Digital Video and Audio 101

Klein Cain students are now able to enroll in an elective course that concentrates on the craft of cinematography. Digital Video and Audio design is an introductory course specializing in technique. Additionally, students will learn pre-production (such as screenwriting and proper camera techniques), production (recording), and post-production (editing, audio engineering). 

“Because Digital Video and Audio Design is the only [cinematic film] course offered by Klein ISD, it’s kinda what the teacher makes it,” Digital Video and Audio Design sponsor, Jana Bulloch said. “So for me, I’m treating it like Audio Video Production 1. This is where you learn about shots and angles, putting a sequence together, how to speak the language of film and audio, and how you tell a story with that.” 

Competition

Additionally, students will continue to develop film-making skills throughout the school year. Eventually, students will explore different genres by creating films. These genres include documentaries, horror, comedy, etc. Furthermore, students discover their preferred category of film. The ability to create videos in class catering to that genre will be open. Furthermore, students who complete a sponsor-approved project are eligible to present at film competitions on local, state, and national levels.

“Gradually, we’d get more and more complex projects,” Bulloch said. “By the end of the year, people should have done some kind of short film for competition. They will have had the experience of putting together an entire thing. From all the pre-production, the storyboarding, the scripting, shooting and spending hours in the editing chair.”

Plans for the future

In addition, as Digital Video and Audio design is an introductory course, it aims to teach beginners the necessary skills to complete a basic project. Conversely, Digital Video and Audio design is the only film course in Klein ISD. Because of this, students cannot forward into advanced classes. Furthermore, sponsors of these courses hope to adopt a 4-year CTE (Career and Technical Education) program.

“According to TEA [Texas Education Agency] which dictates everything about the courses that are offered and the TEKs ( Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) that go with them and how these things are supposed to go. It’s supposed to be a four-year program under the banner of CTE,” Bulloch said.  “The way the courses are set up now are very career-oriented. The idea is that once you’ve completed the four years, you would be employable in some field in Audio Video production.” 

TEA Pathway

In addition, the plan presented by TEA, which offers full training in cinematic film, along with a certification in Adobe Premier, is as follows:

–Year One: One class period course that focuses on Audio Engineering. Serves as an introductory course, teaches the basics. 

–Year Two: Two-period class, Audio Video production 1. Students will explore pre-production, recording, and editing. 

–Year Three: Two-period class, a continuation of year two. Students will go more in-depth of topics covered in the year prior. 

–Year Four: One period class, Students would collaborate with local businesses to produce content. 

Moreover, Klein ISD currently offers an endorsement in Business and Industry for students enrolled in Digital Video and Audio design. Moreover, the course path features diverse classes with a primary focus on strong technological literacy. The pathway includes:

-Digital Design and Media Production

-Digital Video and Audio Design 

-Technology Applications Independent Study 1 

-Technology Applications Independent Study 2