Foothill Technology High School | Filmmaking

*Preparation for the course: Start watching films. Watch your old favorites and look for things that you never noticed before. Take mental note of what it is about the films that you enjoy. Look at the use of or lack of sound, use of lighting, color, angles, and background. Take note of the directors of your favorite films and look for others by the same director. netflix is an excellent way to cross-reference films. I recommend staying away from Blockbuster if possible, I recommend renting from Salzers. If you can afford it, buy a video camera. I recommend the Canon Elura90. It can be purchase for $525 here. If you can afford more, look at the Sony DCR-VX2100 here.

I am very excited to be teaching this course. Much depends on you, the student to bring to the course your ideas, your passion, and your time. We can provide the equipment, we can teach you how to use the equipment, but the the task of telling the story depends on you. Plan on reviewing movies in class as well as outside of class, working with drama students/student actors, creating sound for your movie, and working in groups to create small films. Saturate your brain with beautiful cinematography so that you can be inspired!

A first ever FTHS student film festival is planned for the spring. My plans are to host the show outside in the Quad with popcorn and Redvines, otherwise we will host the show in Spirito Hall.

Filmmaking has a $20 course material fee. The fee offsets the cost of MiniDV tapes, blank DVD's, (each student will be making DVD's of their work) and CD's. It is expected that the money will be turned into the student store by the second week of school,9September 5th). Each student will need to bring a receipt to the teacher as proof of payment. If you cannot pay until a later date, please speak with the teacher privately and arrangements will be made.

Students will be introduced to the rhetoric of film and be expected, in writing, to analyze, describe and breakdown the elements of a shot, a scene, and a sequence. Students will be introduced to major film genres including the Western, Film Noir, Science Fiction, War, Documentary, and Action/Adventure. Students will be introduced to and expected to know the directors, directors of photography, and actors who are best known for their influence on specific genres. Students will learn shot techniques, camera movements, and basic lighting techniques. Students will learn story boarding techniques and be responsible for the creation of a short film each quarter in a specific genre’s style.

I. General Course Goals
Filmmaking introduces students to the art, technique, and creation of filmmaking. Students will research and review filmmaking from the perspective of a performing and visual art. The use of the elements and principles of design used in film will be researched when reviewing films and breaking down the scenes and technique applied to the creation of film will be studied. Students will explore historical relationships between film, society and world culture.

II. Measurable Student Objectives at Completion of Course
Students will learn (increase) their knowledge of Film vocabulary through observation of and written reflections on films productions, both on campus and off. Reflections and class discussions will enhance students’ comprehension and analysis of Film productions, including genre, period, style, mood, and pacing. (Standard 1.0, Artistic Expression and 4.0, Aesthetic Valuing)
Students will read about, write about and discuss Film history, its reflection of society and its impact on society and world culture. (Standard 3.0, Historical and Cultural Context)
Students will learn elements of dramatic structure by analyzing plots and plot devices in films, looking at linear and non-linear time lines, genres, etc. (Standard 4.0, Aesthetic Valuing)
Students will create short, silent films to learn how to express themselves visually in the “moving” picture arena. (Standard 2.0, Creative Expression)
Students will look at the uses of filmmaking within the Hollywood framework, the business framework, education and personal use. (Standard 5.0, Connections, Relationships, Applications.)
Students will be able to identify key events, personnel and trends in world Film. (Standard 3.0, Historical and Cultural Context).

III. Anticipated Instructional Mode used to Deliver Course Materials
Lecture
Film Production: Group work
Student led lessons on specific film styles
Film Presentations

IV. Evaluation Design and Assessment
Students need to be able to demonstrate through inclusion in their writing, a working knowledge of specialized Film vocabulary.
Students written work will be assessed for English (Language Arts) skills: grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, format (including script), will be assessed according to the appropriate grade level.
Effort and improvement are stressed. Students’ work, both writing and filmmaking will be evaluated throughout the year to determine the level of improvement in both categories. Students are required to keep a notebook/portfolio of their written works. Notebooks should include class notes, personal reflections/observations, and reaction papers. Students must participate in all class activities.

Written work is assessed by content, accuracy (comprehension, historical accuracy, etc.), use of vocabulary and analysis. A rubric is presented to students for the major assignments. Students are required to learn and use various film editing software such as Adobe Premiere, and Final Cut Pro. There will be opportunities for selected student to create work in Adobe After Effects, and DVD Studio Pro. To express their ideas effectively and properly, the technical aspect of the class is required knowledge. Basic needed knowledge includes: capturing and exporting digital video, use of firewire, soundtrack creation, controlling and creating sound effects, copyright law, and selecting a proper film codec. These requirements will increase throughout the year.