ADE Arts, Media & Entertainment Pathway

CREATIVE DIGITALMEDIA PRODUCTION

AI-Integrated Multimedia Arts & Technology Curriculum. Industry-standard tools. Professional workflows. XP-based progression.

18
Units
36
Weeks
10,000
Total XP
6-12
Grades
Industry Software Partners
REALLUSIONEPIC GAMESMAXONSIDEFXADOBEFACEWARERODEELEVENLABS
01 // PHILOSOPHY

The D.R.E.A.M. Framework

Our pedagogical approach to creative technology education

D
Design Thinking
Problem-solving through iterative creative processes
R
Real-World Application
Industry-authentic projects using professional tools
E
Exploration
Safe space to take creative risks and experiment
A
AI-Augmented
Ethical integration of AI as creative collaborators
M
Mastery
XP-based progression with growth mindset
02 // GAMIFIED ASSESSMENT

XP-Based Grading System

Level up your skills. Earn XP. Unlock your potential.

How XP Grading Works

Students earn Experience Points (XP) for every assignment, project, and participation activity. XP accumulates throughout the course.

7,500 / 10,000 XP
STUDENT NAME
Creative Digital Media • Period 3
8
LEVEL
CHARACTER
85
ANIMATION
72
VFX
68
VIDEO
90
SOUND/VO
78
VIRTUAL PROD
62
GAME DEV
55
AI WORKFLOW
80

Grade Conversion Scale

A+
9,500+ XP
LEGENDARY
A
9,000-9,499
EPIC
A-
8,500-8,999
MASTER
B+
8,000-8,499
EXPERT
B
7,500-7,999
SKILLED
C
6,000-7,499
DEVELOPING
D
5,000-5,999
APPRENTICE
F
<5,000
NOVICE
03 // TECHNOLOGY

Industry Software Stack

Professional tools for game studios, animation, and film production

Character & Animation

CC4
Character Creator 4
REALLUSION
3D character design, rigging, morphing
iC8
iClone 8
REALLUSION
3D animation, facial mocap, scene composition
CA5
Cartoon Animator 5
REALLUSION
2D animation, rigging, lip-sync

3D, VFX & Virtual Production

UE5
Unreal Engine 5
EPIC GAMES
Virtual production, level design, real-time rendering
C4D
Cinema 4D
MAXON
3D modeling, motion graphics
H
Houdini
SIDEFX
Procedural VFX, simulations

Sound, Voice & Motion Capture

AU
Adobe Audition
ADOBE
Audio editing, VO recording, sound design
EL
ElevenLabs
ELEVENLABS
AI voice synthesis, text-to-speech, voice cloning
FW
Faceware / LiveLink
FACEWARE
Facial mocap, micro-expression tracking

Comics & AI

CMX
Press Start CoMiXX
PRESS START GAMING
Comic creation, storyboarding
CL
Claude
ANTHROPIC
Script development, project planning
AE
After Effects
ADOBE
Motion graphics, compositing
04 // SCOPE & SEQUENCE

36-Week Course Map

18 comprehensive units covering complete production pipeline

SEMESTER 1
Weeks 1-18 • 5,000 XP
  • 1-2
    Foundations & AI Literacy
    ALL
  • 3-4
    Character Design
    CC4
  • 5-6
    Digital Illustration
    WACOM
  • 7-8
    Storyboarding
    COMIXX
  • 12-13
    2D Animation
    CA5
  • 17-18
    Motion Graphics
    AE/C4D
SEMESTER 2
Weeks 19-36 • 5,000 XP
  • 19-21
    VFX & Compositing
    HOUDINI
  • 22-23
    Video Production
    CAPCUT
  • 27-28
    Level & Environment Design
    UE5
  • 29-30
    Game Design & UI
    UE5
  • 33-34
    AI Workflow Integration
    AI
04.5 // DETAILED BREAKDOWN

Unit Deep Dives

Click each unit to explore objectives, weekly topics, and deliverables

Unit 1: Foundations & AI Literacy
Weeks 1-2500 XP

Establish foundational understanding of creative technology workflows, AI ethics, and industry standards. Students learn to navigate professional software environments and develop responsible AI collaboration skills.

