Spring 2018 - CA 393 D200

Filmmaking V (4)

Class Number: 13023

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    CA (or FPA) 390 or approval of instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Students are encouraged to challenge conventional notions of digital media and to explore the creative possibilities associated with contemporary media applications. This project-based course includes a series of technical workshops, screenings and group seminars. Students will initiate and complete a project of their own choosing; collaborations are encouraged. A laboratory fee is required. Students should be advised that project costs may require personal funding over and above the lab fee. Students with credit for FPA 393 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will focus on a variety of creative processes that can be used in independent filmmaking in order to take a project from conception to completion. Through viewings, readings and studio work, the course will aim to expand from the normative convention of film production within the context of the film industry, allowing the students to explore personal and project-specific approaches to the making of a film within an artistic context. Emphasis will be put in four areas: research, production, presentation and critique. Commitment to collaboration, ingenuity and generosity in the critiques, resourceful thinking, willingness to delve into academic research and dedication to artistic fruition are key.  

Working individually and in various collaborative teams students will create a series of projects with specific creative parameters, leading to a final film/screening at the Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  - Students should be present and ready to work at the class start time. Absences or lateness will be reflected in grade, with each unjustified absence affecting your overall grade. Justified absences are those for illness or family emergency. If a student accumulates three or more unjustified absences, s/he will fail the course. Please notify me of absence in advance via email. In case of emergency, last minute notification can be made.  

- Respect and abide by classroom rules: Remain quiet and attentive, be sensitive to the loudness of your movements when screening clips or during presentations, eating in the screening room is not allowed, do not pull out devices with glowing screens in class (that includes your cellphones & tablets), don’t leave the classroom until the break unless absolutely necessary, do not leave garbage behind you.  

- Work on assignments outside of class time is a regular requirement. I am available to work on material and discuss project progress outside of class time providing we can find a mutually suitable time.   - Written assignments will be graded on both content and quality of the writing. Late assignments will be docked 5% for each day overdue.  

- Film assignments will be graded on commitment to one’s own practice and creative risk/exploration, as well as technical considerations. A file that does not play or does not comply with the technical specs for the assignment will be considered late until those specifications are met and the file has been handed in and/or presented in class if that is required.  

- You are welcome to discuss your course progress with me at any time during the semester, preferably by appointment. For urgent concerns, you can also seek me out after class.

Grading

  • Assignments: Proposal (15%), Image Journal (15%) and Essay film (20%). Includes presentation. 50%
  • Participation in discussion, critique and analysis of in-class work; punctuality, attitude, commitment and support to the cohort. 30%
  • Final project and Screening (including presentation of the production in different stages) 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Students will receive articles and suggested or required readings in class.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS