Syllabus CM221a Digital Filmmaking 1
Class Description
This class is designed to introduce students to the processes of narrative film making. Students will undertake several creative projects this semester and will complete assignments and reviews based on professional examples presented in lectures.
We will study all aspects of production from conceptualization and scripting, through post-production and distribution. Assignments will emphasize creativity, visualization, research and production organization.
The ability to clearly pitch your ideas is a central focus and students will use a personal web blog as a method of communicating their work in class and to collaborators.
Course Objectives
On a practical level, we will learn: manipulation of the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter, and ISO), frame rates/codecs/formats, using different lenses and lenticular theory, advanced “in-camera” special effects and shooting for simple effects in post, intermediate and advanced color correction techniques, how to use jibs/cranes/tracking dollies/shoulder rigs, pulling focus and marking for talent as well as how to work with talent, how to use mics/audio recorders/boom poles, how to shoot using clapperboards with NO source audio and syncing in post, advanced interior and exterior lighting techniques, as well as everything in between. Lastly, you will learn to work in creative teams to execute ideas and you will get a lot of feedback on your shooting (both individually and in the team work).
Class topics:
1. Visual Storytelling
2. Cinema Tech
3. Finding the Story
4. The Art of the Storyboard
5. PreProduction
6. Production
7. Acting
8. Lighting
9. Editing
10. Color Grading
11. Exhibition
12. The Biz
Weeks 13 and 14 are work and critique weeks
Required Attendance - Spring 2016 MAX is April 28 4pm the Martire Building
Projects
There will be 3 large scale projects as well as several small shooting and editing exercises. All will be detailed in class.
Grading
Blog 15%
Participation 15%
Shooting assignments 45%
Final film 25%
Grade Breakdown
A- Student understands the needs that direct the assignment and delivers a flawless product without delay or ahead of schedule. The overall quality of the work is excellent in planning, execution and delivery. Professional Quality
B- The student has delivered a competent product that has a few minor flaws or areas that could use improvement. The student completes the work according to the parameters of the assignment and generally understands the work flow and expectations of the client/project. Above Average Quality
C- Work is submitted that fulfills the letter of the assignment without necessarily expanding upon the spirit of the project. Project has many areas that need improvement including a better understanding of the expectations of this type of production and improved workflow or technique. Average Quality.
D- This level of grade is reserved for projects that are received late, contain serious errors or omissions or are generally just above the threshold of minimal acceptability. Below Average Quality.
F- Project has not been delivered or is seriously flawed. Project may lack attention to details, has many careless errors or omissions and is generally unacceptable to instructor or client.
The penalty for academic dishonesty is failure of the course.
This class is designed to introduce students to the processes of narrative film making. Students will undertake several creative projects this semester and will complete assignments and reviews based on professional examples presented in lectures.
We will study all aspects of production from conceptualization and scripting, through post-production and distribution. Assignments will emphasize creativity, visualization, research and production organization.
The ability to clearly pitch your ideas is a central focus and students will use a personal web blog as a method of communicating their work in class and to collaborators.
Course Objectives
On a practical level, we will learn: manipulation of the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter, and ISO), frame rates/codecs/formats, using different lenses and lenticular theory, advanced “in-camera” special effects and shooting for simple effects in post, intermediate and advanced color correction techniques, how to use jibs/cranes/tracking dollies/shoulder rigs, pulling focus and marking for talent as well as how to work with talent, how to use mics/audio recorders/boom poles, how to shoot using clapperboards with NO source audio and syncing in post, advanced interior and exterior lighting techniques, as well as everything in between. Lastly, you will learn to work in creative teams to execute ideas and you will get a lot of feedback on your shooting (both individually and in the team work).
Class topics:
1. Visual Storytelling
2. Cinema Tech
3. Finding the Story
4. The Art of the Storyboard
5. PreProduction
6. Production
7. Acting
8. Lighting
9. Editing
10. Color Grading
11. Exhibition
12. The Biz
Weeks 13 and 14 are work and critique weeks
Required Attendance - Spring 2016 MAX is April 28 4pm the Martire Building
Projects
There will be 3 large scale projects as well as several small shooting and editing exercises. All will be detailed in class.
Grading
Blog 15%
Participation 15%
Shooting assignments 45%
Final film 25%
Grade Breakdown
A- Student understands the needs that direct the assignment and delivers a flawless product without delay or ahead of schedule. The overall quality of the work is excellent in planning, execution and delivery. Professional Quality
B- The student has delivered a competent product that has a few minor flaws or areas that could use improvement. The student completes the work according to the parameters of the assignment and generally understands the work flow and expectations of the client/project. Above Average Quality
C- Work is submitted that fulfills the letter of the assignment without necessarily expanding upon the spirit of the project. Project has many areas that need improvement including a better understanding of the expectations of this type of production and improved workflow or technique. Average Quality.
D- This level of grade is reserved for projects that are received late, contain serious errors or omissions or are generally just above the threshold of minimal acceptability. Below Average Quality.
F- Project has not been delivered or is seriously flawed. Project may lack attention to details, has many careless errors or omissions and is generally unacceptable to instructor or client.
The penalty for academic dishonesty is failure of the course.