Digital Cinema
A.S. Degree
Digital Cinema
The A.S. Digital Cinema degree program is a transfer program that focuses on student learning in the aesthetics of cinema and technical proficiency for digital filmmaking in the motion picture and video industries. The program is designed to prepare students for transfer to baccalaureate programs in related fields by exploring all avenues of the film production, writing, and animation within the motion picture industry. Students complete a common core of program courses and can focus in an area of interest such as production, screenwriting, or animation. In the capstone course, students put to use what they’ve learned in previous semesters to collaborate on a short form, narrative, digital film. The capstone project, along with individual student projects created throughout the program, can be used for transfer and employment portfolios.
Degree Requirements
Careers on Career Coach
Industry jobs prospects such as computer specialists, multimedia artists and animators, film and video production crew and editors, and others skilled in digital filming, editing, and computer-generated imaging are in demand. Our program emphasizes cross-training in these areas, an understanding of transmedia approaches (photography, video, computer art, digital film, animation), and the development of artistic talent, writing ability, and technical skills. Furthermore, the program provides guidance for career and transfer exploration along with guidance in portfolio development.
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Program Chair
Chris Xaver, Ph.D.
Professor, Communication and Media Arts
Chris brings to Tompkins Cortland a strong and varied background. She received her B.S in broadcast journalism, cum laude, from the S.I. Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University, her M.A. from Syracuse in political science from the Maxwell School of Citizenship, and her Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Capella University.
Transfer Options
The program is aligned with related bachelor’s degree programs so you can transfer as a junior. Transfer institutions include:
- Boston University
- Buffalo State College
- Cornell University
- SUNY College at Cortland
- Emerson College
- Florida State University – College of Motion Picture Arts
- SUNY College at Fredonia
- Full Sail University
- Ithaca College
- New York University
- University of North Carolina – Wilmington
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts (Winston-Salem)
- SUNY College at Oswego
- College at Purchase
- Syracuse University
- Temple University
- University of Texas at Austin
- USC – University of South Carolina
- UCLA
Student Showcase
Grad of Note - Will Korb
Why did you choose to attend TC3?
I chose to attend TC3 for two reasons. One, I wasn't sure if Digital Cinema was a major that I wanted to enter, and the school offered a cheaper alternative than a big-name school. I also chose TC3 because my high school grades were not good enough to get into a four-year university. I saw TC3 as a stepping stone to make my way into a four-year school.
Who at TC3 had the greatest positive impact on your experience?
I would have to say Chris Xaver. She works tirelessly to make sure the Comm programs are the best they can be. She cracked the whip on my classmates and I, really pushing us to be the best students we could be.
What were your extracurricular involvements and how did they contribute to your college experience/future aspirations?
I served as the president for our newly founded New York Film and Television Student Alliance (NYFTSA) branch for my final semester. Through this club I got to work with other film students on a weekly basis and discuss projects and films. We also traveled to Fordham University for the yearly summit of NYFTSA which allowed us to hear many different people from the film industry give presentations which was unbelievably cool.
What are your next steps after graduation (employment, transfer, etc.), and how did the College prepare you for that?
After I graduate TC3 I plan on attending Buffalo State to finish my bachelor degree in film and television. TC3 has prepared me very well for this next stage. After high school I knew nothing about cameras, screenwriting, directing, or the industry itself. But thanks to TC3's amazing program I feel like I could walk onto a film set right now and start working.