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Georgia Film Academy

Registration Opens:
 April 1, 2024 at 8:00am


Clayton State University Continuing Education
is a member of the Georgia Film Consortium (GFC). The Georgia Film Academy (GFA) supports the GFC, which is a unique-in-the-nation, state-wide collaboration of institutions of the University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia and Independent institutions who offer professional courses in film, television, digital entertainment, Esports and game development.

georgia film academy

The Georgia Film Academy is a professional organization, a unit of the University System of Georgia, which is committed to leading and advancing the entertainment arts industry and its workforce in Georgia. The GFA promotes rigorous professional training, and supports opportunities for union-covered film and television production craft internships and placement in creative industries, apprenticeships and jobs in an effort to build a permanent and sustainable industry in the state. On behalf of the USG, TCSG, and their institutions, as well as private higher education institutions in Georgia who choose to use its resources, the GFA is dedicated to the development of both Georgia’s workforce and the industry which will utilize it.

As a student in the Clayton State University Continuing Education - Film and Digital Media Department you will:

  • Learn from professionals in the Film, Television and Digital Entertainment industries
  • Take classes at an industry hub facilitated with a package of professional-level equipment
  • Participate in on-set, hands-on experience and simulated “real world” projects, coupled with in-classroom course work
  • Work hands-on with professional production equipment (cameras, sound gear, lights, ) as well as production trucks and generators on studio soundstages
  • Apply for an internship or apprenticeship on a major film production set, television studio, editing house or digital entertainment lab in order to develop recognized film credits, through partnerships with professional productions
  • Receive one-on-one job counseling to include resume preparation, job research and job placement outreach from GFA
  • Earn any of three Georgia Film Academy industry certifications, recognized by production companies, studios, networks, vendors, and other entertainment businesses which may employ Georgians:
  • Film & Television Production Certification
  • Film & Television Post-Production Certification
  • Digital Entertainment, Esports & Game Development Certification For more information about the Georgia Film Academy, please visit: https://georgiafilmacademy.edu/

The GFC semester schedule follows the eCore Common Academic Calendar: https://ecore.usg.edu/about/academic-calendar/.

  • For questions regarding non degree classes Continuing Education. Please contact Sr. Program Manager Angela Myers-Jenkins, at Film and Digital Media
  • For questions regarding classes in degree programs, please contact: Please contact Jonathan Harris, Jonathan Harris, JonathanHarris2@clayton.edu
  • For questions or more information about the Georgia Film Academy, please contact Academics Coordinator Emma Smith, emma.smith@usg.edu.

GFA Courses

GFA Summer 2024 Courses:
Registrations Open April 1, 2024 at 8:00am

Three Paths to Your Future

  • Film and Television Production
  • Film and Television Post-Production
  • Digital Entertainment, Esports & Game Development

To reserve your seat in the introductory courses for the Production, Post-Production, and/or Esports pathways please submit your request to the below reservation links. These reservation links are dedicated to a particular subject and to particular days and times. Your reservation will be time stamped and you will be contacted in the order your reservation was received. We will send you a follow-up email to confirm and finalize enrollment. Please remember to include your phone number with your reservation.

GFA 1000: Introduction Film & TV Production

GFA 1000: Introduction to Film & Television Production provides students with a basic set of skills and insights sufficient to be integrated onto the sets of working film productions. This course is the prerequisite for ALL other GFA courses in the “Film & Television Production” Certification Pathway.

GFA 1000 Section 12; Tues- Thursday: May 20-July 19, 2024- 9am-3pm at Trilith Studios

Introduction to Film & TV Production (Section 12)

GFA1040: Introduction to Film and TV Post-Production

GFA 1040: Introduction to Post-Production trains students in the essential system operations and technical functions of non-linear editing platforms used in professional film and television post-production. Students perform practical exercises in alignment with fundamental skills for developing careers in professional post-production. This course is the prerequisite for ALL other GFA courses in the “Film & Television Post-Production” Certification Pathway.

