Narrative Filmmaking: From Script to Screen

Catalog description

Narrative Filmmaking: From Script to Screen is a hybrid writing/production course that guides students from making a 30-second, silent, solo character introduction film to a 3-minute partner-created narrative film. Initial lectures and hands-on instruction in DSLR technical training, cinematography, and character behavior support the first exercise, filmed at the end of the first week. After critiquing that 30-second film, students will learn screenwriting, lighting, sound, directing actors, and editing in service of their second exercise: with a partner of their choosing, students will write, film, and edit their longer narrative film, relying on another pair to support their film as crew, and vice versa. Throughout, partners will compose two drafts of their script and workshop it in class, while also using a day for scouting locations, finding props, and securing actors. A two-day weekend shoot will include one day for filming their short and one day supporting the other pair's film. The final week is spent in editing and classroom critique of the films, with a public screening on the final day. This course is truly INTENSIVE and requires a significant amount of work (including nights and weekends) outside of class and daily deadlines for submission of creative work.