Graduate Film

A hands-on class designed to teach students theýactor's process, as well as the most effectiveýways to communicate with actors to get theýdesired results for the director. Students willýexperience acting from the practical viewpoint ofýbecoming the actor and learn how to direct actorsýfor best results.

Course number: FILM-521
Prerequisite: n/a

This advanced course approaches cinematography asýa practical craft and as a design art. With aýcombination of theoretical study and hands-onýexercises, we build a rich understanding of aýDP's most important skill-sets -- light,ýexposure, color, lighting, cameras, formats,ýlenses, frame composition and shooting practices.ýStrong emphasis on student cinematographers'ýpreparation for the professional world. Note:ýthis is a hands-on workshop for Cinematographyýmajors and those who want an advancedýunderstanding of the craft. It is not aýproduction class.ýý-Production Level: 1 for in-class demonstrationsýonly.

Course number: FILM-534
Prerequisite: n/a

This graduate course is an intensive screenwritingýclass for Writers and Writer/Directors. Studentsýwill meet individually with the instructor toýdevelop a short film screenplay from idea throughýfinal shooting script with the intention to directýthe film in Advanced Film Production. The courseýis designed to provide the student with aýcomprehensive, professional understanding ofýscreenwriting and the associated aspects of theýcraft. ýýThis is a class about finding the student'sýoriginal voice. Students will study what makes aýshort film standout in an already convolutedýmarket. What sets shorts that premiere at SXSW,ýSundance, or Tribeca apart from the rest? Often,ýit's the filmmaker's voice. Their point of viewýand their ability to incorporate that into theirýstorytelling. Along with voice, students willýfocus on writing within the constraints of theirýresources. Writing with the intention to "film theýfeasible". Students will learn about how to castýreputable actors and how to write for locationsýthat elevate the material, not the budget. Likeýan imaginary friend suddenly knocking on yourýfront door, at the end of this class what onceýexisted in your head, will now exist in the world.

Course number: FILM-670B
Prerequisite: n/a

This graduate course is an intensive screenwritingýclass for Writers and Writer/Directors. Studentsýwill meet individually with the instructor toýdevelop a short film screenplay from idea throughýfinal shooting script with the intention ofýdirecting the film in Advanced Film Production.ýThe course is designed to provide the student withýa comprehensive, professional understanding ofýscreenwriting. ýýThe story idea must be original, created by theýstudent, and not based on any previous work in anyýother class. The screenplay will be no more thaný10 pages long. The script must tell a story. ýStudents pitch ideas with a Classic Three-Actýnarrative structure. Once the story idea isýapproved, students will begin the screenplay. Thisýis a rigorous writing experience. Good writing isýre-writing. Scripts will be in colloquial Englishýand contain a satisfying resolution, complete theýstory's theme and answer its basic question. Theýfinished script must be approved by the Instructorýbefore script is shot in Advanced Film Production.ý(The student will direct the film, but may not beýin the film's cast.)

Course number: FILM-670A
Prerequisite: n/a

This course will investigate the techniques,ýskills and craft needed for a successful directorýworking today, with a special emphasis on theýparticular terms for working in episodic streamingýplatforms. The student will delve into all of theýmechanics: from preparation to final production.ýStudents will be required to make two shortsýbefore the end of term: one drama and one comedy.ýStudents will combine the knowledge from previousýclasses and move into using effective formulas inýan advanced format by creating the systemsýnecessary for real-world production.ýýProduction Level: 2

Course number: FILM-556
Prerequisite: n/a

This class is the capstone of all our otherýdirecting classes. Students will direct a singleýportfolio-level short narrative film, based on aýscript of their own or one they've developed withýa writer. In addition, there will be workshops andýlectures covering advanced directing skills, moreýabout storytelling and the artistry of directingýthan about the technical skills covered in priorýclasses.ýýThe class is required for undergraduate directingýmajors and is open, as space allows, as anýelective for all Graduate and Undergraduate Filmýstudents with the approval of the instructor. ýýProduction Levels 1-4.