01
Understand creative industry pipeline and career pathways
02
Navigate professional software interfaces confidently
03
Apply ethical AI principles in creative workflows
04
Develop effective prompting strategies for AI tools
Week 1: Industry Overview
  • Creative industry career mapping
  • Software ecosystem introduction
  • XP system and course navigation
  • Digital citizenship fundamentals
Week 2: AI Foundations
  • AI ethics and responsible use
  • Prompt engineering basics
  • Claude for creative writing
  • AI image generation principles

Unit Deliverable

Personal Creative Manifesto + AI Ethics Reflection Journal

+500 XP
Unit 2: Character Design
Weeks 3-4600 XP

Master 3D character creation using Character Creator 4. Students learn professional character design workflows including modeling, texturing, rigging, and preparing characters for animation pipelines.

01
Design original characters with distinct visual identity
02
Navigate CC4 interface and character customization tools
03
Apply professional texturing and material workflows
04
Export characters for animation and game engines
Week 3: Character Fundamentals
  • Character design principles and archetypes
  • CC4 interface navigation
  • Base mesh customization
  • Facial morphing and expressions
Week 4: Advanced Customization
  • Clothing and accessories
  • Material and texture application
  • Hair and skin shaders
  • Export pipelines (iClone, UE5)

Unit Deliverable

Original Character with Turnaround + Character Bio Sheet

+600 XP
Unit 3: Digital Illustration
Weeks 5-6500 XP

Develop professional digital illustration skills using Wacom tablets. Students master brush techniques, color theory, and composition while creating portfolio-ready artwork.

01
Master pen tablet pressure sensitivity and control
02
Apply color theory and digital painting techniques
03
Create dynamic compositions with visual hierarchy
04
Develop personal illustration style
Week 5: Tablet Fundamentals
  • Wacom setup and calibration
  • Brush dynamics and pressure curves
  • Line art and inking techniques
  • Layer management workflows
Week 6: Digital Painting
  • Color theory application
  • Lighting and shading
  • Background and environment art
  • Portfolio presentation

Unit Deliverable

Digital Illustration Series (3 pieces) + Process Documentation

+500 XP
Unit 4: Storyboarding
Weeks 7-8500 XP

Learn visual storytelling through professional storyboarding techniques. Students develop skills in shot composition, camera movement notation, and narrative pacing using Press Start CoMiXX.

01
Understand cinematic language and shot types
02
Create clear visual narratives through sequential art
03
Apply pacing and timing to visual sequences
04
Annotate boards with camera and action notes
Week 7: Visual Language
  • Shot types and camera angles
  • Rule of thirds and composition
  • Visual continuity principles
  • CoMiXX storyboard templates
Week 8: Sequence Building
  • Action sequence choreography
  • Dialogue scene staging
  • Transition and pacing
  • Animatic preparation

Unit Deliverable

30-Panel Storyboard Sequence + Timing Notes

+500 XP
Unit 5: Comic Creation
Weeks 9-11800 XP

Create professional comic pages using Press Start CoMiXX. Students master panel layout, visual storytelling, lettering, and sequential art techniques to produce print-ready comic pages.

01
Design dynamic panel layouts and page compositions
02
Apply professional lettering and balloon placement
03
Create visual effects and action lines
04
Produce print-ready comic pages
Week 9: Comic Fundamentals
  • Panel layout principles
  • Reading flow and eye direction
  • CoMiXX workspace setup
  • Asset library management
Week 10: Page Production
  • Character posing and expressions
  • Background integration
  • Speech bubbles and SFX
  • Color and mood
Week 11: Final Production
  • Page refinement and polish
  • Cover design
  • Export for print and digital
  • Portfolio presentation

Unit Deliverable

8-Page Comic Story + Cover Design

+800 XP
Unit 6: 2D Animation
Weeks 12-13600 XP

Master 2D animation principles using Cartoon Animator 5. Students learn character rigging, lip-sync, and motion techniques to create professional animated sequences.

01
Apply 12 principles of animation
02
Rig 2D characters for animation
03
Create lip-sync and facial animation
04
Produce polished animated sequences
Week 12: Animation Principles
  • 12 principles of animation
  • CA5 interface and timeline
  • Character rigging basics
  • Walk and run cycles
Week 13: Performance Animation
  • Facial animation and expressions
  • Auto lip-sync workflow
  • Scene composition
  • Export and rendering

Unit Deliverable

30-Second Animated Scene with Dialogue

+600 XP
Unit 7: 3D Animation & Facial Mocap
Weeks 14-16900 XP

Advanced 3D animation using iClone 8 with facial motion capture integration. Students learn professional mocap workflows, facial performance capture, and scene direction.

