Chabot College Fall 2008
Course Outline for Film 50
BEGINNING FILM PRODUCTION
Catalog Description:
50 – Beginning Film Production 3 units
(May be repeated 3 times)
Introduction to the history and theory of filmmaking as an artistic medium through lectures, screenings, demonstrations, and hands-on practicum. Critical analysis and appreciation of production elements and development of skills in pre-production planning, digital cinematography, direction of actors, sound design, art direction, and post-production. 3 hours lecture, 1 hour activity.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 52.5, activity 17.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1. assess and compare films from historic and aesthetic perspectives;
2. interpret cinematic storytelling techniques employing relevant film terminology;
3. demonstrate through production assignments a basic comprehension of film techniques and artistic choices including shot composition, camera angle/movement, focal length, lighting, direction of actors, scenic elements, music, sound effects, and editing;
4. describe the importance of pre-production materials including shooting scripts, storyboards, shot lists, script breakdowns, location surveys, production schedules, budgets, permits, clearances, and release forms;
5. articulate the roles played by team members in various digital video film production crew positions including but not limited to director, cinematographer, script supervisor, art director, camera operator, dolly operator, boom operator, sound recordist, and editor.
Course Content:
1. Film art from historic and aesthetic perspectives
2. Cinematic storytelling techniques and relevant film terminology
3. Film techniques and artistic choices including shot composition, camera angle/movement, focal length, lighting, direction of actors, scenic elements, music, sound effects, and editing
4. Pre-production materials including shooting scripts, storyboards, shot lists, script breakdowns, location surveys, production schedules, budgets, permits, clearances, and release forms
5. Role of team members in various DV film production crew positions including but not limited to director, cinematographer, script supervisor, art director, camera operator, dolly operator, boom operator, sound recordist, and editor
Methods of Presentation:
1. Lectures
2. Screenings
3. Demonstrations
4. Hands-on practicum
Chabot College
Course Outline for Film 50, Page 2
Fall 2008
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Write a critique which compares and contrasts visual techniques used in “Citizen Kane” with a recent (since 2000) major Hollywood feature film
b. Prepare an oral presentation to the class which describes a short film concept using cinematic storytelling techniques and employing appropriate film terminology
c. Participate in a classmate’s film production as a crew member performing the function of cinematographer, script supervisor, art director, camera operator, dolly operator, boom operator, sound recordist, and/or editor
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Homework assignments
b. In-class exercises
c. Class presentations
d. Final project
e. Final exam
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Voice and Vision: A Creative Approach to Narrative Film and DV Production, Mick Hubris-Cherrier, Focal Press, 2007
Special Student Materials:
Digital video camera with Firewire port
Mini digital video tapes
LR:iFolder\Film50
New: 11/30/07