Course number: FILM-606
Prerequisite: n/a

This graduate course is an intensive class forýdirector/producers who wish to complete anýadvanced video project within a single 14 weekýsemester. Each week, students will meetýindividually with the two instructors to cover theýentire production process from table read to finalýcolor-corrected "print." Admission to the courseýis by petition. Students may enroll once theýinstructors have determined that their script hasýbeen effectively developed and that they haveýpresented a comprehensive 14 week timeline toýcompletion. Although not required, scripts forýthis course are typically developed in AdvancedýFilm Development. Scripts (and their accompanyingýproduction timeline) are to be submitted to theýinstructors during weeks 12-14 in the term priorýto enrollment. ýýThis section will focus on collaboration between aýwriter and a director; between a director and aýproducer; and/or between aýwriter/director/producer and his (or her) cast andýcrew. Our job over the next 14 weeks will be toýhelp you complete your film or video short notýonly within a single Art Center semester but alsoýwithin the larger framework of what is probablyýthe most complex collaborative medium everýinvented in which to create art.

Course number: FILM-671B
Prerequisite: n/a

This graduate course is an intensive class forýupper level production-eligible directors who wishýto complete an advanced short film within a singleý14 week semester. Films should already have beenýsufficiently developed (script, treatment, etc)ýand should only need minimal further storyýdevelopment in the following term, if any.ýýCoursework for this class centers around 1-on-1ýmeetings with the student's productionýeligible-instructor of choice. Meetings with theýinstructor are limited to 7 hours per term, to beýutilized in whatever manner the student andýinstructor see fit. ýýThis course is by petition only and requires priorýsubmission of an application in the previous term.ýAdmission to the course is influenced by manyýfactors, such as if the student is alreadyýenrolled in a different production course, theýtimeliness with which the student submitted theýrequest, how sufficiently developed the script theýstudent plans to shoot is, and otherýconsiderations. ýýEnrollment to the course is not guaranteed even ifýseats remain available. Once all seats are taken,ýno additional seats will be granted even if otherýapplications are pending. Students cannot enrollýin multiple sections of this same course.ýýProduction Level: 3 and 4

Course number: FILM-671C
Prerequisite: n/a

In Advanced Film Production, students will directýa script completed in Advanced Film Development.ýInstructor script approval is required beforeýpre-production begins. The course is designed toýcover the full directorial process fromýpre-production to delivery. ýýOnce students finalize the script completed inýAdvanced Film Production, they prepare for andýcomplete a PRACTICE SHOOT using classmates orýfriends as actors in comparable locations to beýfilmed and edited, then screened with instructor.ýThis is an invaluable process that allows studentsýto work out shots, explore directorial approaches,ýshooting styles and ways to cover each scene. ýClassic film coverage of scenes is required (noýlong single shots with ping pong pans, etc.) ýýAfter the Practice Shoot is completed andýscreened, the student moves into Pre-Productionýmode. Location scouts, casting, shot lists,ýproduction design, etc. are discussed as studentsýprep the FINAL SHOOT. Students will edit their ownýfilms. It is recommended that students hire aýprofessional sound recordist for their finalýshoot. Directors may not appear in their ownýfilms. Students are required to use DPs who areýcurrently enrolled at Art Center. Films to be noýlonger than 10 minutes. ýýAfter shoots are wrapped, Directors will create aýFirst Cut to show Instructor. Notes to be given.ýPick-up shots if possible. Director will thenýcreate a Second Cut to show Instructor. Then aýFinal Cut including Post Production- score, colorýcorrection, titles and credits. Student productionýcompany credits, logos, etc. are not permitted. 'AýFilm By' credit is generally prohibited in theýfilm industry. Simple credits in this class areý"WRITTEN and DIRECTED by.." Final films areýscreened for the class Week 14..

Course number: FILM-671A
Prerequisite: n/a

Advanced Flame expands on the previous flameýclass and moves further intoýstudent projects as well as more plot-drivenýeffects. These plot drivenýeffects range from affecting the environmentýcharacters are in and aýlarger focus on advanced color correction.ýAdditionally, there is anýemphasis on project planning for films withývisual effects both supportingýand plot driven.

