Creative Media

Digital Film Production I / CNM FDMA 2120 Film Crew I

Grades: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Prerequisites: none
Additional requirements: Must be able to register with CNM's Dual-Credit Program
Fees:  $10 for supplies and materials
Dual Credit:  Yes - CNM

This first-year film course offers students a comprehensive introduction to the world of film production, focusing on hands-on experience as part of a film crew.  Students learn the ins and outs of every position on set – from gaffer and grip to writer and director – and every stage of the filmmaking process

Students will collaborate to create original short films, gaining real-world experience while developing technical skills. Their finished projects will be submitted to a state-wide film festival, giving students the chance to see their work recognized and critiqued by industry professionals and a larger audience.

In addition to the exciting festival opportunity, students who complete the course will earn dual credit through Central New Mexico Community College, offering an academic advantage as they explore future careers in the film industry or related fields.

This course is ideal for students with an interest in filmmaking who are eager to learn the practical skills of production while developing their creativity and teamwork.

Class video for more info!

Additional Course Information:  NOTE: Film Production I credit is earned in the Fall semester. Students must enroll in CNM FDMA 2120 for Spring semester in order to continue the course. In order for students to earn additional elective credit for CNM FDMA 2120, students MUST complete CNM Registration and enroll in CNM Dual Credit Courses FDMA 2120 by CNM's deadline.  

NMPED Course/Career Cluster or Academic Course of Study: Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications

Digital Film Production II / CNM FILM 1004 Shooting Your Story

Grades: 10th, 11th, 12th
Prerequisites: Digital Film Production I or Digital Media Film
Additional requirements: none
Fees:  $10 for supplies and materials
Dual Credit:  Yes - CNM

This course immerses students in the dynamic world of filmmaking, with a focus on above-the-line careers like directing, producing, and screenwriting, while continuing to develop below-the-line skills such as cinematography, editing, and sound design.  Students will master industry-standard vocabulary and language to create and produce professional-grade media projects.

Students will continue to develop their use of visual elements like lighting, composition, and set design to tell compelling stories.  Hands-on projects will culminate in submitting films to national film festivals, giving students the opportunity to showcase their work to a wider audience.

In addition to mastering the art of storytelling and technical execution, students have the opportunity to earn dual credit through Central New Mexico Community College.  This provides a valuable academic advantage, allowing students to build a college-level portfolio while still in high school.

Ideal for students with a passion for filmmaking, this course offers the chance to develop leadership skills, refine technical expertise, and take creative risks in a supportive, hands-on environment.

Class video for more info!

Additional Course Information: Only Digital Film Production II credit is earned in the Fall semester.  Students must enroll in CNM FILM 1004 for Spring semester in order to continue the course.  In order for students to earn additional elective credit for CNM FILM 1004, students MUST complete CNM Registration and enroll in CNM Dual Credit Courses FILM 1004 by CNM's Spring semester deadline.

NMPED Course/Career Cluster or Academic Course of Study: Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications

Digital Film Production III / IV

Grades: 10th, 11th, 12th

Prerequisites: Digital Film Production II
Additional requirements: Must be able to register with CNM's Dual-Credit Program
Fees:  $10 for supplies and materials
Dual Credit: no

Take your filmmaking skills to the next level in this advanced course, designed for students ready to create independent projects and showcase their work on a competitive stage.  This class focuses on refining storytelling, production, and post-production techniques while encouraging students to explore their unique creative voices.

Students will plan, produce, and edit original films, emphasizing professional standards in cinematography, directing, and editing.  Through hands-on projects, they will deepen their understanding of mise-en-scène, advanced camera techniques, and sound design to craft compelling narratives.  Collaborative workshops provide opportunities to give and receive feedback, strengthening both creative and critical thinking skills.

All projects will be prepared for submission to local and national competitions, giving students the chance to gain recognition for their talent and hard work.  Whether pursuing film as a career or passion, this course equips students with the skills and experience needed to excel in the film industry.

Class video for more info!

