COURSE SYLLABUS for CTVA 250 Fundamentals of Film Production

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Course Information

COURSE: CTVA 250 Fundamentals of Film Production

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Fred Ginsburg, C.A.S. Ph.D. MBKS

• (818) 231-1038 cell
• (818) 892-9236 fax
• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MEETS: (Section1) Tues/Thurs 7:00pm to 9:45pm in Sierra Hall, Rm 205

OFFICE HOURS: RM 167, Manzanita Hall - Tuesday and thursday before class and by appointment | Friday 8am - 9am

TEXTS

1. The Filmmaker's Handbook, Edward Pincus and Steven Ascher, American Library, New York. – 2013 Edition
2. Online multimedia coursebook: Film TV Sound, (www.FilmTVsound.com) published by EQE Media & Consulting Group. Includes numerous articles, tips, tricks, equipment reviews, tutorials, news, forum, calendar of events, and way more.

Course Description & Purpose

The purpose of this class is to examine the basic areas of film production.  During the semester students will explore pre-production which includes scripting, storyboarding, budget, casting, production which includes directing, lighting and shooting, and finally post-production which include editing and sound components.  Each student will work on one 16mm group film exercise project and one 5 minute group video during the semester; as well as smaller photographic or video assignments.

The group “film” project will be no more than a one-minute silent film. Each student will work as part of a group. The group may use up to three 100 ft rolls of raw stock which will then be edited down to a one minute or less film.  Students will receive two grades for this film.  The first grade will be based on the direction, coverage, exposure and focus.  The second grade will be based on the editing on the film which will be done in the conventional film manner on the moviola with clear film splicing tape. 

The second film project will be shot on video and will be approximate 5 minutes or less.  This is a group film with mostly non-dialogue sound, no voice-over or title card exposition to tell the story.  When the film is finally edited it will have sound added which includes music & sound effects which serve to give additional dramatic expression to the film.  This project will require a script, storyboard, dailies, and edited final project.  Students may be allowed reshoots in order to correct any drastic mistakes with permission of the instructor.  The students are required to provide their own or non-departmental video camera and video editing equipment.  (See more below.)

The minor projects will include: 1) Creating photographs as examples of shot definitions (ES, LS, WS, MS, MCU, ECU, 2-shot, OS, insert, cut-away, reverse); 2) Creating video shots as examples of camera movements (zoom, pan, dolly, truck, crane); 3) Comparing static angles vs. movement; and 4) Demonstrating understanding of screen direction by shooting a chase sequence of a twin stalking the other twin (using the same actor, but with simple costume difference such as hat or jacket, to play both roles).

The nature of filmmaking in general and in this class in particular is one of collaboration.  The successful students and films come from the groups, which work well together.  Any problems with group members who prove unreliable or do not share in the workload for the class should be brought immediately to the attention of the instructor.  In addition one should bear in mind that filmmaking is also an expensive undertaking with the cost of film stock, development and mistakes which necessitate reshoots. 

Student Learning Outcomes

(CTVA Department SLO 1, 2, 3) Intermediate/Practiced Students in this course will:

• Understand and articulate the processes of single camera film production and postproduction.
• Understand and articulate dramatic film narrative structure.
• Understand the basic oral and written communication tools to function professionally in single camera film production.
• Research, structure and write a dramatic story for a film production project
• Conceptualize, produce, direct and or edit a film production project.
• Function in a key role on a film production, such as writer, producer, director, cinematographer, editor, soundmixer.
• Develop professional approaches and workflow.

Course Expectations

CTVA 250 students will be required to read all assigned readings by the due date listed in the class schedule.  Attendance is mandatory and students will be expected to take good lecture notes.  Students will also be expected to participate in all class discussions and activities.

PARTNERSHIPS

Take special care in cultivating and nurturing a workable, communicative partnership.  Collaboration skills are necessary in every stage of filmmaking.  Without them, talented filmmakers can find themselves working alone, without access to the essential talents that other colleagues bring to a project.

Instructor-Student Conferences

Office Hours are listed at the top of the syllabus. Being part-time faculty, on-campus meetings are in classroom (MZ170) or my office (MZ167) one hour prior to class or by appointment. Meetings can also be arranged on campus on other days if I am available. Call or text me. 818-231-1038. 

Please note that I do not always check emails in the morning, especially when I am away from my home office, so it may take 24 hours for me to read them. Do NOT send me last minute emails and expect me to read them. If it is urgent, then please TEXT directly to my phone.

