Prepare for careers like producer, director, lighting tech or camera operator on film sets, production houses or advertising agencies
Use time-based media like film and video to convey emotions and imagery — whether in fine arts, entertainment or business.
Master the tools the pros use — Adobe Bridge, Camera Raw, Photoshop, Lightroom, DreamWeaver, Animate, Prelude and the latest in DaVinci Resolve editing software.
Practice on state-of-the-art equipment and perfect your work in high-tech labs — all for no additional fees. You can even check out equipment to complete your projects outside of class. Equipment available include:
- Black Magic URSA Mini Pro 4.6K camera kits
- Panasonic LUMIX 4K camera kits
- Sony PXW X1 camcorder systems
- Rode and Audio-Technica microphones
- Fully equipped lighting and shooting studios
Learn to think critically about the media you see — and the media you create. Gain the ability to judge art in terms of its effects on culture, politics, society, and history.
Master and recognize the techniques, theories, and methods used to make films. Develop the ability to interpret the signs, syntaxes and structures used in making films. Perfect your use of time, space, composition, light, color, and sound to express concepts and ideas.
Find your future in Film and Media Studies
You can work on film sets, in production houses and in marketing. You can pursue a career as a producer, director, lighting tech or camera operator. Or you can take your skills into other business areas like marketing, architecture or real estate.
JCCC’s Associate of Fine Arts degree offers a Lens-based Media track that focuses on Photography or Filmmaking. You can tailor your learning to match your interest. For details on crafting your class plan, contact Professor Tonia Hughes, co-chair.
Want to go further? Transfer to a 4-year school to build on your Film and Media Studies foundation. JCCC Transfer Information and Services has specific information on transferring your JCCC credits to another school. Make an appointment with an Academic Counselor to explore your options.
High School students prep for college art classes
The department hosts free portfolio review days to help high school students prepare to apply for first-year scholarships and transition into college art classes. Contact department co-chairs Tonia Hughes at or Misha Kligman.
Build your Film and Media Studies portfolio at JCCC
- Create films using single-camera techniques and showcase your work on campus — or on your own YouTube channel.
- Showcase your art in The Student Gallery on the third floor of the Student Center.
- Share your artwork and writing in the annual literary magazine Mind’s Eye.
- Submit work to film festivals and screenings, as well as local, regional and national competitions and exhibitions — like the one sponsored by League of Innovation in the Community College. These opportunities put your work in front of gallery owners, industry professionals, and members of the community.
- Attend lectures and presentations from visiting artists and have your portfolio reviewed by some of the best local, regional, and national talents.
Courses are taught in the 37,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Fine Arts and Design Studios (FADS), where you have access to covered outdoor workspaces, ventilated studios filled with natural light, and multi-use classrooms that encourage cross-discipline collaboration.
Film and Media Studies professors are working professionals active in local, regional, and international art activities, exhibitions, and venues. They keep up to date on innovative artistic techniques and technologies.
On campus, you can be inspired by the internationally recognized Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. It has a world-class collection of permanent works and traveling exhibitions - a vital art learning resource for ceramics students as well as the community.
JCCC offers scholarships for students in all fine arts disciplines. Complete JCCC’s easy scholarship application to see what non-art scholarships you may qualify for.
- James Fennel Fine Arts
- Larry Thomas Memorial Art
- The department also offers competitive scholarships for incoming first-year students and continuing students. To learn how to apply, contact Tonia Hughes or Misha Kligman.
Resources to help you succeed
The JCCC Academic Resource Center offers free tutoring in almost any subject. And JCCC’s small Film and Media Studies classes — most classes have fewer than 25 students — means you get one-on-one attention and personalized feedback from your professors.
Contact info:
Tonia Hughes, Co-Chair
913-469-8500, ext. 3649
Location: FADS 231
thughe38@jccc.edu
