This introductory course will explore the art and business of screenwriting, acquainting
students with various markets and the techniques necessary to produce professional quality dramas for film and television. The class begins with writing and reading assignments, lectures, and film viewing (outside of class) for in-class discussion. Emphasis will be on the importance of premise, character development, story construction, dialogue, conflict and resolution, and proper screenplay formatting. The class then turns into a round table workshop in which all students share work or works-in-progress (an outline, treatment, or 5-10 pages from a screenplay). Class discussion and critique by the instructor and classmates will be in-depth. Returning screenwriters also welcome. Pre-requisites: None.

NON-CREDIT OR 4 PSU CREDITS

A hands-on introductory class in which students develop basic video editing skills using Final Cut Pro software. Insert and assemble editing techniques, audio tracks, continuity development, rhythm and pacing, matched action cutting, montage techniques, pre-planning/organization, and other topics will be covered. Multiple editing exercises will center on cutting to dialogue, to music, and developing creative ways of relating images to sound. Hands-on demonstrations and critiques are central to the learning experience and will occur throughout the term. Editing time outside of class is required and can be reserved to fit a variety of schedules. Pre-requisites: ART OF FILMMAKING and familiarity with Mac operating systems highly recommended.

NON-CREDIT OR 4 PSU CREDITS

This hands-on class develops an appreciation of the role of sound in relation to picture, and teaches specific skills in digital sound recording using portable, digital field audio recorders and editing/mixing using Apple's Sound Track Pro 2 software. The first portion of the class is devoted to the understanding of microphones and mixers, their types and uses, and practical applications in the field. Through hands-on exercises in small groups, students will learn to record dialogue, narration, sound effects, and ambience through single system (camera-only), double system (field recorders and camera), and wild sound (field recorders only) methods. Single microphone and simultaneous multiple microphone techniques will be demonstrated. Please note: music recording will not be covered. This will be followed with extensive instruction in editing and mixing using Final Cut Studio and Sound Track Pro 2. Working individually with chosen picture source(s) and with audio material recorded both individually and by the groups, each student will use the Film Center’s digital editing lab to sync sound to picture, layer and manipulate the edited audio tracks, and mix them into a final soundtrack. Additional supplemental audio material will need to be recorded outside of class time. The intention is for participants to come away with portfolio-quality pieces which demonstrate both technical proficiency in sound recording and their understanding of sound’s creative potential as a fundamental part of the moving image experience. Sound equipment and editing provided through Equipment/Lab fee. Tape and/or flash card are each student's responsibility. Pre-requisite: DIGITAL VIDEO EDITING (Final Cut Pro experience required) and either ART OF FILMMAKING or SHOOTING DIGITAL VIDEO.

Fee does not include tape, flash cards, or camera gear.

NON-CREDIT OR 4 PSU CREDITS

This course, led by the Oscar-winning inventor of Claymation, is a rigorous learning experience which teaches the elements of character animation and fundamental technology and principles of pixilated (stop-motion) animation. Through in-class demonstrations, frame by frame analysis of artfully rendered animated films, and critique of hands-on student assignments, the course will explore such concepts and techniques as squash/stretch, ease in and ease out, metamorphosis, staging and composition, armatures and fabrication, clay sculpting, gesture, walks, and lip sync. Emphasis will be on helping participants to develop their own unique, original, effective animated characters. Significant outside time is required; the goal is for students to animate steadily throughout the term. Using guidelines provided by the instructor, each student will set up and use their own personal stop-motion lab/studio consisting of a basic computer, camcorder, and stop-motion software (for more information, contact the Continuing Education Manager). Working at home or another convenient location of their choice, they will undertake assigned exercises, tests, and experiments for regular review in class, and an individual final project which utilizes a provided soundtrack. Editing time for basic assembly of completed shots is provided through Equipment/Lab Fee. Those without prior Final Cut Pro experience may use iMovie. Cost of equipment, tools, and art supplies for the personal lab/studio is a student responsibility. No pre-requisites, but solid basic art and computer skills are important.

Will Vinton screens his work on January 7 and 20.