GFA 1040 Section 11; Mon-Wed; May 20, - July 19, 2024; 9am-3pm at Trilith Studios

GFA 1040 Intro Film & Television Post-Production Section 11

GFA 1500: Introduction to Digital Entertainment, Esports, & Game Development

GFA 1500: Introduction to Digital Entertainment, Esports & Game Development provides students with basic skills related to digital media, Esports, and game development, in addition to exposure to the numerous career paths and opportunities within these industries. The course is offered in collaboration with Skillshot Media. This course is the prerequisite for ALL other GFA courses in the “Digital Entertainment, Esports & Game Development” Certification Pathway.

GFA 1500 Section 11 Mon-Wed; May 20-July 19, 2024 9am-3pm; at Skillshot Media

GFA 1500 Intro Digital Entertainment, Esports & Game Development

 

Craft Courses: All Pathways

For all students continuing with GFA craft courses, please email your requests to: filmanddigitalmedia@clayton.edu. Please indicate your 1st and 2nd choices. Links to register are sent upon request.

Courses: All Pathways

GFA Course Pathways

For full classes, please fill out the GFA waitlist at the following link:

FILM AND TV PRODUCTION CRAFT COURSE

GFA 1000 is the prerequisite for ALL craft courses in the "Film and Television Production" Certificate Pathways.

GFA 2010: Set Construction & Scenic Painting provides students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to build a fully constructed and painted film set through the stages of conceptualization, execution and presentation for a professional art department in the film industry. Prerequisite: GFA 1000

GFA 2020: Lighting & Electric—Tues-Thur; May 20- July 19, 2024 - 9am-3pm; at Trilith Studios

GFA 2020: Lighting & Electric equips students with the skills and knowledge of electrical distribution and operations of set lighting on a motion picture or episodic television set in order to facilitate their entry and advancement in the film business. Prerequisite: GFA 1000

GFA 2030: Grip & Rigging—Tues.- Thur; May 20 - July 19, 2024: 9am-3pm; at Trilith Studios

GFA 2030: Grip & Rigging is an introduction to the practice of rigging and supporting grip equipment for lighting, cameras, vehicles and other physical/mechanical devices. This class is designed to move cameras from beyond sticks, and lights from beyond stands. Prerequisite: GFA 1000

GFA 2050: Special Makeup Effects—Not listed at this time

This course is designed to educate students with entry-level skills and knowledge in practical Special Effects (SFX) Makeup for the film and television industry. Students will participate in goal-oriented class projects including fabrication, material safety, using casting materials, professional make-up, sculpting, airbrushing, and design.

GFA 2060: Production Accounting & Office Management provides students with a broad understanding of the processes, protocols, paperwork and computer programs utilized within the Production Accounting and Production Office departments in the film and television industry, focusing on the knowledge, practical skills and work routines required for entry-level jobs. Prerequisite: GFA 1000

GFA 2060: Production Accounting & Office Management—Tues- Thur ; May 20- July 19, 2024; 1-7pm- Online Only

GFA 4010: Production Design II—Not listed at this time.

GFA 4010: Production Design II equips students with advanced skills and knowledge of the creative, technical and logistical processes of the Art Department, focusing on the design and construction of sets, props and effects to professional standards. Students must successfully complete GFA 2010: Set Construction & Scenic Painting before they can take this course.

GFA 4100 Production Crew Practicum:

GFA Production Crew Practicum provides students with career development through experiential learning in film and television production by supporting graduate candidates as crew on their thesis films, for the duration of their film. The course is offered in cooperation with GFC graduate partner institutions. Practicum students will also research career paths and develop a portfolio of work. Prerequisite: GFA 1000 and at least one craft course in the production pathway.

 

Film & TV Post-Production Craft Courses

For the courses in the post-production pathway, we offer both in-person and online options. For students choosing to take courses online, You will need access to a computer that meets the following minimum technical requirements.