In order to comply with university safety rules, evening classes will end no later than 9:45pm and there will be NO discussions/meetings with students after 9:45pm. Call or meet me the next day!

Attendance

All students are expected to attend all classes and lab sessions. Unexcused absences as well as tardiness will be considered in your final grade. THREE unexcused absences may result in a grade reduction (i.e. up to one full letter on the final grade). Attendance is taken daily and it is the student’s responsibility to SIGN THE ATTENDANCE SHEET! These penalties are designed to encourage professionalism, participation and fair treatment for all. Disruptive, unprofessional behavior will be counted as an unexcused absence and will also entail written assignments as punishment. Class or project switching is prohibited without prior consent of the instructor.
IN THE EVENT OF ABSENCE, it is the student's responsibility to catch up on missed content and to arrange to take make-up exams. Make-up exams may be taken BEFORE class time or on Friday mornings; other times TBA (depending on MZ167 “shared” office availability). CALL ME to set up a time/place!

Grading Criteria

Grading for this course will be based on the following point values:

20% - Photo & Video simple exercies (4)

15% - Mid-term Exam

20% - Final Exam

5% - 16mm Individual Film Exercise (Cinematography)

5% - 16mm Individual Film Exercise (Editing and Effective use of Medium)

15% - Observational Notebook and Production Notebooks

• Class papers, project papers, photo story board

20% - Group Video Project (see Class Schedule)

• Note: Part of this grade segment will come from your production teammates

Letter grades are derived from the following table, based on 100 total points possible:

Once all points are added up for each student, they may be curved to determine the final grade.

Due Dates

All assignments are expected to be completed on time and grades will be lowered substantially for overdue assignments.

Final film et al. will not be accepted late and there will be no make-ups of the mid-term or final exam without a written medical excuse signed by a Doctor.

Except for extreme circumstances, students are expected to complete the requirements of this course by the last day of classes (official date of Final Exam). Projects are due not later than the dates posted in the syllabus. Students who have not taken all exams and turned in their projects may be subject to a failing grade. In extremely rare cases, students with valid reasons for not being able to complete the course may petition the Instructor, in writing, for an Incomplete

Incompletes

Requests for Incompletes must be submitted prior to the last day of classes. Students granted Incomplete grades are responsible for contacting the Instructor during the semester break but not later than one month after the start of the following semester in order to set up an arrangement and timetable. Although the University allows up to one year to convert an Incomplete, it is the prerogative of the Instructor to determine how and when Incompletes may be completed. Failure to set up and adhere to this timetable is an automatic F. Students with an outstanding incomplete in this course, or a grade less than B minus, will not be able to continue on in the CTVA Film Option major.

Department Regulations

It is understood to be a privilege not an entitlement for students to use the facility and equipment here in the CTVA Department at CSUN.  Therefore, each student is responsible for the rooms they use and the equipment they check out for use

STAGES:  As in the use of any location the filmmakers MUST leave it like you find it (or better).  If there is any possibility of contention in this regard, take some before pictures.

By stages we include the film stage, the green screen stage, and the ADR Stage.  These rooms may be used by students for their class room assignments only during class time.  No exceptions. You must make arrangements with Engineer George Johnson re: use of any Manzanita Hall stages or rooms.

No food or beverages allowed except where relevant to the story being shot.

Stages may be used only by those only who have been accepted into the CTVA and is not available to those who are Pre-CTVA.

EDITING and SOUND ROOMS/BAYS: All post production rooms have the strict rule of having no food or beverages AT ANY TIME.  If this rule is broken you will be asked to immediately give up your editing privilege.  At a minimum editing space can be reserved (4) four hours at a time, twice a week.  Reservation is handled by signing up on the sheets next to the systems or posted on the doors.

The Pre-CTVA students may only use those editing rooms specifically assigned on the first floor.

The only students who may edit in the edit rooms are those who have the permission card from the instructor.

Department Equipment

You break it…..you pay for it. Before a student can check our equipment he or she must have approval from the instructor. Instructors are required to give an approved list of students to Michael Bryant at the beginning of each semester. You may only check out equipment set aside for 250 classes.

Equipment Checkout

To check out equipment for the Equipment Room please note that 250 students have a limit as to what equipment may be used. Please check with your instructor.

You MUST also do the following:

1. READ the Equipment Room check out procedures.
2. You may check out equipment using your student ID number or your name.

