Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - CA 230 D100

Filmmaking II (5)

Class Number: 7245

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    CA (or FPA) 131, and CA (or FPA) 136 or 137, and prior approval. Corequisite: CA 233.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The first of two courses (CA (or FPA) 231-5 is the second) which form an intensive study of the craft of filmmaking, with an emphasis on production planning, creative development and the shooting and editing of short films. In-class exercises and film screenings will lead to the production of several original films. Each student will be expected to play major creative and technical roles in these productions. A laboratory fee is required. Film production may require personal funding in addition to the lab fees. Students who have taken CA (or FPA) 330 for credit may not complete this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 230 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This studio course will be a framework to guide students through an exploration of a co- creation process aimed to to take a film project from idea to production. Emphasis will be put in four areas: research, planning, execution and collaboration. Working individually and in various collaborative environments, students will design, plan and execute a set of exercises throughout different pre- and production stages. Students will engage in a variety of collective film projects intended for theatrical presentation. The footage captured will become the core material for CA 231, where the groups will edit a final film to be presented in the Djavad Mowagahian Cinema at the end of the Spring of 2020.

Grading

  • Exercises – Work will be graded on both quality and evidence of student’s growth and progress 30%
  • Final Film Project –includes pre-production package (10%), production planning and execution (10%), collaboration (10%), presentation (10%) and final report (10%) 50%
  • Engagement: participation in class discussion, critical analysis, attendance, punctuality attitude and support to the cohort as well as dedication to one’s own work 20%

NOTES:

Important Dates

• Oct 4t – Pitch Presentation
• Oct 18th – Pre-production Package Draft (deadline)
• Oct 25th– Nov 22th – Production Period – regular presentations of work in progress
• Dec 6th – Screening: Final Film Intro (presentation)
• Dec 7th – Final Report DeadlineFilm Exercises During this semester, you will work on a variety of exercises, sometimes individually and sometimes in groups. We will devote some class time to prepare and/or execute certain sections of the assignments. Time outside of class will be required to complete the exercises. These exercises can be a good opportunity to experiment with form in order to shed some light into the final film, but you are also welcome to create projects that are entirely unrelated. Instructions will be given when assigned.

Film Exercises

During this semester, you will work on a variety of exercises, sometimes individually and sometimes in groups. We will devote some class time to prepare and/or execute certain sections of the assignments. Time outside of class will be required to complete the exercises. These exercises can be a good opportunity to experiment with form in order to shed some light into the final film, but you are also welcome to create projects that are entirely unrelated. Instructions will be given when assigned.

Final Film Parameters

Students will work in groups of three members to create a film of their choosing. This film will be presented in class in several production stages. The final presentation will be at the Djavan Mowafaghian Cinema in Spring 2020 under CA231. All groups must abide by the following production rules:
  • The final film duration will be 6-10min. No less, no more.
  • Groups must be composed of three students.
  • The members of each group must take key roles of the production (director, cinematographer, sound mixer, producer)
  • All groups must bring in an assistant director from 3rd or 4th year
  • Any music used for the final film must be originally composed specifically for it. A member of the group is eligible to become the composer of the film on top of other duties. Non-SFU students are also eligible as composers for this film.
  • Students from other cohorts can work in these productions as long as the three key positions are taken by members of the group (as specified above)
  • Non-SFU participants can ONLY work as cast, composer, PA, driver or caterer.

REQUIREMENTS:

Journal / field notebook, project hard drive, project back-up drive, vimeo account, student Mubi account

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Students will receive suggested or required readings in class.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.