DMA 125 B: Intro to Digital Filmmaking

Entertainment Arts

Term: Fall 2017

Class Meeting Days: Monday, Wednesday
Class Meeting Hours: 8:30AM-11:15AM
Class Location: W.B. Ford II, Room 009
Credits: 3
Instructor: Natasha Beste
Office Location: W.B. Ford II, Room 300
Phone: Please Request
Email: nbeste@collegeforcreativestudies.edu
Office Hours: By Appointment

THIS SYLLABUS IS POSTED ON BLACKBOARD

This syllabus is subject to change. All changes will be posted on Blackboard. It is

the students responsibility to stay informed of all assignments/deliverables and
deadlines.

I. Course Catalog Description

This course is an introduction to video production with an emphasis on
storytelling. Students will engage in a series of exercises designed to prepare
them for writing, planning and directing their own short video productions.
Storyboarding, blocking, lighting, cinematography and editing are emphasized in
this course. Additionally, students will analyze selected films and videos and
begin to develop a critical awareness of cinematic language and theory.

II. Course Prerequisites

N/A

III. Detailed Description

Students will complete 5 short form audio-visual projects addressing basic
camera handling, shot composition, the mechanics of storytelling, non-linear
editing, and sound design. In support of this, students will also write a short
comparative analysis paper, viewing a feature film through the lens of Walter
Murchs thought-provoking essay In The Blink Of An Eye.

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 All of the projects are rooted in storytelling and encourage students to explore
and communicate their creative visions, applying what is learned about
composition, editing, sound design, and three-act story structure toward getting
their ideas on screen. Throughout the semester, peer collaboration will be
encouraged, as filmmaking is rarely a solo endeavor.

Students will keep a process journal to work out their ideas including writing
and storyboarding and to keep lecture, reading, screening, and critique notes.
Ultimately, this journal will demonstrate the students comprehension of course
materials and concepts discussed throughout the semester. With that in mind,
the student is free to use this journal as a home for all relevant course work. This
journal will be collected at the end of the semester but will be returned to the
student as soon as possible.

By the end of the semester, students will have a deeper understanding of the
process, art, and theory of digital film production and will be prepared to move on
to the next stage in their development as a filmmaker.

IV. Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Communicate using the language of filmmaking.

Operate a video camera with confidence and skill, including basic functions
such as setting the white balance, adjusting exposure and focus.

Communicate their creative vision through rudimentary storyboards.

Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of composition.

Execute a basic 3-point lighting setup.

Perform basic operations in a non-linear editing program such as Adobe

Premiere, including importing and exporting video, trims, inserts, and some
audio editing.

V. Required Texts/Materials/Supplies
-Murch, Walter, In the Blink of an Eye (Published: Silman-James Press, 2001) ISBN:
1879505622, $13.95

-Schroeppel, Tom, Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video (Published: Allworth
Press; 3rd ed. August 4, 2015) ISBN: 978-1-62153-526-3, $8.95

-Notebook/journal/sketchbook
-Notecards (for critique and storyboards)
-External hard drive (USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt)
-SD Card (16GB or 32GB or 64GB must be Class 10)

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 VI. Recommended Texts/Materials/Supplies
N/A

VII. Important Dates to Remember

Dates of note will be posted on Blackboard.

VIII. Schedule
This assignment schedule is subject to change. All changes will be posted on
Blackboard. It is the students responsibility to stay informed of all assignments/
deliverables and deadlines.

