Course Info

FILM 401: Fundamentals of Cinema Production

This course is a beginning workshop in narrative film production. The course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of cinema production, including camera and lens technology, composition, lighting, directing, sound recording, and basic editing. Students will produce several short films with an emphasis on visual storytelling and personal expression. PREREQUISITE(S): None

Fall 2025-2026


Section 701

Class number 12639
  • Meeting dates: 9/10/2025 - 11/25/2025
  • Meeting time: W 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P024A at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus
  • Meeting dates: 9/10/2025 - 11/25/2025
  • Meeting time: W 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: N/A at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus



Section 702

Class number 12640
  • Meeting dates: 9/10/2025 - 11/25/2025
  • Meeting time: Tu 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P024A at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus
  • Meeting dates: 9/10/2025 - 11/25/2025
  • Meeting time: Tu 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: N/A at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus


Fall 2024-2025


Section 701

Class number 14300
  • Meeting dates: 9/4/2024 - 11/19/2024
  • Meeting time: W 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P0102 at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus
    • CLOSED
  • Meeting dates: 9/4/2024 - 11/19/2024
  • Meeting time: W 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P024A at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus
    • CLOSED



Section 702

Class number 14301
  • Meeting dates: 9/4/2024 - 11/19/2024
  • Meeting time: Tu 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P0102 at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus
  • Meeting dates: 9/4/2024 - 11/19/2024
  • Meeting time: Tu 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P024A at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus


Fall 2023-2024


Section 701

Class number 13109
  • Meeting dates: 9/6/2023 - 11/21/2023
  • Meeting time: Th 1:15PM - 4:30PM
  • Location: CINES P0022 at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus
  • Meeting dates: 9/6/2023 - 11/21/2023
  • Meeting time: Th 1:15PM - 4:30PM
  • Location: CINES P0102 at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus



Section 702

Class number 13110
  • Meeting dates: 9/6/2023 - 11/21/2023
  • Meeting time: Tu 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P0022 at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus
  • Meeting dates: 9/6/2023 - 11/21/2023
  • Meeting time: Tu 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P0102 at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus


  • Section: 760
  • Class number: 13392
  • Meeting time: Th 6:30PM - 9:45PM
  • Location: LACAM 00001
  • Instructor: Abby Plante | View syllabus

Fall 2022-2023


Section 701

Class number 18759
  • Meeting dates: 9/7/2022 - 11/22/2022
  • Meeting time: Tu 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P021B at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus
  • Meeting dates: 9/7/2022 - 11/22/2022
  • Meeting time: Tu 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P0101 at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus



Section 702

Class number 18760
  • Meeting dates: 9/7/2022 - 11/22/2022
  • Meeting time: W 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P021B at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus
  • Meeting dates: 9/7/2022 - 11/22/2022
  • Meeting time: W 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P0101 at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus


  • Section: 760
  • Class number: 19105
  • Meeting time: Th 6:30PM - 9:45PM
  • Location: LACAM 00001
  • Instructor: Abby Plante | View syllabus

Fall 2021-2022


Section 701

Class number 4374
  • Meeting dates: 9/8/2021 - 11/23/2021
  • Meeting time: Tu 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P0023 at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus
  • Meeting dates: 9/8/2021 - 11/23/2021
  • Meeting time: Tu 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P0102 at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Brian Zahm | View syllabus



Section 702

Class number 4375
  • Meeting dates: 9/8/2021 - 11/23/2021
  • Meeting time: M 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P0023 at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Samantha Sanders | View syllabus
  • Meeting dates: 9/8/2021 - 11/23/2021
  • Meeting time: M 6:00PM - 9:15PM
  • Location: CINES P0101 at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Campus
  • Instructor: Samantha Sanders | View syllabus


  • Section: 760
  • Class number: 18478
  • Meeting time: Th 6:30PM - 9:45PM
  • Location: LACAM 00001 at Off Campus
  • Instructor: Stewart Lyons | View syllabus