Frequently Asked Questions
What forms of media are covered in the Visual Media program?
The Visual Media program has two tracks, Digital Cinema and Animation. It also includes a foundation in film studies and digital media.
Is it a production program or a studies program?
We strive to balance production and studies. Our philosophy is that technical skills are enriched by a strong background in history, aesthetics, and theory, and that a theoretical study of film is best put into practice through creative expression.
What kind of films can I make at NSC?
Virtually any kind of film you'd like to make. Our program is designed to foster the independent vision of our students.
What kind of equipment is available?
Students shoot on Pansonic Lumix mirrorless cameras and Canon DSLRs. The DSLR format offers the most flexibility for lensing and image control, while also producing rich HD video. In our Cinematography class, students use cinema lenses, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, and the RED Scarlet while learning to work with RAW video and managing a 4K workflow. We edit with Adobe Premiere, and will soon be moving to the Creative Cloud so that students will have optimal flexibility for editing both at school and on their own computers. The program also offers a variety of professional-level microphones, lights, and other equipment for student use.
What kind of facility does NSC have for Visual Media?
Our new facility, currently being constructed as part of two new buildings being built on campus, will include a dedicated computer lab for instruction and student use, a sound-proof studio with green screen and a cyclorama wall, three editing suites, a recording booth, a sound mixing suite, and an equipment checkout room. The new buildings are scheduled to be completed by Fall 2015.
What is the size of the program?
The program is small relative to those at larger schools, but a small program offers a number of advantages in terms of nurturing student progress. Students enjoy working with a close-knit cohort of other students and have many opportunities to complete projects and participate in events without competing for resources. As a small program, we are also very nimble, able to make quick adjustments to accommodate student needs, follow industry trends, and introduce exciting new projects and opportunities.
Does the program have a particular focus?
The Visual Media program differs from those at for-profit institutions in that it is not simply a trade program. Skills in media production are bolstered by a rich liberal education that offers students an understanding of the social and cultural contexts in which media are produced. Students emerge as effective communicators and knowledgeable producers, and are better prepared to be leaders and innovators in their fields. And while graduates are prepared for a variety of different career trajectories, we are especially interested in contributing to Nevada-based productions and serving the media needs of local and non-profit organizations.
Are internships available?
Yes. Our students have interned with a number of local organizations and productions.
What kind of jobs can I get with a degree in Visual Media?
Graduates can work on local or out-of-state film crews, or pursue opportunities in news production. They can be media specialists for smaller companies, supplying media needs from video to animation and graphic design, or can work for or start their own media production companies. They can become photographers, or go into social media or web design, promotion or advertising, or use the degree as a foundation for a number of other specialties.
Will this program prepare me for graduate school?
Absolutely. Many NSC graduates continue their studies in graduate programs around the country.
What forms of media are covered in the Visual Media program?
The Visual Media program has two tracks, Digital Cinema and Animation. It also includes a foundation in film studies and digital media.
Is it a production program or a studies program?
We strive to balance production and studies. Our philosophy is that technical skills are enriched by a strong background in history, aesthetics, and theory, and that a theoretical study of film is best put into practice through creative expression.
What kind of films can I make at NSC?
Virtually any kind of film you'd like to make. Our program is designed to foster the independent vision of our students.
What kind of equipment is available?
Students shoot on Pansonic Lumix mirrorless cameras and Canon DSLRs. The DSLR format offers the most flexibility for lensing and image control, while also producing rich HD video. In our Cinematography class, students use cinema lenses, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, and the RED Scarlet while learning to work with RAW video and managing a 4K workflow. We edit with Adobe Premiere, and will soon be moving to the Creative Cloud so that students will have optimal flexibility for editing both at school and on their own computers. The program also offers a variety of professional-level microphones, lights, and other equipment for student use.
What kind of facility does NSC have for Visual Media?
Our new facility, currently being constructed as part of two new buildings being built on campus, will include a dedicated computer lab for instruction and student use, a sound-proof studio with green screen and a cyclorama wall, three editing suites, a recording booth, a sound mixing suite, and an equipment checkout room. The new buildings are scheduled to be completed by Fall 2015.
What is the size of the program?
The program is small relative to those at larger schools, but a small program offers a number of advantages in terms of nurturing student progress. Students enjoy working with a close-knit cohort of other students and have many opportunities to complete projects and participate in events without competing for resources. As a small program, we are also very nimble, able to make quick adjustments to accommodate student needs, follow industry trends, and introduce exciting new projects and opportunities.
Does the program have a particular focus?
The Visual Media program differs from those at for-profit institutions in that it is not simply a trade program. Skills in media production are bolstered by a rich liberal education that offers students an understanding of the social and cultural contexts in which media are produced. Students emerge as effective communicators and knowledgeable producers, and are better prepared to be leaders and innovators in their fields. And while graduates are prepared for a variety of different career trajectories, we are especially interested in contributing to Nevada-based productions and serving the media needs of local and non-profit organizations.
Are internships available?
Yes. Our students have interned with a number of local organizations and productions.
What kind of jobs can I get with a degree in Visual Media?
Graduates can work on local or out-of-state film crews, or pursue opportunities in news production. They can be media specialists for smaller companies, supplying media needs from video to animation and graphic design, or can work for or start their own media production companies. They can become photographers, or go into social media or web design, promotion or advertising, or use the degree as a foundation for a number of other specialties.
Will this program prepare me for graduate school?
Absolutely. Many NSC graduates continue their studies in graduate programs around the country.