Course number: FILM-551
Prerequisite: n/a

This class offers an insider's view of theýbusiness side of film and television developmentýand production, from the acquisition of rightsýand the negotiation of agreements for writers,ýproducers, directors and actors through the manyýavenues of distribution, including considerationýof ancillary markets an so-called new media.ýSeveral class meetings will feature guestýspeakers, including top industry professionalsýsuch as studio executives, directors, producers,ýagents, etc. This class is open to all majors.

Course number: FILM-663
Prerequisite: n/a

This course approaches cinematography as a visualýtool to assist in the craft of storytelling. Withýa combination of theoretical study and hands-onýexercises, we build a rich understanding of aýDP's most important technical skills, and howýthose skills are used to support the narrative. ýThere is a strong emphasis on studentýcinematographers' preparation for theýprofessional world. Note: this is a hands-onýworkshop for Cinematography majors and those whoýwant an advanced understanding of the craft. Itýis not a portfolio production class forýdirectors.ýý+ Tech Training & RED CertificationýAn extension of Cine Workshop covering theýtechnical and safety-related know-how required toýuse professional camera equipment and oversee aýcamera crew. The class module includes hands-onýdemos with the RED One, field trips, lectures,ýand a final exam. Students will achieve anýunderstanding of a Cinematographer'sýresponsibilities, tools used on a set,ývocabulary, lighting and safety. Students mustýbe RED certified before being able to use thoseýcameras for their productions.

Course number: FILM-530
Prerequisite: n/a

This is an introductory course on story in whichýyou will discover your resources as a storyteller;ýyour memory and observation, your responsivenessýto stories around you, and of course yourýimagination; your ability to create and developýcompelling dramatic characters and great cinematicýtales.The course will lead you through threeýfundamental aspects of storytelling: how to getýstarted, stimulating inspiration for your work;ýhow to acquire resources for discovering newýcharacters, new worlds and fresh ideas; andýtechniques for developing ("breaking") yourýstories into a detailed outline.

Course number: FILM-504
Prerequisite: n/a

A Master Class for the graduate Film program,ýfocused on the creative collaboration betweenýDirectors and Cinematographers. Creating a genreýlook from script interpretation by the selectionýand application of formats, lighting, lenses,ýmovements and color grading based on sequences,ýscenes and shot design. This class focuses onýpractical sets, and is a level 3 productionýclass. Taught by Affonso Beato, ASC, ABC memberýof the ASC Master Class faculty, with more thaný50 features and 300 commercials on his resume.ýý-Production Level: 3

Course number: FILM-533
Prerequisite: n/a

This class will teach color theory through theýpractice of color grading motion pictures. Theýclass will cover the history of color in cinemaýand art. Students will learn to speak the languageýof digital cinema "color" in order to communicateýeffectively with their filmmaking collaborators.ýStudents will learn basic and intermediateýtechniques for color grading their own commercialýand narrative work in Davinci Resolve and will beýencouraged to explore other equivalent software.

Course number: FILM-653
Prerequisite: n/a

A Pass in this course means the student hasýsubmitted the thesis and the thesis has beenýapproved by the department. This is the finalýrequirement for graduation.

Course number: FILM-700
Prerequisite: n/a

Conscious Communication is an intense immersionýcourse at ArtCenter College of Design that allowsýstudents to experience the pace of a professionalýenvironment, creating work relevant to currentýreal-world social issues. Led by photographer andýcreative director Matthew Rolston, students willýproduce a series of targeted short-form videos,ýultimately making powerful pieces of audiovisualýcommunication. The class addresses issues thatýaffect us all, among them: the movements forýdiversity, equity and inclusion; mental health;ýthe climate crisis; the promotion of joy andýkindness; and many other pressing topics. ýýThe course is ideal for aspiring advertisingýprofessionals, creative directors, filmmakers,ýphotographers, and those who wish to communicateýpowerfully in the public interest. For moreýinformation about the course, please visitýwww.consciouscommunication.io.ýýProduction Level: This class involves no filmingýand is not considered a production class.

