• Screenwriting 1
• Film Directing 1
• Cinematography 1
• Production Lab 1
• Edit Lab 1

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 mise-en-scene. Lab exercises allow students to practice and demonstrate these skills through short films. Through these exercises, students learn the function and role 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.

CINEMATOGRAPHY 1

Cinematography is the art of image creation. In order to control an image, students are first taught the fundamental processes of image capture. Technical studies establish strong fundamental cinematic skills that include: camera design, optics, film formats, filmstocks, focus, color correction, filtration, basic exposure, compensation, and measuring light. Also covered is the role of the director of photography as a visual translator of the film director. Students put this knowledge to practice during the course by producing short group 16mm film projects.

Students are graded on two written exams and a group 16mm film project that explores exposure, focus and technical proficiency slating and camera operation. Students must also put in a minimum of four hours of out-of-class time practicing the assembly and operation of two 16mm camera systems.

PRODUCTION LAB 1

The MPI soundstage comes to life as students crew up on an in-class film production. Sets are constructed and actors are brought into class. Students light, shoot, and record audio in a real-world production environment. This course provides immediate hands-on training with students learning to run a film set and become proficient in 16mm and Hi-definition camera operation, studio lighting, and digital sound recording. Small group tutorials, production assignments and departmental rotations offer students valuable production training.

Students are graded on equipment proficiency, departmental role-playing and attendance. Students will be required to turn in journals based upon their experience and work on set during the semester.

EDIT LAB 1

This course trains students how to edit using computer based non-linear systems. Students are taught using latest version of AVID Xpress studio HD, Sorenson Squeeze and AVID DVD. Instruction includes workspace configurations, capturing image media from tape sources, edit preparation, editing, title creation, file compression and DVD burning. Students are given practical experience through in-class assignments that require them to log, digitize, edit and output projects including films from Cinematography 1 and Film Directing 1. Topics also include: frame rates and video conversions.

Students are graded by written tests, editing assignments and equipment proficiency.