About the Institution
Mission Statement
The The Post-Production Academy exists to provide working adults with rigorous, employment-focused vocational training in digital media production. Our programs are built around one standard: graduates should be able to walk into an industry interview, present a professional portfolio, and be hired.
We do not measure our success by enrollment or completion rates alone. We measure it by employment outcomes.
School History & Founding
The The Post-Production Academy was founded by digital media professionals who identified a persistent gap between the skills taught in media training programs and the skills required by employers in post-production, advertising, and digital content industries. The Institute was incorporated as a Utah limited liability company and is pursuing Utah Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) postsecondary school registration.
Contact Information
The Post-Production Academy LLC
Website: postproductionacademy.com
Email: info@thepostproductionacademy.com
Phone: +1 (310) 731-5077
Mailing: 2943 Parkway Blvd, Unit #238, West Valley City, UT 84119
Approval & Accreditation Status
The Post-Production Academy LLC is registered as a private postsecondary school with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) pursuant to Utah Code § 13-34. Registration #14283390-9983, effective May 13, 2026, expiring May 13, 2027.
The The Post-Production Academy is not accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. A student enrolled in an unaccredited institution is not eligible for federal financial aid.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The The Post-Production Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law in its admissions, programs, or employment practices.
Admissions
General Admissions Requirements
The The Post-Production Academy is an open-enrollment institution. No prior experience in digital media, design, or video production is required for admission to any certificate program.
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at time of enrollment.
- Applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, or demonstrate ability to benefit from the program.
- Applicants must have access to a computer meeting the minimum technology requirements listed below.
- Applicants must have a stable internet connection capable of supporting live video instruction.
Technology Requirements
- Computer: Mac or Windows PC manufactured within the last 5 years with at least 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended); 10 GB free storage minimum
- Operating System: macOS 12 or later, or Windows 10 or later
- Internet: Broadband connection, minimum 10 Mbps download / 5 Mbps upload
- Software: Adobe Creative Cloud (included in tuition); Zoom (free)
- Peripherals: Webcam and microphone for live class participation
Students whose equipment does not meet these requirements may be unable to complete program coursework. Technical support for student hardware is not provided by the Institute.
Application Process
- Enroll or submit an inquiry at postproductionacademy.com/contact
- Receive program information and enrollment agreement from the Institute
- Review and execute the Enrollment Agreement
- Submit tuition payment or approved payment plan
- Receive access to Adobe Creative Cloud and course orientation materials
Transfer Credits
The The Post-Production Academy does not accept transfer credits from other institutions. All program requirements must be completed at the Institute. Completion of a The Academy certificate program does not guarantee transferability of credits to any other institution. Students seeking to transfer credits to another institution should contact that institution directly prior to enrollment.
Programs of Study
The Institute offers three professional certificate programs, each 8 weeks in length. All programs are delivered entirely online via live Zoom instruction, meeting twice per week for group sessions. In Weeks 7–8, students also receive dedicated 1-on-1 mentorship sessions with their instructor for personalized portfolio feedback and career guidance. Adobe Creative Cloud software is included in tuition.
Video Editing Certificate
Program Description
The Video Editing Certificate prepares students for entry-level and freelance positions as video editors in post-production, advertising, content creation, and broadcast media. Students master Adobe Premiere Pro and professional editorial workflow, building a portfolio demo reel across narrative, commercial, and social media formats.
Career Outcomes
Graduates may pursue positions including: Video Editor, Assistant Editor, Content Editor, Social Media Video Producer, Post-Production Coordinator. SOC Code: 27-4032 (Film and Video Editors). National median annual wage: $70,980 (BLS, May 2024).
Curriculum
| Week | Topic | Project |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Professional workflow and assembly editing; Premiere Pro fundamentals, project setup, rough cuts, sequence building, story pacing | Sequence assembly exercise |
| Week 2 | Timeline mastery and multi-cam; advanced trimming, J/L cuts, nested sequences, multi-cam sync, interview workflows | Multi-cam interview edit |
| Week 3 | Audio editing and color correction; mixing, EQ, compression, Lumetri Color, scopes, primary/secondary grading, LUTs | Color-corrected scene with polished audio |
| Week 4 | Motion graphics and titles; Essential Graphics panel, Dynamic Link, After Effects integration, animated lower thirds | Branded interview package |
| Week 5 | Documentary, commercial, and social formats; B-roll structure, non-fiction pacing, :30/:60 spots, vertical/square formats | Commercial spot + social media package |
| Week 6 | Advanced techniques, AI tools, and delivery; speed ramps, time remapping, AI transcription/editing, export settings, client workflow | Documentary edit with AI-assisted workflow |
| Week 7 | Portfolio sprint + 1-on-1 mentorship; capstone project development, peer review, career prep. Two individual 30-min mentorship sessions. | Capstone project draft |
| Week 8 | Demo reel and portfolio review + 1-on-1 mentorship; reel assembly, portfolio polish, presentation. Two individual 30-min mentorship sessions. | Final Demo Reel Portfolio |
Completion Requirements
Students must attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled group sessions, complete all 1-on-1 mentorship sessions, and submit all portfolio projects to receive the Video Editing Certificate of Completion.
