Acting for the Camera
This course investigates the process of acting as it applies
specifically to the medium of film. The student learns
by doing through script analysis, scene study, improvisation
and work before the camera. The class is taught in conjunction
with the Theatre department. Non-majors may enroll with
the instructor’s permission.
Cinematography
Beginning with still cameras, students learn the basics
of photography: lenses, exposure, film type (black and
white and color), composition, formats, digital, Photoshop,
and laboratory procedures. As the class moves into the
study of lighting instruments and lighting techniques,
the moving picture camera is introduced. The aspects of
story-telling through camera placement, movement, point
of view, and progression are then delved into. Students
are required to bring a digital still camera with manual
controls and a small tripod. This class is open to film
majors only with permission of instructor.
Directing
This course is an entry-level practical exploration of
the craft of the film director. Combining lecture, demonstration
and hands-on exercises, students learn how a director
goes about preparing a picture, casting it, capturing
strong performances, staging the action, designing shots
and editing.
The Art of Directing
This upper level course takes a solid nuts-and-bolts approach
to the job of the director. Comprised of lectures and
a series of exercises designed to illustrate and illuminate
directorial concepts, students learn by doing. Pre-requisites:
Acting for the Camera and Introduction to Filmmaking and/or
instructor approval.
The Art of Editing
This advanced course introduces the experienced Moving
Pictures student (Introduction to Filmmaking is a pre-requisite)
to the finer creative and aesthetic aspects of editing.
Topics include cutting dialogue, action scenes, transitions,
pace, coverage, invisible cuts, jump cuts and music. Pre-requisite:
Introduction to Filmmaking and/or instructor approval.
Film History
This class is for students who intuitively know that creative
ways of storytelling often evolve from intimate knowledge
of filmmakers and films that have broken new cinematic
ground. This is not a class in which we gather to enjoy
watching 'old' movies together; rather, it is a class
in which the student asks why, when and how did a certain
film become part of our collective film heritage. Students
should be prepared to be active viewers and are expected
to know the presented films thoroughly. Non-majors must
have the instructor’s permission to take this class.
Film Scoring
An original musical score plays an essential role in the
success of any motion picture. This course, jointly given
by the Music and the Moving Pictures departments, delves
into the art and craft of creating music for film. Special
emphasis is placed on the collaboration between the composer
and the director as we study how music works in a visual
medium and how it is created, both traditionally and electronically.
Students learn how the computer and a host of musical
software have become essential to the composer as he works
in this exciting field. Open to all majors per musical
audition with instructor.
Photography for Filmmakers
This course investigates the art of photography as a means
of aesthetic expression and communication in the cinema.
The course covers lenses, filters, exposure, composition,
formats, lighting techniques, and basic laboratory procedures.
Non-majors must have the instructor’s permission
to take this class.
Production Design
This course is a joint offering by the Theatre and the
Moving Pictures departments to explore the role of the
production designer in the art of the motion picture.
Both aesthetic and technical considerations are considered,
as well as how a production designer works with the director.
Set design, set construction and scenic painting are some
of the topics covered. Open to all majors with the consent
of instructor.
Post Production
This course investigates everything that happens to a
film after shooting is completed. Proper workflow, editing
(principles and aesthetics), post-sound design, music
(original and/or obtaining music rights), and the final
mix are emphasized. Further instruction in Final Cut Pro,
along with various special effects and sound software
programs are studied. This class is open to Film majors
only, with permission of the instructor.
Production Workshop
This continuing hands-on course covers both narrative
and documentary filmmaking techniques.
The students learn cinematography, lighting, editing,
and sound recording as they make short
films. The emphasis is on collaboration. Placement in
the various levels of the course is based on faculty evaluation.
This class is available to film majors only.
The Art of Producing
A typical producer is involved in every single decision
on a film. No creative decision is without a financial
consequence and good producers are as equally at ease
in the company of bankers, lawyers, gap-financing entities,
publicists and studio executives as they are with directors,
screenwriters and actors. This semester-long elective
seeks to give students a handle on the amazing scope of
a producer's responsibilities as well as the skills and
knowledge to self-produce their own projects in the future.
For Moving Pictures majors only.
Screenwriting I-III
Screenwriting classes focus on the basic building blocks
upon which all screenplays are based: theme, dialogue,
scenes, sequences, and dramatic structure. In the beginning
class, emphasis is placed on learning to think visually
and developing the literary skills needed to communicate
ideas. Non-majors must have the instructor’s permission
to take this class.
Building upon the concepts covered in the first year
class, intermediate screenwriting further hones the students’
story-telling skills. Deeper characterizations, heightened
structure, visceral impact and, particularly, humor are
emphasized as they relate to the writing the short script.
Pre-requisite: Screenwriting I. Non-majors must have the
instructor’s permission.
Advanced screenwriting takes the highly motivated student
through the process of writing a feature-length screenplay
from original idea to first draft. Students actively participate
in the development and analysis of each other’s
work to create original and professionally savvy scripts.
This class is open to film majors and non-majors who have
completed Screenwriting I and Screenwriting II, with the
instructor’s permission.
Senior Project Workshop
Designed for Moving Pictures majors in their senior year
of study, students concentrate on making longer form narrative
or documentary projects. Work is done in conjunction with
the Production Workshop and Film Company, drawing crew
and production support from those classes. This class
is available to film majors only.
