syllabus

COURSE SYLLABUS

FILM 1103-3: Production Explorations

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Time: 4:15-6:15 pm       

Course Location: The Film School, Room 105

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Professor: Kent Kirkpatrick

Office Location: The Film School #201

Office Hours: by appointment

Office Phone: n/a

Other Phone:  (505) 660-1284 mobile

Email: kent.kirkpatrick@santafeuniversity.edu

TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

❏     Your Canon T5i

❏     Blank notebook(s) and pens for in-class writing and notes

❏     (optional) VOICE & VISION, Mick Hurbis-Cherrier (Focal Press)

COURSE DESCRIPTION                                                                               

This course covers the mechanics and aesthetics of digital video production. Emphasis is given to the ways in which the techniques of filmmaking, whether it be fiction or non-fiction, can be applied to tell a story and propel narrative. This class explores and develops creative expression, personal vision and critique skills through conceptualizing, planning, shooting, editing and presenting short films in digital video.

This Production Explorations class will also introduce students to expected core competencies that will be required when working on a live film set (including knowledge of electrical, lighting, knots)

LEARNING OUTCOMES

·      Hands on experience in shooting short narrative projects in digital video.  The basic use of video cameras, tripods, lighting, editing and sound recording. A familiarization with the theory, practice and vocabulary of basic production techniques in preparation for upper level production classes.

·      The ability to author work using scriptwriting software.

·      The ability to perform basic digital editing, empowering you to edit your own projects.

ADDITIONAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

·       Hands on experience with essential set skills such as: knot tying, cable wrapping, basic electrical, set etiquette as well as on-set safety and set roles and professionalism.

·      Understanding the Three Act Story Structure for conceiving, scripting, developing and planning any project.

·      Understanding that filmmaking is a team endeavor and learning to work in concert with your fellow team members.

·      To develop your sense of professional discipline by meeting deadlines for assignments in the course.

·      To develop confidence, professionalism and enthusiasm in your ability to express your own creative vision and to communicate it with an audience.

SUPPLIES:

·      TWO SDHC Class 10 or higher, 8GB (minimum storage). 

·      USB 3.0 DRIVE ( 16 GB Minimum)

·      PORTABLE HARD DRIVE Firewire (500 GB Minimum)

·      (optional) CIRCUMAURAL HEADPHONES

·      (optional) LEATHERMAN

·      (optional) LEATHER WORK GLOVES

GRADING SCALE:

A 94-100    B 84-86        C 74-76        D 64-66

A- 90-93     B- 80-83       C- 70-73       D- 60-63

B+ 87-89    C+ 77-79     D+ 67-69     F Below 60

A = Exceptional mastery of the subject studied.

B = Above-average mastery of the subject studied.

C = Completion of all the required coursework with sufficient mastery.

D = Minimal completion of work with below average mastery.

In the event that a student may have an overall grade average of F and fails the course, there is no opportunity to make up course work or recourse to change grades once they are filed with the registrar.

EVALUATION FOR GRADING:

Category                                         Points

Attendance and Participation 40%

Class Assignments                                   10%

Film Projects                                 50%

ATTENDANCE/TARDINESS

100% class attendance is required and is critically important to faculty and your peers. More than 1 unexcused absence will adversely affect your grade and will typically trigger an Early Alert to your academic advisor. More than 3 unexcused absences can result in failing the course. Tardiness is unacceptable and will also result in a lowering of your final grade. Bottom line: Attend every class in a timely manner. Attendance is taken at the beginning of class. If you are not there during attendance, you will be marked absent.

An excused absence means you are sick, in court, or otherwise legitimately kept from coming to class. (I will need documentation as proof.) In the case of an excused absence, you must contact me prior to class and state the reason for your absence. If you do not contact me, your absence will be considered unexcused and your participation grade will be lowered.

If you are late to class you will be marked as absent.

Come to class on time, prepared, and ready to participate: This class is an interactive class and as part of the preparation for a career in filmmaking, the student is expected to respect the “call time”, be ready to participate in the day’s expectations, and be an active member of the class.

ONLINE ACCESS TO ASSIGNMENTS AND HANDOUTS

I've set up the following website for online access to our assignments, handouts, and other announcements: http://film1103-3.blogspot.com

 

ELECTRONIC DEVICES - USE IN CLASS

Cell phones and other personal communication or entertainment devices are to be silenced or turned off, and not used or displayed during the class period.

ACCOMMODATING SPECIAL NEEDS

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Santa Fe University of Art and Design makes every effort to provide appropriate accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Students may receive these accommodations if they contact their professor and register with Laura Nunnelly, Director of Student Affairs, at 505-473-6176 (laura.nunnelly@santafeuniversity.edu).

ETHICS/ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Students are expected to exhibit academic honesty in the completion of all course assignments, exams, and activities. Cheating, fabrication, and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Incidences of academic dishonesty will be dealt with according to the Santa Fe University of Art and Design policy on academic integrity.

EMERGENCY CLASS CANCELLATION

If an emergency arises in which class must be cancelled, a note will be posted on the classroom door informing students of the cancellation and related information. If a cancellation notice is not posted, students are expected to remain in the classroom until dismissed by a University representative. In the event of severe weather, students should listen to local radio/television announcements for information AND check the Santa Fe University website: www.santafeuniversity.edu. If the University is open, students are expected to attend class.

A FEW PRACTICAL TIPS:

·      Schedule each step of your projects.  Plan and manage your time carefully. It will be critical to your success!

·      Communication. It’s much better to over communicate than not communicate enough. Talk with me and with your fellow classmates as you plan and execute these projects.

·      Know the regulations in the Film School Student Redbook, including rules regarding safety, weapons, equipment, locations, talent, copyright, etc.  These are very important!

·      ASK FOR HELP. (communication, again!) Filmmaking is a collaborative art, and we all struggle with it from time to time.  In this class, we can all help each other.  Talk to me and to others about ideas, shoots, etc.

·      Make projects that are doable.  Don’t try to fit a 20 minute film into 5 minutes.

·      Try a genre that scares you—take risks and try something that challenges you.

·      Have a backup for your ideas, locations, actors, equipment in case of problems with weather, location, gear, etc. 

·      Be realistic about estimating your time—DON’T PROCRASTINATE.

·      The Film School at SFUAD logo MUST be on all final projects. See your professor to obtain a clean, high resolution copy of the image.