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Certificate in Digital Filmmaking - Atlanta Campus
Digital Filmmaking Certificate
The goal of the Digital Filmmaking Certificate Program is to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the broad range of technical and creative disciplines involved in digital film production, and to help them develop competencies in these disciplines, preparing them to pursue opportunities in the field.
In this Digital Filmmaking Certificate program, students will take digital film production courses that explore a variety of film and video production areas, including production management, screenwriting, camera operation, lighting, audio recording, and video editing. Along the way, students may have an opportunity to earn third-party certification in various industry-relevant software applications.
Next start date
Program Credits
180
Each Course Length
5 Weeks
Location
Atlanta,
Classes start on Dec 24, 2025
Digital Filmmaking Certificate Program Overview
AIU’s filmmaking certificate is designed to introduce the technical and creative skills needed in the digital film production and video editing industries. Through this filmmaking certificate program, students will take digital film production courses to help them gain an understanding of the skill sets and knowledge common to digital film and production.
AIU’s certificate in digital filmmaking is taught by experienced professionals, many of whom are from the video and motion picture industries. Students will receive hands-on guidance as they explore industry-simulated environments and create work that showcases their learning.
Digital Filmmaking Certificate Program Courses
Course Name
& Number
Course Number
Credits
|
Production Techniques I
DFAP101
This course introduces students to the basic concepts, practices and equipment of motion picture production. Students will learn to organize a shoot, put together a crew, shoot out of sequence and finish a variety of video productions. This course introduces students to the basic concepts, practices and equipment of motion picture production. Students will learn to organize a shoot, put together a crew, shoot out of sequence and finish a variety of video productions. |
DFAP101 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Screenwriting I
DFAP201
In this class, students will examine the screenplay development process. Through the course, students will learn the elements of narrative form, professional formatting, and character development. In this class, students will examine the screenplay development process. Through the course, students will learn the elements of narrative form, professional formatting, and character development. |
DFAP201 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Postproduction I
DFAP202
This course introduces the student to the theory and practice of nonlinear editing including capture, creation, manipulation, and output of digital video. Through a series of hands-on assignments, students will begin to develop storytelling and technical proficiency using industry-standard software. This course introduces the student to the theory and practice of nonlinear editing including capture, creation, manipulation, and output of digital video. Through a series of hands-on assignments, students will begin to develop storytelling and technical proficiency using industry-standard software. |
DFAP202 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Camera & Lighting I
DFAP211
Through a series of hands on exercises, students develop skills in the basics of lighting for the camera. Particular attention will be paid to the various roles and responsibilities of the camera and lighting departments and developing an understanding of proper set protocols. Through a series of hands on exercises, students develop skills in the basics of lighting for the camera. Particular attention will be paid to the various roles and responsibilities of the camera and lighting departments and developing an understanding of proper set protocols. |
DFAP211 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Field Recording Techniques
DFAP300
Students will explore the role of the sound recordist in film and video production and examine how to record sound for picture. Microphone selection, boom operation, stereo recording, live mixing, and use of radio mics are all essential elements of the course.
Students will explore the role of the sound recordist in film and video production and examine how to record sound for picture. Microphone selection, boom operation, stereo recording, live mixing, and use of radio mics are all essential elements of the course.
|
DFAP300 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Producing I
DFAP318
In this course, students explore the preproduction process underpinning the creation of a work of media. Scheduling, budgeting, rights acquisition and packaging of the finished product will be of particular focus.
In this course, students explore the preproduction process underpinning the creation of a work of media. Scheduling, budgeting, rights acquisition and packaging of the finished product will be of particular focus.
|
DFAP318 | 4.5 | ||||
| 27 Total Credit Hours | 27 Total Credit Hours | |||||
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the three phases of the motion picture production process (preproduction, production and postproduction) and the contributions of technical specialists at each
- Appropriately apply various industry-standard software, hardware, and techniques in a practical setting.
- Demonstrate appropriate protocol, behavior and professionalism as applicable in field, studio and postproduction environments.
