FILM PRACTICES

TEXT: The Digital Filmmaking Handbook, 4^th Ed.

WEEK 1

Course overview, grading policies, syllabus; Introduction, The Digital Filmmaking

Handbook

Narrative vs Documentary films

The Division of Labor in Film Production

The Production Team and Who Does What, The Production Office, Pick Script, Read Script,On set protocol, crew duties, slating, script readings,

WEEK 2

Concept development, target audience

Research, sources of ideas

* Story

* Script Format

Narrative storytelling

Writing a scene

Pre-production/Treatments (Narrative, Documentary)

WEEK 3

From Script to Schedule

The Script as Blueprint: Breakdown & Scheduling

The Budget is the Film

Hiring Cast, Crew

Negotiation, Deal Memos, Contracts

Clearances and Releases

Ethical & Legal Responsibilities

WEEK 4

Location Scouting & Management

Pre-visualization

Shot Composition, Master Shot/Coverage,

Acting, Casting, Directing

Principal Talent. Background Talent

WEEK 5

Form + Content

Lighting & Camera

Mis-en-Scene/Things you include in the “scene”/Working with light and objects

Form + Content

Sound

Sound recording, shotgun microphone, booming

WEEK 6

*Wednesday Feb 27 In class Task 1: Ten hour (8am – 6pm) movie challenge & Viva Voce. Each group is required to shoot, edit and post on Vimeo, their film before 6 pm. Students will each participate in a viva voce on their role in the production

Shooting a film trailer

WEEK 7

Finding or composing music for a film

Foley

Editing a film trailer

WEEK 8

Packaging & Marketing a Film

Promotional materials: posters, blogs, trailers, press kit, etc.

Social Media promotion

Exhibition & Distribution Outlets: Test screenings, Film Festivals, DVD, Online, Cinema, Television

Target audience

SAMPLE PRESS FILM KIT 1
SAMPLE FILM PRESS KIT 2
SAMPLE FILM PRESS KIT 3
MOVIEMAKER: 50 FILM FESTIVALS WORTH THE ENTRY FEE 
TIPS FOR SUBMITTING TO FILM FESTIVALS

WEEK 9

Assembling a film marketing plan

WEEK 10

Work on outstanding tasks:

Task #2 Production Portfolio & Journal (Blog)

Task #3 Marketing Plan & Evaluation

WEEK 11

Wed. April 03: TASKS 2 & 3 DUE

CLASS POLICIES:

Recording Devices:

The use of any electronic listening or recording device in a classroom without prior consent of the lecturer and college administration is prohibited. Any student who needs to use electronic aids must secure the consent of the lecturer.