Course Descriptions

Courses - Film
(Prerequisites are shown in parentheses and may vary for Certificate students. Please note where classes may be taken concurrently.)

FLM 112
TECH I.
Hands-on introduction to beginning camera, sound, lighting, and editing. Students are introduced to the team approach of filmmaking.
(FLM 103; PHO 121)

FLM 201
THE EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF CINEMA.
An historical survey of American and international film and industries, covering such areas as film styles and genres, national cinemas, major directors and film theory from the invention of the motion picture through the early 1940s.

FLM 202
MODERN INTERNATIONAL CINEMA.
A study of American and international cinema from the early 1940’s through the present day.

FLM 204
INTRODUCTION TO SCREENWRITING.
The basics of story structure, character development, dialogue, plot development, and format. Emphasis is on the conflict-driven narrative story. Students write short scripts in preparation for Film Production courses.

FLM 210
FILM PRODUCTION I.
A hands-on introduction to narrative filmmaking. Students write and prepare to direct and edit projects using the basics of film language.
(ENG 102; FLM 103, 112; concurrently taken FLM 204, 261, 291)

FLM 211
FILM PRODUCTION II.
Students apply the basics of the filmmaking process by producing, and directing their own narrative script. By collaborating with other film students to create a production team, they will take their story concepts from script to a final sync-sound, edited digital project.
(FLM 210)

FLM 250
PRODUCTION DESIGN.
This course focuses on the production designer’s function on a motion picture, beginning with the relationship between the designer, director, cinematographer, and producer. Students learn basic design techniques and practice designing sets that successfully interpret a director’s cinematic vision.

FLM 251
SOCIAL DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING
An introduction to documentary filmmaking. Students from all disciplines work as a team to create a short documentary focusing on a major social problem and the non-profit organizations that address it.  Non-film students are encouraged to enroll.
(Film Elective) 

FLM 261
DIRECTING WORKSHOP.
An introductory course designed to provide an understanding and hands-on experience in the most commonly used directing languages: the fluid master and shot-by-shot technique. Students will be required to prep scenes and rotate through crew positions.
(FLM 103, 112; concurrently taken FLM 204, 210, 291)

FLM 262
ACTING FOR DIRECTORS.
By learning how and why actors do what they do, directors can better communicate their vision. Students study basic acting technique and work through a series of exercises that culminate in the performance of scenes and monologues. This course focuses on understanding truthfulness in performance as well as the steps to creating believable characterizations.

FLM 271
SPECIAL TOPICS.
Courses that explore specific areas of filmmaking that may serve as electives for all film concentrations. (Prerequisites may vary) Courses offered have included:

• Motion Picture Lighting Workshop. A complement to Cinematography I, emphasis is on understanding the characteristics of light and the specifications of lighting for motion picture production.
• Music Video, Commercials and Industrials. A studio class that lays the foundation for understanding these diverse areas of production. Students are required to participate in every aspect of production from the inception of the idea through post production and delivery of one finished music video, commercial or industrial by the end of the term.
• Music Video Production. A study of music video production including concept development, working with the artist, record labels and other
  elements unique to music video production.

FLM 291
INTRODUCTION TO EDITING.
An overview of the complete post-production process and an introduction to the principles of editing conventions, techniques and aesthetics.
(FLM 103, 112; concurrently taken - FLM 204, 210, 261)

FLM 292
SOUND POST.
An introduction to the sound post process including the physics of sound, production recording, sound editing (dialogue, effects, music), and mixing with Final Cut Pro. Students are required to have a fine cut of a Production II, III or IV ready to be sound edited.
(FLM 211)

FLM 299
PORTFOLIO REVIEW
Student work in FLM 210 and 211 will be reviewed by the Film Faculty. Students will not be allowed to register for upper level Film School courses until they pass this review.  Students must take this course concurrently with FLM 211.

FLM 301
PRODUCTION FUNDAMENTALS.
A study of the creative, organizational and managerial aspects of producing a feature film including concept development, formation of production plan, script breakdown, production boarding, budgeting, assembling cast, cred, locations and facitilities, and post production.
(FLM 210)

FLM 310
FILM PRODUCTION III.
A study of the principles and practices of making a sync-sound 16mm film through the collaborative process of production teams. Students begin working in their specialization.
(FLM 301, 312)

FLM 312
TECH II.
A hands-on course on the technical aspects of making a sync-sound 16mm film. This includes camera, lighting, sound and editing techniques as well as the workings of a full motion picture production crew.
(FLM 210)

FLM 330
ADVANCED SCREENWRITING.
Students continue their study of story by concentrating on the feature-length film script. This course takes a more detailed, in-depth approach to dramatic storytelling that involves a study of Campbellian myth and Jungian psychology. Additional lab required.
(FLM 204)