  • 2.3 GHz processor
  • 8 GB of Memory (RAM)
  • 256 GB of storage
  • At least 25 MBPS Internet service
  • Graphics Card with ability to view 1280 X 720 resolution
  • Webcam and microphone for video calls

The latest version of QuickTime player should be installed.

GFA 1040 is the prerequisite for ALL craft courses in the "Film and Television Post-Production" Certificate Pathway.

GFA 2040: Fundamentals of Editing with Avid Media Composer 100—Mon. - Wed. May 20 - July 19 2024; 9am-3pm; at Trilith Studios

GFA 2040: Fundamentals of Editing with Avid Media Composer 100 provides students with a broad base of knowledge that will prepare them for entry-level positions within a post-production team. Topics include, but are not limited to, the equipment, techniques, terminology, communications, and processes used in the post-production department. During the course, students will have the opportunity to certify as an Avid Media Composer Certified Specialist. Prerequisite: GFA 1040

GFA 2140 Fundamentals of Sound Design/Avid Pro Tools Sections 13: Tues-Thur. May 20- July 19, 2024- 9am-3pm. at Trilith Studios

GFA 3140: Intro Sound Design/ProTools 100—Wednesdays; Not listed at this time

GFA 3140: Introduction to Sound Design with Avid Pro Tools 100 is a skills-based course to learn the tools and techniques of post-production sound design for careers in sound editing. Students participate in creative, narrative sound design projects to demonstrate fundamentals of post-production sound design theory and practice. During the course, students have the opportunity to certify as an Avid Pro Tools Certified User.

GFA 4040: Advanced Avid Media Composer 200—

GFA 4040: Advanced Editing with Avid Media Composer 200 is a skills-based course to further develop the tools and techniques of post-production for advanced careers in editing. Students participate in creative, narrative editing projects to demonstrate proficiency in post- production theory and practice. During the course, students have the opportunity to certify as an Avid Media Composer Certified Professional. Prerequisite: GFA 2040 or GFA 3040

GFA 4140 Advanced Sound Design/Avid Pro Tools 2000 Trilith Studios

GFA 4140: Advanced Sound Design with Avid Pro Tools 200 is a skills-based course to further develop the tools and techniques of post-production sound design for advanced careers in sound editing. Students participate in creative, narrative sound design projects to demonstrate proficiency in post-production sound design theory and practice. During the course, students have the opportunity to certify as an advanced Avid Pro Tools Certified Professional. Prerequisite: GFA 2140 or GFA 3140

Esports Craft Course

GFA 1500 is the prerequisite for ALL craft courses in the "Digital Entertainment, Esport 7 game Development" Certification Pathway

GFA 3520: Digital Entertainment & Esports Creative DevelopmentNot listed at this time

3510 Digital Entertainment & ESports Event Design pm Skillshot Media

3510 Digital Entertainment & E Sport Design Digital Entertainment and Esports Event Design provides the specialized skills and insight needed for the creation of live digital entertainment and Esports events, including the necessary steps to propose, plan, produce, and market a professional event. Students will demonstrate learned skills through practical application exercises, culminating in a final class project. Prerequisite: GFA 1500

Entertainment & Esports Creative Development provides students with the knowledge and practical skills required of a professional live-casting and hosting talent, as well as the theoretical context for various performances. Students will study live-casting for Digital Entertainment and Esports of various genres, and hosting for interviews and analyst desks, while developing skills for career advancement in the field.

Policies

Refund Policy

Please note: All refund/withdrawal requests must be provided in writing to filmanddigitalmedia@clayton.edu

TITLE IX: Sexual harassment and/or discrimination

Title IX: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” For information on Clayton State University’s policy on Title IX and Sexual Misconduct, please visit the webpages at: https://www.clayton.edu/human-resources/current-employees/title-ix/ and http://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section4/C327

If you wish to submit an electronic report concerning Title IX, you may do so at Title9@clayton.edu or via the Anonymous & Optional Non-Anonymous Reporting Form found online at: https://claytonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ebRSQ0hxLtiwDJP .

