Spring 2025 - CA 339 D100
Directing and Acting for Film and Video (3)
Class Number: 6486
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–4:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
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Instructor:
Simone Rapisarda
srapisar@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
CA (or FPA) 231, or CA (or FPA) 251 with prior approval.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
This course acquaints intermediate level students with techniques of dramatic film performance. Students will be expected to perform as both actors and directors on scene work in class. Topics covered include auditioning, script analysis, role preparation, rehearsal, blocking for the camera, and directing techniques. This course is not a duplicate of CA (or FPA) 339 Selected Topics in Film. Students with credit for FPA 339 may not take this course for further credit.
COURSE DETAILS:
This introductory course is designed for student filmmakers who wish to develop skills, techniques and strategies for collaborating with actors to achieve compelling and believable on-screen performances. The course content will focus on contemporary screenplay-based and improvisational approaches to directing professional actors, non-professional actors and non-actors. The course will consist of readings, exercises and scene analyses emphasizing casting and auditioning, the actor/director relationship, the relationship between the performer and the camera, and blocking for the camera.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
Throughout the term, students will develop and demonstrate proficiency in directing actors for screen performance. They will acquire practical skills in casting, managing actor-director relationships, and staging scenes for camera. Students will learn to work effectively with both professional and non-professional performers using both scripted and improvisational approaches. Through hands-on assignments, they will apply theoretical knowledge to actual directing scenarios, ultimately developing a comprehensive skillset in screen directing.
Grading
- Weekly Filmed Directing & Acting Exercises 35%
- Final Project Written Proposal & Pitch 5%
- Presentation & Discussion of Work in Progress 5%
- Final project (4-5 min audio-visual recording) 20%
- Director & Actor Journal 10%
- Attendance & Participation 25%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
- Respect for Acting; by Uta Hagen.
- True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor; by David Mamet.
- A Practical Handbook for the Actor; by Melissa Bruder et al.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Directing Actors; by Judith Weston.
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.