Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - CA 430 D100

Filmmaking VI (6)

Class Number: 7281

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Wed, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    CA (or FPA) 149, 186, 231, 285 and 10 units in film or cinema studies (CA (or FPA) 135, 136, 137, 186, 235, 236, 216 (or 237), 318 (or 335), 316 (or 337), 416 (or 436)) plus prior approval.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The first half of a two term project in advanced film and/or video production. Students are expected to participate in the realization of one or more projects during the two terms. Students seeking entry into this course are required to present a completed script (for a drama) or detailed proposal (for a documentary or experimental film) prior to enrolment. The exact nature of each student's participation will be determined in consultation with the instructor. This course is open only to approved film majors. Students should be advised that film production will probably incur significant financial costs in addition to required lab fees. Students with credit for FPA 430 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will be an intensive and practical study, focusing on elements of development, prep and production of short and feature length films. Emphasis will be placed on story development, creative collaboration and holistic approaches to the filmmaking practice. Students will be encouraged to further develop their voice through in-depth exploration of their project and to strengthen their classmates work through thoughtful critique and feedback. We will examine both traditional and non-traditional production models.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Assignments will be a mix of practical development exercises and creative exploration, with the goal of coming to a deeper understanding of their own practice and the cinematic form.  Students will be expected to have completed principal photography of their intended short film project by the end of term.

Grading

  • Initial concept Synopsis or Outline 5%
  • Draft I of Creative Material (Script/treatment) 5%
  • The Lookbook 10%
  • Pre-Production Package 25%
  • Final Production Report 40%
  • Participation/Engagement 15%

NOTES:

The specifics of each assignment will be provided in class. Keep in mind that all of the course work assigned will be geared towards helping you build towards a stronger film and a more successful shoot, and may vary in specific form based on the needs of your project. 

Students are expected, over the course of the term, to watch a variety of short and feature film content and seek out three films from MUBI, VIFF or other sources that reflect elements (no matter how small) that they aspire to in their work. At least one of these three must be a short film, and one a first feature.

 

REQUIREMENTS:

Students are expected to be physically and mentally present in class and to collaborate and contribute to each other’s work with the utmost respect and engagement. Critical discourse will be encouraged, but bullying and disrespect will not be tolerated. In the production phase of student’s work, personal safety of the cast and crew is of the utmost priority (this includes overwork due to poor scheduling, mental health, and emotional exhaustion).  In case of illness or emergency requiring you to miss class, please contact me via email in advance when possible. Unjustified absences will be reflected in your overall grade and will result in failure if over three classes are missed without legitimate cause (ie. medical or family emergency).

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.