Course number: FILM-613
Prerequisite: n/a

Directing Movement for Impact is an exploration ofýhow movement functions expressively, thematically,ýnarratively and structurally through insightfulýdirection of the moving image. The filming ofýweekly, personalized movement sketches andýcritical analysis of examples from a broad rangeýof film production promotes the discovery,ýdevelopment and enrichment of each student's ownýindividual movement "voice." Movies move. Why notýuse movement to expand, heighten and deepen theýeffectiveness and impact of your own originalýideas and creations?

Course number: FILM-561
Prerequisite: n/a

Psuedo course blockýtool to assist in the craft of storytelling. Withýa combination of theoretical study and hands-onýexercises, we build a rich understanding of aýDP's most important technical skills, and howýthose skills are used to support the narrative. ýThere is a strong emphasis on studentýcinematographers' preparation for theýprofessional world. Note: this is a hands-onýworkshop for Cinematography majors and those whoýwant an advanced understanding of the craft. Itýis not a portfolio production class forýdirectors.ýý+ Tech Training & RED CertificationýAn extension of Cine Workshop covering theýtechnical and safety-related know-how required toýuse professional camera equipment and oversee aýcamera crew. The class module includes hands-onýdemos with the RED One, field trips, lectures,ýand a final exam. Students will achieve anýunderstanding of a Cinematographer'sýresponsibilities, tools used on a set,ývocabulary, lighting and safety. Students mustýbe RED certified before being able to use thoseýcameras for their productions.

Course number: FILM-530.PC
Prerequisite: n/a

Course number: FILM-590
Prerequisite: n/a

Course number: FILM-690
Prerequisite: n/a

Each individual student project is critiqued byýpeers and instructor pre- and post- production inýthis senior level course.ýý-Production Level: 3

Course number: FILM-691
Prerequisite: n/a

This course is a technical introduction to theýtools you will use throughout film productions,ýincluding camera systems, sound recording,ýslating, and ingesting production media forýpost-production.

Course number: FILM-512
Prerequisite: n/a

Students should only enroll in this class in theirýgraduating term. ýýThis class does not have weekly meetings. Instead,ýstudents in this class will meet once with a teamýof film faculty members and professionals toýreview their final academic body of work andýprofessional assets (resume, website, etc). Careerýgoals and aspirations will be explored andýstrategies about pursuing these goals will beýexplored. ýýStudents will not only receive feedback on theirýwork, but also share their own feedback aboutýtheir experiences in the college and Filmýdepartment.

Course number: FILM-655C
Prerequisite: n/a

Course number: FILM-596
Prerequisite: n/a

Course number: FILM-696
Prerequisite: n/a

As the first of three written thesis courses,ýstudents meet individually with the ThesisýDirector to decide on a topic for their writtenýthesis and begin researching their chosen topic.

Course number: FILM-597
Prerequisite: n/a

This course is an introduction to the art andýcraft of cinema lighting. This will be achieved byýlectures, demonstrations, supervised exercises,ýand assignments using a variety of lights andýlighting tools. Emphasis is on students becomingýcomfortable and capable with lighting, planningýand effectively communicating with others aboutýlighting both technically and creatively. Studentsýwill learn to create new solutions to traditionalýtechniques and styles. (Production Level: 1 forýin-class demonstrations only. This is not aýproduction class.)

Course number: FILM-532
Prerequisite: n/a

Students in this class will meet with a team ofýfilm faculty members and professionals to reviewýtheir body of work and professional assetsý(resume, website, etc) thus far. Students willýreceive feedback on their current portfolio,ýincluding thoughts on their strengths and areasýthat are in need of improvement. Long-termýprofessional goals and strategies may also beýexplored.

Course number: FILM-575
Prerequisite: n/a

A collaborative exploratory workshop intended toýfoster experimentation in creating effectiveýmovement strategies to enrich the affectiveýcommunication potential of all types of filmýprojects.ýýThrough analyses of several key examples of pastýand present successful movement strategies,ýexecution of three of each individual student'sýown filmed projects, and extensive classroomýdiscussion and exercises, each student willýdevelop his/her own personal methodology and willýhave completed three short examples illustratingýthe results of their process.

