Fundamentals of Filmmaking II: Narrative Film

Catalog description

FUNDAMENTALS OF FILMMAKING II: NARRATIVE FILM is an intensive production workshop for fiction filmmaking. Students write, direct, and produce one short, 5-7 minute, film. The course builds upon the visual storytelling tools learned in the prerequisite courses, Fundamentals of Filmmaking I, or Cinematic Narratives. In addition to further developing skills in screenwriting, cinematography, aesthetics, and editing, students will be introduced to professional-level production processes that emulate industry standards. Students can choose to create a traditional narrative film with dialog, or they can choose alternative types of performance and filmmaking that create narrative style flow in different ways. Students must have a rough draft script, or one page treatment, ready by the first day of classes as writing and rewriting work begins in week one. Each student writes and directs their own film, and then they serve as crew members for their classmates when they direct their films. Students can also choose to break the constraints of the traditional solo director/auteur theory, and choose to co-direct and Co-Create their film with a partner. Students with more experience in acting or performing can partner with other students who have more experience with writing, directing, or cinematography - and they can explore the opportunities within the emerging trend of Co-Creative filmmaking. This course emphasizes both creative expression and real-world logistical practices, including securing location and performer releases, insurance, permits, and other permissions necessary for production. These requirements prepare students for professional filmmaking where permissions ensure projects run smoothly, avoid safety and legal risks, and meet distribution requirements. Students are guided by their Professor, and a Production Advisor, through all the production logistics that are…