July 17 - July 21, 2023
This one week course is an in-depth study of the filmmaking process from script to screen. Students will gain a better understanding of critical craft elements necessary for the success of any project.
The one week Introduction to Filmmaking Seminar is designed as a comprehensive overview of the process of making films from script through Screening. Through informative seminars students will have the opportunity to explore the technical side of the process by reviewing camera, sound and lighting equipment. This seminar offers a great opportunity to explore and discuss film school options and what program might be best suited for your specific goals as you consider a career in the industry. This is a great course for anyone looking to learn what goes on behind the camera. The seminar will be presented by filmmaking professionals in their respective fields. Following is a sample schedule of what participants can expect throughout the seminar. This is an opportunity to explore career options and, more importantly, to ask questions! We welcome students age 15 and older and are intended for both a pre-college and lifelong learning audience.
Sample Schedule
Classes will generally meet from 11am to 5pm EST. The exact daily schedule will be released closer to the program start date.
| Day | MORNING Session | AFTERNOON Session |
|---|---|---|
| MON | Introduction to Screenwriting | Directing for the Screen |
| TUE | Camera & Sound | The Job of the Producer |
| WED | Lighitng | Directing for the Screen |
| THU | Introduction to Screenwriting | Editing Overview |
| FRI | Story Pitch Session | Film Festivals & Distribution What's Next |
Screenwriting: Story Development
The seminar will provide an overview of writing for the screen.
- Cinematic Storytelling: The Foundation of Filmmaking
- Good Stories vs. Good Movie Stories
- The Mechanics of Moving a Story
- Choosing a Narrative Structure
- Techniques for Building Strong Characters
- Common Story Pitfalls
A conceptual approach to the art and craft of writing for film. Emphasis is on writing from a visual point of view, as well as analyzing and exploring the elements fundamental to all styles of screenwriting. The goal of this class is to clear up the common misunderstandings that become obstacles to writing effectively for the screen and assist students in thinking visually.
Directing
Students will discuss the basic principles of film directing, from the breakdown of the script as the first stage of directing, to the analysis of the script from the director's point of view.
- The Director's Task
- What is Your Film About?
- Getting to the Heart of Your Idea
- Choosing a Form: Narrative, Documentary, Experimental
- Directing the Camera
- Thinking Cinematically
- Light as Expression
- Staging a Scene
- Moving the Camera
Introduction to Producing
The process of filmmaking is looked at from the producer's point of view. This session will explore the role of the producer and the process of putting together a film for production. Students will discuss financing options, budgets, scheduling, line-producing, production, and post-production as it relates directly with the responsibilities of the position.
- The Business of Film
- The Role of the Producer: Planning, Shooting, and Selling
- The Laws Behind the Magic: Protecting Your Assets
- Web Movies and Streaming Video: Marketing Your Shorts On-line
Fundamentals of Film Production
Getting all the parts to come together on a set is what we all work toward. What happens on a set?
Camera
This session provides an introduction to the tools and techniques of cinematography. Course will cover the practical use of cameras, lenses, and other tools of the trade. The emphasis will be on finding ways to visualize the story rather than just using equipment.
- The Art of Motion Picture Photography
- The Gear: Cameras, Tripods, & Lighting Equipment
- The Relationship Between the Cinematographer and the Director
Lighting
This session, a continuation of the Camera session, will introduce the student to the basic vocabulary of lighting, including: lighting direction and formal definition, hard and soft light qualities, and the laws of light behavior. An overview of the role of the director of photography as the position relates to the filmmaking process.
What’s Next
- Breaking In
- Building Your Professional Film Portfolio
- Finding Work on Crews, in Production Offices, and with Distributors