Course number: FILM-568
Prerequisite: n/a

This narrative film editing course is designed toýperfect storytelling techniques through advancedýediting theory and practice. Students must alreadyýbe sufficiently familiar with Avid Media Composerýto use it without supervision or assistance. Whileýsome of the material to be edited will be providedýby the instructor, it will be augmented byýmaterial chosen and directed by the students.ýSubjects of discussion will include narrativeýpicture editing for feature films, television andýshort films, editing production dialogue and soundýeffects, sound recording by means of ADR, Foleyýand other processes, music score creation, foreignýsound mixes and delivery elements.ýýProduction Level: 1

Course number: FILM-550
Prerequisite: n/a

Students edit their own material and assignedýdailies, with the goal of cutting to enhanceýperformance, advance the story, set pacing andýtone, etc.

Course number: FILM-650
Prerequisite: n/a

Students watch films and analyze specificýnarrative focuses, and research and compose aýpaper based on their screenings, as the courseýfocuses on different topics and films each term.

Course number: FILM-562
Prerequisite: n/a

Narrative Film Practicum builds upon theýfoundations of storytelling, story comprehension,ýand filmmaking that were explored in the firstýterm of the Grad Film program. Armed with theýknowledge of what elements are essential in theýcreation of compelling films, students will applyýthis knowledge towards the directing of their ownýshort films. ýýProduction Level: 2

Course number: FILM-652
Prerequisite: n/a

This course is an intense immersion into what isýrequired to be a viable commercial director andýshort form storyteller in the ever-shifting, fast-ýpaced world of commercials and branded content. Anýentrepreneurial attitude is strongly encouragedýfor students to take charge of their careers byýcreating a body of commercial work that reflectsýtheir individuality without conforming to currentýor conventional views. Students produce weeklyýfilm assignments.ýýProduction Level: 3 and higher

Course number: FILM-622
Prerequisite: n/a

The class will concentrate on learning how toýeffectively present and sell yourself and yourýprojects in the room to potential employers orýbuyers. Developing and practicing one's pitch isýalso an extremely effective method for uncoveringýand fixing problems with your concept and story.ýý+ Managing Your CareerýAn extension of Pitching, concentrating on howýindividuals working in the entertainment industryýmanage the practical aspects of an uncertain andýchallenging life as a free agent in a volatileýbusiness.ý ý

Course number: FILM-501
Prerequisite: n/a

Hollywood's diversity problem has been gettingýsome needed attention in recent years, butýFilmmakers of Color have been creating brilliantýmovies since the dawn of moviemaking. By promotingýan understanding and appreciation for BlackýDirectors & Black Actors, this course is designedýto educate and expand awareness of Black Cinema.ýThrough the examination of carefully selectedýfilms by renowned filmmakers, this class promisesýto be an exciting opportunity to become immersedýin expressive black viewpoints on contemporaryýsociety. This course will be exhilarating,ýbreathtaking and educational.

Course number: FILM-569
Prerequisite: n/a

Producing & Set Procedures provides students withýa professional emphasis on the business skills andýleadership responsibilities a producer requires toýdevelop and produce motion pictures, TV, musicývideos, and commercials. Emphasis is placed onýbest practices on set and on location.

Course number: FILM-511
Prerequisite: n/a

The purpose of this class is to ensure that everyýstudent has the professional assets and tools theyýwill need to successfully pursue their careerýimmediately after graduation. This class willýcover the creation and refinement of websites,ýresumes, and cover letters. Students will alsoýworkshop strategies for effective networking,ýinterviewing, and self-promotion. ýýA portion of this classes will involve a finalýterm review where students will be asked to submitýportfolio materials and professional documents forýreview and departmental archival. Like with theýmid-program review, students will meet with a teamýof film faculty and professionals to receiveýfeedback on these documents. This class shouldýonly be enrolled in by students who are in theirýfinal term and have submitted their "Intent toýGraduate" form.

Course number: FILM-655B
Prerequisite: n/a

Students will pitch short scenes to directýin-class. Selected students will work with theýinstructor to design and execute appropriateýlighting strategies with regards to the tone,ýsetting, and narrative needs of the scene.ýStudents should be have potential scenes in mindýprior to the first day of class. Students may beýexpected to attend pre-lighting sessions duringýthe day prior to the film shoot. Production Level:ý3 and higher.

