DC 210 Digital Cinema Production I
Summary
This course is a beginning workshop in narrative film production. This course will explore the fundamentals of production including: organization and preparation, camera and lens technology, composition, lighting, cinematography, directing, and sound recording. Utilizing digital technology, students will work together to produce several films with an emphasis on visual storytelling and personal expression.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and hierarchy of a working film production
Understanding of the language of film and video and how to employ basic shooting and editing techniques to express a story visually
Ability to successfully operate video cameras, lights, sound equipment, and non-linear editing programs in order to create a finished short film.
Texts
SUGGESTED
On Directing Film, David Mamet
Additional handouts provided by the instructor
REQUIRED SUPPLIES:
1 USB 3.0 Hard drive (250 GB minimum)
Grading
Script/Script Breakdown- 10%
Scene Storyboards and Plot Overheads- 10%
Lighting Assignment- 10%
Midterm- 15%
Rough Cuts- 10%
Final Project- 30%
Participation- 15%
LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Grading Scale
93-100: A 90-92: A- 87-89: B+ 83-86: B 80- 82: B- 77-79: C + 73-76: C 70-72: C - 67-69: D + 60-66: D
Prerequisites
DC 220 or other Editing Course
Course Policies
Student responsibilities:
Each student is responsible for their time management and for meeting the expectations in the syllabus. The instructor is not responsible for reminding students of assignment deadlines in class. In the event of an absence, it is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor for an assignment sheet detailing any homework. If an assignment is listed on the syllabus you are still responsible for completing the assignment on time.
Deadlines:
Video production requires strict adherence to deadlines, therefore late assignments will not be accepted for grading and written feedback will be given at the instructors discretion. You will not be eligible for an A in the class unless you turn in all assignments on time.
Attendance:
This course demands class participation- attendance is mandatory. Students arriving more than 15 minutes late, or leaving before class is dismissed will be considered absent. You are allowed two (2) unexcused absences. After that, a one letter deduction for each absence will be taken from your final course grade. Excessive tardiness will also be penalized.
Reading Assignments:
The assigned readings offer an opportunity for independent learning that supplements the lectures. Lectures will introduce material not available in the readings, and the readings will explore concepts not mentioned in class. Following the readings will greatly impact your final film and aid you as filmmakers.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism on assignments or cheating on tests are serious offenses and earn the student a failing grade for the class. There are no exceptions to this rule. If you are in doubt about the definitions of plagiarism, consult your student handbook.
Content Changes:
Depending on time factors, the assignments projected for the term may require alteration or rescheduling. You will be notified of all changes. As the semester progresses, some items may change at the instructors discretion, but the overall workload will not. Make sure you pace yourself accordingly.
Sexual Harassment
The policy as specified in the student handbook will be adhered to in this class.
WEEK 1:
Introduction, Production Roles, Production Order of Operations, Groups Assigned
Scripts and Script Breakdowns, First steps in Pre-Production, Assigning Roles
READ: Mamet 1 & 2
Storyboards and Visualization, Coverage, Composition, Editing in Camera
Camera functions and set up, basic sound recording, Equipment Overview
READ: Mamet 3
DUE: Scripts
Camera contd., Lighting Demo, Locations
Scene construction, Storyboards and Overheads, Casting Basics
DUE: Script Breakdowns
Grip/Electric, setting lights, Camera and Lighting tests
DUE: Scene Storyboards and Plot Overheads
Set Etiquette, Lingo, Production Management, Choices and Critical Paths, Directing
DUE: Lighting Assignment
MIDTERM
Directing contd, Working with Actors, Rehearsals
READ: Mamet Chapters 4 & 5
Production meetings with groups
Post-production, Editing, Sound Design, Exporting
DUE: Rough Cuts screened in class
Screening: Living in Oblivion
Screening: American Movie
WEEK 11 / FINALS WEEK
DUE: Final Films
Attendance at the scheduled final is mandatory- no exceptions.
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course
content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you
have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296