If you wish to discuss situations related to Title IX, please contact: Nikia Yallah, Title IX Coordinator (678) 466-4237 NikiaYallah@clayton.edu or Rodney Byrd, Title IX Deputy (678) 466-4232 RodneyByrd@clayton.edu

GFA FALL 2024 Courses: Registrations Open April 1, 2024 at 8:00am.

 

Three Paths to Your Future:

  • Film and Television Production
  • Film and Television Post-Production
  • Digital Entertainment, Esports & Game Development To reserve your seat in the introductory courses for the Production, Post-Production, and/or Esports pathways please submit your request to the below reservation links. These reservation links are dedicated to a particular subject and to particular days and times. Your reservation will be time stamped and you will be contacted in the order your reservation was received. We will send you a follow-up email to confirm and finalize enrollment. Please remember to include your phone number with your reservation.

GFA 1000: Introduction Film & TV Production

GFA 1000: Introduction to Film & Television Production provides students with a basic set of skills and insights sufficient to be integrated onto the sets of working film productions. This course is the prerequisite for ALL other GFA courses in the “Film & Television Production” Certification Pathway.

GFA 1000 Section 20; Monday 4-10pm: August 19-December 20, 2024- at Trilith Studios.

https://aceware.clayton.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?&course=251FILM1000

GFA 1000 Section 22: Thursday 9am-3pm-10pm: August 19-December 20, 2024- at Trilith Studios.

https://aceware.clayton.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?&course=251FILM1000A

Introduction to Film & TV Production (Section 12)

GFA1040: Introduction to Film and TV Post-Production

GFA 1040: Introduction to Post-Production trains students in the essential system operations and technical functions of non-linear editing platforms used in professional film and television post-production. Students perform practical exercises in alignment with fundamental skills for developing careers in professional post-production. This course is the prerequisite for ALL other GFA courses in the “Film & Television Post-Production” Certification Pathway.

GFA 1040 Section 18: Thursday: 9am-3pm - August 19-December 20, 2024- at Trilith Studios.

https://aceware.clayton.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?&course=251FILM1040

GFA 1040 Section 21: Friday: 9am-3pm - August 19-December 20, 2024- at Trilith Studios

https://aceware.clayton.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?&course=251FILM1040A

 

GFA 1500: Introduction to Digital Entertainment, Esports, & Game Development

GFA 1500: Introduction to Digital Entertainment, Esports & Game Development provides students with basic skills related to digital media, Esports, and game development, in addition to exposure to the numerous career paths and opportunities within these industries. The course is offered in collaboration with Skillshot Media. This course is the prerequisite for ALL other GFA courses in the “Digital Entertainment, Esports & Game Development” Certification Pathway.

GFA 1500 Section 11 Monday 9am-3pm: August 19-December 20, 2024-: at Skillshot Media

https://aceware.clayton.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?&course=251FILM1500

 

Craft Courses: All Pathways

For all students continuing with GFA craft courses, please email your requests to: filmanddigitalmedia@clayton.edu. Please indicate your 1st and 2nd choices. Links to register are sent upon request.

Courses: All Pathways

GFA Course Pathways

For full classes, please fill out the GFA waitlist at the following link:

WAITLIST LINK

FILM AND TV PRODUCTION CRAFT COURSE

GFA 1000 is the prerequisite for ALL craft courses in the "Film and Television Production" Certificate Pathways.