The equipment may be checked out in the afternoon on check out dates. When you pick up the equipment check it all over and make sure everything is there and in good working condition because if it does not work when you return it is your responsibility to pay for repair or replacement. "Assumption is the mother of all mess ups."

Equipment Return

The equipment must be returned in the morning on the appointed date of return.

End of the Semester 250 Screening

At the end of each semester we celebrate by showing all films made in the 250 sections. To be eligible to have your film screened in the Armer Theater we will apply the following conditions:

1. Your instructor indicated that the film it is ready for screening.
2. The films are not to be more than 5 minutes 15 seconds long. That includes all closing credits.
3. No scenes with the violent use or threat of guns or knives are allowed. Your film should be suitable for screening to a general audience, since family members might attend these screenings.

Professionalism

Much of what the class does will involve group activity, use of sophisticated equipment, and interaction with industry professionals. Students are expected to display professional and courteous behavior towards people and equipment. Disruptive, unprofessional behavior in this class will not be tolerated. Irresponsible professional behavior that reflects negatively on the department may result in academic penalties; inappropriate behavior will be dealt according to the university regulations and be referred to the Dean of Students.

Academic Dishonesty

In conjunction with examinations, projects and written assignments, it should be noted that severe penalties—including failure in the course and even expulsion from the University—might be applied for any infraction of accepted academic rules of honesty. Among other things, it is understood there shall be no sharing of information on any examination: there shall be no reference to any notes during any test (unless otherwise announced); and despite the collaborative nature of the class, individuals assigned to a position should be the one completing the task.

Use of computers and smart electronic devices

Unless deemed by the Instructor as pertinent production equipment for a specific in-class exercise, the use of personal computers and other smart electronic devices is PROHIBITED. Too many students have used these devices to browse the internet, edit/screen videos, and perform distracting tasks not relevant to class activity. Under no circumstances may cell phones, cameras, and similar devices be within proximity of written tests. (Students with special emergency issues may arrange to leave their phones at the instructors desk.)

Feedback

You are all strongly encouraged to provide the instructor with your views about me, the course, or the department. Feel free to meet with me, phone, or even leave anonymous notes! Feedback helps all of us grow, students and faculty alike.

Problems, Questions, Etc.

Please, and I cannot stress this point enough, CALL ME! Confusion and logistical problems are natural, but curable. There is bound to be something in the readings or lectures that you are unsure about. During class, if I rattle off some industry jargon that you do not understand — interrupt me and ask. If you have any questions about the readings or lectures, problems with the assignments, need production advice, or whatever...THAT IS WHY I GIVE OUT MY PHONE NUMBER! 818-231-1038

Safety

The personal safety of yourselves, your cast and crew members is a vital consideration as you plan and shoot your projects. Please check with your instructors before shooting if you have any questions or concerns. Read the safety handout and understand the contents. Footage shot in unsafe conditions may be withheld from the final project.

MORE DETAILS ON THE INDIVIDUAL FILM PROJECT

The required plan for this exercise will be demonstrated by a descriptive paragraph, a shot list and a series of basic storyboards for each shot and sequence, all to be approved in advance of production.

Each group may shoot up to three 100 ft 16mm rolls of film (just shy of nine minutes of stock), encompassing broad physical movements as a specific event utilizing one of the “suggestions” listed below.  The finished piece should run roughly one-minute and comprise a minimum of four set-ups and be edited in as seamless a fashion as possible to create “cuts-on- motion” in the telling of your (simple) story.     

                Movement examples:            Pick up a key ring, move it to another location and set it down.

                                                                   Then bend down and lift up a newspaper, and then throw it.

Each movement will be photographed twice, with a change of image size and camera angle.  Each of the two shots would then be combined in the editing process to create a graceful, fluid “cut-on-motion”.

This exercise accomplishes many things in a relatively inexpensive way in an expeditious time frame; demonstrating the camera operating functions of composition, focus and exposure; experience with the film laboratory, knowledge of basic editing concepts and mechanics and shows an understanding of the importance of production planning and scheduling.

All finished films will be viewed in the class room.  Note: the picture needs to be spliced on both sides of the film and the edited piece is MOS. In order for us to screen the finished piece, you will need to stabilize a video camera on a tripod or mount, and shoot a video off the flatbed viewing screen or off a projection screen. Make sure that your video is exported or saved in a file format that can play on its own without having to be opened in an edit program. You can save your video to a (playable) DVD, flash drive, or upload it to a video streaming site (and email the instructor the link!).