01
Navigate iClone 8 animation environment
02
Capture and refine facial performances
03
Apply motion capture data to characters
04
Direct and compose 3D scenes
Week 14: iClone Fundamentals
  • iClone 8 workspace navigation
  • Character import from CC4
  • Timeline and keyframe basics
  • Motion library application
Week 15: Facial Motion Capture
  • Faceware/LiveLink Face setup
  • Facial performance capture
  • Expression refinement
  • Lip-sync and audio sync
Week 16: Scene Production
  • Camera animation
  • Lighting for mood
  • Multi-character scenes
  • Final render and export

Unit Deliverable

60-Second 3D Animated Scene with Facial Mocap Performance

+900 XP
Unit 8: Motion Graphics
Weeks 17-18600 XP

Create professional motion graphics using After Effects and Cinema 4D. Students learn kinetic typography, logo animation, and broadcast-quality graphics production.

01
Design kinetic typography sequences
02
Animate logos and brand elements
03
Create 3D motion graphics in C4D
04
Composite 2D and 3D elements
Week 17: After Effects Core
  • AE workspace and composition
  • Keyframe animation principles
  • Text animation and presets
  • Shape layer animation
Week 18: 3D Integration
  • Cinema 4D Lite basics
  • 3D text and logo animation
  • AE + C4D pipeline
  • Render and delivery

Unit Deliverable

15-Second Motion Graphics Intro/Bumper

+600 XP
Unit 9: VFX & Compositing
Weeks 19-21800 XP

Learn visual effects creation using Houdini and After Effects. Students master particle systems, simulations, green screen compositing, and professional VFX workflows.

01
Create procedural particle effects in Houdini
02
Execute professional green screen composites
03
Apply tracking and match-moving
04
Integrate VFX with live action footage
Week 19: Houdini Foundations
  • Houdini node-based workflow
  • Procedural geometry basics
  • Particle systems introduction
  • Simple simulations
Week 20: Advanced Effects
  • Fire and smoke simulations
  • Destruction effects
  • Rendering in Houdini
  • Export for compositing
Week 21: Compositing
  • Green screen keying
  • Motion tracking
  • Color matching and grading
  • Final composite delivery

Unit Deliverable

VFX Shot with Simulation + Green Screen Composite

+800 XP
Unit 10: Video Production
Weeks 22-23500 XP

Master video editing and production workflows using CapCut and professional editing techniques. Students learn pacing, transitions, color grading, and delivery specifications.

01
Edit with professional pacing and rhythm
02
Apply color correction and grading
03
Create smooth transitions and effects
04
Export for multiple platforms
Week 22: Editing Fundamentals
  • CapCut/editing software interface
  • Assembly and rough cut
  • Pacing and rhythm
  • J and L cuts
Week 23: Post-Production
  • Color correction basics
  • LUTs and color grading
  • Title design and lower thirds
  • Export and delivery

Unit Deliverable

2-Minute Edited Video Project

+500 XP
Unit 11: Sound Design, VO & SFX
Weeks 24-26800 XP

Professional audio production including voice-over recording, sound effects creation, and AI voice synthesis. Students master Adobe Audition and ElevenLabs for complete audio production.

01
Record and edit professional voice-over
02
Create and layer sound effects
03
Use AI voice synthesis ethically
04
Mix and master audio for video
Week 24: Recording Fundamentals
  • Microphone technique and setup
  • Adobe Audition workspace
  • Recording best practices
  • Basic audio editing
Week 25: Sound Design
  • Foley and SFX creation
  • Layering and processing
  • Ambient soundscapes
  • Sound library management
Week 26: AI Voice & Mixing
  • ElevenLabs voice synthesis
  • AI voice ethics and disclosure
  • Mixing for video
  • Final audio delivery

Unit Deliverable

Complete Audio Mix for Animation + VO Demo Reel

+800 XP
Unit 12: Level & Environment Design
Weeks 27-28600 XP

Design immersive game environments using Unreal Engine 5. Students learn level design principles, environmental storytelling, and world-building techniques.

