Curriculum
The following are the required courses for this major. Students who attend Orientation and meet with the Education Department can obtain personalized academic counseling to complete the program. Transfer credits, changes in curriculum, and other factors may affect the academic plan for individual students. The FIDM Education Department can provide additional information.
Prerequisite:
FIDM degree in Interior Design or Visual Communications, or a prior degree in a related field from another accredited college or university. Additional requirements may apply.
One-on-one advisement is available to students from other FIDM Majors to consider eligibility for special admissions to this program. Contact the appropriate department chairperson.
Associate of Arts, Advanced Study (A.A.)
GNST 3400
Social Psychology
UNITS: 3
A course that examines social psychology and how the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions of individuals are created and modified by the social and cultural conditions in which they live. Issues of social influence, cooperation and conflict, conformity, perception, change, and leadership are explored.
GNST 3410
History & Development for Film & TV
UNITS: 3
A survey course that examines television and film in America as an art form and charts its historical and technical development. Students study classic and contemporary mediums and filmmakers, explore the social implications of film and television, analyze film technique, as well as set decoration.
VCOM 3050
Arts & Entertainment Interior Styles
UNITS: 3
A survey of the historical styles of furniture and room settings in western culture from Egypt through the 20th century. The course includes research and analysis designed to educate the student in the relevant concepts and terminology related to the history of interior furnishing styles. Movie references are included so that students can see the application of Interior Design Knowledge to creating authenticity in set designs.
VCOM 3110
Art Direction
UNITS: 3
Students learn to design for mainstream entertainment in film, television, commercial and video. The emphasis will focus on basic tools and principles for scenic drafting and visualization, beginning with soft drafting, finished drafting, and culminating with the latest information on computer illustration and digital 3-D modeling in set design.
VCOM 3300
Essentials of Film Production
UNITS: 6
In this course, students gain the valuable experience of preparing projects for the camera lens. Students learn the basics of art direction and set decoration techniques by preparing a set for filming using: lighting, foreground, background, balance, and perspective. In addition, students experience, survey, and identify the jobs and careers in movie, television, commercial, and music video production. Students learn all areas of pre- and post-production, from how to budget a script to understanding how each film production department functions and interacts. This course is highlighted by guest lecturers from the industry and field trips.
VCOM 3310
Design Theatre
UNITS: 3
From Sophocles to Shepherd, from the lobby to the loading dock, focusing on the collaboration of a scenic designer and the team of artists that creates a live theatrical performance. Students analyze and breakdown text to explore specialized production elements of live theater, including lighting, costumes, sound, and scenery. The course underscores the unique requirements of a live theater production as well as other types of live entertainment. Learn about the first sets and the stories they helped tell: Set design and the role of the scenic designer in the modern theater environment. Study basic theater production from text and concept to opening night.
VCOM 3460
Production & Set Design
UNITS: 6
This course explores the conceptual and practical aspects of production design and art direction in different entertainment media. Students learn the components and skills necessary to translate scripted narrative into designed elements and environments that visually support the storytelling; analyze aesthetics of production design within film genre, as well as hands on, practical experience designing and presenting their own course projects designs. Students learn about working within an art department and developing communication skills and practical guidelines to navigate a career in the entertainment business.
VCOM 3710
Entertainment Business Practices
UNITS: 3
Students learn how to properly plan for the production of a film or television series during the pre-production stage. Theory, discussion, and practical application provide students with basic working knowledge of the skills of the business of managing the set design element of productions. Students also learn about detailed budget analysis and planning.
VCOM 3760
Set Decorating
UNITS: 6
This course focuses on the mechanical aspects of the set-decorating craft while exposing students to the traditions and artistic dialogues developed throughout film/television history. Students compare the various creative and integral processes used in the development of current and past television and film productions, including the breakdown of the script, layout of furniture plots, shopping for furnishings and accessories, and creation of budgets and schedules.
VCOM 3800
Internship*
UNITS: 12
Through on-the-job training, students gain valuable insight as they apply theory and skills learned in the classroom to actual work situations and explore career options in set design and set decoration.
*VCOM 3800 Internship (6 units) taken in 2 of the 3 quarters (12 units total).
Total Units of Credit: 48
*VCOM 3800 Internship (6 Units) taken in 2 of the 3 quarters (12 units total).
This program starts in the fall on the Los Angeles campus.
