CRN 4341 Visual Systems - Spring 2011 Vladan Nikolic nikolicv@newschool.

.edu Mondays, 6:00-7:50pm (66 West 12th Street, room 715) By focusing on directing and screenwriting, we connect project conceptualization, film aesthetics, script-breakdowns, blocking and shot-coverage to the language of editing. We examine a variety of approaches to visual storytelling through scene-based assignments, directorial exercises, as well as script and film discussions. While analyzing and applying various directing methods and techniques in order to create well-constructed and stylistically coherent projects, students develop their own films and videos. We investigate dramatic structures, character development and scene arcs in relation to mainstream narrative conventions, as well as more direct, experimental, or improvisational approaches. Emphasis is given to visualizing the script; students have the opportunity to develop and construct the style, tone and visual language of their projects, and through this process discover their own directorial voice.

FIRST SESSION 1-24 Introduction; Film and video; the production process. Script Development; dramatic writing; characterization, arch, conflict. Synopsis, Treatment, screenplay. What to show what to tell; visuals vs. dialogue; concept and realization how to plan. First pitch session. SECOND SESSION 1-31 The Basics: shot, sequence, scene structure and relations; latent expectation, dramatic arch; time and space, shot lists and storyboards; coverage. SCENE ANALYSIS: Script and film (comparative analysis of a scene as it was written and filmed). ASSIGNMENT: Outline, synopsis and rough treatment. THIRD SESSION 2-7 Outline, Synopsis, Treatment presentation. The shot as basic unit of film expression: Framing, composition, camera angles; open and closed frames; creating visual patterns; color and contrast; light. Technical issues: lenses film and video, prime and zoom, depth of field, deep and shallow focus in relation to first/ third-person narrative. ASSIGNMENT: Scene structure. FOURTH SESSION 2-14 Scene outline presentation; discussion. TREATMENTS DUE in 2 WEEKS.

The Sequence: organizing shots; emphasis on space, action, detail or character; visual geography transposing 3-dimensional reality into two dimensions of the frame; master shot and cutaways; visualizing the action. ASSIGNMENT: Shot breakdown for 1 minute scene without dialogue or music, based on script. NO CLASS 2-21 PRESIDENTS DAY FIFTH SESSION 2-28 1 minute scene breakdown discussions. Line of action and crossing the line; coverage: the triangle principle, montage and mise-en-scene; repetition; action/ re-action. ASSIGNMENT: Shoot & edit 1-minute scene from your project . SIXTH SESSION 3-7 Scene presentations and discussion. TREATMENTS DUE. Movement: blocking, camera movements; fixed camera vs. moving camera; interpersonal movement and emphasis; continuity; conventions of storytelling. ASSIGNMENT: Develop one scene with dramatic context of your main story. SPRING BREAK 3/14 3/20 SEVENTH SESSION 3-21 Dramatic scene presentations and discussion pt 1. Working with non-actors and actors; methods and rehearsals; improvisation; beats, changes, turning points; content curve, development and climax; film grammar in context of genre. ASSIGNMENT: Revising the Treatment; first draft of the script. EIGHTH SESSION 3-28 Dramatic Scene presentation & discussion Pt 2; In class scene analysis . shooting with actors or non-actors; ASSIGNMENT: Final Scene breakdown & planning, - DUE IN TWO WEEKS. NINTH SESSION 4-4 Scene & script progress report. Directing in editing: editing as a technical means to tell the story; match cuts; cutting on, after or before action; establishing familiarity, rhythm, repetition; constructive and fragmented approach; montage of attractions; dynamic editing; jump cuts; editing mistakes. ASSIGNMENT: Scenes due edited next week. TENTH SESSION 4-11 Scene presentations & discussion. Script development, production planning; Your budget is your aesthetic.

ELEVENTH SESSION 4-18 Scene presentations & discussion, pt.2 Pre-production planning timeline, checklists, schedule, locations, crew, permits; Integrating aesthetics and production realities. ASSIGNMENT: Screenplays due next week. TWELFTH SESSION 4-25 Script presentations & discussion. Production presentations. THIRTEENTH SESSION 5-2 Script presentations & discussion. Production presentations. FOURTEENTH SESSION 5-9 Script presentations & discussion. Production presentations. FIFTEENTH SESSION 5-16 Review of film & production elements.

Recommended Readings: ON FILM-MAKING, An Introduction to the Craft of the Director, Alexander Mackendrick; Edited by Paul Cronin; Faber and Faber (2004). - David Howard, The Tools of Screenwriting : A Writer's Guide to the Craft and Elements of a Screenplay, St. Martin's Griffin; Reprint edition (1995) - Daniel Arijon, Grammar of the Film Language, Focal Press, Boston. - Steven D Katz, Film Directing Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen, Michael Wiese Productions. - Ben Long, Sonja Schenk The Digital Filmmaking Handbook (Digital Filmmaking Series), Charles River Media, (2005) - Michel Chion, Claudia Gorbman, Walter Murch, Audio-Vision Columbia University Press (1994) Further Readings: Rudolf Arnheim, Art and Visual Perception, University of California Press. Mike Figgis, Digital Filmmaking, Faber & Faber (2007) The Cinema Book, Edited by Pam Cook, Mieke Bernink, British Film Institute. GRADES: 60% Class participation and discussion, 40% Assignments. NO MORE THAN THREE ABSENCES.