01
Apply level design theory and player flow
02
Build environments with Unreal Engine 5
03
Implement environmental storytelling
04
Optimize levels for performance
Week 27: UE5 Fundamentals
  • Unreal Engine 5 interface
  • BSP blocking and layout
  • Asset placement and props
  • Basic lighting
Week 28: Environment Polish
  • Material application
  • Landscape and foliage
  • Atmospheric effects
  • Level optimization

Unit Deliverable

Playable Game Environment Level

+600 XP
Unit 13: Game Design & UI
Weeks 29-30600 XP

Master game design fundamentals and user interface creation. Students learn game mechanics, player experience design, and professional UI/UX workflows in Unreal Engine.

01
Design engaging game mechanics
02
Create intuitive user interfaces
03
Apply UX principles to game design
04
Prototype and iterate on gameplay
Week 29: Game Design Theory
  • Core game mechanics
  • Player motivation and feedback loops
  • Game design documentation
  • Blueprints basics
Week 30: UI/UX Design
  • UMG widget basics
  • HUD and menu design
  • UI animation
  • Accessibility considerations

Unit Deliverable

Game Prototype with Complete UI System

+600 XP
Unit 14: Virtual Production
Weeks 31-32700 XP

Experience cutting-edge virtual production techniques using Unreal Engine 5. Students learn real-time filmmaking, virtual cinematography, and LED wall production concepts.

01
Understand virtual production pipeline
02
Create real-time virtual environments
03
Apply virtual cinematography techniques
04
Direct scenes in virtual environments
Week 31: VP Fundamentals
  • Virtual production overview
  • UE5 for film/TV
  • Virtual camera systems
  • Real-time lighting for film
Week 32: Production Execution
  • Scene direction in VP
  • Camera movement and composition
  • Real-time rendering
  • Final capture and output

Unit Deliverable

Virtual Production Scene Capture

+700 XP
Unit 15: AI Workflow Integration
Weeks 33-34600 XP

Master advanced AI integration across creative workflows. Students learn to ethically combine multiple AI tools to accelerate production while maintaining creative control and authenticity.

01
Build efficient AI-augmented pipelines
02
Evaluate AI outputs critically
03
Maintain ethical AI practices
04
Document AI usage transparently
Week 33: AI Pipeline Design
  • Multi-tool AI workflows
  • Claude for production planning
  • AI image generation in production
  • Quality control processes
Week 34: Ethics & Documentation
  • AI attribution standards
  • Copyright considerations
  • Disclosure best practices
  • Future of AI in creative fields

Unit Deliverable

AI-Augmented Production with Ethics Documentation

+600 XP
Unit 16: Capstone Project
Weeks 35-361000 XP

Synthesize all skills into a comprehensive portfolio piece. Students execute a complete production from concept through delivery, demonstrating mastery across all course disciplines.

01
Execute complete pre-production planning
02
Manage production timeline and resources
03
Apply skills from multiple disciplines
04
Present work professionally
Week 35: Pre-Production & Production
  • Project pitch and approval
  • Asset creation sprint
  • Animation and capture
  • Daily progress reviews
Week 36: Post & Presentation
  • Editing and compositing
  • Audio mix and polish
  • Portfolio presentation prep
  • Public showcase

Unit Deliverable

Complete Integrated Media Project + Portfolio Presentation

+1000 XP
05 // STUDENT PATHWAY

The L.E.A.P. Framework

A sustainable ecosystem where students grow from learners to industry professionals

L
LEARN
Student Phase
E
EARN
Creator Phase
A
ADVANCE
Mentor Phase
P
PROSPER
Professional Phase
LEARN — Student Phase
Grades 6-12Foundation

Students enter the ecosystem as learners, mastering industry-standard creative technology tools through our XP-based curriculum. This phase builds the foundational skills needed for both creative careers and entrepreneurship.

01
Master professional creative software (Reallusion, Adobe, Unreal Engine)
02
Build portfolio of original creative works
03
Develop professional workflows and project management skills
04
Learn ethical AI integration and responsible creation
Key Milestones
  • Complete 36-week curriculum earning up to 10,000 XP
  • Create capstone portfolio project
  • Earn industry-recognized skill badges
  • Participate in public showcases (GDC, school events)

Outcome

Students graduate with professional portfolios and industry-ready skills, prepared to monetize their talents

EARN — Creator Phase
During & AfterMonetization

Students begin earning real income from their creative skills while still in the program. Press Start provides multiple revenue streams and client opportunities, teaching entrepreneurship through practice.

