One Week Fundamentals of Filmmaking

Along with their informative seminars you will have the opportunity to explore the technical side of the process by getting hands on experience with cameras, lighting and sound.

This One-Week program is designed as a comprehensive overview of the process of making films from script through screening. 

Sample Schedule of The One Week Program:

DAY 1

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

Fundamentals of Film Production

In this introductory session students will explore the conceptual, organizational, and technical skills of film production. 

• History of Film Aesthetics and Technology
• Scenes from Seminal Works by Master Filmmakers

Screenwriting

Part 1 - This session provides 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.

DAY 2

Screenwriting

Part 2 - A continuation to part 1, this session will continue to explore practical storytelling techniques and ways to develop your ideas from concept through outline. 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

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

DAY 3 

Directing

Students will learn 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.      

Directing the Camera 

• Thinking Cinematically
• Shot Selection and Camera Placement
• Choosing the Right Lens
• Light as Expression
• Staging a Scene
• Moving the Camera 

Screenwriting

Part 3 -  The goal of this class is to encourage student awareness of alternative approaches to the development of more complex story structures and characters, and to assist the student in becoming a more versatile storyteller.

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.

DAY 4

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 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

Directing Actors

Working with Actors 

• The Language of Acting
• Getting Good Performances from Non-Actors

What Goes Into Pre-Production?

Getting all the pieces to work together and ready for the production will be the main topic for this session. Topics will include the stages of production and the roles of crew (including producer, director, assistant director, editor, composer, etc), creating a production plan, as well as scheduling and budgeting basics.

DAY 5

Students will select a scene from their writing exercise to shoot in class. Actors will be available.

Editing

This session will provide an introduction to the concepts of non-linear digital editing. Features of the non-linear system are explored, including digitizing and organizing source footage, editing sync and non-sync material, trimming sequences, editing audio, adding effects, creating titles, and outputting work.  

Finishing Your Film 

• Montage: The Art of Editing
• Follow the Plan, Try Anything Once, or Save it in Post
• Working with Music and Sound Effects
• The Mechanics of Digital Editing

DAY 6

Screening of exercises shot in class CRITIQUE

Life After Film School

Breaking In 

• Building Your Professional Film Portfolio
• Finding Work on Crews, in Production Offices, and with Distributors
• Film School vs. "Go Out & Shoot"
• How to Get Your Work on Screen
• The ABCs of the Film Festival Market

No Experience necessary to participate in the One-Week Program. Class size will be limited.  No additional expenses, beyond tuition, will be required. All course materials will be provided. Location, Final Schedule, and Course Syllabus will be available prior to the start of the course. Please note that the workshop begins on a Monday and ends on a Saturday. Classes begin promptly at 10:00 AM and end by 5:00 PM unless otherwise specified. In the event that a field trip is scheduled throughout the week students will be provided directions to meet at the specified location. All site visits scheduled will be within New York City. During production related courses no open shoes, sandals, flip flops should be worn to protect from injury. To participate in technical workshops requiring the use of electricity and or heavy equipment, student will be asked to sign a waiver releasing the IFI and the location from any and all liability claims due to injury caused by using facilities and equipment. Safety is our priority when on set.