Course number: FILM-633
Prerequisite: n/a

From Coppola to Cameron, Steven Spielberg to BongýJoon-ho, many of our greatest filmmakers haveýstarted with a first or early feature in theýhorror, suspense and sci-fi thriller genre.ýEmerging directors Robert Eggers, Jordan Peele,ýJennifer Kent and Ari Aster all made horror filmsýas their first features and you too may pursueýthis path.ý ýStudents in this class will write a first draft ofýa horror, suspense, or sci-fi thriller featureýscreenplay. We will also examine the elementsýcommon to the films of this genre.

Course number: FILM-602
Prerequisite: n/a

Scripts are rewritten. Repeatedly. Knowing howýto improve upon a prior draft is an essentialýskill for writers and non-writers alike. In thisýcourse students are expected to polish and refineýan existing script, ideally one they began in anýearlier writing class.

Course number: FILM-600
Prerequisite: n/a

This intensive workshop for writers of featuresýand/or shorts is a professional approach to storyýand structure for narrative films with emotionalýimpact. Students begin by creating a compellingýpremise with artistic and/or commercial promise. ýý ýShorts writers develop the premise into an outlineýand the outline into a screenplay. They rewriteýthe screenplay until the film is ready to shoot,ýwhile acquiring or enhancing skills essential toýwriting in longer forms. ýýFeature writers develop the premise into aýfirst-stage outline. If and when they are ready,ýthey develop that into a second-stage outline fromýwhich a screenplay can be written. If timeýallows, they begin the first draft of theýscreenplay.ýýRequired software: Final Draft.

Course number: FILM-603A
Prerequisite: n/a

Advanced Screenwriting: Writing Visually is aýMaster's level course designed for students whoýalready have a solid foundation in screenwriting.ý Students are expected to develop and complete aýprofessional-level screenplay either long form orýshort.

Course number: FILM-500
Prerequisite: n/a

This class covers the complete process of findingýand/or developing material; protecting it;ýfinancing it; selecting cast, crew, locations,ýequipment; finishing the project; offering it forýsale to the marketplace; finding distributors;ýunderstanding exhibitors; playing the "filmýfestival" game; marketing, promotion; findingýagents, managers, attorneys; etc. A "must" classýfor anyone serious about making films. Examinedýfrom the "independent" perspective, but withýnumerous references to the studio process asýwell. Textbook required. Two short quizzes and aýterm paper (a business plan for a project--realýor imagined).ýý-Production Level: 1

Course number: FILM-660
Prerequisite: n/a

This class will concentrate on refining and fineýtuning your pitch (for a writing or directing job)ýand getting it buyer-ready. With the ever changingýlandscape of Streamers, Studios and Financiers asýwell as Zoom pitches, this class will help yourýpitch be engaging, concise and memorable. Whetherýit's your own original concept, an adaptation ofýIP or pitching a remake/sequel of a project, thisýcourse will help you recalibrate your pitch to notýonly sell why you are the only person for the jobýbut also make clear what your vision is. ýýPrior completion of FILM-302/501 "Pitching" classýrecommended.

Course number: FILM-501A
Prerequisite: n/a

In this course students will dive into theýincreasingly essential world of new media. Eachýstudent will explore the medium first hand,ýcreating a no budget, short form series that canýbe posted online as a standalone piece, or as aýproof of concept for a future project. Specialýattention will be paid to outlining the story,ýdesigning each episode so it stands alone as wellýas part of the series, and picking the bestýplatform for the story being told. Students willýalso learn the recent history of short formýdigital content, starting with YouTube and goingýthrough everything from Quibi to TikTok.ýýProduction Level: 1

Course number: FILM-546
Prerequisite: n/a

George Lucas famously stated that sound is theýother half of your movie. Via workshops andýexamining films with great sound design, studentsýlearn techniques for rich, effective sound designýand music scoring, and how these elementsýcontribute immeasurably to telling the story andýcreating a mood.

