Weekend Introduction to Filmmaking Seminar

Along with informative seminars you will explore the technical side of the process by getting hands on experience with Cameras, Lighting and Sound.

Wonder what goes into making a film? Considering Film School? Is filmmaking for you? The Weekend Seminar is designed as a comprehensive overview of the process of making a film from script through Screening. 

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

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.

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.

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 

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