This three-year program equips you with the creative and technical skills necessary to thrive in the rapidly expanding new media landscape. You will explore the theoretical underpinnings of new media, develop expertise in content creation and distribution, and gain an understanding of the business and ethical considerations within the industry. This degree offers students a comprehensive curriculum with hands-on learning, and instruction from real professionals in the field. At only a fraction of the cost of the average Bachelor's degree, graduates will leave this program with the skills and confidence to earn money and begin their careers in a diverse range of fields within New Media, monetization, and communication.
Embrace the future of communication.
Enroll in the Bachelor of Arts Degree in New Media Studies at Virtual Film School today!
3-YEAR B.A. NEW MEDIA COURSES
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Fundamentals of New Media (6 Units)
Learn the fundamentals of the New Media ecosystem; how it works, who are the major players, and how content creators stand out in crowded markets and get rich. This class takes a critical approach to understanding the relationship between the centralized media landscape of the 20th century, to that of the democratized creator economy of the 21st century. Emphasis is on the global influence of digital technologies in communication and media, the unique properties of New Media and how it works, the history of New Media from theory to practice; success strategies of New Media pioneers, influencers, and thought leaders, the financial rewards and ethical responsibilities of New Media use, and the intellectual property challenges of New Media in open source communities. The Internet, search engines, websites, social media; picture, audio, and video sharing sites, etc. Acting Fundamentals for New Media (6 Units) New Media is the new paradigm for the actor, but it requires traditional discipline in dialogue, improvisation, and acting with green screens. Acting Fundamentals for New Media is a project-based, experiential, synchronous learning course with an emphasis on digital formats. Students will learn the craft of a professional actor and gain the on-camera, green-screen, and virtual set training and audition etiquette necessary to succeed on the web and mobile. New Media Videography, Lighting and Sound Techniques (6 Units) Media has changed and so have the tools and techniques of the trade. This course examines the theory and practice of videography, lighting, and sound for the 21st-century. Students will practice framing and composition, picture enhancement, coverage, shot, lighting, and sound technique, and learn how to bring ideation to life and capture the spectacular. In this course, students will utilize smartphones as the camera, and an inexpensive Bluetooth mic that pairs with the phone. New Media Writing I: Writing a Digital Series Pilot (6 Units) Media literacy practices are rapidly evolving beyond traditional scriptwriting for film and TV to include webisode writing, blogging, microblogging, maintaining a website, emailing, and instant messaging. This course covers the history and theory of short-form episodic content with the purpose of conceptualizing, writing, producing, and directing an original web series pilot that will be published and promoted via online video sharing platforms. Learn to write experimental pilot scripts for an advertainment video, a comedy video, and a video of your choice New Media Writing II: Writing a Digital Series (6 Units) A continuation of New Media Writing I. Students will gain the proficiency necessary to conceptualize and write a full, original series that works for the web and mobile. Learn how to create and write a series pitch & bible, an art & business plan, and the episodes of a complete digital series based on a new concept, or based on the pilot episode concept produced in the prerequisite course (New Media Writing I). Online Video Directing (6 Units) An introduction to scene creation with an emphasis on planning and shooting in a digital environment. Students will develop a visual artistic voice and understand the processes of video direction by directing a video project and developing collaborative relationships with members of their production team. Script analysis, how to create a shot list and storyboards, and how to work with producers, casting directors, actors, production designers, and cinematographers, while gaining confidence and leadership skills. Online Video Pre-Production and Producing (6 Units) This course demystifies the task of professional pre-production, by teaching the process of planning the elements involved in a webisode series before full-scale production begins. Scheduling and budgeting, casting, props, location scouting, greenscreen and set construction, call sheets, clearances and permissions. Students will present their research and plans and be able to demonstrate feasibility. Online Video Production: Producing and Shooting a Digital Series (6 Units) Dreamers may dream, but producers produce results. Students will learn why producing is like “herding cats” while they produce a first-year webisode series. The application of the Producer’s role in each stage of production, from development through production and into post-production, and the keys to producing successful online content. We will examine how projects are conceived, developed, packaged, financed, made, and