Filmmakers Workshop

Catalog description

This workshop introduces students to the theory and techniques of developing and producing short story ideas that are shot on digital video and edited digitally on a computer with Final Cut Pro. As most students enter the program with little or no experience in film or video, early assignments familiarize them with equipment and introduce documentary, experimental, and narrative approaches. Working in crews, students develop their directing, shooting, and editing skills as they produce music videos and short videos (three to five minutes in length). Special emphasis is placed on storytelling through visual language. Students learn the basics of screenwriting through free-writing exercises and reading assignments as well as the script development of their short films. Lectures, seminars, and screenings highlight the fundamentals of story structure, character development, communication of thematic statements, and visual storytelling, among other topics. In addition, screenings of significant works and discussions with industry professionals and Tisch faculty are held. Daily sessions are divided into lecture, lab, and screening periods. Students must also enroll in Arts and Culture (FMTV-UT 70), a 2-unit companion course, for a total of 6 units.