Motion Picture Production

This course introduces the techniques and aesthetics of cinematography, emphasizing a “hands on” practical approach.

-Articulate key idea and themes relevant to the history of cinematography

-Apply select shooting techniques and styles to the creation of a montage

-Handle and operate a camera

-Use professional lighting techniques

-Practice working with a crew and location shooting.

Editing as a means for creative storytelling with a technical approach to the Davinci Resolve editing system.

Through the semester, we will begin to explore the foundations of screenwriting through lectures, discussions, in-class writing exercises, writing assignments, readings of screenplays and from noted texts on the craft, and viewings of short films and other clips.

The class is centred on the following core values:

Screenwriting is a collaborative art form. Even when writing alone, you are working on something that will only be realized through the creative work of many people. Your job is to create the most compelling architecture within which others can work.

Screen is an audiovisual medium and narrative thrives on action. When writing your story, show, don’t tell.

Workshopping depends on generosity. Make the success of your peers your goal. Set the bar high in your work as a gift to the group. See the success of others as motivation to improve your own product. Take ownership of the work of your peers. Give your own work away.

Writing is rewriting. A bad idea written down is far better and far more useful to you than a blank sheet of paper and a mythical piece of brilliance that has been stuck in your head out of fear of failure. Go ahead and fail. Then make it better.

Movies are, as famed critic Roger Ebert said, “empathy machines”.  But this does not just happen.  That connection to the characters onscreen and the adventures they partake first occurs on paper.  On a screenplay that is as much about formula and craft as it is magic and creativity.

The prerequisite of this course is Screenwriting 1 – a course in which the basics of screenwriting are taught (act structure, dramatic structure, components of screenplay, etc.).  That’s the formula and creativity part of the screenwriting process.

Students will be taking those theoretical lessons and applying them in a practical fashion via a “hands on screenwriting” approach in which the actual writing is where the learning takes place.  That’s the craft and -if you line up all the parts correctly – magic part of the screenwriting process! 

The course will teach a basic literacy of documentary filmmaking and the key elements of strong visual storytelling. We will learn about the different modes and formats of documentary filmmaking and discuss the use and purposes of each sub-genre. We will explore technologies and techniques. The class will work together to produce a minimum of two short documentary films.

A lecture course surveying film theories as well as their implementation in the viewing/critique of movies. To do so, the course will be making use of film clips and feature screenings. From 70s Grindhouse gore to the smoke-infused nakedness of French New Wave — and all stops in between.

This course is designed to work in tandem with your other courses to better highlight lessons learned in Screenwriting and Visual Storytelling.

The complex problems you’ll face in the workforce will require you to think critically and creatively, communicate your ideas effectively, and apply your specialized skills in a collaborative environment. Whether you’re working on a large-scale building development, making a movie, contributing to an online magazine, developing an app, or taking a new fashion line to market, the success of the project will rely on your ability to come together with others.

In this team project-based course you’ll use the methods of design thinking to respond to a brief presented by a real community client.

This course will build on the foundations of Semester 1 – Cinematography MPP 110. Practical experience in Studio and Location lighting techniques will be emphasized. Students will gain hands-on experienced with a variety of cameras. Filming assignments will give students an opportunity to expand their visual storytelling craft.

Editing as a means for creative storytelling with a technical approach to the Davinci Resolve editing system.

-Apply the post-production workflow

-Make hands-on proficient editing decisions

-Use editing software in a way that demonstrates an understanding of both the technical and creative qualities of nonlinear editing.

In this course, we will discuss the legal issues surrounding film production, particularly around maximizing financial value of a film or project and protecting yourself as a filmmaker from legal complications. We will look at protecting your rights as a filmmaker, working with unions, selling your film, as well as broadcaster and distributor regulations. Finally, we will end this semester with a look at various entry level jobs within the film industry, and the ‘dos and don’ts’ of the business.

Through in class exercises and short assignments we will address audio topics most relevant to documentary production. This is a two-pronged approach: proper audio acquisition through mic and recording techniques in a variety of situations; and voice relevant audio processing and mixing techniques. Students will experience on camera and off camera recording and with dual system audio synchronization in the digital environment. Microphone and recorder characteristics will be examined along with common audio processing tools such as compression, equalization and noise reduction focusing on voice enhancement. Assessment will

be through short audio projects, in class presentations and one on one assessment,

and the quality of audio production demonstrated in term projects.

Building on the skills acquired in term 1, we will address the audio recording and digital processing challenges in PSA/Commercial production.  The planning, audio acquisition and digital organization of complex projects will be reflected in assigned projects and in class exercises.  Recording and other methods of acquiring additional audio assets such as voice overs, sound effects, music and ambience will be combined with practical exercises and assignments for the optimal use of audio assets in the digital PSA/Commercial creation environment.  Advanced digital tools such as reverb/dereverb, chorusing, and others, will be addressed and utilized. 

In this course students will gain an introductory understanding to graphic design and motion graphics as they relate to film. The main focus of the course will be on learning how to use the Adobe After Effects in the filmmaking process.

The Commercial Production course is designed to educate students on the business aspects and production of television commercials. Students will explore the steps involved in the

development process, dealing with a client, and producing broadcast quality television commercials(scripting, storyboarding, shortlisting). 

This course focuses on the art and craft of directing. Students will develop their own visual style while working effectively with crew and actors. Students will analyze the development of the dramatic situation, explore character needs and relationships, and breaking down the script. Students will learn and practise the role of the director throughout the filmmaking process.  The role and the responsibilities of the assistant director will be analyzed, with particular emphasis on working with the director.

Students will be introduced to advanced techniques and technologies in the art of cinematography.  Topics will include advanced DSLR techniques; on-location lighting and shooting; an introduction to 16mm film cameras and processes; and drone operation.

In this course, students practice editing as a means for creative storytelling.  It takes a technical approach to the Adobe Premier non-linear editing system and Adobe After Effects. It builds on the work created in Cinematography, Production, and Directing courses to complete the Term III final project.

In this course, students will learn the procedures, processes and practices of motion picture production with an emphasis on the practical mechanics of how a short drama film gets made. We will look at the stages of film production and how a beginning filmmaker can successfully navigate each stage.

Using the skills and knowledge acquired in semester one and two we will focus on some of the challenges in recording a dramatic production. Attention will be paid to recording audio while dramatic action is taking place and to appropriate microphone usage. Post-production techniques for voice enhancement will be further explored as will the digital manipulation of environmental soundscapes. Basic foley (SFX production) and ADR (automated/additional dialogue recording) techniques will be addressed as well as ways to make in studio recording ambiance match on location ambiance.

In this course students will gain an advanced understanding of graphic design and motion graphics as they relate to film. The main focus of the course will be on mastering the programs Adobe Photoshop and Adobe After Effects in the film making process.

This course will be dedicated to discussion of an assigned film, review of key scenes from that film.  The class will visit from local filmmakers and production personnel that allow students the opportunity to benefit from the real-world experiences of industry professionals who will share their insights into the industry.

This second course in directing will focus on working directly with actors, and effectively communicating as a director.  Topics covered will include creating useful character profiles, the casting process, rehearsals, and getting the best performances out of actors.   Students will refine their abilities to effectively communicate with actors and crew, and how to pitch their ideas to producers and potential financiers.