Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CA 131 D100

Filmmaking I (4)

Class Number: 6419

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    CA (or FPA) 130 and prior approval.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introductory course in film production, emphasizing creative use of the medium. Each student is expected to conceive, direct and edit a short film, as well as participate in the making of class exercises and other students' films. A laboratory fee is required. Students should be advised that film production will probably incur significant costs in addition to lab fees. Students with credit for FPA 131 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course offers a broad-based introduction to the rudiments of film production in preparation for more advanced production courses. Through a series of lectures, discussions, screenings, workshops, exercises, and assignments, students will explore the creative potential of camera, lighting, sound, editing and directorial strategies. The assignments stress research, constraints-exploitation, pre-production planning and collaboration. Each student will be required to produce a short film based on an original idea of their own choosing.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

In this course students will gain hands-on experience with fundamental filmmaking tools and techniques while learning to think critically about creative choices in directing, cinematography, sound, and editing. Through practical assignments, they will build essential skills in research methodology, production planning, formal strategies, constraint-based problem-solving, and team collaboration in a filmmaking context. They will also develop their ability to challenge preconceived notions of film aesthetic and approaches to film production.

Grading

  • Weekly Film Exercises 25%
  • Short Film Preproduction Package 5%
  • Screenings/Presentations of Work in Progress 10%
  • Short Film 20%
  • Filmmaker Journal 5%
  • Festival Submission Package 5%
  • Collaborative Work on Other Film Projects 10%
  • Attendance & Participation 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

- The Filmmaker's Handbook (5th ed.); by Steven Ascher and Edward Pincus

RECOMMENDED READING:

- On Film-making; Alexander Mackendrick
- In the Blink of an Eye (Revised 2nd Ed.); Walter Murch


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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.