Course Description
This semester course is an introduction to filmmaking using digital video technology. Industry-standard editing software Final Cut Pro will be used to import and edit footage, create transitions, and import sound. Storytelling, screenwriting, storyboard development, and video production techniques and logistics will also be emphasized in preparation for assigned projects. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to plan, develop, and produce a variety of filmmaking styles by combining moving images, audio, photographs, and motion graphics.
Course Outcomes
Students will be expected to • Analyze and justify various films and the impacts they have had on society and culture in the 20th century • Write and produce an original short screenplay based on their own fictional characters • Identify and implement successful camera shots based on a screenplay and storyboards • Create a film in Final Cut Pro software by combining moving images, audio, photographs, and motion graphics.
Course Content
Unit One: Overview
• Past, present, and future of motion pictures
• Motion pictures as an art form
• Relevance to society and culture
• The impacts of technology on filmmaking
Unit Two: Storytelling
• Character development, plot, and setting
• Motion picture terminology
• Screenwriting
• Storyboarding
Unit Three: Production
• Responsibilities on a film set
• Scheduling and logistics
• Camera positions, shots, and movement
• Lighting techniques and aesthetics
Unit Four: Editing
• Editing with Final Cut Pro software
• Capturing video and sound
• Transitions and color correction
• Working with still images, text, and graphics
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SEMESTER 2
WEEKS 1 and 2
Jan. 30 - Feb. 10, 2012
Objectives: Students will write and create a 3 to 5 minute character story. Procedures: Step 1 - You will be developing a story and character for your first movie. The key to writing your own mini mythic story is to think of a time in your life when you had conflict, or went through a big change, or got into trouble, or you had to face something challenging, or life threw you a curve ball. I am sure you have more than one of these incidents. Make of list of them. E-mail me your list of incidents (at least 5). Step 2 - Pick the most compelling incidents for you that include a message you can relate to your topic. You will need to have passion and emotion behind it. Also choose a "Platform Tilter" that feels complete for you, otherwise you will not have an ending to your story yet. In other words, do not talk about your struggle to quit smoking if you are still struggling with it. Once you have a story in mind use the Five-Part Structure to write it out (at least 500 words). Submit this to me via e-mail. Step 3 - This information below is very important to your writing, even if it never shows up in your screenplay. These questions will provide you with a solid foundation of your characters background and back-story, so that you will know how they will respond to others and the world around them. E-mail me a brief biography of your character by answering these questions in essay form (at least 500 words) and submit via e-mail. What year were they born and where? What makes them laugh? Cry? What makes them sad? Angry? How do they make a living? What is their relationship with their parents? What is their hobby or favorite past time? Do they have an addiction to something? What is their political stance? What is their marital status? What is their religious affiliation? What is the most exciting thing that ever happened to them? Most traumatic? Materials: USB flash drive, sketchbook, folder for handouts. Assessment: Each section is worth five points for a total of twenty. Criteria 1: (Procedures) Followed directions for the project accurately. Criteria 2: (Effort) Took the necessary time to develop and complete the project without rushing to get it done. Criteria 3: (Craftsmanship) Demonstrated skillful use of writing, spelling, grammar, and story development. Criteria 4: (Neatness) The work is neat, clean, and complete. References: "Why You Must Be a Story Expert: The Importance of Telling Compelling Stories" by Carla Rieger, http://www.imdb.com/glossary, "Garden State" (2004, written and directed by Zach Braff).
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