Basic Film S16

Transcription

Basic Film S16

BASIC FILMMAKING
“When people talk to
me about the digital
divide, I think of it
not being so much
about who has
access to what
technology, as about
who knows how to
create and express
themselves in the
new language of the
screen. If students
aren't taught the
language of sound
and images,
shouldn't they be
considered as
illiterate as if they
left college without
being able to read
and write?”
-George Lucas,
filmmaker
Basic Filmmaking FILM 201-01/TTH
Course
Location:
Time:
Instructor:
Phone:
E-mail:
Office Hours:
Requirements
Seabury Hall S205
Tues. & Thurs., 1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Jeff Bemiss
310-463-5023 (cell)
[email protected]
Tues. & Thurs., 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. in
S205, or by appointment in the Film
Studies Office, 133 Allen Place
Overview
A hands-on introduction to filmmaking from the
perspectives of the director and editor. By designing and
executing a series of short, creative production projects,
students will explore how moving image techniques are
used to structure meaning. Topics include composition,
videography, sound, continuity editing, montage, and
dramatic structure. Cameras and software are provided,
and significant collaborative work is required.
Objectives
You will learn the fundamentals of visual/cinematic
story telling. This includes the basics of Pre-Production
(narrative theory, scripting, copyright), Production (camera,
sound) and Post-Production (picture editing, sound design,
color grading). You will also learn to talk about media in
the native language of the art. Even if you do not pursue a
career in media, this course will make you a more active
and critical consumer of filmed entertainment in the future.
page 1
There is no assigned textbook, but handouts and
videos will be provided to support your learning.
You are required to purchase one 32GB or larger SD
memory card (available online for $15 - $20) and a 500GB
or larger portable hard drive for editing (prices range from
$50 to $150, depending on size).
You must have internet access and will be provided
access to computers for digital editing.
Method of Instruction
Class time will include lectures, demonstrations, and
participatory labs. We will screen and discuss short films as
time permits. Outside of class, you will shoot and edit short
video projects, which will be screened and discussed in
class. The course will also include reading assignments,
editing skill exams and reading quizzes.
Assessment & Grading
You must attend class. There is no substitute for the
classroom experience. If you have unexcused absences,
your attendance grade (which is 15% of your final grade)
will suffer. If an emergency demands your absence, it may
be excused at the discretion of the instructor. However, you
are responsible for the missed material and assignments.
The largest part of your project grade will be
determined by the quality of your effort. You are expected
to complete your projects on time and follow all safety
protocols.
Basic Filmmaking/FILM 201-01/BEMISS
Grading will be weighted as follows:
Lined Script and Breakdown
2.5 points
Reading Quiz 1
2.5 points
Reading Quiz 2
2.5 points
Reading Quiz 3
2.5 points
Reading Quiz 4
2.5 points
Reading Quiz 5
2.5 points
FCPX Skill Test
8.0 points
Attendance/Participation
15.0 points
Pitch and Worksheet
2.5 points
Short Narrative Script
5.0 points
Doc Worksheets & Outline
7.5 points
Team Cast/Crew & Return Gear 4.0 points
Project 1 Video
13.0 points
Project 2 Video
15.0 points
Project 3 Video
15.0 points
Total
100 points
As a rule of thumb, an "A" student has perfect
attendance, participates in class, completes all homework
and projects on time, screens work that demonstrates both
effort and an understanding of the material taught in class,
and scores an "A" on all reading quizzes and skill exams.
"B" students do the same, except in a few, isolated
instances.
"C" students complete at least one project on time (the
others not more than a week late), may have missed classes,
screen work that feels rushed or poorly thought out, and
score a "C" on reading quizzes and skill exams.
"D" and "F" students perform with the above
shortcomings, to a worsened degree.
GRADING SCALE
99-100
A+
93-98
A
90-92
A88-89
B+
83-87
B
80-82
B78-79
C+
73-77
C
70-72
C68-69
D+
63-67
D
60-62
D0-59
F
Academic Expectations
Safety. Safety protocols for shooting will be discussed
in class and must be observed at all times. If I see footage
shot in an unsafe or illegal manner, you FAIL THE
COURSE. No warnings or second chances are given.
page 2
Projects, Quizzes, Assignments. You are
expected to complete and screen your projects on time, and
to respect the time of your fellow students when serving as
their cast and crew. Quizzes cover assigned readings and
lectures. Skill exams involve editorial techniques taught in
