| 3/28/2026 1:44:11 AM |
| New Course (First Version) |
| CATALOG INFORMATION
|
| Discipline and Nbr:
FMA 720 | Title:
DIGITAL FILMMAKING |
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| Full Title:
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking |
| Last Reviewed:9/22/2025 |
| Units | Course Hours per Week | | Nbr of Weeks | Course Hours Total |
| Maximum | 0 | Lecture Scheduled | 3.00 | 17.5 max. | Lecture Scheduled | 52.50 |
| Minimum | 0 | 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:
Non-Credit
Grading:
Non-Credit Course
Repeatability:
27 - Exempt From Repeat Provisions
Also Listed As:
Formerly:
Catalog Description:
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In this non-credit course, students will receive an intensive introduction to the fundamentals of digital filmmaking, including: writing and structuring a story, developing a shooting script, basic camera, sound and lighting techniques, editing, and post-production processes. Students will develop the basic skills to work as a member of a production crew.
Prerequisites/Corequisites:
Recommended Preparation:
Limits on Enrollment:
Schedule of Classes Information
Description:
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In this non-credit course, students will receive an intensive introduction to the fundamentals of digital filmmaking, including: writing and structuring a story, developing a shooting script, basic camera, sound and lighting techniques, editing, and post-production processes. Students will develop the basic skills to work as a member of a production crew.
(Non-Credit Course)
Prerequisites:
Recommended:
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:
Repeatability:27 - Exempt From Repeat Provisions
ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION
| Associate Degree: | Effective: | | Inactive: | |
| Area: | | |
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| CSU GE: | Transfer Area | | Effective: | Inactive: |
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| IGETC: | Transfer Area | | Effective: | Inactive: |
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| CSU Transfer: | | Effective: | | Inactive: | |
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| UC Transfer: | | Effective: | | Inactive: | |
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| 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:
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1. Plan, organize, and execute the production of a short digital video project.
Objectives:
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At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Design and create a video/film project.
2. Compose a short script with proper formatting.
3. Employ the terminology of digital filmmaking in a production context.
4. Operate basic digital video and audio equipment.
5. Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of single camera coverage techniques.
6. Apply basic methods and techniques directing actors for the camera.
7. Work as part of a film crew.
8. Assemble a fine cut using basic practices and strategies of digital video editing.
9. Demonstrate a basic understanding of sound design to complete a project.
Topics and Scope
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I. Introduction to Writing Short Story Projects and Spec Spots
A. Development of an idea and structure
B. The pitch
C. The rough draft
D. Rewriting
E. Final drafts
II. Introduction to Pre-Production
A. Script breakdown and analysis
B. Budgeting
C. Location scouting
D. The rehearsal process
E. Mise-en-Scene
F. Art direction
G. Storyboards
III. Introduction to Digital Film Production
A. Scheduling and call sheets
B. Camera rehearsals
C. Blocking and staging
D. Crew positions
E. Set procedures and protocol
F. Production equipment
G. Directing actors for camera
H. Coverage
I. Moving camera
J. Mise-en-Scene
K. In-class production workshops
IV. Introduction to Post-Production
A. Editing software
B. Logging
C. Assembly cuts
D. Rough cuts
E. Fine cutting
F. Picture lock
G. Sound design and editing
H. Final prints for screening
V. Lighting Techniques
All topics are covered in the lecture and lab portions of the course.
Assignments:
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Lecture- Related and Lab-Related Assignments:
1. Reading Assignments (10-20 pages per week) from texts and manuals
2. Written Assignments
a. Self-evaluations
b. Peer critiques
c. Preparation of (1-3) short script(s) (2 to 6 pages in length)
d. Storyboard(s)
4. Project(s)
a. Create an original film, from script to screen
b. Individual or group short digital video
5. Quizzes (4-12) and a final exam
6. Performance exams: exercises related to coverage, camera operation, sound recording, and editing
7. Class participation
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% |
| Written assignments | |
| Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills. | Problem Solving
10 - 20% |
| Project(s) | |
| Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams. | Skill Demonstrations
30 - 60% |
| Project(s), performance exams | |
| Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams. | Exams
10 - 20% |
| Quizzes and final exam | |
| Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories. | Other Category
10 - 30% |
| Class participation | |
Representative Textbooks and Materials:
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Voice & Vision: A Creative Approach to Narrative Film and DV Production. 3rd ed. Hurbis-Cherrier, Mick. Focal Press. 2018. (Classic).
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