Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - CA 332 D100

Film Production Seminar (3)

Class Number: 6356

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    CA (or FPA) 231 or prior approval.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Facilitates an in-depth understanding of the organizational aspects of film production, with emphasis on pre-production planning. The class will study methods of proposal writing, pre-production and production, developing production packages for short film and video projects. This course is strongly recommended for all students intending to take CA 430. Students with credit for FPA 332 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Before you start, know where you stand. The foundation of film production begins at the (1) Research stage. This is the stage where the land and community you stand within are acknowledged, respected and expanded upon. As you develop your own artistic perspective utilizing cinematic sight and sound, it is essential to be critical of the world around you and mindful of the histories that follow you into the future. The subsequent (2) Development stage is where one of your many possible perspectives are focused from your creative Research and detailed into a personal direction. Both the Research stage and the Development stage will lead to the final (3) Pre-Production stage, where specific images, sounds, and words will be crafted  in preparation of the Production stage. This course will cover the discovery strategies in the Research stage, the focused attention of the Development stage. and the practical details of the Pre-Production stage.

Every artist, irregardless of their choice of medium, subject matter, or personal background, will travel through these three stages for every one of their projects. These stages will form the community of thoughts, materials and emotions that will surround your project and carry it forward into a thoughtful and critical direction.

CA332 will be in a practical introduction into the preliminary stages of filmmaking, and prepare you for the Production, Post-Production and Distribution/Exhibition stages in the future.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course, students will be able to :

  • Practice various strategies in creative research.
  • Identify and focus the research materials into progressive stages.
  • Practice Pre-production writing and planning.
  • Nurture a unique and personal perspective.
  • Engage with guest speakers within the professional film and arts communities.

Grading

  • In-Class ~ Exhibition Spaces 5%
  • Project Theme 1 Research-Dev't 25%
  • Project Theme 2 Research-Dev't 25%
  • Project Theme 3 Research-Dev't 25%
  • Pre-Production Stage Project 20%

Materials

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