Educational Programs

Why MCTC

"The Cinema Production program at MCTC has evolved into one of the most comprehensive training experiences for aspiring filmmakers in the state. In my opinion, it is hands down superior to any other offerings in Minnesota! The Jerome Foundation has already supported several of its graduates and looks forward to intersecting with even more of its gifted former students."

- Robert Byrd, Program Director
Jerome Foundation

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Cinema Production

Program description

MCTC's Cinema Production Certificate integrates the language and aesthetics of cinema with film and digital video technology to support you in becoming a filmmaker. The intensive one-year core curriculum is a hands-on introduction to the moviemaking process, fusing cutting-edge technology and affordable professional training with an outstanding liberal arts education to help you become – above all – a compelling visual storyteller.

Program start and location

New students are admitted to the Cinema Production program in the fall. Courses are taught on MCTC’s main campus.

Degree options and requirements

Cinema Production Certificate—30 credits

Click here for program and course information.

Click here for the MCTC Cinema Division supplemental application form.

What you will learn

  • You will develop key professional skills: writing, camera operation, sound recording and editing.
  • You will get hands-on training of the moviemaking process by working on numerous individual and group productions.
  • You will develop an understanding of the specializations and technology used in productions and the roles each plays in the creative process.

Points of pride

  • MCTC’s Cinema programs are amongst the very few two-year degree programs offered in cinema production in the U.S. The MCTC Cinema Division is the only comprehensive cinema production institution of its kind in the upper Midwest.
  • MCTC’s cinema programs are some of the most affordable programs in the U.S. and tuition covers almost all production costs for students.
  • Thanks to a low student-to-teacher ratio, students receive personal attention from qualified, passionate faculty members who are working professionals and hold MFA or Ph.D. degrees.
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  • A diverse student base adds to the creative experience. Students come from all over the world, have varied professional backgrounds and range in age from 18 to 65.
  • Up-to-date technology strengthens the programs’ practical experience. Students have access to the latest software, cameras and equipment as well as production and post-production facilities and studios. Students use film and digital technology in their productions.
  • Local and nationally recognized industry experts from Hollywood and New York serve as guest speakers and work with students every semester.
  • Former student achievements have included: producing a Super Bowl ad that was the most-watched television commercial of all time; writing and producing a short film that qualified for consideration as a 2010 Oscar nomination; earning the McKnight Screenwriting Fellowship Award in 2009; receiving Bush Foundation Artist Fellowships, and winning a 2008 Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, one of the most prestigious screenwriting prizes in the world.
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Where you could work

  • Film and movie production companies
  • Film and video production houses
  • Independent home video production companies
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  • In-house production departments within retail stores and corporations
  • Local and national cable access stations
  • Television stations
  • Universities and colleges
  • K-12 and high schools
  • Self employment
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Potential job titles

  • Production Assistant
  • Production Technician
  • Cameraman
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  • Studio Camera Operator
  • Videographer
  • Independent Producer
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Occupational outlook

Nationally, the number of jobs in the entertainment industry is expected to increase through the year 2016 as a growing population enjoys movies as entertainment. There is strong demand for productions from foreign and domestic television, cable television, pay TV services and feature film markets. In addition, computer and Internet services are providing new outlets for film productions.

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The job outlook is best for camera operators, computer specialists, multimedia artists, film and video editors, and others who are skilled in digital filming, editing, and computer-generated imaging. Good opportunities are also expected for broadcast and sound engineering technicians and craftspeople such as gaffers and set construction workers.

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Beyond-the-classroom opportunities

Strong relationships with the local film industry position MCTC students as sought-after candidates for internships and on-location work. These community collaborations also produce myriad programs, events and guest speakers, most of which are hosted on the MCTC campus.

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The Cinema Division partners with: Minnesota Film and TV Board, IFP Minnesota, Screenwriter’s Workshop of Minnesota, the Jerome Foundation and the Walker Art Center. Local relationships helped establish the Annual Cinema Division Production Excellence Awards which spotlight student works in Directing, Screenwriting, Cinematography, Editing and Post-Production, Sound Arts and Digital Photography.

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Academy

This program is part of the Academy of Media and Technology. Click here for more information.

Articulation Agreements, Common Course Outlines and Gainful Employment Information

Click here for articulation agreement information.

Click here for Common Course Outline information.

Click here for Gainful Employment information.

2012 Excellence Award for Cinema Production: Blake Boulka

Winner of the 2012 Excellence Award for Cinema Production
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Blake Boulka has worked both collaboratively and individually on a variety of projects since finding his passion for art and filmmaking at a very young age. Since graduating from the Perpich Center for Arts Education in 2009, Blake has furthered his studies of cinematography and film at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College. He is currently preparing for an upcoming project as Director of Photography and crewing on several small production films throughout the Twin Cities.

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Cinema

Cinema
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Learn how to make movies with passionate instructors and some of the best facilities and equipment available. MCTC offers degrees and certificates in all areas of cinema. Learn the art of visual storytelling in our Cinema Production program or many other specialty areas. We'll help you achieve your dreams on the big screen.

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Why MCTC?

Why MCTC Video Still
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Find out why more than 14,000 students choose Minneapolis Community and Technical College.

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