Week Date(s) Topics Covered Assignment/

Deliverable Due
1 9/6 Introductions; Screening/Discussion
Homework: Read Bare Bones (BB) pp.1-45
Zine: First entry filled (based on reading)
2 9/11 Discuss BB Reading; Equipment Demo; BB pp. 1-45
In Class Workshop: Scavenger Hunt Zine Check
Assign Project 1: Parts of a Whole
Homework: Shoot Project 1: Parts of a
Whole & Reading Handout: NLE

9/13 Discuss Reading & Premiere Demo; NLE Reading

In Class Edit & Export: Parts of a Whole; Zine Check
Critique Parts of a Whole
Assign Project 2: Narrator (quick discussion) Parts of a Whole
Homework: Read BB pp. 91-110 & Footage Due
Project 2 Rough Written Narration (homework) &
Edit Due (in class)
3 9/18 Discuss BB Reading; Listening Lesson & BB pp. 91-110
Sound Workshop; Zine Check
Homework: Begin Narrator (Edit Writing Project 2 Rough
then Recording and Editing Sound), Written Narration
Read BB pp. 81-90

9/20 Studio Lighting Workshop on The Stage: BB pp. 81-90

Demo with Jerome; Practice Exercies Zine Check
(Opportunity to capture images for Project 2)
Homework: Cont. working on Project 2

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 4 9/25 In Class Edit: Project 2 Sound and Images Footage and Sound
Homework: Read BB pp.47-80 & 111-117 Due

9/27 Narrator Due and Critique Project 2: Narrator

DUE
Discuss BB Reading;
Editing Workshop: Shot-Sequence-Scene; BB pp. 47-80,
Assign Project 3: In Class Shoot 111-117
Homework: Ideation for In-Class Shoot, be Zine Check
ready to pitch it
5 10/2 Screening/Discusion: Production Roles; Project 3: In-Class
In Class Shoot Crew Meetings: Assign Shoot Idea Pitch
Roles & Pre-production
Homework: Finish Pre-pro on
Project 3: In-Class Shoot, be ready to film
next class
10/4
Film Project 3: In-Class Shoot
Homework: Read Bare Bones pp. 119-139

6 10/9 Discuss BB Reading; BB pp/ 119-139

Edit Project 3: In-Class Shoot Zine Check
Homework: Finish Editing Project 3
In-Class Shoot
Footage Due

10/11 Project 3: In-Class Shoot Critique; Project 3: In-Class

Assign Project 4: Two People and a Box Shoot DUE

Homework: Project 4 Ideas

Start reading In the Blink of an Eye
(ITBOAE) pp. 1-72 (discussion in 3 weeks)

7 10/16 Screening/Discussion: Blocking;

Review: Treatment Formatting;
Group Studio Time for Project 4
Homework: Treatment and Quick Group
Pitch for Project 4 DUE next class

10/18 Treatment for Project 4 DUE & Quick Pitch; Treatment & Pitch for
Discussion & Studio: Storyboards Project 4: Two People
Homework: Finish Scripts & Storyboards and a Box DUE

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 8 10/23 Project 4 Scripts & Boards DUE; Storyboards for
Rehearsal: Blocking & Test Shoot for Project 4 DUE
Project 4
Homework: Shoot Project 4

10/25 Review Footage of Project 4: Two People Footage for Project 4

and a Box DUE
Homework: Re-shoot, Pick-up Shots and
Edit
9 10/30 Rough Cut Critique Project 4 Project 4 Rough Cut
DUE
Homework: Re-edit, Finish Editing Project 4
11/1
Project 4: Two People and a Box Critique Project 4 DUE
Homework: Finish readyng ITBOAE pp 1-72
10 11/6 Discuss ITBOAE Reading; ITBOAE pp. 1-72
Assign Comparative Analysis Paper Zine Check
Screening/Discussion: Feature Film
Homework: Write Comparative Analysis
Paper

11/8 Screening/Discussion: 3-Act Structure;

Assign Project 5: Lost and Found

Homework: Reading: Short Story Handout;

Project 5: Lost and Found Ideation
11 11/13 Comparative Analysis Paper DUE by Comparative Analysis
beginning of class; Paper DUE
Discuss Short Story; Group Story Meetings;
Studio Time to Refine Story/Concept Short Story
Homework: Refine Project 5 Concept,
Write Treatment for Pitch & 1st Script Draft

