Introduction to Promotional Video

Whether you are interested in promoting a business or inspiring social change, a solid understanding of video production skills will increase the likelihood of audience engagement with your message. This two-quarter, entry-level certificate is designed for students who want to learn core skills for developing promotional videos for the web or other marketing purposes. Students will be introduced to the components of video production from project management and message design to storyboarding ideas, recording, editing, and completing a short video to share on the web.

In fall quarter, we'll start with a focus on developing effective messages using image, sound, and editing to create short videos directed to specific audiences. Students will practice project management skills as they compose, record, and edit a series of small productions.  This 8-credit program includes weekly reading and production assignments that explore essential practices in video production. By the end of winter quarter, students will have a basic understanding of the processes and steps needed to complete a short promotional or identity video.

In winter, students will develop their professional skills as they work with non-profit or organizational clients to collaboratively produce promotional video or public service messages for websites and social media.  Students will learn and utilize professional practices and communication skills that can be applied to future internships and jobs. By the end of spring quarter, students will have a small body of work and a variety of experiences that they can use in their e-portfolio or in job applications.

Promotional Video will be taught fully online and features synchronous and asynchronous lessons and meetings. 

All students will need a high-speed computer with a camera, microphone, and internet connection to attend classes and complete assignments. A $50 user fee will allow 8-credit regional students to check out media equipment and use facilities on the Olympia campus. This fee will not be refunded for remote students who will need to provide their own recording equipment (a microphone, a camera and/or smartphone, and a computer robust enough to run editing software for the production assignments). Adobe software tools for editing may be provided by the College to all students if there are college licenses remaining.