Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CA 131 D100

Filmmaking I (4)

Class Number: 4224

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

  • Prerequisites:

    CA 130.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The second of two courses which introduces students to artistic creation in film, with an emphasis on play and experimentation with image and sound. A laboratory fee is required. Film production may require personal funding in addition to the lab fees.

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 Assignments 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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.