marketed. The course incorporates the study of current New Media-industry production practices, and features Internet star guests who will break down how they produce projects. Students will gain fundamental knowledge and skills in the areas of pitch presentation, leadership techniques, negotiation skills, and producing a digital series. Online Video Editing (6 Units) The core principles and techniques of one of the most important roles in videomaking. Learn the technical side of the editing process as well as how storytelling plays an integral role. The program provides students hands-on experience in how to import and organize the clips they shot, basic timeline editing, multi-cam editing, masking, titles and color correction, webisode-trailer editing, webisode editing, and how to transform shots into a story! Audio Post-Production (6 Units) The post-production industry is now driven by the processes and applications of digital technology, and studies show that sound design is more important to the success of a project than visuals. This course explores the technology, creative application, and requirements for producing audio soundtracks for web videos. It covers audio post-production elements and the history and evolution of sound for online video, Pro Tools setup, location sound recording and Foley, production dialogue and ADR, working with SFX libraries, mixing music for video, the M&E Mix (Music & effects for foreign distribution), delivery and archiving. Students will create a sound design plan for their video project, create and edit sound effects, and use Adobe software to create a completed audio mix. ------------------------------BREAK------------------------------- Brand Development: Theory and Practice (6 Units) In the 21st Century, branding has evolved from selling a product to selling values and beliefs. In this course, students will examine the strategic process of creating and distinguishing their personal brand’s image, products, and services from their competitors. Focus on aligning a brand with your business objectives, and communicating a brand to a target market. Create a brand story, positioning, promise and personality, brand loyalty, equity and ethics, rebranding, and brand ambassadors. Students will create, present, and implement a pitch for a personal brand and/or a client brand, and measure results. Digital Marketing (6 Units) At its core, marketing promotes exchange between buyers and sellers. Yet the tools and technology-enabled platforms of the digital revolution and sharing economy have changed everything, requiring brands to be innovative and find fresh new ways to connect with customers. This course defines the role of trust in a sharing economy, and to what degree it can be regulated. What is the nature of the consumer experience journey in a sharing economy, and how does New Media impact value creation for traditional brands? What is a sales funnel and what does a competitive digital marketing strategy look like in the 21st Century? Understand your audience and the relevant platforms to launch on. Create and execute a digital marketing strategy for a personal brand or an employer’s brand -- just like the big brands do. Find fresh new ways to connect with customers in crowded markets and conquer the field! Introduction to Social Media Deployment with an Emphasis on YouTube If you can make it on YouTube, you can make it anywhere. Yet most don't make it on YouTube. Here's how to avoid the most common career-crushing mistakes that will limit your channel growth forever. Learn how to create, distribute, and monetize content just like the top monetizers do, and become a YouTube star. Alternative Social Media Deployment: Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok Nowadays, just about everyone wants to become an overnight Internet sensation. But in crowded markets, how can you stand out? Here's how. This class details how to create, launch, optimize and grow your personal brand on Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. From brainstorming cool concepts to posting shareworthy content, learn the basics of how to organically gain notoriety, without having to buy likes and followers. New Media Monetization in the Creator Economy: How Content Creators Get Rich (6 Units) How do content creators get rich in the creator economy? Through New Media jobs and careers, YouTube views, channel diversification, branded sponsorships, teaching a course, offering exclusive content behind a paywall, consulting services, merchandise sales, crowdfunding campaigns, online video contests, and traditional media deals. Discover strategies and business models to grow an audience around your brand. Learn what makes content that resonates with online viewers, which platforms work best for various audience development strategies, and how content creators can get paid as content creators without always having to make new content. Introduction to New Media Business (6 Units) The theory, processes, and strategies that go into shaping a New Media startup in the digital age. The startup landscape has changed, and the brick-and-mortar media empires of the 20th century have been replaced by companies such as Meta, TikTok, Netflix, Amazon, RocketJump, and MrBeast LLC. This course examines the theory, processes, and strategies that go into shaping a New Media startup in the digital age. Focus on the specific characteristics and challenges of 21st-century brands, how