class. No make-up or early quizzes or skill exams will be
given. Emergencies may be accommodated, but only when
I am notified in advance. In such cases, it's your
responsibility to contact me to make special arrangements.
Attendance. Attendance will be taken, and
punctuality counts. If you miss a class, you are responsible
for the material covered, which means you must get notes
from someone. Keep in mind that a substantial amount of
information will be given via labs, lectures and handouts.
You are expected to demonstrate knowledge of this
material in your projects and may be quizzed on it as well.
Participation. This means showing up on time,
completing reading assignments before class, engaging in
labs and classroom discussions, and giving your full
attention from start to finish.
Office Hours. I am available for questions on
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. in the
Film Studies Office (133 Allen Place) and by appointment. I
am also available by phone or video chat with prior
arrangement, and always by email. Don't be shy about
reaching out to me with questions and comments. Chances
are, others have the same questions and concerns you do.
Stay In Touch. We will use email and text to
communicate with each other between classes. You are
responsible for being reachable and responsive. In the event
of severe weather, please check the college website or your
college e-mail to learn if you should come to class.
Tips for Success. I want you to succeed in this
course. Here are some suggestions:
• Attend every class.
• Participate in labs and discussions.
• Take good notes during class and review them
shortly thereafter.
• Put effort into planning your projects and budgeting
your time.
• Communicate with me early and often regarding
any questions or concerns.
Honesty. You are expected to be honest in all of your
academic work. You are responsible for understanding and
following college policy on academic integrity. If you are
unsure what constitutes cheating, please don't be afraid to
ask me.
Special Needs. As the father of a special needs
child, I will do all I can to help anyone with special needs.
Please let me know in person or in private what
arrangements you might need.
Schedule of Topics
Introduction
Mar. 15-17NO CLASS (Spring Break)
Jan. 26
Mar. 22
(class #01)
Jan. 28
(class #02)
Introductions
Syllabus/FAQ/Safety
Lecture: Copyright
Assignment: Get Portable Hard Drive, SD Card
Reading Quiz 1: Syllabus & Copyright
Lab: Shoot a Scene Together in Class
Assignment: Read "Filmmaking Tips"
Project 1: Match a Scene
Feb. 02 (class #03)
Reading Quiz 2: Filmmaking Tips
Issue Equipment
Demonstration: Camera & Sound
Assignment: Lined Script/Breakdown for Project 1
Assignment: Shoot Project 1 (Match Scene)
Feb. 04 (class #04)
DUE: Lined Script/Breakdown for Project 1
Lecture: Basic Cinema Concepts
Assignment: Download Practice Footage
Feb. 09 (class #05)
DUE: 100% of Project 1 Raw Footage
DUE: Bring Portable Hard Drive to Class
Demonstration: Introduction to FCPX
Assignment: Study FCPX Skill Tutorials I
Feb. 11 (class #06)
Feb. 16 (class #07)
Feb. 18 (class #08)
Feb. 23 Reading Quiz 3: Introduction to FCPX
Demonstration: FCPX Techniques
Edit Lab: Project 1
Assignment: Study FCPX Skill Tutorials II
Feb. 25 (class #09)
Edit Lab and Table Screenings: Project 1
Assignment: Study FCPX Skill Tutorials III
Exam: FCPX Skills 1
NO CLASS (Trinity Days)
DUE: Finished Project 1 (by end of class)
Screen Project 1
Mar. 1
(class #10)
Screenings: Project 1
Assignment: Narrative Structure Reading
Project 2: Scripted Short Film
Mar. 03
(class #11)
Reading Quiz 4: Narrative Structure
Lecture: Narrative Structure - Part 1
Mar. 08
(class #12)
Lecture: Narrative Structure - Part 2
Assignment: Complete Pitch Worksheet
Assignment: Create Project 2 Pitch (Scripted Short)
Mar. 10
(class #13)
DUE: Completed Pitch Worksheet for Project 2
DUE: Pitch Project 2 in Class with Feedback
Lecture: Script Outline and Format
Pitch Project 2 with Feedback - Part 1
Assignment: Write Project 2 Screenplay
page 3
(class #14)
Pitch Project 2 with Feedback - Part 2
Assignment: Continue Writing Project 2 Screenplay
Mar. 24
(class #15)
DUE: Project 2 Screenplay
Producing Lecture/Lab
Assignment: Shoot Project 2 (Original Narrative)
Mar. 29
(class #16)
Due: Raw Footage, 50% (Project 2)
Edit Lab: Begin Editing Project 2
Assignment: Continue Shooting Project 2
Assignment: Continue Editing Project 2
Mar. 31
(class #17)
Lecture: Origins of Cinema I
Apr. 05
(class #18)
Due: Raw Footage, 100% (Project 2)
Lecture: Origins of Cinema II
Apr. 07
(class #19)
Edit Lab: Finish Editing Project 2
DUE: Finished Project 2 (by end of class)
Project 3: Documentary
Apr. 12 Documentary Lecture
(class #20)
Mid-Term Grade Feedback
Assignment: Complete Documentary Worksheets
Assignment: Create Documentary Outline
Screen Project 2
Apr. 14