At each phase of the filmmaking process the instructor will evaluate the students.

MORE DETAILS ON THE GROUP VIDEO PROJECT

Each student will be expected to participate in a group with 4 other students and each will be assigned a role to write, produce, direct, edit, and shoot one video project of approximately five minutes in length. Most of the video should be non-dialogue. For this project evidence of a shooting script, budget, pre-production plan, and production report will be required in a production notebook by each student.  Each student within each group will sign a contractual agreement.

$100 to $200 per student may be budgeted for production expenses, but NO MORE THAN THIS AMOUNT IS ALLOWED!  This money should be deposited with the Group’s Producer by the 6th week of the semester and the Producer is responsible for all money transactions and maintaining auditable financial records.  IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO AUGMENT THIS ALLOCATION.  PART OF THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE INVOLVES DEALING WITH FINANCIAL LIMITS.  It is important that each crew work with the same resources.  Groups found augmenting their budgeted resources will be asked to withdraw from the course.  With the approval of the instructor, it is sometimes possible to undertake modest equipment rentals outside of school (e.g. a special lens or doorway dolly) when such equipment is not available through the CSUN stockroom.

If you foresee an inability to afford up to $200 for production expenses, then you should withdraw from this course right away. It is unfair to expect your group partners to ante up your share of the budget, or to be handicapped by your shortfall. But before you quickly drop/add courses, better check to see how expensive other courses’ textbooks might be.

All dailies, rough and fine cuts will be screened and evaluated in class as part of the learning experience. Use of professional facilities or technicians outside the department for key roles such as mixing, shooting, editing, or any other aspect of the production that is learned as a part of this class will be considered an infringement of academic integrity and will result in an immediate "F" for the course.  However, use of outside students or recent graduates with skills in music composition and scoring, makeup, and special effects are permissible – only if approved by the instructor. The point is to protect the learning experiences of all student partners, to emphasize the PROCESS of making these short films, not the sacredness of the final product.

THE SCRIPT

Each student group must have turned in an approved script in the proper script format.  Approval of a new script is at the discretion of the instructor since the production schedule is so short and requires a student to be ready to do pre-production almost immediately.  Subject matter is open to individual discretion, with feedback from instructors and classmates.  Scripts adapted from copyrighted material must have the rights cleared prior to any screening of the film outside CSUN.  There will no NO expositional dialogue (or overuse of title cards, none. Avoid the use of weapons, excessive violence, or subject themes that test the boundaries of good taste; your audience is the general public (think mainstream television network).

LOCATIONS

All shooting must take place within a 30-mile radius of the CSUN campus.  Distant locations are expensive and time consuming and make re-shoots or pickups difficult. The best locations are on campus or on private property, away from public view. Shooting in public areas often requires government permits, insurance, and other restrictions – all of which are your responsibility to research and to conform with. Shooting at many places on campus, does require university permission forms. Ask at the Equipment Room.

PRODUCTION NOTEBOOKS

Each student is responsible for compiling a production notebook containing the syllabus and class papers, contracts, storyboards, photocopies of location permits, actor releases, music clearances, etc.  These notebooks are valuable as a resource in your future productions at CSUN.  You may be given a list of required contents, largely a matter of organizing material you will already be generating as you produce your project.  These notebooks are part of your class grade and they are due soon after your project.

Group Film Project/Notebook:

Along with the completed film you must hand in a Production Notebook that contains:

1) The script

2) The storyboard

3) Images collected to inspire visual elements of the film

4) Location permits, Talent releases, etc.

All elements of this assignment will be addressed in class.

Final Video Group Project/Notebook:

Each crew member, except for Editors, will provide pre-production materials. The Final Project will not be complete without a playable DVD copy of the final video, or playable flash, drive along with a Production Notebook that contains materials relevant to each crew position on the project:

Writers:

1. Script

Producers:

1. Break-down sheets
2. Budget
3. Location information/permissions
4. Receipts of all purchases (photocopies are fine)
5. Talent Releases, headshots/resumes

Directors:

1. A bracketed script indicating camera coverage
2. Shot lists
3. Storyboards for at least two scenes but bonus points for any additional
4. Images that you’ve collected to help visualize the project

Cinematographers:

1. Images that you’ve collected to help visualize the project
2. Any equipment lists, lighting diagrams, etc.

Editors:

1. Camera reports.
2. Documentation that any music, graphic images/stock shots, library sound effects are copyright clear to use.
3. DVD or flash drive copies of the final film to cast and crew.
4. DVD for the final exhibition screening.
5. DVD cases should have artwork for covers. It need not be complex.

