SYLLABUS

Jim Callner 741-2456

Filmmaking - Theatre Arts 005AB (3 Units)

Office Hours - - Please check with Instructor per semester. Hours also posted in Fine Arts Division Office

Room TA 28

Email: james_callner@wvm.edu

Text: The Filmmakers Handbook (recommended)

(Note: Text may change per semester. See Instructor at first meeting)

Materials needed: Digital Camera Computer editing programs capacities. If you do not have equipment we will provide it for you or you will work in teams.

Course Description: This course presents intermediate film techniques and styles for short narrative and documentary films. It includes the development of

Production in cinematography, lighting, sound and directing techniques for narrative and documentary filmmaking as well as postproduction.

Studying film styles and developing your own style will be examined through film excursus and lectures.

Your goal is to study at an intermediate level of filmmaking and create films that show a higher level of technique and style.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: You may miss 4 class sessions. Each absence after the 4 granted absences, your grade would go down one full letter grade. (E.g. you have an 'A' in the class and you have now missed 5 class sessions. Your grade is now a 'B'. Miss 6, it’s now a 'C' etc.) If you are ill for more than 4 class sessions you will need a doctors note for the instructor. This policy will be explained in detail the first week of class. TAKE IT SERIOUSLY! IT'S YOUR GRADE!

Content:

Filmmaking aesthetics: Filmmaking styles

Production Organization: Script, Breakdowns, Storyboards, Budgeting, Production basics, Post-Production basics.

Filmmaking Exercises: Development and production to fine cut and/or final cut of short narrative and/or documentaries. Assigned and Graded by the instructor.

Final Tests or projects: To demonstrate knowledge of film process, styles and organizational plans for productions. Term paper option with instructor approval.

IMPORTANT TO YOUR GRADE: IT IS CRUCIAL THAT YOU COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENTS EXACTLY AS THEY ARE PRESENTED TO YOU. EXAMPLE: IF YOU ARE ASSIGNED TO MAKE A 5-MINUTE VIDEO, DO NOT GO OVER 5 MINUTES OR YOUR GRADE WILL SUFFER. ANOTHER EXAMPLE: IF YOU ARE ASSIGNED TO CREATE A FILM WITH NO DIALOGUE AND ONLY MUSIC, BE SURE TO FOLLOW THOSE DIRECTIONS OR YOUR GRADE WILL SUFFER. THE MAIN OBJECT IS TO FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS OF THE ASSIGNMENTS PRECISELY. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ASK THE INSTRUCTOR. DO NOT GUESS WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO DO, ASK. INSTRUCTORS CRITIQUE AND GRADING ARE FINAL

Grading: All assignments will be graded on overall performance. The key to getting a good grade in this course is daily participation, both attendance and active involvement, completing assignments on time, and a willingness to open your mind to "creative thinking."

Class Participation: 10%

Production Exercises: (Film Projects completed as assigned) 45%

Final: 45%

Reminder: It is important to keep a journal in this course. Information will come quickly, with little time for repetition. If you already have equipment (digital camcorders and editing programs.), please notify the instructor.

Disability Statement

West Valley College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students should notify DESP (Disability & Educational Support Program) located in the Learning Services building (408-741-5085) of any special needs.

Student Attendance Policy (from the WVC Catalog, p. 181)

Students are expected to attend all sessions of each class. Instructors may drop students from the class if they fail to attend the first class meeting, or when accumulated unexcused hours of absences exceed ten percent of the total number of hours the class meets during the semester. Moreover, an instructor may drop from the class any student who fails to attend at least one class session during the first three weeks of instruction.