FLM 331
ADAPTATIONS.
A look at transforming a literary property, not originally intended for the screen, into a filmable script. This course also discusses how to obtain properties and rights of both fictional and non-fictional stories.
(FLM 330) Spring

FLM 332
WRITING THE SHORT SCREENPLAY
A workshop class designed for students who anticipate enrolling in either Film Production III or Film Production IV within one year.  This class is designed as a working writers "group" with the goal of the semester being the rewriting, polishing, and final preparation of two scripts appropriate for Film Production III and two scripts appropriate for Film Production IV.
Required for Film Majors (FLM 299)

FLM 362
ADVANCED DIRECTING.
This course focuses on two main areas: directing the actor and cultivating a unique voice. Through scene work, students refine their skills in casting, characterization, script analysis, communication with actors, exploration of the rehearsal process, scene pacing and working in different genres.
(FLM 211, 261, 262)

FLM 364
STORYBOARD DESIGN.
Students learn the various types of storyboards from concept boards to film production sketches. By learning to storyboard shot sequences and camera movement, students learn to communicate their directorial vision.
(ART 111 or Advisor’s Approval)

FLM 365
DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING.
An intermediate production course which allows students to explore a subject of their choice and create a personal documentary.
(FLM 112)

FLM 370
CINEMATOGRAPHY I.
Explores the creative and technical role of the cinematographer from pre-production to post-production. Basics principles of cinematography are examined including filtration, balancing light and color, lens selection, and metering techniques.
(FLM 312)

FLM 371
ADVANCED CINEMATOGRAPHY.
An in depth study of capturing a specific look, style or mood for a dramatic narrative script. Students solve both technical and creative problems as they shoot dramatic scenes and explore various film stocks, processing procedures, and techniques.
(FLM 370)

FLM 391
THE CRAFT OF FILM EDITING.
Using the 16mm format, this course replicates the experience of working in a 35mm professional cutting room. It takes the student from the beginning of post-production through a locked fine cut picture, negative cut list, and dialogue editing. While rotating through different cutting room crew positions, students gain practical hands-on experience using professional methods and techniques.
(FLM 291)

FLM 392
SOUND DESIGN.
Examines the role of a sound designer, editor, and re-recording engineer. Students study and practice the practical and aesthetic aspects of sound design including Foleyeffects, ADR, music editing, and missing while learning to work on a professional workstation.
(FLM 291, 391 or Advisor’s approval)

FLM 410
FILM PRODUCTION IV.
Students work on a production team in their area of concentration to create a short 16mm or digital film, maximum length fifteen minutes. This project is a senior final project and should demonstrate expertise in their chosen area of concentration.
(FLM 310, All concentration coursework. Advisor approval verifying 12 hours or less remaining for BFA completion)

FLM 412
INTERNSHIP II
Students complete principal photography, pick-ups, and all post-production, inculding rights and clearances, for the senior final thesis film. Students work on a production team in the area of concentration to create a short 16mm or digital film, manimum length fifteen minutes.
Film Elective (FLM 410, all concentration coursework, Advisor approval)

FLM 420
INTERNSHIP I.
Students apprentice with a professional filmmaker in their area of concentration. May not always be available in every concentration every semester.
(Advisor approval)

FLM 421
INTERNSHIP II.
Continuation of Internship I.
(Advisor approval)

FLM 430
WRITING FOR TELEVISION.
The special requirements and needs of television as a medium are explored, including formatting, style, and business practices. Students study both episodic television and long-form TV (movie-of-week).
(FLM 204)

FLM 431
SCREENWRITING WORKSHOP.
In the culmination of screenwriting study, students write, read, critique, and revise scripts for features, television, and short films.
(FLM 330)

FLM 450
ENTERTAINMENT LAW.
An overview of legal issues and business practices pertaining to the motion picture production from idea to exhibition.

FLM 451
FILM INDUSTRY, BUSINESS, AND FINANCE.
A thorough overview of the film industry covering finance, production, distribution, exhibition for Hollywood, independent, and international filmmaking. Particular emphasis is placed on the American independent feature film.
(FLM 301)

FLM 490
ADVANCED EDITING.
Students edit short narrative projects on a digital system. Utilizing techniques, skills and knowledge gained in Introduction to Editing students take an upper level (FLM 310 or 410) short narrative project through a fine cut, prepped for sound editing.
(FLM 391)

FLM 491
FINAL EDIT.
An advanced study of the post-production process as editing students are guided through the completion of an upper level (FLM 310 or 410) short narrative project.
(FLM 392, 490, Advisor approval verifying 12 hours or less remaining for BFA completion)