Media Arts- Photography and Video Production

The Media Arts program is a curriculum that teaches students the fundamentals through advanced programs and applications in photography, video production, and broadcasting. The Mountain House High School’s Media Arts program is in the Arts, Media, and Entertainment CTE pathway of CA. We offer three years of training: Media Arts 1, Media Arts 2, and Media 3 (Capstone). All the Media Arts courses are A-G approved for high school graduation and public university requirements in California.

Students of Media Arts prepare themselves for college and careers in photography, online content production, and media influencing, as well as podcasts, movies, television, and photographic print media.  Students who complete the three-year pathway will earn the pathway completion recognition at the graduation ceremony.

MEDIA ARTS 1

This course provides students with a basic understanding of storytelling on screen. Students will study the history of film, film genres, production process, filming techniques and composition, industry vocabulary. Furthermore, students will learn to view film critically by studying the relationship between cinema and society, as well as the effects of biases in film and television. Students will also practice the art of video production, becoming proficient in the basic skills of video camera operation and video editing software, while applying the fundamentals of design, composition, and thematic organization. Students will ultimately produce various works reflecting the school and community, such as documentaries, news broadcasts, narrative short films, advertisements, and community service announcements. This course is a visual and performing arts elective that focuses on the artistry behind filmmaking, alongside its technical aspects. Students can expect a regular schedule of reading, assignments, research, and writing, as well as hands-on video production. No previous experience is required for this course.  

MEDIA ARTS 2

This course is designed as the CTE concentrator course for second-year students who previously completed Media Arts 1. In this course, students will focus on broadcasting and be introduced to the fundamentals of filmmaking. Students will produce bi-weekly episodes of the Mustang News channel to inform parents and students about important events happening on campus and in Mountain House. Additionally, students will dedicate 30% of their time to filmmaking to prepare them for Media Arts 3 (Capstone). At this level, students will learn to use the industry-standard software, Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. With the experience in broadcasting and technical skills, students will be able to apply for entry-level jobs in photography and video production.

 

MEDIA ARTS 3

This course is the CTE capstone course for those who have previously completed Media Arts 2. In level 3, students will focus 70% of their time on filmmaking and 30% of their time on broadcasting. Students will produce different film projects, short films, music videos, documentaries, and advertisements. Students will also continue to work on broadcasting, in addition to filmmaking.

 

For more information about the Media Arts course, contact the lead teacher, Nguyet Manh, at [email protected]