PRN 510: AVID Bootcamp
FIRST TERM
1 CREDIT
This course offers a review of the fundamentals of AVID Media Composer 2022 with the goal of qualifying Fellows for Certification at the MC User 101/110 level. It also includes an introduction to the SDAC infrastructure and workflows for Cycle Production.
EDT 513 and 514: Cycle Workshop
FIRST AND SECOND TERMS
3 CREDITS TOTAL
In this course, all first-year productions are screened and analyzed by Editing Fellows and Faculty in order to develop a versatile and confident understanding of editorial principles and techniques as they relate to the fundamentals of visual storytelling.
EDT 515: Fundamentals of Editing
FIRST TERM
1 CREDIT
This class is an in-depth survey of fundamental skills and workflows in Cycle Film Editing using AVID Media Composer and other software in use at the SDAC.
EDT 517: Sound Editing in Media Composer
FIRST TERM
1 CREDIT
This course is an introduction to the principles of and practices in AVID Media Composer. In this introduction to Sound Editing principles and practices in AVID Media Composer the techniques for basic dialog editing and sound effects editing will be reviewed and put into practice on Cycle projects. Fellows will be introduced to advanced surround sound mixing techniques used in the professional world, as well as learn how to properly structure a basic stereo sound mix in their Cycle projects.
EDT 518: Sound Editing in Pro Tools
SECOND TERM
1 CREDIT
This course is an introduction to best practices in sound editing and mixing for picture using Pro Tools Ultimate software. Techniques for basic dialog editing and sound effects editing using Pro Tools will be demonstrated, discussed and practiced.
EDT 527: Assistant Editing (2 Parts)
FIRST TERM
2 CREDITS
Using real-world examples to convey industry standards, Assistant Editing utilizes a problem-solving approach to give Fellows practical experience in handling expectations in the Edit Room.
This course conceives of Assistant Editing as primarily about problem solving, and will use real-world examples to demonstrate industry standards and how to handle expectations in the edit room. Topics will also include workflows, troubleshooting, dealing with paperwork, communication with others in post and production, script sync, delivery, using databases and spreadsheets in the edit room, dealing with vendors, screenings, working under pressure and interviewing and career strategy for the new Assistant.
EDT 531: The Editor’s Toolkit: PS & AE
FIRST TERM
1 CREDIT
This course introduces the fundamentals of Photoshop and After Effects for AVID Editors.
EDT 532: The Editor’s Toolkit: AVID VFX & Color
SECOND TERM
1 CREDIT
This in-depth look at Visual Effects tools and techniques in Media Composer will include engaging with Compositing and Paint Tools, AniMatte, SpectaMatte and the AVID Tracker, as well as practical exercises with powerful color grading tools within AVID Media Composer using HSL, Curves and Secondary tools, animated masks, gradients, vignettes and more.
EDT 534: Advanced Editing
SECOND TERM
2 CREDITS
Fellows will work with professional materials from broadcast network and streaming series episodes. Exercises will include cutting multi-cam coverage, building a performance, script versus screen, action and chase sequences, table scenes, temp music, screening preparations and more.
EDT 537: Understanding Post
SECOND TERM
1 CREDIT
This class will examine the role of the Post-Production Producer under a variety of production circumstances: studio film, indie film, network series, streaming series, cable series, premium cable series, etc. Topics will include roles and responsibilities in post-production, budgeting, creative resource allocation, post-production technology and practices, the politics of post-production, collaboration, rights and clearances and more.
EDT 547: Editing POV
FIRST TERM
1 CREDIT
This anthology of guest lectures with working Editors and Assistants will provide a broad perspective on the role of the Editor in film and series work. Topics include the politics of creative relationships, managing decision-making under pressure, teamwork and leadership, and the “soft skills” of the editing room.
EDT 5XX: Music Editing
SECOND TERM
1 CREDIT HOUR
The fundamentals of music editing are the focus of this course. Topics will include spotting, temp music, score, songs and source music, on-camera music, working with composers, music delivery, and practice assignments using Avid Media Composer.
EDT 5511, 5522 and 5523: Cycle Review
FIRST AND SECOND TERMS
3 CREDITS TOTAL
An intensive look at the organization, workflow, editing and storytelling of each Fellow’s Cycle Film through review of their project and edit timeline.
First-Year Fellow Comprehensive Review
At the end of the first year, the Editing Faculty reviews all first-year portfolios through a formal interview with each Editing Fellow, which results in a recommendation regarding future directions the Fellow might take in the program.
EDT 603: DaVinci Resolve Fairlight for Editors
FIRST TERM
1 CREDIT
This course is an introduction to the major feature sets of DaVinci Resolve, with particular focus on Sound Editing via the Fairlight Page.
EDT 611/612: Thesis Workshop
FIRST AND SECOND TERMS
4 CREDITS TOTAL
This workshop is led by senior Editing Faculty and master guest artists, who present a variety of topics and experiences that are designed to broaden the Fellow’s understanding of the art of cinematic storytelling and montage. Work on thesis projects is integrated into the workshop as a means to understand advanced editing tools and techniques.
EDT 617/618: Pro Tools Mixing
FIRST AND SECOND TERMS
2 CREDITS
For this course, Fellows complete any needed ADR recording and then prep their sound elements with Pro Tools. They then prepare and execute a temp mixing of their thesis films, which will be supervised by Faculty.
EDT 619: Color in Resolve
FIRST TERM
1 CREDIT
This course takes a deep dive into color correction using DaVinci Resolve Color.
EDT 623: Understanding Post – 2023/24 ONLY
FIRST TERM
1 CREDIT
Fellows will gain practical experience with established communication procedures and practices including written reports, email and virtual and in-person meetings. Fellows will visit with vendors, meet key Creatives and become familiar with the finishing and delivery in a creative environment. Instruction will center on real-world examples drawn from the Instructors’ experiences as working Post-Production Producers and Executives.
EDT 627: The Practice of Editing
FIRST TERM
2 CREDITS
Professional dailies and demonstration materials will be used in assignments and exercises to expand upon the First-Year skill set, with primary emphasis on AVID Media Composer and associated software. Performance construction, dramatic narrative problem-solving, dialog editing and sound design, music editing and 2D compositing skills will be further developed.
EDT 631: The Working Editor
FIRST TERM
1 CREDIT
In this course, industry guests present recent work and discuss their career highlights as well as strategies for successful collaboration in the Editing Suite.
EDT 690: Thesis Portfolio – Editing
SECOND TERM
2 CREDITS
Each Editing Fellow prepares a portfolio of work demonstrating their editorial skills and talents. The portfolio is a culminating summary of the AFI Conservatory experience, which is reviewed, evaluated and approved by the senior Faculty for graduation.
EDT 6XX: Documentary Editing
SECOND TERM – ELECTIVE
1 CREDIT HOUR
This course is an introduction to the creative process and skill set of the Documentary Editor. Fellows will practice the art of “working without a net” in editing non-scripted material into documentary shorts. Topics include editing as writing, finding the scene, structure, trial and error, narration or not? and more. Fellows will review and discuss examples of outstanding work in feature, series and short-form documentary.
EDT 6XX: Premiere for AVID Editors
SECOND TERM – ELECTIVE
1 CREDIT HOUR
Primarily geared towards Editors and Assistants with prior experience in Avid, this course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Adobe Premiere’s interface, tools and capabilities, drawing parallels with the Avid Media Composer wherever possible for a smoother transition.
EDT 6XX: Resolve for Editors: Fusion
SECOND TERM – ELECTIVE
1 CREDIT HOUR
An introduction to Nodal VFX design and execution using DaVinci Resolve Fusion.
