Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - CA 332 D100

Film Production Seminar (3)

Class Number: 6476

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–3:20 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:

Conceiving, structuring, and manifesting your own vision of a film necessitates a strong foundation of Research, Development, and Pre-Production.

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. Histories are not stagnant and will undeniably follow you into your own futures therefore historical and critical mindedness is the key beginning for all filmmaking. After this understanding and acknowledgement, you must then be aware of your own personal spheres of influence that inspire, entertain, and move you. The music, literature, images, sounds, and experiences you accumulate becomes the backpack of your artistic expressions. The subsequent (2) Development stage is where one of your many possible influences and experiences are focused from your creative research and detailed into a unique challenging direction. Sharing your vision in an articulate and clear manner is the focus of this stage. Both the Research and the Development stage will then lead to the (3) Pre-Production stage, where writing and planning will be crafted and strategized in preparation for the Production stage. In summary, this course will cover the discovery strategies in the Research stage, the focused attention of the Development stage, and the practical execution details of the Pre-Production stage.

Within the course, you can also develop your intial thoughts/writings for your 4th year capstone project. No film shooting or use of equipment will be involved in this course. 

 

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 assignment 5%
  • Project Theme 1 Research-Dev't 25%
  • Project Theme 2 Research-Dev't 25%
  • Pre-Production Stage Project 30%
  • Share & Acknowledge 15%

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

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.