An introductory course that offers essential skills in writing a professional nonfiction script. Attention to research methods supporting content development, interviewing technique, story structure, script format, and cinematic grammar are emphasized. Historical nonfiction films and their influence on current work will also be explored.
Advanced work for filmmakers in sound recording, editing, design and mixing for motion pictures. Demonstrations of professional film location sound equipment, digital sound editing workstations, and film sound mixing studios. Film screenings and field trips to complement class lectures, discussions, exercises, demonstrations, group and individual work projects.
An overview of sound recording and design with a focus on hands-on, practical approaches. Sound recording techniques using a variety of microphones and audio recorders; sound editing and design using digital audio workstations to manipulate sync sound, dialogue, sound effects, music, and for sound mixing. Film screenings, lectures, demonstrations, and field trips.
Explore non-narrative filmmaking techniques stressing personal expression through individual production of short films in a historical context. Projects include utilization of a range of different experimental techniques and will reference films screened and discussed in class.
Introduction to digital film editing and post-production techniques using current industry standard, non-linear editing systems within the cinematic discipline. Editing skills are learned in the context of examining film form, style and aesthetics.
Development of the art and practice of cinematography and lighting in the execution of short, single-camera styled projects. Assignments focus on lens choice, motivated camera movement, color temperature & correction, 16mm and digital video camera operation, and lighting design. Students learn to work together as a crew as defined by industry standards.
Develops students' awareness of professions in the field in production, distribution and exhibition and various strategies for achieving success. Puts students face-to-face with commercial and independent filmmakers, editors, public television producers, and exhibition professionals. Students gain both a historical overview of festival exhibition and practical work experience in programming a film festival. Course culminates in City Shorts, the annual spring student film showcase.
This course covers all aspects of planning the production of film projects. The skills to estimate, calculate, negotiate and evaluate all costs, legal concerns, insurance issues, permits and pitfalls of film production will be explored. Project budgets and organization for shorts, music videos, commercials, documentaries and narrative feature films are examined.
This course provides students with intensive practice in narrative technique and aesthetics known as the classical continuity system. Emphasis is placed on pre-visualizing, filming and editing scenes which employ continuity, create dramatic effects and encourage audience identification. The history and practice of narrative technique is explored via shooting and editing exercises which culminate in the execution of a final film project.
The course offers instruction in basic film production, including fundamentals of digital and analog camera operation, basic editing principles, and an overview of lighting and sound. In-class equipment and crew workshops, assigned technical and creative exercises, individual off-campus film and video projects, in-class screening and critique of student work. Each student completes at least two individual projects.