Project 5: Lost and

11/15 Treatment DUE; Pitch Lost and Found
Found Treatment and
Concept; 1st Draft Table Reads; Studio Time
1st Draft of Script
for Script Rewrites, Storyboarding, and Pre
DUE
Production Elements
Homework: Refine Script, Work on
Storyboards and Preproduction Elements

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 12 11/20 2nd Draft Table Reads; Studio Time for 2nd Draft of Script
Script Rewrite, Rough Pitch Storyboards, DUE
and Preproduction; Individual Meetings Rough Storyboards
Homework: Finish Storyboards & Prepare DUE
Pitch

Pitch Final Storyboards; Studio Time

11/22 Final Storyboards
Homework: Rework Storyboards and DUE
Finalize Preproduction, Shoot Project 5:
Lost and Found

13 11/27 Edit Project 5: Lost and Found Project 5 Footage

Homework: Edit Project 5 DUE
Edit in Progress
11/29 Edit Project 5: Lost and Found
Homework: Assemble Project 5 Rough Cut

14 12/4 Project 5: Rough Cut Review Rough Cut Project 5

Homework: Re-Edit Project 5 DUE

12/6 Edit Project 5: Lost and Found

Edit in Progress
Homework: Edit Project 5

15 12/11 Edit Project 5: Lost and Found Edit in Progress

Homework: Finish Editing Project 5
Project 5: Lost and
12/13 Final Critique Project 5: Lost and Found
Found DUE

WRITTEN PROJECT ASSIGNMENT EXPLANATIONS ARE AVAILABLE

ON THE COURSE BLACKBOARD SITE

IX. Basis for Final Grade

a. Assessments/Weighting
Project 1 Parts of a Whole 10%
Project 2 Narrator 15%
Project 3 In Class Shoot 15%
Project 4 Two People and a Box 20%
Project 5 Lost and Found 25%
Comparative Analysis Paper 10%
Process Journal (w/ Zine) 5%

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 b. Grading Scale

A 94-100 B 83-85 C 73-75 D 63-65

A- 90-93 B- 80-82 C- 70-72 D- 60-62
B+ 86-89 C+ 76-79 D+ 66-69 F 59 or
below

Assignment descriptions and grading rubrics are posted on Blackboard.

c. Incomplete Grades
Incomplete grades are only available if there are extenuating circumstances
and cannot be assigned at midterm. Please reference the College Catalog for
a full policy description.

X. Grade Dissemination
During the semester, assignment grades will be posted on Blackboard under My
Grades. Midterm and final grades are posted in Web Advisor and are available
48 hours after final submission. See the CCS academic calendar for specific
dates.

XI. Other Course Guidelines

a. Late Work
Work will not be accepted past the scheduled due date and will result in a
failing project grade. Should extenuating circumstances arise, it is the
students responsibility to contact the instructor to discuss options. Not having
work in on time is not a valid excuse for missing a critique; valuable
discussions occur organically on critique days and participation is essential.
b. Extra Credit (if applicable)
There may be opportunities for extra credit throughout the semester at the
instructors discretion. These opportunities will be presented in class and
posted to Blackboard as they arise. These assignments will be optional and
not required by the student to submit.

c. Rewrite/Project (or Process) Redevelopment

Learning to make creative work in the medium of video presents many
challenges that may lead to students needing to rewrite or redevelop their
original concepts. This is understandable. Contact the instructor for guidance
in this scenario. If proposals and treatments need to be revised or rewritten,
the student must get prior approval from the instructor. Complete rewrites are
only allowable if deemed absolutely necessary to the successful completion
of the project.

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 d. Group Work (if applicable)
Filmmaking is a collaborative medium. In this course, students will learn to
work with classmates to further develop their creative ideas and technical
skills. Students working in groups must all participate equally in the project. If
there are any issues or concerns about participation effort by the individual,
they must be brought to the instructor's attention immediately.

e. Participation Expectation
All students are required to participate in class discussion, reviews, and critiques. Be
thoughtful; ask questions. This is a constructive learning environment, and standards
of respect and professionalism (see below) apply to everyone. The use of devices
and social networks will absolutely not be tolerated in the classroom.