Course number: FILM-661
Prerequisite: n/a

Course number: FILM-695
Prerequisite: n/a

Course number: FILM-595
Prerequisite: n/a

The basic principles of film directing start withýan in-depth study of the screenplay from theýdirector's point of view with an emphasis onýstructure, theme, and character. Films areýreviewed using directorial tools, including cameraý(composition, lighting, angles, and camera moves),ýlocation, sound, performance, editing, style,ýtone, and music.ý ýAll mistakes are made in prep. For the finalýproject students will prep for a mock film fromýone of the scripts using tools such as aýdirector's workbook and look book. Although noýfilming will occur during this class, the lessonsýlearned from prep will apply to future classes andýproductions.ý ýOther topics covered in this class include:ýStoryboards, Pre-vis & Production Design, and anýextension of Script Breakdown & Production Prepýfor Directors.

Course number: FILM-520B
Prerequisite: n/a

A historical and aesthetic overview of filmýediting, ranging from the early days of silentýfilm, to the innovations of modern techniques inýthe 21st century. Various editing scenarios andýsequences will be explored in-depth; from AlfredýHitchcock's use of voyeurism, to the crafty use ofýPoint-of-view edits in The Sopranos; the functionýof voice-over and music to create structure andýpace in films by Martin Scorsese and Francis FordýCoppola; to the use of spatial and expressionalýsound design in films by David Lynch and RidleyýScott. ýýThis course is designed to spark curiosity andýexpand students' theoretical knowledge of filmýediting. The ultimate goal is to encourageýlearning through the act of watching films and toýinspire students to employ thematic ingenuity inýthe planning and editing of their own projects.

Course number: FILM-552
Prerequisite: n/a

** This is NOT a production class ** ýThrough a combination of in-class lightingýassignments and film screenings students willýlearn to see and experience light as a narrativeýtool, beginning with the basic laws of light asýdescribed by the legendary educator Charles Potts.ýStudents will pair up into small groups to exploreývarious lighting techniques as they apply toýhumans, objects, and environments. Screening daysýwill involve analyzing specific styles ofýcinematography, exploring their place within theýnarrative, and determining how to achieve similarýeffects during in-class demos and practicals.

Course number: FILM-531
Prerequisite: n/a

Sensuality, seduction and pleasure are at the coreýof almost every effort in the worlds ofýentertainment, advertising and marketing. In orderýto ignite desire and create brand awareness inýconsumers and audiences, it is necessary to speakýin symbolic visual terms. A curated selection ofýfilms, advertising campaigns, photography, brandýmaterials and 'brand codes' will be examined inýorder to form an understanding of the traditionsýof the art of visual seduction and how suchýtraditions constantly evolve in response toýsociety's ever- changing conditions and values.ýStudents will create concepts, research documents,ýmood boards and a short film using pre-existingýfootage, the focus of which will be anýinstructor-assigned luxury brand communicationýproject.ýýProduction Level: This class involves no filmingýfor first-time students. However, students whoýtake this class a second time may be eligible toýshoot an original short film.

Course number: FILM-664
Prerequisite: n/a

Required for all students finished with theirýcourse work but still working on completing theirýthesis. Required every semester until thesis isýcompleted and approved.

Course number: FILM-699
Prerequisite: n/a

A lively in-depth look at the art of the film,ýwith screenings curated and class discussions ledýby a nationally known film critic. Rather thanýconcentrate on the usual "must-see" classics fromýthe history of world cinema, this class will haveýan eclectic mix of great films including indiesýfresh off the festival circuit, studioýblockbusters, underground gems and others, withýdeep analysis and valuation of each individualýpicture.

Course number: FILM-560
Prerequisite: n/a

Topic studio classes will focus on various,ýlimited time-offering, film-related topics thatýcover a wide range of concentrations. These topicsýmay only ever be run once due to the instructorýbeing an industry professional with limited freeýtime to teach, the topic at hand being relevantýonly to the term in which the section runs, or theýscope of the class being so hyper-specific that itýcan't support regular, yearly enrollment. If youýsee a topic studio that's of interest to you, takeýthe class while you can! ýýFor more information about what this term's topicýstudio class section is, please refer to theýcommunications you may have received from Filmýadministration, or reach out to them directly forýmore information.