- Contribute appropriately in a variety of positions to the production of motion picture projects.
Classes Overview
-
Production Techniques I
This course introduces students to the basic concepts, practices and equipment of motion picture production. Students will learn to organize a shoot, put together a crew, shoot out of sequence and finish a variety of video productions.
-
Screenwriting I
In this class, students will examine the screenplay development process. Through the course, students will learn the elements of narrative form, professional formatting, and character development.
-
Postproduction I
This course introduces the student to the theory and practice of nonlinear editing including capture, creation, manipulation, and output of digital video. Through a series of hands-on assignments, students will begin to develop storytelling and technical proficiency using industry-standard software.
-
Camera & Lighting I
Through a series of hands on exercises, students develop skills in the basics of lighting for the camera. Particular attention will be paid to the various roles and responsibilities of the camera and lighting departments and developing an understanding of proper set protocols.
-
Field Recording Techniques
Students will explore the role of the sound recordist in film and video production and examine how to record sound for picture. Microphone selection, boom operation, stereo recording, live mixing, and use of radio mics are all essential elements of the course.
-
Producing I
In this course, students explore the preproduction process underpinning the creation of a work of media. Scheduling, budgeting, rights acquisition and packaging of the finished product will be of particular focus.
Course content subject to change.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Digital Filmmaking Certificate is a concise, skills-focused credentials program that teaches the core fundamentals of pre-production, production, and post-production, enabling students to plan shoots, capture footage and sound, and edit projects to a polished finish. They'll break down scripts and schedules, operate cameras and lighting, record location audio, and learn non-linear editing using industry-standard tools. At AIU, the Digital Filmmaking Certificate (Atlanta campus) totals 27 credit hours delivered in 5-week courses and includes Production Techniques I (DFAP101), Screenwriting I (DFAP201), Postproduction I (DFAP202), Camera & Lighting I (DFAP211), Field Recording Techniques (DFAP300), and Producing I (DFAP318) with opportunities to pursue third-party software certifications.
No. AIU's Digital Filmmaking Certificate program is offered at our Atlanta campus (27 credits, 5-week courses) and is not presented as a fully online option.
Some potential career paths for a certificate in digital filmmaking may be*:
- Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians - Set up, operate, and maintain audiovisual and broadcast equipment for radio, TV, live events, or recordings, often advancing into supervisory technician or chief engineer roles with experience.
- Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators - Capture or edit moving images for film, television, or digital media, and with growing experience and creative skill may move into lead editor, cinematographer, or project-supervisor positions.
- Producers and Directors - Oversee and guide the creative and business aspects of film, television, stage, or other productions—from concept to completion—and may progress to executive producer or production company leadership roles.
Explore design-related job positions and descriptions from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
*AIU cannot guarantee employment or salary. The list of career paths related to this program is based on a subset from the Bureau of Labor Statistics CIP to SOC Crosswalk. Some career paths listed above may require further education or job experience.
To start on your path to pursuing a certificate in digital filmmaking at AIU, follow these steps:
- Explore AIU's accredited program to review core courses in production techniques, screenwriting, post-production, camera & lighting, film recording techniques, and producting—and see how each aligns with your educational goals.
- Review the admission requirements, which typically include a high school diploma or equivalent—AIU does not require SAT or ACT scores for enrollment.
- Evaluate tuition and financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, or payment plans that may help make your education more accessible*.
- Submit your application before the next term begins—once enrolled, familiarize yourself with AIU's online learning platform to prepare for your courses and begin working toward your certificate in digital filmmaking.
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
AIU's Digital Filmmaking Certificate is designed for hands-on learners who want production skills without committing to a full degree. Each course runs in an accelerated five-week format, with multiple start dates each year, allowing students to begin when it fits their schedule and complete the certificate in approximately 12 months. The actual completion time may be shorter or longer, depending on campus scheduling, the number of courses taken per session, and any scheduled breaks.
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Classes start December 24, 2025
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