Graphic Design Certificate
Program Description
The Graphic Design Certificate prepares students for entry-level and freelance positions as graphic designers in agencies, in-house marketing departments, and as independent contractors. Students master Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, building a portfolio spanning brand identity, digital advertising, and content design.
Career Outcomes
Graduates may pursue positions including: Graphic Designer, Junior Designer, Brand Designer, Social Media Designer, Marketing Designer, Digital Content Creator. SOC Code: 27-1024 (Graphic Designers). National median annual wage: $59,960 (BLS, May 2024).
Curriculum
| Week | Topic | Project |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Design foundations and Photoshop; design principles, layers, selections, masks, retouching, non-destructive workflow | Photo retouching exercise |
| Week 2 | Advanced Photoshop and typography; compositing, blend modes, smart objects, type hierarchy, font pairing, grid systems | Photo composite + typography specimen |
| Week 3 | Illustrator and vector design; pen tool, shapes, pathfinder, logo construction, vector vs. raster, icon design | Complete logo mark with variations |
| Week 4 | Brand identity and color theory; brand guidelines, logo variations, color psychology, CMYK vs. RGB, accessible design | Mini brand guidelines PDF |
| Week 5 | Digital and print design; social media graphics, digital ads, platform specs, print layout, bleeds, production-ready files | Digital ad campaign + print piece |
| Week 6 | AI in design and marketing collateral; AI image generation, Firefly in Photoshop, email templates, campaign design | AI-enhanced marketing campaign |
| Week 7 | Portfolio sprint + 1-on-1 mentorship; portfolio curation, case study writing, peer review. Two individual 30-min mentorship sessions. | Portfolio case studies |
| Week 8 | Brand system capstone + 1-on-1 mentorship; final brand system, portfolio presentation, career prep. Two individual 30-min mentorship sessions. | Final Design Portfolio |
Completion Requirements
Students must attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled group sessions, complete all 1-on-1 mentorship sessions, and submit all portfolio projects to receive the Graphic Design Certificate of Completion.
Animation & VFX Certificate
Program Description
The Animation & VFX Certificate prepares students for entry-level and freelance positions as motion designers and visual effects artists in broadcast, streaming, advertising, and digital media. Students master Adobe After Effects and professional compositing workflow, building a demo reel demonstrating motion graphics, visual effects, and animation range.
Career Outcomes
Graduates may pursue positions including: Motion Graphics Designer, Junior VFX Artist, Motion Designer, Broadcast Designer, Animation Artist. SOC Code: 27-1014 (Special Effects Artists and Animators). National median annual wage: $99,060 (BLS, May 2024).