01
Create sellable assets (characters, animations, comics)
02
Fulfill real client projects through Press Start network
03
License original content for passive income
04
Build personal brand and freelance presence
Monetization Pathways
  • Asset Sales: Sell characters, templates, and assets on Press Start marketplace
  • Client Work: Commissioned projects from Press Start partner network
  • Comic Publishing: Publish and sell original comics through CoMiXX platform
  • Content Licensing: License animations and artwork for ongoing royalties
  • Event Work: Paid opportunities at conventions and showcases

Outcome

Students earn real income, build professional client relationships, and develop entrepreneurial mindset

ADVANCE — Mentor Phase
Advanced & GradsLeadership

High-performing students and graduates transition into mentorship roles, teaching younger students while developing leadership and communication skills. This phase bridges learning and employment.

01
Mentor younger students in specific skill areas
02
Lead workshop sessions and study groups
03
Develop curriculum feedback and improvements
04
Build teaching and leadership portfolio
Mentor Pathways
  • Peer Mentor (Volunteer): Help classmates during class time, earn service hours
  • Junior Instructor (Stipend): Lead after-school workshops, paid position
  • Camp Counselor (Seasonal): Paid summer camp instructor positions
  • Content Creator (Contract): Create tutorial content for Press Start
  • QA Tester (Part-time): Test new curriculum and software tools

Outcome

Students develop leadership skills, earn income through teaching, and build pathway to employment

PROSPER — Professional Phase
Post-GraduationCareer Launch

Graduates who demonstrate excellence through the L.E.A.P. phases are recruited for employment at Press Start Gaming Inc. or placed with industry partners, completing the ecosystem cycle.

01
Full-time or part-time employment at Press Start
02
Placement with industry partner companies
03
Freelance network membership with ongoing opportunities
04
Entrepreneurship support for launching own ventures
Press Start Employment Tracks
  • Curriculum Developer: Create and refine educational content
  • Lead Instructor: Full-time teaching positions at partner schools
  • Production Artist: Create assets for Press Start projects and clients
  • Platform Developer: Work on CoMiXX and other Press Start tools
  • Community Manager: Manage student communities and events
Industry Partner Placement
  • Reallusion — Character and animation roles
  • Game studios — Entry-level artist and designer positions
  • Animation studios — Junior animator placements
  • Marketing agencies — Motion graphics and content creation
  • EdTech companies — Instructional design roles

Outcome

Graduates launch careers in creative technology, many returning to strengthen the ecosystem that launched them

Why This Model Works

For Schools
Industry-aligned ADE pathway with measurable outcomes and real career placements
For Families
Students earn while learning, building financial literacy and professional experience
For Students
Clear pathway from classroom to career with mentorship at every stage
For Industry
Pipeline of trained, portfolio-ready talent familiar with professional tools
06 // CULMINATING

Capstone: Integrated Media Production

Synthesize all skills into a professional portfolio piece

PHASE 01
Pre-Production
  • Concept and pitch
  • Script with AI
  • Character design
  • Storyboarding
PHASE 02
Production
  • Asset creation
  • Animation + mocap
  • Virtual production
  • Sound design + VO
PHASE 03
Post-Production
  • Editing
  • VFX + compositing
  • Audio mix
  • Public showcase
07 // RESOURCES

Teacher & Student Resources

📋
Teacher Guide
Comprehensive implementation guide
  • Daily lesson outlines
  • Assessment rubrics
  • Substitute plans
📖
Student Handbook
XP system and success strategies
  • XP tracking sheets
  • Project checklists
  • Portfolio templates
🤖
AI Prompt Library
Curated prompts by discipline
  • Character design
  • Script and dialogue
  • Voice synthesis
📁
Project Templates
Starter files for projects
  • CC4 presets
  • CoMiXX templates
  • UE5 starter levels
08 // OUTCOMES

Career Pathways

VISUAL ARTS
  • Character Artist
  • Concept Artist
  • Comic Artist
  • Storyboard Artist
ANIMATION & FILM
  • 2D/3D Animator
  • VFX Artist
  • Virtual Production Tech
  • Mocap Operator
AUDIO & INTERACTIVE
  • Sound Designer
  • Voice Over Artist
  • Game Designer
  • AI Prompt Engineer
09 // ALIGNMENT

Standards Compliance

CA ADE Standards
Arts, Media & Entertainment Sector
ISTE Standards
Digital Citizen, Innovative Designer
Common Core
ELA Writing & Speaking/Listening