This one week course is an in-depth study of the filmmaking process from script to screen. Students will gain a better understanding of critical craft elements necessary for the success of any project. The one week Introduction to Filmmaking Seminar is designed as a comprehensive overview of the process of making films from script through Screening. Through informative seminars students will have the opportunity to explore the technical side of the process by reviewing camera, sound and lighting equipment. This seminar offers a great opportunity to explore and discuss film school options and what program might be best suited for your specific goals as you consider a career in the industry. This is a great course for anyone looking to learn what goes on behind the camera. The seminar will be presented by filmmaking professionals in their respective fields. Following is a sample schedule of what participants can expect throughout the seminar. This is an opportunity to explore career options and, more importantly, to ask questions!
PROGRAM Takeaways
The Pitch - Students will present a pitch for a short or feature length film during the last session of the course. The Pitch process will be discussed and students will receive guidance on how to prepare and present their ideas to the class.
Scene Production - In addition to in-class discussions students will work, as a team, to produce a short project utilizing the skills they will acquire throughout the week. Students will rotate crew positions allowing them to experience on set roles and production etiquette necessary for successful collaborations.
Seminar Outline
Screenwriting - Story Development
The seminar will provide an overview of writing for the screen.
- Cinematic Storytelling: The Foundation of Filmmaking
- Good Stories vs. Good Movie Stories
- The Mechanics of Moving a Story
- Choosing a Narrative Structure
- Techniques for Building Strong Characters
- Common Story Pitfalls
A conceptual approach to the art and craft of writing for film. Emphasis is on writing from a visual point of view, as well as analyzing and exploring the elements fundamental to all styles of screenwriting. The goal of this class is to clear up the common misunderstandings that become obstacles to writing effectively for the screen and assist students in thinking visually.
Directing
Students will discuss the basic principles of film directing, from the breakdown of the script as the first stage of directing, to the analysis of the script from the director's point of view.
The Director's Task
- What is Your Film About?
- Getting to the Heart of Your Idea
- Choosing a Form: Narrative, Documentary, Experimental
- Directing the Camera
- Thinking Cinematically
- Light as Expression
- Staging a Scene
- Moving the Camera
Introduction to Producing
The process of filmmaking is looked at from the producer's point of view. This session will explore the role of the producer and the process of putting together a film for production. Students will discuss financing options, budgets, scheduling, line-producing, production, and post-production as it relates directly with the responsibilities of the position.
- The Business of Film
- The Role of the Producer: Planning, Shooting, and Selling
- The Laws Behind the Magic: Protecting Your Assets
- Web Movies and Streaming Video: Marketing Your Shorts On Line
Fundamentals of Film Production
Getting all the parts to come together on a set is what we all work toward. What happens on a set?
Camera
This session provides an introduction to the tools and techniques of cinematography. Course will cover the practical use of cameras, lenses, and other tools of the trade. The emphasis will be on finding ways to visualize the story rather than just using equipment.
- The Art of Motion Picture Photography
- The Gear: Cameras, Tripods, & Lighting Equipment
- The Relationship Between the Cinematographer and the Director
Lighting
This session, a continuation of the Camera session, will introduce the student to the basic vocabulary of lighting, including: lighting direction and formal definition, hard and soft light qualities, and the laws of light behavior. An overview of the role of the director of photography as the position relates to the filmmaking process.
What’s Next
Breaking In
- Building Your Professional Film Portfolio
- Finding Work on Crews, in Production Offices, and with Distributors
- Film School vs. "Go Out & Shoot"
Note:
No Experience necessary to participate in the One-Week Introduction to Filmmaking Seminar. No additional expenses, beyond tuition, will be required. All course materials will be provided. Final Schedule, and Course Syllabus will be available prior to the start of the seminar. Please note that the workshop begins on a Monday and ends on a Friday. Classes begin promptly at 11:00 AM unless otherwise specified.
