Courses / Undergraduate

Spring 2014

  • Advanced Production of Narrative Short

    187 | CCN: 31732

    J. Mira Kopell

    4 Units

    In Film 187 student filmmakers write, direct and edit one narrative short, 10 – 12 minutes in length. The class emphasizes the collaborative process of
    filmmaking so, in addition to developing their own projects, students will continually workshop each other’s scripts, dailies and cuts and crew on each
    other’s productions.
    The semester is broken into four stages – script concept/development, pre-production, production and postproduction. Script development emphasizes
    visual storytelling, dramatic structure, character development and theme. Pre-production highlights pre-visualization strategies, script analysis,
    casting, rehearsing, planning, scheduling. Production focuses on directing the camera and actors, shot choice/composition and lighting. Post-production focuses on editing esthetics and sound design.
    The course is demanding – much of the work is done outside class. There will be in-class and outside class exercises to prepare students for aspects
    of the filmmaking process. Narrative shorts from around the world are screened to facilitate discussion of strategies for making an effective short film.
    Emphasis is on each student mastering the creative, practical, technical, and theoretical concepts related to video production. Ultimately, each
    student will create a fully realized short that is both technically and artistically proficient.