FILMMAKING Course Objectives + Methodology

FILM 2000 Introduction to Filmmaking 3 cr.

This course is an introduction to telling stories in film. It provides a theoretical and technical foundation for
future work and introduces historical and critical issues of film language. Principles of cinematography and
continuity editing are covered through assignments in the forms of documentary, narrative, and music video.
Technical processes and practices taught include preproduction planning, shooting, basic lighting, sound
recording and mixing, and digital editing. Equal attention is given to technical and artistic concerns in
screenings, lectures, discussions, technical demonstrations, and evaluations. Each student develops his or her
own creative work through the completion and critique of group and individual projects and exercises.
Prerequisite: Foundation: Media 1
Objectives:
• Introduce students to film language
• Understanding of continuity editing in narrative, documentary, and music video
• Understanding of principles of cinematography
• Introduction to all main facets of film production:
Pre-production planning
Shooting
Basic lighting
Sound recording and mixing
Digital editing
• Completion of several films
Methodology
• Team production model
• Screenings of historical and student films
• Individual and group critiques
• Individual group projects
• Lectures
• Technical demonstrations

FILM 3010 Narrative Filmmaking 3 cr.

This course is an introduction to professional narrative production. Students learn the fundamentals of the
narrative filmmaking production processes through the completion of a series of short films and exercises.
Topics covered include methods of narrative production, assembling and working with a crew, scripting,
preproduction planning, production, and postproduction. Techniques taught include video and 16mm cameras,
metering, focus, composition, camera movement, editing, portable lighting, and sound production. The course
provides students with the skills they need to complete their work through lectures, demonstrations,
screenings, critiques, and visiting artists. Prerequisite: Introduction to Filmmaking
Objectives
• Understand a variety of narrative production techniques
• Direct and work on a film crew
• Produce a working script
• Utilize cinematography, editing, sound, and post-production
• Work as a group top complete a narrative film
Methodology
• Lectures and technical demonstrations
• Hands-on learning directing and working on group set
• Screenings and discussions of historical and contemporary narrative
• Visiting artists screenings
• Individual and group critiques

FILM 3020 Documentary Filmmaking 3 cr.

Through the production of a series of short films, students explore various forms of documentary production,
including newsreel, reportage, cinéma-vérité, reality television, and modern documentary forms. Students
learn how to make films from life and the limits, ethics, and opportunities of depicting reality. Techniques
taught include research, preproduction, working with small crews, field video production equipment, sound
recording techniques, lighting, and editing. In addition to critiques, discussions, and technical demonstrations,
a selection of films are screened and analyzed during the course. Prerequisite: Introduction to Filmmaking
Objectives
• Produce a short non-fiction film
• Explore field techniques of sound, shooting, lighting
• Direct a small crew
• Articulate concepts and varieties of documentary production
• Understand ethics and opportunities of documentary work
• Produce a short documentary film
Methodology
• Discussion of screenings
• Read and discuss key texts
• Lecture demonstrations of various techniques
• Individual and group critiques

FILM 3030 Lighting for Film/Cinematography 3 cr.

Filmmakers advance their lighting and cinematography skills to the next technical and interpretative level in
this course. Building on the lighting skills learned in studio filmmaking classes, this course enhances
filmmaking visuals by introducing advanced systems of cinematography and lighting equipment, technique,
and practices. Hollywood and independent movies are dissected and studied for cinematic and lighting
techniques. Critiques, field trips, and on-location lighting demonstrations are emphasized. Prerequisite:
Introduction to Filmmaking
Objectives
• Understanding of different types of film equipment and tools;
• Knowledge of proper and safe use of lighting and grip equipment;
• Knowledge of proper metering techniques;
• Understanding of light physics and its application to film lighting;
• Understanding and use of color, contrast and light quality to creative imaging;
• Learn to think in terms of motion through space over time: 4th dimension;
• Learn to interpret storyboards, create lighting diagrams and translate them into physical lighting
plans;
• Learn to communicate lighting ideas and develop creative lighting strategies;
• Develop the ability to work as an integral part of a production team.
Methodology
• In-class lecture demonstrations
• Weekly technical assignments
• Collaborative production
• Lectures and discussions
• Screenings and analysis
• Field trips
• Critiques

FILM 3040 Film Editing 3 cr.

Editing can be a mysterious process of adding through subtracting, a powerful mechanism in good
storytelling. Students develop a more comprehensive understanding of pacing, montage, rhythm, and two- and
three-dimensional continuity of the cut, as well as specific techniques to solve difficult postproduction issues
such as creating an actor’s best performance. Class instruction includes screenings, group lessons, visiting
professionals, critiques, and readings in the historical theories of Kuleshov, Eisenstein, the French New Wave,
and contemporary Hollywood film editors such as Walter Murch. Prerequisite: Narrative Filmmaking or
Documentary Filmmaking (either course may be taken concurrently)
Objectives
• Develop understanding of pacing and rhythm
• Understand various montage/editing philosophies and techniques
• Demonstrate understanding of Final Cut Pro and Pro-Tools in integrated audio-visual editing
 • Demonstrate understanding of post-production techniques
Methodology
• Technical demonstrations
• Screenings of historical films with discussions
• Individual and group projects
• Individual and group critiques

FILM 3050 Directing Actors and Acting for Filmmakers 3 cr.

