Film and Television Modern Day Griots: Content Creators for the Film and Television Industry

This is a dynamic course designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to become an influential content creator in the film and television industry. This program focuses on smartphone filmmaking, storytelling, audio recording, and leveraging technology for artistic expression.

Spring ‘24

This course includes:

8 module series
Flexible schedule
Certificate of completion
Access on mobile

Course Brochure Enroll now

What you'll learn

Proficiency in Mobile Device Filmmaking and photography.
Enhanced Storytelling and Interviewing abilities.
Skills in using Apple Technology for content creation.
Understanding of AI Platforms for artistic and research purposes.

Skills you’ll gain

Smartphone Filmmaking
Storytelling Techniques
Technology in Artistic Expression

Program Highlights

Services offered by industry coaches

Hands-on experience in smartphone filmmaking and storytelling
Opportunities to explore the use of technology in artistic expression
Insights into the role of mobile devices in professional film and TV production
Earn a micro-credential
Insights from renowned faculty and industry experts.

Program Faculty

Tytionna Ringstaff, Ph.D.

Director

Director of Digital Teaching and Learning Center at Simmons College of Kentucky and Artistic Director of the Black Film Institute

Steven Starks

CEO of Starks Films LLC

Mass Media Arts Professor at Clark Atlanta University, experienced in feature films and television production.

Program Schedule

8 modules • 8 weeks Expand all modules

Pocket to Production Module 1

In this 1 week module, we will begin by examining personal identity and how coding can be used to promote diversity and inclusion. We will discuss how coding can be used as a tool to create solutions for social issues, and how these solutions can have a significant impact on society. We’ll also talk about the many career paths available to those with coding skills. From software development to user experience design, the opportunities are endless. Lastly, we will discuss how proficiency in coding can enhance employability and provide opportunities for advancement.

The Evolution of Black Cinema Module 2

In this 2 week module, you will learn Programming Fundamentals. Programming is the process of giving a computer instructions to execute. It involves providing inputs to a computer, which are then processed and manipulated, and finally, outputs are generated. Programming is all about inputs and outputs, and it’s a critical skill that has become increasingly important in our digital age.

Culturally Responsive Lens Module 3

In this 1 week module, you will learn how to use coding to build and design applications using the Swift programming language. You will experiment with programming ideas without building an entire app and learn how to write code, watch it run, change it, and watch it run again. Lastly, you will explore these concepts in Xcode playgrounds, build a word game in a playground, and get started with Interface Builder to build and run your own app that displays a photo.

Foundations of Sound and Audio Module 4

In this 2 week module, you will learn about algorithms, which are a set of instructions for accomplishing a task. Building off of the work you’ve completed in previous modules, you will learn to articulate algorithms to solve problems and use pseudocode to plan the steps of an algorithm before writing and debugging actual code. You will explore sequencing and selection, where the order of instructions is crucial, and choices determine the sequence’s flow. Lastly, you will learn to examine conditions at the time your code runs, and your program will proceed along one of many possible paths

Conducting Interviews Module 5

In this 2 week module, you will use your knowledge of Playground Basic to build a QuestionBot App. You will be part of a team that’s building a chat app called QuestionBot. In doing so, you will only focus on one part of the app, which is to work on QuestionBot’s “brain,” the part that decides how to answer questions. Ultimately, you will build knowledge for the bot, a personality to go with it, and give the app a unique behavior of your own design! Other parts of the app, such as the design, user interface, and the parts that take the question and display the answer, have already been completed.

Editing from Script to Screen Module 6

Discover the ways in which AI/ML are used and sometimes abused, and the importance of data in informing these technologies. Upon completion of course 1, participants will have a generalized knowledge of AI, its potential and limitations, and the technical skills and knowledge to use programming to make a positive impact on culture.

Scripts and Storyboards Module 7

Promoting and Protecting Your IP Module 8

Frequently asked questions

What is Propel Learn?

Propel Learn is a signature learning and credentialing platform designed specifically for students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). It offers comprehensive, experiential, and innovative learning experiences in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Swift Coding, Arts and Entertainment, Cybersecurity, Clean Energy, Career Readiness, Leadership, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The platform is co-developed by industry experts, top HBCU faculty, and notable workforce collaborators from around the world, and all courses and micro-credential programs are reviewed and certified by industry giants such as Apple, Southern Company, and other top industry partners. Propel Learn's micro-credentialing system is designed to help students progress at their own pace, with badges and certificates that denote their level of achievement. Students can also receive ongoing support and resources to enhance their learning experience and support their professional development.

What is Propel’s Innovation and Design Model?

Propel’s Innovation and Design model combines cutting-edge research, learning science principles, instructional design, and tech-enhanced tools to create effective and engaging learning experiences. Our research focuses on workforce and industry credentials to ensure our courses are relevant and up-to-date. We incorporate learning science principles to promote effective learning for neurodiverse and ethnically diverse groups. Our instructional design principles organize learning experiences in a structured, learner-centered way. Lastly, we leverage tech-enhanced tools, such as our virtual learning platform Honor Learn, to promote the success of both faculty and students.

What is learning science?

Learning science is the study of how people learn and how to improve the process of learning. It draws upon research from cognitive psychology, neuroscience, educational psychology, and other related fields to inform the design of effective learning experiences.

What is Instructional Design

Instructional design is the process of creating educational or training materials and experiences in a systematic and efficient manner. It involves analyzing learners' needs, defining learning objectives, designing and developing instructional content, and evaluating the effectiveness of the instructional materials.

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