Course number: FILM-580
Prerequisite: n/a

An analysis, critique, and practice ofýmetaphorical "visual montage" storytellingýtechniques created by selected iconic filmmakers.ýThe course is designed to encourage the use andýenhance comprehension of metaphorical/abstractýimagery in filmmaking. Students practice montageýtechniques through a variety of personal visualýexperimentations and interpretive critiques. Theýability to effectively communicate conceptsýwithout the use of traditional language canýprovide a "universal voice" for filmmakers. Thisýcourse may be taken multiple times if appropriateýand supported by the course professor.ýý+ Production SoundýAn extension to Visual Storytelling Workshop thatýcovers the fundamentals of recording sound onýset, and provides an introduction to using soundýpractically and creatively.ýý-Production Level: 1

Course number: FILM-563
Prerequisite: n/a

This Course is based in a critical method ofýCinematographic Visual Analysis using 13 VisualýElements of Cinematography which are employed inýreal time film/video production and/or what isýbehind the image quality on acclaimed film titles.ýThe program will discuss on how to perceive theseýElements on a film production set, using filmýtitles as examples which use each Element as theirýmain Look. The Course is important for students onýDirecting Track whom wants to improve theýunderstanding of Cinematography and theýcommunication with their Cinematographers and forýDirectors of Photography whom wants to improve theýquality of production of their images.

Course number: FILM-535
Prerequisite: n/a

This advanced course, taught by a filmmaker, isýdesigned to examine well-made motion pictures fromýthe point of view of what techniques theýfilmmakers used to achieve their cinematicýstorytelling goals.

Course number: FILM-662
Prerequisite: n/a

The Writer's Room experience will be recreated inýthis class, where you will learn to pitch, breakýstory and write a first act of your series. Weýwill also examine groundbreaking television thatýhas elevated the art of storytelling, learn aboutýthe show runner's creative process, and becomeýfluent in the craft of television narratives.

Course number: FILM-503
Prerequisite: n/a

This course is designed to be an immersiveýintroduction to writing an original televisionýpilot and theýinner-workings of the TV writer's room. Followingýan introduction to the differences betweenýscreenwriting and television writing, format, andýfinding your audience/network, week-to-weekýstudentýwork will be "put up on the board" and workshoppedýin the same manner as the professional televisionýwriter's room, breaking down the steps fromýideation to finished script. Students will leaveýthe classýwith a finished pilot script which can be used asýa writing sample for working in television and aýbasicýconfidence of what to expect when working in aýwriter's room on a professionally produced show.ýThrough our weekly workshopping core screenwritingýskills will be reinforced including narrative,ýstructure, story arcs, scene work, the importanceýof theme, character development, andýpoint-of-view.

Course number: FILM-506
Prerequisite: n/a

This intensive workshop focuses on writing shortýnarrative films with emotional impact that areýboth ends in themselves and calling cards for theýfeature and television and streaming community. ýStudents begin by creating a compelling premiseýwith artistic and/or commercial promise. Theyýdevelop the premise into an outline. They developýthe outline into a screenplay. They rewrite theýscreenplay until the film is ready to shoot, whileýacquiring or enhancing skills essential to writingýin longer forms. Required software: Final Draft.

Course number: FILM-505
Prerequisite: n/a

In Written Thesis Creation, students write theýlast twenty pages of their thesis. They submit aýfirst draft of the thesis by the eighth week ofýthe term. The Instructor comments on the draft andýthen the students begin the revising process. Theyýsubmit multiple drafts of their thesis forýevaluation until it reaches the standard ofýcompetence for the completion of the ThesisýRequirement for Graduation.

Course number: FILM-698A
Prerequisite: n/a

In Written Thesis Development - the second ofýthree written thesis classes - students completeýtheir thesis research, develop a thesis outlineýand begin writing the thesis.

Course number: FILM-598A
Prerequisite: n/a

In Written Thesis Development - the second ofýthree written thesis classes - students completeýtheir thesis research, develop a thesis outlineýand begin writing the thesis.

Course number: FILM-598
Prerequisite: n/a