This course is an acting class for film directors. Students learn a variety of classic teaching methods including
“The Method” by Stanislavski and contemporary techniques of “acting” for the camera. Students participate in
acting exercises, observe one another’s abilities to “stay in the moment,” learn the vulnerabilities of being a
professional actor, and prepare a complete scene for a final video project. Prerequisite: Narrative Filmmaking
Objectives
• Understanding of various acting techniques including: method technique and Meisner technique
• Develop an understanding of script and scene from an actor’s point of view
• Develop communication techniques with actors
• Develop vocabulary in various acting techniques
Methodology
• Lectures and screenings
• Readings and discussions
• Various acting exercises
• Group projects such as scene preparation
• Acting exercises

FILM 3060 Sound for Filmmaking 3 cr.

This course focuses on the very special problems and challenges that are related to the role and function of
sound in storytelling. Sound for Filmmaking examines the theory and techniques of studio and field sound
recording by examining advanced motion picture sound, sync systems, and digital multi-track recording and
mixing systems. Students learn to record and edit voice and sound effects.
Prerequisite: Narrative Filmmaking or Documentary Filmmaking (either course may be taken concurrently)
Objectives
• Make quality recordings using both recording studio and field recorder
• Edit and mix sound using ProTools LE software
• Record dialogue, ADRT, SFX, Foley, and other film-sound material
• Understand and use plug-ins/effects in your mixes to enhance or alter your audio
• Mix audio on location
• Understand basic sound procedures including: signal path, calibrating, and mixing
• Wrap cable properly
• Complete a sound mix integrating dialogue, music, and special effects
Methodology
• Technical demonstrations and lectures
• Discussions of unique and important web and audio sound work
• Group activities
• Field trips
• Individual and group projects
• Individual and group critiques

MA 4000 Professional Practice 3 cr.

The primary focus of this course is to provide Media Arts students with the tools that will enable them to enter
professional practice immediately following graduation. Each student is required to produce a polished
résumé, artist statement, website, professional identity system, and portfolio. Topics include long-range goal
creation and planning; financial, legal, and other business considerations; grant writing; and communication
and marketing skills involving verbal, written, and visual presentations. Topics are presented through a series
of lectures, critiques, and presentations by experts in the field. Prerequisite: Junior standing
Objec tive s
• Achieve proficiency in the essential professional practices of the field.
• Set long-range goals and plans.
• Examine financial, legal and business considerations.
• Discuss networking and marketing skills.
• Create verbal, written and visual presentations.
• Document work professionally, produce a polished resume, artist’s statement, letterhead, business
cards, web page/site and reel.
• Reach an understanding of personal process, methods and sources of inspiration as an artist.
• Discuss values as they pertain to the commercial environment.
Methodology
• Guest lectures
• Visiting artists
• Individual and group critiques
• Readings and written assignments
• Field trips
• Class discussions

FILM 4010 Internship 3 cr.

Internships provide an opportunity for students to gain practical experience in a particular career area and
valuable on-the-job skills. Internships may be arranged by the Director of Career Services or initiated by
students. All internships must be pre-approved through the Career Services Office. For an internship to be
approved, a mentor relationship and learning experience should exist beyond a simple employment
opportunity. Three-credit internships require working 135 hours at the internship site and keeping a journal of
hours and activities. Prerequisite: Professional Practice
Objectives
• Engage in meaningful work in a professional setting
• Develop professional attitudes and techniques including: time management, quality control, dress, etc
• Expand students’ technical and conceptual knowledge base through a knowledge of the professional
field
Methodology
• On-site work and oversight
• Discussions with on-site supervisor and MCAD liaison

FILM 5010 Advanced Filmmaking Seminar 3 cr.

In Advanced Filmmaking Seminar, students complete semester-long projects with faculty guidance.
Individualized consultations alternate with group lessons, screenings, readings, and critiques to address
scriptwriting, idea development, character development, and style. The course includes instruction in the
interface of film and video in postproduction. Students develop professional techniques for production
planning and budgeting, scripting, casting, location, set etiquette, and editing. Advanced students complete a
film that is 10 minutes (minimum) in length to answer print and/or master videotape, shooting in video or film,
and editing in Final Cut Pro. All students are required to assist other students in their productions and attend
all classes. Papers and presentations on relevant artists, themes, and films are required contextual research.
May be repeated. Prerequisites: all 3000-level Filmmaking courses, successful Junior Review
Objectives
• Complete a 10-minute film from idea to final edited version
• Develop a script
• Utilize budgets, schedules, crews, and locations in the final film project
• Create a sound design for project
• Edit final version in Final Cut Pro editing suite
• Introduce students to the “business of film”
Methodology
• Technical demonstrations and lectures
 • Visiting speakers on various film topics
• Individual and group critiques
• Readings and discussions
• Screenings of historical and student films in various stages of completion

FILM 5100 Senior Project 6 cr.

During senior year, each Filmmaking major is required to develop and complete a substantial body of work in
a specific field. This course provides a forum for the critical evaluation of this work and curatorial guidance in
preparation for the Commencement Exhibition. Course content includes critical readings, position paper,
visiting artists, individual and group discussion and informational meetings. Prerequisites: successful Junior
Review, Senior standing
Objectives
• Create an independently produced film that exhibits both technical skill and conceptual originality
• Write a proposal with realistic expectations and outcomes
• Awareness of contemporary and past film
• Make a public presentation of your project
• Prove Senior Project is successful by an outside professional critiquing the project.
• Being responsible and dedicated to a semester long project
Methodology
• Written proposal that includes rationale, goals, objectives and timeline
• Work one on one with the instructor developing the senior project
• Critique of process throughout semester by other students and instructor.
• Students to meet with outside professionals and others related to their project to test their theories
and critique images before the final presentation
• At the end of the semester, students to present their final work at the Commencement Gallery
Exhibition and provide a Power Point presentation open to the entire college community