• Stills narrative 20%
• Short Film non-synched sound 30%
• Exercises / Workshops / Quizzes 20%
• Commitment 20%
• Collaboration and Safety 10%

NOTES:

Project #1: Stills Narrative (20%)

Students will be required to use a digital camera to tell a story relying solely on either still photographs or fixed camera moving image compositions. There will be no less than 15 images and no more than 30 permitted in total. Students will be graded on visual storytelling, compositional elements and presentation. No sound is permitted.

Project #2: Short Film non-synched sound (30%)

Students working in pairs, will be required to complete a short film that is between 3 and 5 minutes. Students will be graded on their application of the filmmaking skills learned throughout the term, including the technical aspects of filmmaking, but more importantly the relationship between form and content. Students will be required to present their films in class at the end of term. Sound is mandatory but no synchronized dialogue is allowed in the film.

ASSIGNMENTS:
**Film projects completed as part of course requirements will be Student driven and crewed by SFU students registered as film majors. Projects containing gratuitous violence, sexual violence or sexual or racial exploitation will not be permitted.

Project Grading:

Assessment is based on a combination of factors including: artistic merit, the student’s demonstrated ability to carry out the proposed work, safe use of facilities and equipment, pedagogical value to the class as a whole, technical competency and presentation. Not exceeding the maximum specific length of the assignment will be part of the grade determination. Each assignment handout will be explained in detail in class accompanied by examples.

All assignment deadlines in the course will be announced in class and posted on Canvas. The penalty for handing in an assignment late will be a deduction of 5% per day. Exceptions to the lateness penalties for valid reasons—such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc.—must be approved by the course instructor and require supporting documentation (ie. Medical certificate).

Attendance and Participation:

Students are expected to attend lectures, workshops and screenings. Attendance and participation are essential for the successful completion of this course. Please arrive on time. If you are late, please do not disturb the class. It is the student's responsibility when the class is missed to catch up on the material/screenings missed. Students who are absent for reasons of illness or family matters should inform the course instructor to avoid grade penalty. Students will be required to screen and discuss their assignments in class. Absence to work on your assignments is not a legitimate reason to miss class. Your participation grade will be determined on the basis of the quality and frequency of participation in class discussion, group work, and other in-class exercises, and over all consistent engagement over the semester. Cell phones and laptops must be turned off during the class. Please remember that laptops and PDAs can be very distracting to your classmates.

A note on commitment:

Much of this class is hands-on learning. The time that we spend in class will be used to discuss, explore and practice the skills learned in class. There is an extra time commitment that will need to be made outside of class for shooting and editing your footage. 

Production Material Costs:

Production equipment, including digital video cameras, microphones, sound recorders, lighting kits and editing facilities are provided by the department. Students are responsible for all the costs incurred in productions. Some of these costs may include gaffer tape, gels, hard drives, food. Cost will vary depending on your production decisions.

Course Conduct:

Aside for the University specific code of conduct. Students are expected to be respectful of loaned equipment and handle safely. Students are responsible for checking out the equipment at designated time and returning it in the same condition. The equipment is for use by you and your teammates for class work only.