NMPED Course/Career Cluster or Academic Course of Study: Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications

Digital Media 3D (Animation I / II)

Grades: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Prerequisites: none
Additional requirements: none
Fees:  none
Dual Credit:  No

Would you like to learn more about computer animation, the growing industry, opportunities right here in Albuquerque? Animation offers a variety of experiences such as:

• Modeling 3D objects and animating them using industry standard techniques and software
• Modeling, painting, rigging, and animating your own original characters
• Designing and modeling 3D sets
• Using special effects
• Additional hours outside of class are not required but are super-fun

In Digital Media Animation 3D, you will create a fully-animated short film.  Each new skill or technique will be taught to you in the context of your own project.  You will create your own original or fan-art character by modeling a base character form, sculpting in details, painting color and fine detail on the surface, and rigging the character for motion.  You will create your own scene and animate your character in that scene.  Finally, you will play movie director, as we use virtual lights and cameras to turn your scene into a short film.  Many additional topics are taught on a one-on-one basis to interested students.

Additional Course Information:  Skills and knowledge acquired in this course can be applied to the U.S. Department of Education Information Technology career cluster and its respective pathways and the New Mexico Arts and Entertainment and Communication and Information career.

NMPED Course/Career Cluster or Academic Course of Study: Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications

Game Development (Advanced Animation)

Grades: 11th, 12th
Prerequisites: CEC Animation I/II
Additional requirements: For Game Development Concentration:  a programming class is a pre- or corequisite
Fees:  none
Dual Credit:  No

In Game Development (Advanced Animation), you will choose an animation specialty and explore cutting-edge techniques in one of three fields: Video Game Development, Advanced Animation, or Computer Generated VFX for live-action film.

In Video Game Development you will create your own 3D Video Game or Virtual Reality App using your own art assets.  Specialized programming is taught in class, but for this specialty we require concurrent or prior enrollment in either CEC’s Web Programming or Computer Science classes.

In Advanced Animation you will learn the latest in hybrid 2D/3D drawn animations, virtual sculpting, body and facial motion capture, lip-sync animation for dialogue, and advanced character rigging - once again, all in the context of your own original short film.

In Visual FX you will learn 3D camera and object tracking, advanced rendering and lighting techniques, node-based compositing, and creation of HDRI environment maps.  Some video editing is taught, but for additional editing and cinematography training, we highly recommend concurrent or prior enrollment in CEC’s Digital Film Production class.  Skills and knowledge acquired in this course can be applied to the U.S. Department of Education Information Technology career cluster and its respective pathways and the New Mexico Arts and Entertainment and Communication and Information career.

NMPED Course/Career Cluster or Academic Course of Study: Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications

Mass Media Communications (Digital Audio I)

Grades: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Prerequisites: none
Additional requirements: none
Fees:  none
Dual Credit:  No

Digital Audio I is a survey of the fundamental theories of sound, capturing and editing audio, production of audio projects, and the legal considerations involved.  The student explores the science of audio, recording techniques using digital and computer devices, software technologies, and current applications in the marketplace.  Topics include, but are not limited to, sound waves, analog vs. digital sound, frequency response, decibels, recording techniques, hardware and software technologies, career exploration, and presentation formats.  Literacy strategies are integrated throughout the curriculum.

NMPED Course/Career Cluster or Academic Course of Study: Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications

Course Information Video

Mass Media Communications: Production Management  (Digital Audio II)

Grades: 10th, 11th, 12th
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Mass Media Communications (Digital Audio I)
Additional requirements: none
Fees:  none
Dual Credit:  No

In Digital Audio II: Production Management students will manage multimedia productions or projects, in part or whole, inspire and motivate others with innovative ideas, and carefully evaluate content according to workplace, school, and community standards.  Students will produce media including podcasts, soundtracks and foley for animation and film. Students will utilize technical applications, including word processing (i.e. Word, Docs), desktop publishing for production management (i.e. Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), audio and video editing software (i.e. Final Cut Pro, Premiere, Audition, iMovie, GarageBand, and Logic), and a variety of audio equipment.

NMPED Course/Career Cluster or Academic Course of Study: Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications

Course Information Video