GFA 2010: Set Construction & Scenic Painting provides students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to build a fully constructed and painted film set through the stages of conceptualization, execution and presentation for a professional art department in the film industry. Prerequisite: GFA 1000

GFA 2010 Section 12: Set Construction & Scenic Painting: Monday 9am-3pm: August 19-December 20, 2024: Trilith Studios

GFA 2020: Lighting & Electric equips students with the skills and knowledge of electrical distribution and operations of set lighting on a motion picture or episodic television set in order to facilitate their entry and advancement in the film business. Prerequisite: GFA 1000

GFA 2020 Section 12: Lighting & Electric—Wednesday 9am-3pm; August 19-December 20, 2024: Trilith Studios

GFA 2030: Grip & Rigging is an introduction to the practice of rigging and supporting grip equipment for lighting, cameras, vehicles and other physical/mechanical devices. This class is designed to move cameras from beyond sticks, and lights from beyond stands. Prerequisite: GFA 1000

GFA 2030 Section 12 : Grip & Rigging—Wednesday 9am-3pm: August 19-December 20, 2024: Trilith Studios

GFA 2050: Special Makeup Effects—Not listed at this time

This course is designed to educate students with entry-level skills and knowledge in practical Special Effects (SFX) Makeup for the film and television industry. Students will participate in goal-oriented class projects including fabrication, material safety, using casting materials, professional make-up, sculpting, airbrushing, and design.

GFA 2060: Production Accounting & Office Management provides students with a broad understanding of the processes, protocols, paperwork and computer programs utilized within the Production Accounting and Production Office departments in the film and television industry, focusing on the knowledge, practical skills and work routines required for entry-level jobs. Prerequisite: GFA 1000

GFA 2030 Section 12 : Grip & Rigging—Wednesday 9am-3pm: August 19-December 20, 2024: Trilith Studios

GFA 4010: Production Design II equips students with advanced skills and knowledge of the creative, technical and logistical processes of the Art Department, focusing on the design and construction of sets, props and effects to professional standards. Students must successfully complete GFA 2010: Set Construction & Scenic Painting before they can take this course.

GFA 4010 Section 11: Production Design II : Thursday 9am-3pm: August 19-December 20, 2024: Trilith Studios

GFA 4100 Production Crew Practicum:

GFA Production Crew Practicum provides students with career development through experiential learning in film and television production by supporting graduate candidates as crew on their thesis films, for the duration of their film. The course is offered in cooperation with GFC graduate partner institutions. Practicum students will also research career paths and develop a portfolio of work. Prerequisite: GFA 1000 and at least one craft course in the production pathway.

Film & TV Post-Production Craft Courses

For the courses in the post-production pathway, we offer both in-person and online options. For students choosing to take courses online, You will need access to a computer that meets the following minimum technical requirements.

  • 2.3 GHz processor
  • 8 GB of Memory (RAM)
  • 256 GB of storage
  • At least 25 MBPS Internet service
  • Graphics Card with ability to view 1280 X 720 resolution
  • Webcam and microphone for video calls
  • The latest version of QuickTime player should be installed

GFA 1040 is the prerequisite for ALL craft courses in the "Film and Television Post-Production" Certificate Pathway.

GFA 2040: Fundamentals of Editing with Avid Media Composer 100 provides students with a broad base of knowledge that will prepare them for entry-level positions within a post-production team. Topics include, but are not limited to, the equipment, techniques, terminology, communications, and processes used in the post-production department. During the course, students will have the opportunity to certify as an Avid Media Composer Certified Specialist. Prerequisite: GFA 1040

GFA 2040 Section 13: Fundamentals of Editing with Avid Media Composer 100—Wednesday 9am-3pm August 19-December 20, 2024: Trilith Studios.

GFA 2140 Section 13 Fundamentals of Sound Design/Avid Pro Tools 100

Fundamentals of Sound Design with Avid Pro Tools 100 provides students with a broad base of knowledge that will prepare them for entry-level positions within a post-production sound design team. Topics include, but are not limited to, the equipment, techniques, terminology, communications, and processes used in the post-production sound design department. During the course, students have the opportunity to certify as an Avid Pro Tools Certified User.

