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Instructor: Joel Schlemowitz
e-mail: schlemoj@newschool.edu
New School Film Production Office: (212) 229-5899
This course is designed to introduce the student to filmmaking through hands on training. It covers the necessary skills needed in the production of a non-sync film from concept to shooting. This includes discussion of what makes for an effective short film; working with the Bolex camera; the deciding on the right filmstock for the project; knowledge of continuity, coverage and composition; lighting; working with the laboratory; and analyzing the success of the dailies screened in class.
Students are encouraged to complete their films in the 16mm Film Editing class.
Students must script and shoot a short non-sync film outside of class time, using equipment reserved by the students through the New School Film Production Office. Students are encouraged to work together on each others films.
Credit students must write a two page paper on one of three possible topics assigned session 8 and due session 10. You will also given three take home quizes.
Your grade is determined, in descending order of importance, by the following: the effort and care put into your production; the creativity and originality of your film; whether or not you have shot your entire film by the last class; attendance and participation; and lastly by the written material. Use the following examples as your guide:
A grade of "B" is assigned if all the above are accomplished well.
A grade of "C" is assigned if you have had poor attendance and/or have handed in poorly done assignments, and/or your footage lacks the basic elements of an effective short film.
A grade of "D" is assigned if you have shot less than 50% of your film by the last class and/or have been late or absent frequently.
A grade of "F" is assigned if more than three classes are missed and/or you have not begun shooting your film by the last class.
An "A" is earned only through the exceptional accomplishment of all requirements. (Do not wait until the last class to start to ask about the grading procedure.)
Course Requirements:
Write 1 page scenario for a short (3 to 5 minute) film
Write 3 to 5 page script
Shoot short film outside of class time
Screening of footage from project in class
Attendance and participation in group in-class shoots
2 page written assignment (credit students only)
3 take home quizes (credit students only)
Required Reading:
New School Film Production Handbook
Cinematography by Kris Malkiewicz, Simon & Schuster, 1992
Suggested Reading:
The Filmmaker’s Handbook Edward Pincus and Steven Ascher;
Plume/Penguin
The Complete Guide to Standard Script Formats, Part I: The Screenplay Hillis Cole and Judith Haag; CMC Publishing, 1991
American Cinematographer’s Handbook
Eastman Kodak Motion Picture Films Kodak Publication No. H-1
Motion Picture Camera Techniques David W. Samuelson; Focal Press, 1979
Filmmaking Study Aids on the Web by the Instructor:
http://homepage.newschool.edu/~schlemoj/film_courses
SESSION 1
Introduction
Review of course requirements
Lecture topic:
An introduction to 16mm film
In-class exercise:
Loading and working with the Bolex
Assignment for next week:
Write a one page scenario of the film you plan to shoot.
SESSION 2 - scenarios due
Discussion topics:
The script
What makes a good short film.
Students read scenarios
Lecture topic:
Lenses and exposure
In-class exercise:
using the light meter
Assignment for next week:
Adapt scenario into a script.
SESSION 3 -scripts due
Discussion topic:
Filmstocks and general procedures
In-class exercise:
Bolex and light meter review session
SESSION 4
Scripts returned with written suggestions
In-class exercise:
Camera exercises
SESSION 5
Screen and discuss:
Camera Exercises footage
Discussion topic:
Coverage, Continuity and Composition
SESSION 6
Discussion topic:
Lighting
In-class exercise:
Lighting Workshop
SESSION 7
Screen and discuss:
Lighting Workshop footage
Discussion topic:
The Laboratory
SESSION 8
Discussion topic:
An overview of post-production
View student dailies
Credit student assignment:
2 page paper due session 10, on one of three possible topics, T.B.A.
SESSION 9
Discussion topic:
Producers, Distributors, film festivals
View student dailies
SESSION 10 - Credit students: paper due
Discussion topic:
Group critique of work
View student dailies
SESSION 11
Guest Artist visits
SESSION 12
View student dailies
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