NON-CREDIT OR 4 PSU CREDITS

This foundation course, a comprehensive introduction to film production and basic film analysis, uses the Super-8mm format to examine the aesthetic properties of light, movement, and time as they relate to the art of filmmaking. Students will also achieve a working knowledge of the non-sync film production process by producing an original short film either individually or in a group, and they will be encouraged to develop their own artistic vision of the subjects they wish to pursue. Basic camera operation and shooting technique will be examined, as will basic principles of editing using Final Cut Pro software. In-class screenings, discussion, and critiques will support each stage of production activity. Students should expect to spend outside time on their film production. Equipment provided through equipment/lab fee. Film, processing, and minor supplies are each student's responsibility. Pre-requisites: None.

TWO IDENTICAL SECTIONS

NON-CREDIT OR 4 PSU CREDITS

Your digital video camera is a powerful tool of artistic expression! This camera-in-hand course explores the fundamentals of digital video camera operation and encourages the beginning mediamaker to look/see with fresh eyes. For those interested in short dramas, documentaries, or the experimental genre, this class investigates the creative possibilities of composition, light, motion, color, and sound in creating the vision of a film, as well as the necessary technical knowledge for recording effective visuals and sounds. Learn to visualize using digital storyboards and experiment with different shooting styles and ways of storytelling. Class also clarifies what various camera features do, outlines pre-production processes (including location scouting), and introduces basic digital editing software. Videotape is each student's responsibility. Pre-requisites: None.

TWO IDENTICAL SECTIONS

NON-CREDIT OR 4 PSU CREDITS

This course satisfies the final requirements for completing all three levels of the School's optional CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION. It is part of a two-course sequence (Advanced Production and Advanced Editing) in which intermediate and advanced students produce a major personal project of their own selection, and complete it from beginning to end, drawing upon their previous studies and self-identified interests. The project may be in any genre or combination of styles, but is limited to a finished running time of 10-12 minutes. Individual participants may assume complete creative control on their project by assuming most production roles, or work in a small ensemble, as long as the project is designed to showcase the ability of each ensemble member to excel in two or more primary creative roles (e.g. director, producer, cinematographer, editor, writer). In addition to their primary project, each class member will crew on at least two other class projects in some capacity. Throughout the class, emphasis will be on student-generated critique and feedback, with faculty acting as facilitators. The class focuses on translating the initial idea for a project into a treatment and script, working through the various tasks of pre-production, and completing all project filming before the end of the term. Participants then enroll in Advanced Editing during Summer Term 2010, during which projects will be fully edited, and students will be guided in creating a portfolio, Artist Statement, Biography, and Filmography. Pre-requisites: Art of Filmmaking, Digital Video Editing, Sound Recording and Post, and Shooting Digital Video (Level One) plus other stated requirements for Level Two or Level Three. Equipment for up to 5 shooting days provided by Equipment/Lab Fee. Out-of-facility expenses are each student's responsibility.

NON-CREDIT OR 4 PSU CREDITS

This introductory course for the film lover, emerging mediamaker, or film veteran explores the shifting boundaries of the documentary genre—particularly the evolution of its convention and the challenges facing contemporary practitioners. In-class screenings, discussion, and readings will provide a historical overview of documentary theories and practices, and examine how technological innovations, social changes, and cultural norms have defined, confined, and renewed the form—from ethnographic and social issue works to docudramas and personal/experimental productions. Students may chose from a variety of media to produce "short documents" which explore viewer relations, the blurring between fact and fiction, and the effects of process and collaboration on aesthetics. Access to a basic video camera is helpful but not required. Please note: Editing privileges will apply only to those who have completed DIGITAL VIDEO EDITING.

NON-CREDIT OR 4 PSU CREDITS

The framing, lighting, and sound might tell the story clearly and imaginatively, but does the
acting? With an emphasis on practical application, this course will reveal the process of acting and provide the tools to communicate effectively with the artists who work in front of the camera on behalf of the director. Dramatic action, emotional through line, sense memory, beats, physicalization, intention, obstacles, improvisation, tempos, and mood imagery will be covered, as well as getting the most from casting sessions, cold reading, and rehearsals. In-class scene work with professional actors (with videotape feedback) will allow students to put what they’ve learned to work. Pre-requisites: ART OF FILMMAKING and SCREENWRITING, or consent of Instructor.

NON-CREDIT OR 2 PSU CREDITS