10/31/2024 7:23:44 AM	FMA 21 Course Outline as of Summer 2025	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  FMA 21	Title:  INT DIGITAL FILMMAKING
Full Title:  Intermediate Digital Filmmaking
Last Reviewed:2/10/2020

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	4.00	Lecture Scheduled	3.00		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	52.50
Minimum	4.00	Lab Scheduled	3.00		6 min.	Lab Scheduled	52.50
		Contact DHR	0			Contact DHR	0
		Contact Total	6.00			Contact Total	105.00
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  105.00

Total Student Learning Hours: 210.00

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade or P/NP
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly:  MEDIA 21

Catalog Description:

An examination of the science and art of digital pre-production, production and post-production. Students will write short film scripts, plan and execute shoots using single camera production techniques, edit picture and sound, and learn how to package and market films for festivals and distribution. Students will develop more advanced skills in digital filmmaking such as directing actors and genre lighting.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:
Course Completion of FMA 20 ( or MEDIA 20)

Recommended Preparation:

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

An examination of the science and art of digital pre-production, production and post-production. Students will write short film scripts, plan and execute shoots using single camera production techniques, edit picture and sound, and learn how to package and market films for festivals and distribution. Students will develop more advanced skills in digital filmmaking such as directing actors and genre lighting.

(Grade or P/NP)
Prerequisites:Course Completion of FMA 20 ( or MEDIA 20)
Recommended:
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:		Effective:		Inactive:
Area:
CSU GE:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
IGETC:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
CSU Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2014	Inactive:
UC Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 2014	Inactive:
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Both Certificate and Major Applicable

COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Plan and execute the production of a short digital film worthy of festival exhibition.

 

Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

 

1.   Write a producible original short script with developed character(s) and a narrative arc.

2.   Create a genre-specific lighting plan.

3.   Execute a plan through cinemagraphic conventions.

4.   Operate digital video and audio equipment.

5.   Execute a lighting plan.

6.   Learn to direct actors for the screen.

7.   Develop the skills necessary to communicate effectively with actors.

8.   Edit films using the conventions of post-production, with dual emphasis on the art and

      science of editing.

9.   Execute a final sound mix down.

10. Color correct a locked cut.

11. Develop a sample marketing plan for a film.

12. Complete a theoretical application to short film festivals.

Topics and Scope

I. Intermediate Short Story Writing

    A. Development of compelling and original story idea

    B. Development of narrative arc specific to the short story form

    C. Brainstorming and writing in a group

    D. Pitching story ideas

    E. Character development, backstory and character traits

    F. Dialogue: realism and subtext

    G. Writing in genre-specific tones

    H. Rewriting and working in groups

    I.  Giving and Receiving Feedback Effectively

    J. Rewrites and organizing drafts

    K. Final Drafts

 

II. Intermediate Pre-Production

    A. Script Breakdown and Analysis

    B. Budget and Line Producing

    C. Scheduling

    D. Development of a Visual Plan; Storyboards; Visualization

    E. Development of a Lighting Plan

    F. Location Scouting

    G. Legal Issues

    H. Casting

    I.  Directing Actors and the Rehearsal Process

    J. Mise-en-Scene and Art Direction

 

III. Intermediate Digital Film Production

    A. Scheduling and Call Sheets

    B. Camera Rehearsals

    C. Blocking and Staging

    D. Continuity of Action, Mise-en-Scene, Sound

    E. Crew Positions and the Crew at Work

    F. Set Procedures, Safety and Protocols

    G. The Video Camera: Digital Still Cameras and Full-Sized Camera Labs

    H. Camera Conventions: Creating Visual Style

    I.  Elements of Proper Exposure

    J. Lighting Conventions and Styles

    K. Lighting Kits and Practicals

    L. The Sound Package: Single System versus Double System Recording

    M. Location Sound Recording

    N. Coverage

    O. Moving Camera

    P. Mise-en-Scene

    Q. In-Class Production Workshops

    R. Set Rehearsals and Keeping on Schedule      

   

IV. Intermediate Post-Production

    A. Formats and Post-Production Workflow

     B. Non Linear Edit Systems (Premier and Final Cut Pro)

    C. Logging

    D. Syncing Sound

    E. Edit Organization

    F. Edit Stages: from Rough Cuts to Picture Lock

    G. Criticism and Feedback: Giving and Receiving

    H. Color Correction

    I.  Sound Design and Editing

    J. The Sound Mix

    K. Final Prints and Mastering

 

V. Festivals and Exhibition

    A. Introduction to Marketing

    B. Exhibition Formats and Forms

 

All topics are covered in the lecture and lab portions of the course.

Assignments:

Lecture-Related Assignments:

1. Weekly reading from texts, manuals and online sources (20 - 30 pages)

 

Lab-Related Assignments:

1. Practice technical and artistic skills relating to directing actors, the camera, lighting, sound

    recording, directing, set management and editing

2. Self evaluation and peer critiques

 

Lecture- and Lab-Related Assignments:

1. Writing 1 - 3 original scripts from 2 - 10 pages in length in proper script format

2. Preparation of production book based on original narrative material

3. Execute production plan using various production technologies

4. Edit individual or group projects through the picture and sound stages

5. Quizzes, and final exam (includes hands-on preformance demonstration of knowledge)

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.

Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.		Writing 10 - 20%
Scripts, self evaluations, peer critiques
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.		Problem Solving 10 - 20%
Individual or group short digital video project
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 30 - 50%
Individual or group short digital video project; Performance exams
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.		Exams 10 - 30%
Quizzes, Exams
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.		Other Category 10 - 30%
Class participation

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

Cinematography: Theory and Practice. 2nd ed. Brown, Blain. Taylor & Francis. 2011 (classic)

 

Directing Actors: Creating Memorable Performances for Film & Television. Weston, Judith. McNaughton & Gunn, Inc. 1996 (classic)

 

Placing Shadows: Lighting Shadows for Video Production. 3rd ed. Gloman, Chuck and LeTourneau, Tom. Focal Press. 2012 (classic)

 

Voice & Vision: A Creative Approach to Narrative Film and DV Production. 3rd ed. Hurbis-Cherrier, Mick. Focal Press. 2018

Print PDF