Spring 2023 - CA 231 D100

Filmmaking III (5)

Class Number: 6333

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    CA (or FPA) 230 and CA (or FPA) 233.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course continues the work begun in CA (or FPA) 230-5 Filmmaking II. Students will acquire proficiency in film technique through lab exercises, readings and film screenings. As well, all students will participate in the completion of short original films which were begun in CA (or FPA) 230. Emphasis is placed on the development of means for creative expression supported by technical skills. Laboratory fee required. Students should be advised that film production will probably incur significant costs in addition to lab fees. Students with credit for FPA 231 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This studio course provides a framework to guide students through a collaborative post production process using the core audio-visual material produced in the first semester (CA 230). Each core group will present their film in three stages of editing: Assembly, Rough and Fine cuts. Creative and constructive feedback will focus on: structure, pacing, tone, sound design/color and experimentation. Students will work both individually and in various group environments during labs and workshops where they will design, plan and execute a set of exercises specific to different production and post-production stages. Through screenings, discussion, work-in-progress critique and hands-on experience, the course will continue to explore and develop the multiplicity of approaches in  filmmaking, integrating form and content as a central concept. The final films created over the year will be presented in a public screening in the Djavad Mowagahian Cinema at the end of the Spring of 2023.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • To experiment and develop knowledge / skills in editing, sound and color throughout the stages of post production.
  • To work colboratively on completion of a final second year film project.
  • Continue to deepen understanding in the varied approaches of filmmaking; integrating form and content as a central concept in creating dynamic work.
  • Continue to develop the ability to give and receive constructive feedback.

Grading

  • Final Film : work-in-progress presentations (30%), Final Reflection (10%) 40%
  • Post Production Workflow Plan : Group Presentation, Goal checks (5%) 20%
  • In-class Exercises and lab workshops 20%
  • Engagement: Participation in class, attendance, commitment and safety 20%

NOTES:

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).

REQUIREMENTS:

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. It is the student's responsibility when 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:

There is an extra time commitment that will need to be made outside of class for shooting and editing your footage. Much of this class is hands-on learning and focused discussion/feedback on work in progress in class.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Field notebook, project hard drive, project back-up drive, student Mubi account

RECOMMENDED READING:

Cutting Rhythms, by Karen Pearlman. Second edition Focal Press, Routledge 2019.

Students will receive additional suggested or required readings in class.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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