Video Production

Stop watching great videos and produce your own! Video content has taken center stage for learning, solving problems, exploring hobbies, and of course, entertainment. Learn the art of video production hands-on at the Davis Catalyst Center. Students will work in a new state-of-the-art video production studio equipped with an LED wall as the crown jewel. Sign up for class, and we’ll show you how the LED wall works, be prepared to be blown away. Classes will be taught by industry professionals who have a passion for video.

Here is a list of some of the industry skills students will learn:

  • Storytelling, scriptwriting, storyboarding, shot list, and blocking

  • Videography including camera functions and operations

  • Shot composition, camera movements and angles

  • Basic lighting principals, key light, fill light, and backlight

  • Editing footage using AVID and Adobe Creative Suite

  • Exporting video including settings and asset management

  • Work with local companies to produce video content

The goal of this program is to have each student walk away with a demo reel of their work to enter the industry or continue their education in college. They will also have the opportunity to earn industry certifications and earn college credit.

The Video Production 1 course  teaches students professional video production skills and concepts in the video making process. Students will dive into learning camera basics & techniques, shot composition, lighting, audio, storytelling, and editing. Students will use these skills and concepts to produce how-to videos, commercials, music videos, documentaries, and more. Students will also work closely with industry partners to produce professional work for a portfolio and demo reel. This is a project-based learning style course teaching students' teamwork and personal accountability required to work on set and with professional clients.

Students will continue to advanced Video Production 2 course that teaches professional techniques such as effects, color correction & grading, lighting, audio, scripting, editing, and more. With the skills they have learned, and using industry standard equipment, students will work with industry and business partners on real world projects to create videos that meet the needs of their clients. Students will finish the course with a demo reel of their work.

 Industry Certifications:  Students can earn industry certifications for Adobe Premiere and Avid Media Composer.
Concurrent enrollment credit can be earned from Utah Valley University.

*Course pre-requisite (one of the following is required):  Digital Media 1, Video Production, TV Broadcasting, or Photography

Virtual Production: The Future of Filmmaking

Course Description:

Dive into the cutting-edge world of virtual production, where traditional filmmaking meets advanced digital technology. This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the techniques and tools that are revolutionizing the film and entertainment industry. Students will learn how to seamlessly integrate live-action footage with computer-generated imagery (CGI) in real-time, using state-of-the-art software and hardware.

Key Topics:

  • Introduction to Virtual Production: History and Evolution

  • Real-Time Rendering and Game Engines (e.g., Unreal Engine)

  • Motion Capture and Performance Capture Techniques

  • Virtual Cameras and Cinematography

  • LED Wall Technologies

Course Title: Virtual Production: The Future of Filmmaking Course Description: Dive into the cutting-edge world of virtual production, where traditional filmmaking meets advanced digital technology. This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the techniques and tools that are revolutionizing the film and entertainment industry. Students will learn how to seamlessly integrate live-action footage with computer-generated imagery (CGI) in real-time, using state-of-the-art software and hardware. Key Topics: Introduction to Virtual Production: History and Evolution Real-Time Rendering and Game Engines (e.g., Unreal Engine) Motion Capture and Performance Capture Techniques Virtual Cameras and Cinematography LED Wall Technologies Lighting and Compositing in Virtual Environments Learning Outcomes: By the end of this course, students will: Understand the fundamental principles and workflows of virtual production. Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and software. Develop skills in integrating live-action and CGI elements. Create their own virtual production projects, from concept to completion. Be prepared for careers in film, television, gaming, and other digital media industries. Prerequisites: Complete Video Production 1 & 2, and basic knowledge of filmmaking. Course Format: This course includes a mix of lectures, hands-on workshops, guest speakers from the industry, and collaborative projects. Students will have access to virtual production studios and equipment to practice and refine their skills.

 Industry Certifications:  Students can earn industry certifications for Adobe Premiere and Avid Media Composer.
Concurrent enrollment credit can be earned from Utah Valley University.

*Course pre-requisite: Video Production (Catalyst course)

Honored to partner with Congressman Blake Moore on the Veteran's History Project, where students from 11 Davis School District high schools enrolled in Liz McEuen's video production class and Jason Knoell's audio production courses, get to both meet and assist with interviewing multiple, selfless veterans across Utah, to help document their experiences for posterity, us, and to also archive them in the Library of Congress.

A video introducing our Audio & Video studio, computer lab, recording rooms, and editing bays, created by one of our integration contractors, Ford AV.

From their YouTube channel: "Jay Welk, Director of Career and Technical Education for the Davis School District's Catalyst Center, shares how he worked with Ford AV to design and integrate state-of-the-art video and audio production facilities for the school. The project features a video production studio with a 20’(W) x 10’(H) curved LED (1.58 MM pixel pitch) screen with motion tracking integration with Unreal Engine, studio lighting, and a large video studio control room. For audio production, it includes 5 audio mixing studios with studio monitors and audio consoles, one foley audio recording studio, Apple computer lab, and additional extensive video and audio production gear."