(class #21)
DUE: Completed Documentary Worksheets
DUE: Documentary Outline
Assignment: Begin Shooting Project 3 (Documentary)
Apr. 19
(class #22)
Apr. 21
(class #23)
Apr. 26
(class #24)
DUE: Raw, Unedited Footage, 25% (Project 3)
Lecture/Demo: Shooting a Documentary I
Assignment: Begin Editing Project 3
Apr. 28
(class #25)
Lecture/Demo: Editing a Documentary
May 03
(class #26)
Edit Lab (Project 3)
Due: Finished Project 3 (by end of class)
Edit Lab and Progress Check (Project 3)
Screen Project 3
May 13
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
(final exam period)
Screenings: Project 3 (mandatory attendance)
DUE: All Borrowed Equipment
Safety Guidelines
for filming your projects
Your Responsibility
When shooting, your safety and the safety of others is up to YOU.
If I see anything shot in an unsafe or illegal manner, you FAIL THE COURSE. No warning, no second chance.
Use your common sense. Wondering how to get a shot safely? ASK ME!
Specific Instructor Permission is Required for:
Weapons
Whether real or fake.
Fire or Explosives
No matter how small.
Animals
Even your own family dog.
Stunts
Of any kind.
Cars and Vehicles
Filming while in motion.
Trains and Railroad Tracks
Or anywhere near them.
Illegal or Compromising Activities
Actors
NEVER let actors perform illegal or compromising activities.
NEVER push an actor to do anything they refuse to do.
Substances
ALWAYS use legal look-alikes for illegal substances.
Vehicles
NEVER disobey motor vehicle laws.
Electricity
Overloads
ALWAYS spread electrical load among outlets.
ALWAYS locate circuit breakers & fuse boxes.
Electrocution
NEVER use plug-in lights near water or in rain.
NEVER run electrical cable near water or in rain.
NEVER turn on a light that has a short or bad wiring
Fire
NEVER plug lights into bad wiring.
NEVER walk away from hot lights.
ONLY set lights down when cool.
page 4
Course Workload
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
QUESTION:
I’m looking for the perfect blow-off class. Should I choose Filmmaking?
ANSWER:
No way! Movies are way harder to make than to watch. This course is as much work as your other courses.
QUESTION:
What exactly does “Filmmaking” mean? I think I signed up for this course by mistake.
ANSWER:
It means making movies. In this case, short movies. Here’s what will be required of you: first, you’ll develop
an idea for a video project. You will write the idea out on paper, in several different forms, and turn them
in. You will then plan and organize your project, which means finding people to play the roles, finding
locations to shoot in, and learning to use the equipment. Finally, you will shoot your project, which will take
several hours, a whole day, or maybe more. After that, you will edit your project, which will take several
days. Finally, you will bring your finished project to class and show it to all of us. You'll do this three times
over, on three separate projects. Meanwhile, there are reading assignments, quizzes, class lectures, and labs.
QUESTION:
I love posting videos to YouTube. Can I really get college credit for it?
ANSWER:
When was the last time you went to the cineplex and paid twelve bucks to watch a YouTube video? Movies
are a serious business—even comedies. When you buy a movie ticket, the filmmaker makes an agreement
with you: you are paying to see this, and it will be good. As you take your seat, and the opening credits roll,
somewhere there’s a filmmaker who has done his or her best to fulfill their part of the bargain. In this class,
that filmmaker is YOU.
QUESTION:
C’mon. I watch movies all the time. How hard can it be?
ANSWER:
Well. Consider the average Hollywood movie is two hours long, but takes two years to make. It can’t be that
easy. And remember who gives the Oscars—the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The sciences
part is because filmmaking is technical. In this course, for example, you will learn about photography, which
includes understanding cameras, exposure and resolution. You will also perform digital editing, which
means learning to use technical computer software. Filmmaking isn’t brain surgery, but it does have its
complicated side.
QUESTION:
Okay, where’s the door? I want outta’ this.
ANSWER:
Wait! Come back! This course is no more difficult than your other courses! If you put forth the same effort,
you should have no problem. It’s just that, because movies are so easy to watch, it’s tempting to assume
they’re easy to make. Filmmaking is not easy, but this course is unusual in structure, and can be a lot of fun.
Some students have even described it as a “blast.” Whether that’s true or not, one thing is for sure—after
this course, you’ll never see movies and TV the same way again.
BASIC FILMMAKING
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Basic Film S16

Transcription

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