Curriculum
| Week | Topic | Project |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | After Effects fundamentals and animation principles; compositions, keyframes, Graph Editor, easing, anticipation, timing | Animated graphic element |
| Week 2 | Motion graphics and typography in motion; shape layers, kinetic type, text animators, logo reveals, lower thirds | Kinetic type piece + logo animation |
| Week 3 | VFX fundamentals: masks, tracking, and keying; mask paths, track mattes, point/planar tracking, green screen, Keylight | Green screen composite |
| Week 4 | Compositing and 3D space; color matching, light wrap, integration, 3D layers, cameras, lights, depth of field | VFX composite + 3D motion piece |
| Week 5 | Character animation and advanced motion; Puppet tool, DUIK rigging, expressions, looping animations, animated infographics | Character animation + explainer segment |
| Week 6 | AI motion tools and advanced finishing; AI-assisted generation, Runway, Firefly video, multi-pass compositing, render settings | AI-enhanced effects sequence |
| Week 7 | Portfolio sprint + 1-on-1 mentorship; capstone piece development, peer review, career prep. Two individual 30-min mentorship sessions. | Capstone project draft |
| Week 8 | Demo reel and portfolio review + 1-on-1 mentorship; reel assembly, breakdown document, portfolio polish. Two individual 30-min mentorship sessions. | Final Demo Reel Portfolio |
Completion Requirements
Students must attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled group sessions, complete all 1-on-1 mentorship sessions, and submit all portfolio projects to receive the Animation & VFX Certificate of Completion.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition Schedule
| Program | Duration | Clock Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video Editing Certificate | 8 weeks | ~96 hours | TBD |
| Graphic Design Certificate | 8 weeks | ~96 hours | TBD |
| Animation & VFX Certificate | 8 weeks | ~96 hours | TBD |
What Is Included in Tuition
- Adobe Creative Cloud subscription — valid for the duration of the program (retail value approximately $600/year)
- All live group instruction sessions (16 per program) plus 4 individual 1-on-1 mentorship sessions in Weeks 7–8
- All course materials and project briefs
- Instructor feedback on all portfolio projects
- Certificate of Completion upon successful graduation
- Access to recording of each session for 30 days post-session
Other Estimated Costs
- Computer and internet access: Not included in tuition; estimated $0–$1,500 if equipment must be purchased or upgraded
- Optional software add-ons: None required; all required software is included in tuition
Payment
Full tuition is due prior to the first session unless a payment plan has been arranged in writing. The Institute may offer installment payment plans at its discretion. Payment plan terms will be specified in the Enrollment Agreement.
Financial Aid
The The Post-Production Academy does not participate in federal financial aid programs (Title IV). Students are not eligible for Pell Grants or federal student loans through the Institute. Some students may be eligible for funding through state workforce programs, America's Job Centers (WIOA Individual Training Accounts), nonprofit workforce partners, or employer tuition assistance. Contact our workforce partners page for more information.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Student's Right to Cancel
You have the right to cancel your enrollment agreement and obtain a refund of charges paid through attendance at the first class session, or the seventh day after enrollment, whichever is later.
To cancel, submit a written notice to the Institute by email at info@thepostproductionacademy.com. Cancellation is effective on the date the written notice is sent.
Refund Policy
If a student withdraws from a program after the cancellation period described above, the Institute will refund the unearned portion of tuition based on the following pro-rata schedule:
| Withdrawal Timing | Refund Amount |
|---|---|
| Before first session / within 7 days of enrollment (whichever is later) | 100% of tuition paid |
| After session 1, before session 3 | Pro-rata based on sessions remaining |
| After 60% of program completed | No refund |
The pro-rata refund is calculated based on the percentage of the program completed at the time of withdrawal. For example, a student who withdraws after completing 3 of 8 weeks (37.5%) would be entitled to a refund of 62.5% of the total tuition.
If the school cancels a class or program, enrolled students will receive a full refund of all tuition paid.
Refund Processing
Refunds will be paid within 30 days of the date the school receives written notice of cancellation or withdrawal, or within 30 days of the date the school terminates the student's enrollment.
Academic Policies
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance is essential to program success. Students are expected to attend all scheduled live sessions, including both group sessions and individual 1-on-1 mentorship sessions. Students who miss more than 20% of scheduled sessions may not be eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion.
Students who anticipate an absence should notify their instructor in advance. Session recordings are available for 30 days to help students review missed material, but recordings do not substitute for live attendance toward the attendance requirement.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to remain in good standing. SAP is evaluated at the midpoint and end of each program based on:
- Attendance: Minimum 80% of scheduled sessions attended
- Project Submissions: All assigned portfolio projects submitted
- Engagement: Active participation in class critiques and feedback sessions
Students not meeting SAP standards will receive a written warning and academic improvement plan. Students who do not meet SAP requirements by the end of the program will not receive a Certificate of Completion. Students may petition for an exception due to documented extenuating circumstances.
Grading & Evaluation
Programs use a portfolio-based evaluation model. There are no traditional letter grades. Student work is evaluated on a completion and quality basis through instructor critique. Feedback is provided on all portfolio projects throughout the program. A final portfolio review occurs in the last session of each program.
Certificate of Completion
Students who successfully meet attendance and project submission requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion from The Post-Production Academy. The certificate is not equivalent to an associate's or bachelor's degree. The Institute does not award academic credit, degrees, or diplomas.