GFA 2140 Section 13 Fundamentals of Sound Design/Avid Pro Tools: Wednesday 9am-3pm; August 19-December 20, 2024: Trilith Studios

GFA 3140: Intro Sound Design/ProTools 100—Wednesdays; Not listed at this time

GFA 3140: Introduction to Sound Design with Avid Pro Tools 100 is a skills-based course to learn the tools and techniques of post-production sound design for careers in sound editing. Students participate in creative, narrative sound design projects to demonstrate fundamentals of post-production sound design theory and practice. During the course, students have the opportunity to certify as an Avid Pro Tools Certified User.

GFA 4040: Advanced Editing with Avid Media Composer 200 is a skills-based course to further develop the tools and techniques of post-production for advanced careers in editing. Students participate in creative, narrative editing projects to demonstrate proficiency in post- production theory and practice. During the course, students have the opportunity to certify as an Avid Media Composer Certified Professional. Prerequisite: GFA 2040 or GFA 3040

GFA 4040 Section 11: Advanced Editing with Avid Media Composer 200 : Monday 9am-3pm :August 19-December 20, 2024: Trilith Studios

GFA 4140: Advanced Sound Design with Avid Pro Tools 200 is a skills-based course to further develop the tools and techniques of post-production sound design for advanced careers in sound editing. Students participate in creative, narrative sound design projects to demonstrate proficiency in post-production sound design theory and practice. During the course, students have the opportunity to certify as an advanced Avid Pro Tools Certified Professional. Prerequisite: GFA 2140 or GFA 3140

Esports Craft Course

GFA 1500 is the prerequisite for ALL craft courses in the "Digital Entertainment, Esport 7 game Development" Certification Pathway

GFA 3520: Digital Entertainment & Esports Creative DevelopmentNot listed at this time

3510 Digital Entertainment & E Sport Design Digital Entertainment and Esports Event Design provides the specialized skills and insight needed for the creation of live digital entertainment and Esports events, including the necessary steps to propose, plan, produce, and market a professional event. Students will demonstrate learned skills through practical application exercises, culminating in a final class project. Prerequisite: GFA 1500

Entertainment & Esports Creative Development provides students with the knowledge and practical skills required of a professional live-casting and hosting talent, as well as the theoretical context for various performances. Students will study live-casting for Digital Entertainment and Esports of various genres, and hosting for interviews and analyst desks, while developing skills for career advancement in the field.

 

GFA 3520: Digital Entertainment & Esports Creative Development This course is designed to examine the process and techniques of professional hosting and live-casting for Digital Entertainment and Esports. Students will develop techniques for on-camera and public speaking scenarios by creating content specific to the industry. Topics will include play-by-play casting, analyst desk hosting, breath and tone control, pickups and drops, and interviewing. Additionally, students will explore the self-analysis process. Within the context of performance and broadcast theory, students will apply the appropriate style and tone for various genres of Digital Entertainment and Esports casting as they create an industry-standard demo reel.

GFA 3250 Section 11: Digital Entertainment & Epsort Creative Development: Wednesday 3-9pm: August 19-December 20, 2024: Skillshot Media

Policies

For detailed policies including refunds:

https://claytonstatecape.com/policies-and-procedures/

Please note: All refund/withdrawal requests must be provided in writing to filmanddigitalmedia@clayton.edu

TITLE IX: Sexual harassment and/or discrimination

Title IX: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” For information on Clayton State University’s policy on Title IX and Sexual Misconduct, please visit the webpages at: https://www.clayton.edu/human-resources/current-employees/title-ix/ and http://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section4/C327

If you wish to submit an electronic report concerning Title IX, you may do so at Title9@clayton.edu or via the Anonymous & Optional Non-Anonymous Reporting Form found online at: https://claytonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ebRSQ0hxLtiwDJP .

If you wish to discuss situations related to Title IX, please contact: Nikia Yallah, Title IX Coordinator (678) 466-4237 NikiaYallah@clayton.edu or Rodney Byrd, Title IX Deputy (678) 466-4232 RodneyByrd@clayton.edu