Digital Filmmaking
2019-2020
1st Year Program Syllabus
Instructor: Carlos Diaz [email protected] 802-728-9595 Ext. 417 www.orangesouthwest.org/rtcc RTCC Facebook: Randolph Technical Career Center RTCC Twitter: @RTCC_VT
Digital Filmmaking Program Syllabus
Instructor: Carlos Diaz Email: [email protected] Cell: (802) 498 7071
Program Description:
The Digital Filmmaking program exposes students to a new project each week where they will have the opportunity to produce video projects ranging from a narrative film, documentary, commercial, music video, TV show or web series. Within these projects, students are given the opportunity to perform each of the production functions.
The program is an intensive year long introduction to visual storytelling, digital filmmaking, film theory and journalism. Applicants should have an interest in writing stories, exploring camera and lighting technology, cultivating teamwork and mastering video editing software.
Digital Filmmaking is fast paced, teamwork oriented and full of opportunities for learning new skills and self-directed learning. Students practice solid filmmaking techniques. Each student writes and directs short films in order to master setting, character, empty/off screen space, reflections, foreground/background action, composition, casting and product placement.
Philosophy: To instill the ethics to collaborate by developing our skills of communication and accepting a wide range of creative concepts. To become efficient and focused managers of our crafts. To develop artistic maturity and perspectives as the driving force behind our choices.
Interests and Attitudes: It is important for students to have particular interests and possess certain attitudes in order to excel in this program. We expect every student to be on time in the classroom, real world productions do not give a second chance. Please refer to the student’s handbook for absences and tardiness. Students enrolling in the Digital Filmmaking program should possess the following:
• A desire to learn about and practice visual storytelling, Digital Filmmaking and other computer technology, film theory and journalism. • An interest in exploring a career in film or television. • The ability to work as a team player.
Objectives: In this program, students can expect to learn and achieve the following:
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of digital filmmaking and film studies. • Watch and review feature films and short films. • Produce, direct and edit narrative, documentary and music videos. • Record event and industrial videos for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. • Participate in a team oriented environment Summary of Class Topics:
Each week the team will produce a video production ranging from narrative films, documentary films, commercials, music videos, television shows and web series. Students are given the opportunity to perform each of the crucial functions of the production. These jobs include producer, director, camera operator, lighting technician, sound technician, writer, editor and on- camera performer.
Once a week the class will analyze an article related to the field of digital filmmaking. These readings give students a good understanding of how media operates and how media plays an intricate roll in our daily lives. These articles cover a wide range of topics from new and evolving technology trends to effectively distributing your film over the Internet.
Throughout the year students will dissect popular movie scenes looking at why the director made the choices they did. These choices include shot design, color, pacing, critical choice, pivotal beat, whose scene it is and the use of music. This process will help students understand why movies are shot and edited the way they are. Digital Filmmaking teams up with the Graphic Arts program to watch a series of classic films. After viewing each film the students analyze the story to learn about plot, character, emotional charge, shots, scenes, sequences, acts, climax, and resolution.
Major Units: • Cinematography, Image Capture • Editing • Pre-Production & Set Protocol • Grip and Electric • Sound Department • Foundation Directing • Historical Foundation of Cinema • Scriptwriting • Documentary Filmmaking • PSA Multimedia Journalism • 30 Second Commercial • The Music Video • The Narrative Short
Vermont Approved Program Competencies
*A.001 Identify common occupations found within the video production area.
*A.002 Identify the major organizations or institutions involved with video production nationally and locally.
*B.001 Define and understand the role of each of the major media (e.g. TV, news, documentaries, feature films, music videos, commercials) in American society.
*D.001 Identify the video formats.
*D.002 Show set-up and operation of basic recording and video production equipment.
*D.003 Operate the switcher and SEG to instructor’s satisfaction. *D.004 Create a studio production utilizing basic studio equipment.
*E.001 Explain and demonstrate camera techniques for sequencing shots (e.g., shooting to edit and in-camera editing).
*E.002 Explain and demonstrate use of camera techniques in establishing point of view, movement, creating composition, visual continuity and mood.
*E.003 Identify, demonstrate, and explain use of various lenses to alter distance.
*E.004 Identify, demonstrate, and set up use of basic lens effects (zoom, rack focus, irising, white balance).
*F.001 Identify the ways microphones produce their signals.
*F.002 List the types, uses, and pick-up patterns of various microphones.
*F.003 Demonstrate proper placement of microphones for effective audio.
*F.006 Record a short audio sequence, properly monitoring the sound level.
*F.007 Demonstrate the use of mixing multiple sources in live and post production settings.
*G.001 Identify and use basic lighting equipment.
*G.002 Set up a basic three-light system.
*G.003 Operate a basic studio lighting panel.
*G.004 Produce lighting for both an indoor and outdoor location to instructor’s satisfaction.
*G.005 Set up studio lighting for an interview.
*G.006 Prepare a lighting plan for a dramatic or commercial production.
*G.007 Explain and demonstrate the use of lighting techniques in creating composition, visual continuity and mood.
*G.008 Use a light meter to measure light conditions.
*I.001 Analyze a script and plan its production elements, based upon audience identification, time and equipment available.
*I.002 Develop a script from concept treatment through final script to the satisfaction of the instructor.
*I.003 Write a script containing interaction and narrative.
*I.004 Prepare a critique comparing a written script to its filmed version.
*I.005 Write a script using basic industry formatting standards.
*I.006 Design a storyboard from a script for a 30-second spot.
*I.007 Evaluate and revise a selected video script and storyboard.
*K.001 Scout and tape a field location that meets the needs of a selected script.
*K.003 Identify and list the necessary props for a selected dramatic or commercial script.
*N.001 Apply creative and critical thinking skills to the editing process.
*N.002 Produce a sort in-camera production with at least six edits.
*N.003 List and demonstrate steps in doing an assemble edit and insert edit.
*N.004 Identify and perform audio editing techniques, including on- camera narration, voice-over narration, sound effects and music.
*N.005 Identify the differences between assemble, insert editing, and non- linear.
*N.006 View a videotape and identify and analyze types of edits.
Vermont Common Core State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.10
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.3
Analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain how specific individuals, ideas, or
events interact and develop over the course of the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.5
Analyze how the text structures information or ideas into categories or hierarchies, demonstrating understanding of the information or ideas.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.RP.A.3.D
Use ratio reasoning to convert measurement units; manipulate and transform units appropriately when multiplying or dividing quantities.
21st Century Skills
Collaboration Work Creatively with Others
Clear Communication Leadership Time Management Experimentation Thinking Creatively Apply Technology Effectively The use of a Various Creation Techniques Listening to Feedback Empathy
Research, Organize and Evaluate Productivity & Accountability Negotiation Act on creative ideas Problem Solving Critical Thinking Inferring Grading: 30% Video productions 15% Reflections 30% Class Procedures & Participation 25% Production Assignments
______Student Signature Parent or Guardian Signature