XII. Policies Pertaining to Technology and Media

a. Blackboard
The dissemination of course information is managed through Blackboard;
students are required to check their Blackboard course site regularly as
assignments, grades, and announcements will be posted.

b. CCS Email
Students are required to check their CCS email regularly as this is how the
department and College will communicate important information. It is also the
method in which faculty will contact students individually.

c. Professionalism
Cell phones must be turned off or set to vibrate during class time. Email, text
messaging, and social networks may not be accessed during class time
without the express permission of the instructor.

XIII. Institutional Policies Pertaining to Student Expectations

a. CCS Policy for Assigning Credit
Each credit hour of a course represents an average of at least three hours of
student work per week, inclusive of in-class time. Hence, students enrolled in
a 15-week three-credit hour studio class that meets six hours per week
should expect an average of at least three hours of course work outside of
class each week. Students enrolled in a 15-week three-credit hour lecture
class that meets three hours per week should expect an average of at least
six hours of course work outside of class each week. Courses that run for
shorter periods, such as the summer semester, still require the work normally
assigned in a 15-week semester, approximately 135 hours in total. Please
reference the College Catalog for a full policy description.

b. Disability Access/Learning Challenges

CCS provides accommodations for students with documented learning
challenges and /or physical disabilities. Please reference the College Catalog
for a full policy description.

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 c. Attendance
Students are expected to attend class and arrive on time. Three tardies (20
minutes late or less) will equal one unexcused absence; three unexcused
absences may result in a reduction of one letter grade from the final grade;
four unexcused absences may result in failure of the course. If an absence or
tardy occurs, give the instructor forewarning when possible and an
explanation always. Absence Explanation forms (available on Blackboard)
must be submitted to the Academic Advising and Registrar's Office within two
weeks of the absence date for it to be considered for an excused absence.
Please reference the College Catalog for a full policy description.

d. Academic Integrity
The College condones no form of academic dishonesty, including but not
limited to plagiarism, copying, cheating, and other forms of misrepresentation.
Students who violate the standards of academic integrity face serious
disciplinary consequences, including letters documenting the incident in their
permanent record, immediate course failure and/or dismissal from the
College. Please reference the College Catalog for a full policy description.

e. Deletion/Destruction of Student Work

The deletion or destruction of digital files, another students artwork, or
College property will result in serious disciplinary consequences. Please
reference the College Catalog for a full policy description.

XIV. Health and Safety Policies

Students must adhere to all classroom, studio, shop and College safety policies
and procedures. Policies and procedures, and tool use instructions can be found
on Blackboard. Students can also contact their instructor, Department Chair, or
studio technician for information about safety policies and procedures.

If a student is pregnant, planning on getting pregnant, or has a pre-existing or

chronic health condition, it is the students responsibility to seek permission from
their doctor before using required course materials or working in studios or shops
where there are processes or materials that might compromise their health.
Students should contact their instructor if they have questions or need to provide
Safety Data Sheets to their health care provider.

XV. Department Policies

Students are expected to arrive on time (see section XIII. b. above). The start of
every class will be used for announcements, questions, and discussion.

Students are expected to turn off cell phones during class and refrain from
texting, tweeting, and other forms of messaging (see section X. c. above).
Students who disrespect this policy may be asked to leave the room. If there is
an emergency, please alert your instructor before excusing yourself.
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Internet usage should be limited to class related research and Blackboard.

There is a no food or drink policy in all computer labs. Do not bring lunch or
dinner to class. If you have a snack on break, use the center table away from the
computers and clean up after yourself before returning to work/leaving for the
day.

XVI.Student Services Contact Information

Advising 313-664-7672
Career Services 313-664-7878
Counseling 313-664-7852
Financial Aid 313-664-7495
Mentoring 313-664-7698
Nurse 313-664-7982
Student Ombudsman 313-664-7676
Student Success 313-664-7860

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