Read about what you'll learn in a digital filmmaking and multimedia associate degree program and what classes you could take. Explore the varied job options in this field, and get employment outlook and salary info for several positions you could pursue within the filmmaking and multimedia industry.
What Will I Learn in a Digital Filmmaking and Multimedia Associate's Degree Program?
Digital filmmaking and multimedia degree programs teach visual communication skills and the ways in which to display your creative ideas in an understandable, visual format. In these degree programs, you'll learn about all aspects of digital arts and film production, including creating storyboards, filming, editing and production. You'll also learn how to make digital multimedia images and films using techniques like computer rendering and animation.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Video production, visual communication, animation, editing, storyboard development</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Growth</b></td><td>4% growth projected between 2019-2029 for all special effects artists and animators (<i>as fast as average</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary</b></td><td>$77,700 for all special effects artists and animators in 2020*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td>Multimedia artist, animator, web designer</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillMyClassesBeLike">What Will My Classes Be Like?</h3><p>In this degree program, you'll learn a variety of skills that will help you in your future career. Your education will be very hands-on, and you'll likely take studio or lab classes that will give you real project experience. For these reasons, online programs aren't generally available.
</p><p>Your classes will teach you critical thinking, idea development and project planning. You'll likely learn design techniques for both still and moving images and will be working with the necessary computer software throughout your education. An example of the courses you may take include those covering:
</p><ul><li>Digital video production
</li><li>Design principles
</li><li>Storyboard development
</li><li>Animation
</li><li>Digital sound
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCareerOpportunitiesAreThere"> What Career Opportunities Are There?</h3><p>In a digital filmmaking and multimedia associate degree program, you'll be taught skills that are useful in a wide range of careers. You may work in an advertising agency, a public relations or marketing firm, in an interactive Web design studio or an animation studio.
</p><p>Creative careers tend to be highly competitive, so it will be important to create a portfolio of high-quality work while you're in school to show prospective employers. You may also want to take advantage of any internship opportunities offered by your school to gain experience.
</p><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that special effects artist and animator positions will grow about as fast as average, at a rate of 4%, from 2019-2029 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). In 2020, the BLS stated that the median annual wage was $77,700 for multimedia artists and animators and $61,900 for film and video editors and camera operators. Many of these professionals, however, have more advanced training through bachelor's degrees and higher.</p>
