Filmmaking is presented as a means of interpretation and expression. This course combines technical information in motion picture exposure and editing with a theoretical and practical approach to motion picture continuity through non-synchronous film production and editing. The course also will provide an aesthetic understanding and essential vocabulary of film production, script, and budget planning. In this course, students will have the opportunity to work in groups to visual storytelling and editing techniques to experiment with different styles.

This foundation level course introduces students to documentary film as a creative and socially engaging form of storytelling. In addition to aesthetic and conceptual skills, production techniques focus on the ability to develop filming strategies, gathering clean sound, filming to edit, and interviewing skills. In addition, the relationship between filmmaker and subject, will be examined, including the ethical challenges of representing real life subjects. Critical thinking skills will be employed as we analyze the different styles of documentary film. Students will work in small documentary crews out in the field learning the use of microphones, field lighting, handheld and other non-traditional camerawork, selecting/interviewing documentary subjects and capturing material with proper coverage in order to build scenes in the edit room.

Students will make a short documentary film on a subject they choose. Students plan for pre-production including research, contacting possible subjects, and writing a project proposal. During the production phase of the film, students will learn interviewing skills, how to direct a documentary crew, and how to work with their subjects. During post production, students will learn how to organize their material into a short film. Students will complete projects for screening at the end of the semester.

An introduction to all aspects of the business side of professional film/video narrative documentary and commercial production. Students will form production companies and develop a business plan while considering alternative careers in film, basic financial and legal protocol, and mental preparation needed to enter the film business market. Resumes and reels are assigned projects.

This course will focus on the business of motion picture production with a focus on narrative fiction. The course content will provide a basic understanding of workflow form script through distribution. Students will learn the expectations and organizational imperatives required to complete a project that is collaborative and resource intensive.

This course will examine the current trends in documentary film during the last decade. Students will view 1-2 documentary films each week. Students will examine each film critically; analyzing the film’s theme, structure, style, relationship to reality, and effectiveness. In addition, students will examine how current filmmakers interpret and build upon the basic ideas and discourse that have defined documentary filmmaking since its beginnings.

This course will examine the development of documentary film from 1920 to the present day. Students will explore central themes in documentary filmmaking, including the Grierson social documentary, the Flaherty romantic tradition, cinema verite, propaganda films, first-person narratives, and experimental documentary. Through film viewings, class discussions, and assigned readings, the students will critically examine how documentary film is constructed, keeping in mind the critical relationship between the film’s content and its meaning.

An introduction to all aspects of the business side of professional film/video narrative and commercial production. Students develop a business plan to create their own production company while learning alternative careers in film, basic financial and legal protocol, and mental preparation needed to enter the film business market.

This course will examine the development of documentary film from 1920 to the present. Key activities will explore: documentary filmmaking, including the Grierson social documentary, the Flaherty romantic tradition, cinema verite, propaganda films, first person narratives, and experimental documentary. Through film viewings, class discussions, and assigned readings, the student will critically examine how documentary film is constructed in relationship to the film’s content and meaning.

This course will examine the current trends in documentary film during the last decade. Students will view 1-2 documentary films each week. Students will examine each film critically; analyzing the film’s theme, structure, style, relationship to reality, and effectiveness. In addition, students will examine how current filmmakers interpret and build upon the basic ideas and discourse that have defined documentary filmmaking since its beginnings. Graduate students will be required to do additional research on various topics and write extended papers.