Leave of Absence
Students requiring a leave of absence due to documented medical, family, or emergency circumstances should contact the Institute in writing as soon as possible. Leaves of absence may be granted at the Institute's discretion. Tuition paid for sessions missed during an approved leave will be credited toward a future cohort enrollment, subject to availability.
Academic Calendar
Programs are offered in cohort format on a rolling schedule. Specific start dates, session times, and cohort sizes are communicated to enrolled students prior to the start of each program. The Institute observes major federal holidays and will reschedule any sessions that fall on observed holidays.
Student Services
Career Guidance
The Institute provides post-graduation career support resources to all graduates, including:
- Guidance on resume and portfolio presentation for digital media roles
- Review of student job search materials upon request
- Information on job boards, networking resources, and industry associations relevant to each program
- Access to alumni resources as the Institute develops its graduate community
The The Post-Production Academy does not guarantee employment or a specific starting salary to any student or graduate. Career guidance and job search resources are provided as a student benefit, not as a placement guarantee. The Institute does not have a formal job placement service and does not maintain employer relationships guaranteeing employment.
Portfolio Development
Portfolio development is integrated into every program. Students are guided through the creation of 8–11 portfolio pieces throughout the 8-week curriculum, with dedicated 1-on-1 mentorship in the final two weeks to refine and polish their work. Portfolio projects are completed using professional-grade software and are designed to be representative of industry work quality.
Technical Support
The Institute provides support for accessing course software (Adobe Creative Cloud) and Zoom sessions. Technical support for student hardware, personal devices, or internet connections is not within the scope of Institute services.
Accessibility
The Institute is committed to providing equal access to all students. Students with disabilities who require accommodations should contact the Institute prior to enrollment to discuss available accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with applicable law.
Grievance Procedure
Student Complaint Process
Students who have a concern or complaint regarding any aspect of their educational experience should follow the steps below:
- Informal Resolution: The student should first attempt to resolve the concern directly with the relevant instructor or Institute staff by email.
- Formal Written Complaint: If the concern is not resolved informally, the student may submit a formal written complaint to the Institute's administrative contact at info@thepostproductionacademy.com. The complaint should describe the issue in detail and the resolution sought.
- Institute Response: The Institute will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 5 business days and provide a written response within 30 calendar days.
Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection:
Utah Division of Consumer Protection
Heber M. Wells Building, 2nd Floor
160 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Mailing: P.O. Box 146704, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6704
Phone: (801) 530-6601
consumerprotection.utah.gov
A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection by calling (801) 530-6601 or by submitting a complaint through the Division's website at consumerprotection.utah.gov.
Faculty
All The Post-Production Academy instructors are working professionals with demonstrated experience in their respective fields. Faculty qualifications are evaluated based on professional experience, portfolio, and demonstrated instructional ability.
Instructor credentials, including professional background and years of experience, are available to prospective and enrolled students upon request. Contact info@thepostproductionacademy.com to request faculty qualification documentation.
Faculty Qualifications — Minimum Standards
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the subject area of instruction
- Demonstrated professional portfolio or verifiable professional credits
- Proficiency in all software applications taught in the assigned program
Required Disclosures
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.
You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.
It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 225, Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.
To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or are enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or had paid on your behalf the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
- The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
- You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120 day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120 day period before the program was discontinued.
- You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
- The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
- The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federally guaranteed student loan program as required by law, or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
- You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
- You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.
To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.
A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would otherwise have been discharged had it, and the student's loan default, occurred during the period described in subdivision (e)(1) of Section 94923. However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.
BPPE Approval Status
"Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at 1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 225, Sacramento, CA 95834, www.bppe.ca.gov, toll-free telephone number (888) 370-7589 or by fax (916) 263-1897."
Unaccredited Institution
The The Post-Production Academy is not accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. An unaccredited institution is not eligible to offer federal financial aid to students. The lack of accreditation does not diminish the quality of instruction but means that credits earned at this institution may not transfer to accredited colleges or universities.
Catalog Validity
This catalog is effective for the 2025–2026 academic year. The The Post-Production Academy reserves the right to change or modify policies, programs, tuition, and fees contained in this catalog. Students will be notified of material changes in writing prior to their effective date. The most current version of this catalog is maintained at postproductionacademy.com/catalog.
© 2026 The Post-Production Academy LLC. All rights reserved. This catalog was published in 2025 and is subject to change without prior notice except as required by applicable law. The Institute reserves the right to amend this catalog at any time. Students will be notified of any material changes prior to their effective date.