Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Eff Term	Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	3/11/2026
Top Code	061220 - Film Production (CTE)
Units	3 Total Units
Hours	90 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 36; Lab Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours	72
Total Student Learning Hours	162
Course Credit Status	Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee	No
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	No
Open Entry/Open Exit	No
Grading Policy	Standard Letter (S)

Course Description

This course exposes students to the functions and responsibilities of a Director and Assistant Director. Students will further understand the process of reading a script, conceiving a vision, and communicating it to the cast and crew. Production hierarchy and responsibilities will also be covered in depth. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Students will be able to analyze key directing theories and techniques and apply them in practical film or video production scenarios.
2. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of aesthetic and cinematic language and evaluate their use in various directorial approaches.
3. Students will be able to create detailed production plans and storyboards that effectively communicate their creative vision.

Course Objectives

• 1. Construct an understanding of aesthetics and cinematic language as it relates to the role of Director.
• 2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of a Director's roles and responsibilities across pre-production, production, and post-production phases.
• 3. Creating a script and conceiving a personal vision and then creating a plan to bring it to fruition.
• 4. Analyzing a scene for proper directing actions.
• 5. Demonstrating proper set etiquette and communication.
• 6. Demonstrate effective communication with cast and crew members in a production environment.
• 7. Developing a proper Directors book for future production.

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Lecture Content

1. Introduction

Understanding the role of the director.

Understanding support roles for the director.

Elements of performance and directorial choices.

Directing using action verbs.

2. Script breakdown/Scene analyses

Turning a scene into

i. Beats

ii. Story thru-lines

iii. Acting verbiage

iv. Character arcs

3. Vital directing tools:

Scene Analysis

Shot list

Storyboard

Lined script

Floorplan

Key image

4. Facilitating the Director's vision

Pre-production

Pre-visualization

Rehearsing with actors

Speaking to get proper emotion

Keying actors in on proper beats and rhythm

Key verbs

5. Directing the camera

Coverage

Engaging performances through blocking

Crafting emotional content

Camera movement

6. Organizational concepts in directing

Directors book content

Delegating work

Key focus during different times of production

Working with various personalities

7. Grammar of screen language

Film terms

Subtext

Perception

8. Scheduling

Shooting days

Filming time

Call time

Prep time

Non-shooting days

Post-production days

9. Directing pay scales, rates, and responsibilities 

Lab Content

1. Scene analysis of various film scenes to understand directorial choices.

2. Building a director's book with proper content including:

a. Scene Analysis

b. Shot list

c. Storyboard

d. Lined script

e. Floorplan

f. Key image

3. Implement a pre-production plan.

4. Directing with verbs to obtain emotional performances from actors.

5. Building a workable shooting schedule.

6. Utilize knowledge of production terms to illustrate the needs to the cinematographer.

Method(s) of Instruction

• Lecture (02)
• Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

Lecture/Critique Demonstration Print and video examples One-on-One Instruction Individual Assignments Group Assignments

Reading Assignments

Reading: 16 hours (1 hr/wk) Students will read select chapters from Film Techniques and Aesthetics, pertinent to the weekly lecture. Students then discuss both in class and on Canvas their findings from chapters and how it relates to directorial choices in both their personal works and featured works to be critiqued.

Writing Assignments

Class presentation: 3 hours Students will construct a short presentation on a scene selected by instructor. Directorial choices will be researched and discussed during the presentation. Film Screenings: 5 hours: Various films will be screened and students will discuss both in class and on Canvas their findings relating to direction.

Out-of-class Assignments

Scene and directors book 48 hours (3 hr/wk) Students will write their own scene and generate a director s book for that scene including: Scene Analysis Shot list Storyboard Lined script Floorplan

Study Non-Contact Hours Recommended

72

Methods of Student Evaluation

• Written Assignments
• Projects (Individual/Group)
• Skills Demonstration

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving through the creation of the director's book.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Proficiency will be demonstrated by satisfactorily completing of scripts and directors book.

Resources Subscreen

• Textbook: Rabiger, Michael. Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics, 6th Edition. Taylor & Francis (2020).

Eligible Discipline(s)

• Broadcasting technology (film making/video, media production, radio/TV): Any bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.