to assess a startup’s potential, market appeal, business model, potential customers, and prospective investors. Students will master the entrepreneurial mindset and develop a network of connections on business social platforms like LinkedIn and Lunchclub AI. This course will give students the knowledge and confidence to create and validate a high potential concept, write a business plan and pitch deck, crowdfund it through equity crowdfunding, and launch. Basic business practices such as: Launching a corporation, opening a business bank account, and balancing accounts using Quicken-type software will also be covered. Final Capstone Project (60 Units) The capstone course is the final course in the VFS curriculum. Students are expected to create their own internet-based series of at least 6 episodes. This project could be a new web series, a series of pics, a website dedicated to a specific topic, a citizen journalism project – it’s the student’s choice, but the student must receive approval from the instructor to begin. The capstone course meets twice a week for 2 months and will be largely directed study with the instructor acting as a mentor and “Executive Producer.” By the end of the capstone course, students will have completed and posted a web-based series with a plan for monetization in place, and beyond! |
Elective Courses (Choose A Minimum of 3 Courses)
Website and App Development Fundamentals (8 Units)
This course covers the construction and design of dynamic web pages and apps with an emphasis on no-code website and app builders. It gives students the structure, skills, and direction needed to bring ideation to life with a personal brand website or app. Learn from the best curated online tutorials, blogs, and guest speakers and build an SEO optimized, portfolio-worthy project. Understand app development fundamentals and why you need an app, website, or eCommerce site in the digital economy. Vlogs and Live Video (8 Units) Let’s say you’re so broke that your computer is made out of bamboo and it’s powered by a rat on a treadmill. So long as it has a webcam, you can launch a video blog. Video blogs are the easiest and cheapest way of presenting content. But the vlogosphere is very crowded, so it’s essential to make your vlogs stand out. Discover the role of vlogs and live videos in promoting a personal brand, academic, or career pursuit. This project-based, experiential, synchronous learning course explores the history, genres, techniques, and strategies of the world’s most successful online video bloggers. The program offers students an overview of live video and vlog scriptwriting and video pre-production, production, and post-production tools and techniques, including camera, lighting, sound recording, and editing. Students will examine alternative distribution platform business models and test monetization plans, and write, shoot and post a video blog or live video series pilot episode. Introduction to Virtual Production and Motion Graphics with After Effects (8 Units) Learn in-demand skills in this expert-led, hands-on course in motion graphics and its application in New Media. Students will study the history of the field, including the work of pioneers, graphic editing techniques, storytelling, music and design for motion, working with green screens and LED walls, and the theories of kinetic composition and aesthetics in Virtual Production. This program uses compositing and effects software, including programs such as After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, 3ds Max, and/or Cinema 4D New Media Journalism (8 Units) Social Media has changed the way we find, create, and share the news. Crowdsourced journalism has given voice to the voiceless, toppled dictatorships, saved lives, and fueled worldwide movements against gender and racial bias. How are these changes affecting journalism and what are the skills that digital journalists need today? This course explores journalism for various social media platforms, and examines how to build audience engagement through strategic communication. Students will learn basic reporting and writing styles and techniques for producing content that drives engagement, how to verify and manage information from diverse sources, how to complete assignments on current events to target specific audiences, and how to attract journalists to your own brand story and body of work. VR/AR Storytelling and Production (8 Units) Our brains are hardwired to see narrative. That's what makes the potential of VR and AR for content creation so exciting. An introduction to virtual reality storytelling and production where students will discover the freedom of this exciting new medium and create simulated environments or a magical alternate universe using cutting-edge, immersive technologies. Students will develop expertise in the practice, theory, and strategies that are essential for success in today's VR landscape. Podcasting (8 Units) With over 2 million podcasts and 48 million episodes available on planet Earth, the rise in podcast popularity shows no sign of abating. In this project-based, experiential, synchronous learning course, students will gain the essential skills required to develop and produce their own podcasts. Overview and analysis of trending podcasts, understanding demographic metrics, audience building to grow a show, recording and editing techniques, sponsorships, monetization, and strategic distribution to top-tier directories. |