Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	12/06/2023
Top Code	061220 - Film Production
Units	3 Total Units
Hours	90 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 36; Lab Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours	0
Course Credit Status	Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee	No
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	No
Grading Policy	Standard Letter (S)

Course Description

A production course in which traditional film based systems are compared against digital technologies. Topics include film vs. video, aspect ratios, formats, high definition cameras, post-production options, distribution and delivery systems. Students will produce a short digital movie after extensive pre-production and story development. PREREQUISITE: FILM A240. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Formulate a detailed Production Book.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in location lighting, sound and camera operations to write, produce, and direct a narrative project.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in the post-production process.

Course Objectives

• 1. Discuss the technical and aesthetic differences between motion picture film and video.
• 2. Distinguish between common aspect ratios unique to media production.
• 3. Identify the differences between camera systems and media delivery.
• 4. Demonstrate the ability to use advanced features unique to industry standard cameras.
• 5. Demonstrate the ability to use portable audio field mixers.
• 6. Apply the ability to create a consistent “look” for their project.
• 7. Develop, write and produce a project based upon their screenplay.
• 8. Estimate, modify and update a project budget.
• 9. Develop and maintain a production schedule.
• 10. Identify post-production equipment and procedures unique to film and television.
• 11. Discuss distribution options and contract negotiations.
• 12. Analyze technical aspects and future trends for film and video.

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Lecture Content

Film vs. video – technical and aesthetic decisions Film aspect ratios vs. video aspect ratios Standard definition 4x3 High Definition 16x9 European theatrical 1:66 U.S. Feature 1:85 Wide Screen 2:35/2:40   Understanding and using high definition cameras Using advanced camera features Black Stretch Picture Profiles Gamma Saturation Frame Rate Techniques and equipment for location sound mixing Boom Pole Shotgun Microphone Wide Screen – Foam – Fur - Zeppelin Advanced location lighting techniques for narrative films Color Temperature measurement Contrast Control Lighting Continuity Creativity  Creating the visual “look” with set and lighting design Developing, writing and producing  the screenplay Creating a professional “production book” Cover Sheet Contact List Script Storyboards Cast List Production Calendar Shooting Script Continuity Pixs Post-Production Contacts Music Cue Sheets Distribution Budget Assembling the production team – “above the line” vs. “below the line” Estimating costs for a high definition production Pre-production Production Post-Production Distribution Creating and maintaining the production schedule Post-production equipment and procedures unique to high-definition HD Formats Frame Rates Compression Byte Rates

Lab Content

A. Understanding and using film and video cameras B. Using advanced camera features 1.  Black Stretch 2.  Picture Profiles 3. Gamma 4. Saturation 5. Frame Rate C. Techniques and equipment for location sound mixing 1.  Boom Pole 2.  Shotgun Microphone 3.  Wide Screen – Foam – Fur - Zeppelin D. Advanced location lighting techniques for narrative films 1. Color Temperature measurement 2. Contrast Control 3. Lighting Continuity 4. Creativity E. Creating the visual “look” with set and lighting design F. Pre- Production:  Story Pitch Workshop Practice Lab       1.  Verbal Pitching       2.  Visual Aids       3.  Presentation Experimentation/Options       4.  Pitch Practice Sessions G.  Pre-Production:  Casting Session Lab       1.  How to hold a productive session - ROUND 1       2.  Call backs/short list - ROUND 2       3.  Rehearsal experimentation       4.  Final Cast Table Read I.  Post Production:  Image and Sound       1.  Screen Circle Takes Footage Together with production team       2.  Screen Assembly or Rough Cut       3.  Screen Picture Lock       4.  Screen Picture Lock with Temp Sound       5.  Approve Final Version with entire class 6. Editing/Swee tening Session                a. Diaglogue               b. SFX               c.  ADR/Foley               d.  Music

Method(s) of Instruction

• Lecture (02)
• Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

Lecture/Discussions Equipment demonstrations Screenings of sample projects Viewing of instructional videos Critique of student projects

Reading Assignments

8 hours per semester Students are assigned select readings from the class textbook, various online articles, magazine publications and blog posts (0.5 hour per week) Students then apply the knowledge gained from all readings into the current portfolio project and coursework.

Writing Assignments

8 hours per semester Students are assigned discussion posts, film critiques, and responses to online articles.  (0.5 hour per week)

Out-of-class Assignments

70 hours per semester Students will participate in project preparation through to completion of final edit of a portfolio level short film. (2 - 3 hours per week) Students will have production meetings and work together to create a production book for each portfolio project. A.  Creating a professional “production book” 1. Cover Sheet   2. Contact List   3. Script   4. Storyboards   5. Cast List    6. Production Calendar    7. Shooting Script    8. Continuity Images    9. Post-Production Contacts   10. Music Cue Sheets    11. Distribution    12. Budget B. Assembling the production team 1. “above the line” 2. “below the line” C. Estimating costs for a high definition production 1. Pre-production 2. Production 3. Post-Production 4. Distribution D. Creating and maintaining the production schedule – ongoing throughout the pre, production and post-production phases.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Camera test Terminology quiz Screenplay Production book Production crew assignments Written test Final video project Participation in class/lab

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

This class features extensive writing assignments during screenplay development. The student will demonstrate proficiency in the use of video production equipment, location sound, lighting  and digital post-production editing in order to complete assignments. Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills through production development, on-location production techniques, and by working through production and post-production problems.

Eligible Disciplines

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

Other Resources

1. Handouts will be provided by the instructor.