Before the first day of class
Read up on pitching at Wordplayer.com and give us an idea for a 5-10 minute film: any narrative genre (thriller, horror, comedy, etc.- NO documentary), any style, any subject.
Week One
Video Basics
Using the exposure triangle (Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO/Gain), white balance, how sensors work, codecs, introducing FCPX
In-class exercise: Shooting an interview
Week Two
Audio Basics
Sample rates and bit rates, compression schemes, microphones and recorders
In-class exercise: Creating foley for Spy vs Guy
Week Three
Synchronizing audio and video
The torture test: lip-sync, using a slate (even when you don't have one), auto-sync, audio channel configurations
In-class exercise: Pitch your movie
Week Four
Storytelling for film and video
Conflict, character, change. the hero's journey, three act structure (Syd Field's vocal)
Week Five
Screenwriting
Introducing FadeIn, writing action, writing dialogue
In-class exercise: writing a short scene, selecting final projects
Week Six
Composition
The rule of thirds, shot length, camera angles, camera movement, match cuts and jump cuts and cutaways
In-class exercise:The Run, Lola, Run time trials
Week Seven
3 Point Lighting
Week Eight
Project Greenlight, Breakdown and Preproduction
Week Nine
Shoot “The Dealer”
Week Ten
Edit “The Dealer”
BREAKDOWN AND STORYBOARD/SHOTLIST DUE
Week Eleven
Overcranking and undercranking
Week Twelve
Motion graphics, tracking, and titles
Week Thirteen
Workshop
Week Fourteen
Export and distribution
FINAL
FINAL FILMS DUE