will learn to use the technology available to produce and edit various forms of multimedia communications, including video cameras, lights, sound equipment, and industry-standard computer software.   Additionally, communication and interpersonal skills, problem solving, and safety are emphasized throughout the curriculum.

This course recruits students into a variety of AME pathways, allowing them to make a more confident decision about which one to pursue.

This course will expose students to the career readiness skills needed for a successful internship and prepare them for the world of work. An internship is a work-based learning experience that provides students the opportunity to apply their technical and academic skills in a professional setting. Students will develop and practice an understanding of the duties and responsibilities of high-skilled career areas, including terminology, climate, protocol, and other information that will enable them to analyze and revise their meaningful future plans. This course will expose students to the career readiness skills needed for a successful internship and prepare them for the world of work. The internship is supported with activities and assignments to deepen and enhance the experience. The structure of the internship aligns with local policy and program expectations for internships.

This course will expose students to the career readiness skills needed for a successful internship and prepare them for the world of work. An internship is a work-based learning experience that provides students the opportunity to apply their technical and academic skills in a professional setting. Students will develop and practice an understanding of the duties and responsibilities of high-skilled career areas, including terminology, climate, protocol, and other information that will enable them to analyze and revise their meaningful future plans. This course will expose students to the career readiness skills needed for a successful internship and prepare them for the world of work. The internship is supported with activities and assignments to deepen and enhance the experience. The structure of the internship aligns with local policy and program expectations for internships.

Note: Course availability varies by school and program.

CART Labs

CART is a college and career prep, half-day program for juniors and seniors in Clovis and Fresno Unified School Districts. Labs offer hands-on and industry standard methods for students to investigate and acquire a variety of skills. CART offers three labs in the Arts sector.

Digital Media and Graphic Design Lab

Students develop skills in communication and message design including color, typography and design principles. They investigate graphic and web techniques in cooperative teams similar to corporate settings. Design students will work on all stages of production using industry-standard software (i.e. Adobe CC) to create original products such as logos, posters, newspapers, advertisements, websites and two-dimensional animation.

Digital Video Production and Broadcasting Lab

Students develop skills in television and film production. Using industry-standard software packages (i.e. Adobe CC), students will engage in hands-on, integrated curriculum. They work on all stages of production while creating products such as short films, advertisements, journalism broadcasts, and documentaries. All multimedia students develop skills in the content and presentation of message design, the sociological impacts of media, and the stages of the production cycle.

Interactive Game Design Lab

Students learn about graphic design, animation, modeling, gameplay and story design while working in teams to create original games and characters rendered in 2D and 3D. Students are introduced to industry standard software such as 3D Studio Max, Unity 3D, Construct 2, and have the opportunity to learn HTML5/CSS3/JavaScript programming skills.

Examples of Arts, Media, and Entertainment Careers

OccupationEducation LevelMedian Annual Earnings in CA
Art DirectorBachelor's degree$121,100
Film and Video EditorBachelor's degree$89,600
Graphic DesignerBachelor's degree$61,920
Lighting TechnicianHigh school diploma or equivalent$71,070
PhotographerHigh school diploma or equivalent$56,360
Producer and DirectorBachelor's degree$102,020
Set and Exhibit DesignerBachelor's degree$67,960
Special Effects Artist and AnimatorAssociate's degree$89,420
Video Game DesignerAssociate's degree$89,420

Source: US Dept of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics for California

Arts, Media, and Entertainment Pathways and Programs

Click here for an accessible list of the programs on the map, including links to school site pathway pages.

Pathway Certifications

Linked Learning Silver Certification

Linked Learning Silver Certification is a standard of excellence for college and career preparation. We have achieved Silver Certification by demonstrating that our pathways have integrated academics with career-themed coursework, feature meaningful work-based learning, and include effective supports for students.

Linked Learning Silver Seal

Hoover Arts, Media, and Entertainment

Sunnyside Multimedia and Marketing

NAF Certified

NAF academies are structured as small, focused learning communities that fit within and enhance high school systems.

NAF Logo

Fresno Warrior Entertainment

McLane ArtVenture (Fast Track)

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