CORE CLASSES – 1st SEMESTER


SCREENWRITING 1

There is no movie without a story or a script. This course introduces students to the critical elements of motion picture storytelling. The primary emphasis focuses on the story being physical and visible, and not relying on sounds or words as film must not only tell, but show. Key concepts include: the importance of character, goals, conflict, rising conflict and bstacles, tension, suspense, turning points, resolution and finally format. In short, students will begin to learn how to write stories that are visual and dramatic.


FILM DIRECTING 1

Film Directing 1 covers the art and science of bringing the words of the screenplay to life and capturing the resulting action in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and intellectually engaging. Topics that are examined and illustrated include the tools the director uses to stage a scene on paper long before the camera rolls. This includes the impact of shot composition, camera placement, juxtaposition, and misc-en-scene. Lab exercises allow students to practice and demonstrate these skills through short films. Through these exercises students learn the function and roll of the director and communication skills.

Students are graded on individual film projects shot , edited and authored outside of class. This includes the project turned in on DVD along with supporting scripts, shot lists, storyboards. A key component to successful Completion of this course is attendance.

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