OBSERVATIONAL JOURNAL

This journal has three parts: the first is for observational purposes, the second is a space for recording reflections on your experimental learning that happens outside of the classroom.  The journal is a way to be more conscious of all aspects of this process, more mindful and more self-aware.

The third part of your journal should document your group interaction. Keep minutes of all group meetings, especially attendance (or lack of). Keep track of who on your group does what he/she promises to do, and who flakes out. In most group settings, there tend to be a few individuals who end up doing most of the work, and others who are not as reliable or hard working. Maintain a diary of sorts to substantiate your praise or criticism of fellow group members, since you will be grading each other at the end of the semester.

As much as possible, use the Class Forums on the website for official group communications, rather than private email. That will allow us to monitor progress and group activity; and no one in your group can claim that some communications or replies never went out to them.

DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS

It is understood to be a privilege not an entitlement for students to use the facility and equipment here in the CTVA Department at CSUN.  Therefore, each student is responsible for the rooms they use and the equipment they check out for use

STAGES:  As in the use of any location the filmmakers MUST leave it like you find it (or better).  If there is any possibility of contention in this regard, take some before pictures.

By stages we include the film stage, the green screen stage, and the ADR Stage.  These rooms may be used by students for their class room assignments only during class time.  No exceptions. You must make arrangements with Engineer George Johnson re: use of any Manzanita Hall stages or rooms.

No food or beverages allowed except where relevant to the story being shot.

Stages may be used only by those only who have been accepted into the CTVA and is not available to those who are Pre-CTVA.

EDITING and SOUND ROOMS/BAYS: All post production rooms have the strict rule of having no food or beverages AT ANY TIME.  If this rule is broken you will be asked to immediately give up your editing privilege.  At a minimum editing space can be reserved (4) four hours at a time, twice a week.  Reservation is handled by signing up on the sheets next to the systems or posted on the doors.

The Pre-CTVA students may only use those editing rooms specifically assigned on the first floor.

The only students who may edit in the edit rooms are those who have the permission card from the instructor.

DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT:  You break it…..you pay for it.  Before a student can check our equipment he or she must have approval from the instructor.  Instructors are required to give an approved list of students to the Arri Resource Center (aka the Equipment Room) at the beginning of each semester.  You may only check out equipment set aside for 250 classes.

EQUIPMENT CHECKOUT

To check out equipment for the Equipment Room please note that 250 students have a limit as to what equipment may be used.  Please check with your instructor.

You MUST also do the following:

1. READ the Equipment Room check out procedures.
2. You may check out equipment using your student ID number or your name.

The equipment may be checked out during the afternoon on check out dates.  When you pick up the equipment check it all over and make sure everything is there and in good working condition because if it does not work when you return it is your responsibility to pay for repair or replacement. 

“Assumption is the mother of all mess ups.”

EQUIPMENT RETURN:  The equipment must be returned in the morning on the appointed date of return. 

END OF THE SEMESTER SCREENING OF ALL 250 FILMS:

At the end of each semester we celebrate by showing all films made in the 250 sections.  To be eligible to have your film screened in the Armor Theater we will apply the following conditions:

1. Your instructor indicated that the film it is ready for screening.
2. The films are not to be more than 5 minutes 15 seconds long.  That includes all closing credits.
3. No scenes with the violent use or threat of guns or knives are allowed. Your film should be suitable for screening to a general audience, since family members might attend these screenings.

SAFETY

The personal safety of yourselves, your cast and crew members is a vital consideration as you plan and shoot your projects. Please check with your instructors before shooting if you have any questions or concerns. Read the safety handout and understand the contents. Footage shot in unsafe conditions may be withheld from the final project.

Free Resources

Free Resources

In order to complete some of the minor exercises, students will need to perform some simple video editing. Some of you already own, or plan to purchase, major editing programs such as Avid Media Composer, Final Cut, or Adobe Premiere. But for the purposes of this course, students can also use less professional software, such as Pinnacle. There are a number of high tech free editing programs available on the internet such as DaVinci Resolve. https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/    Try to stick with software that supports multiple video and audio timelines for the final Video Projects. The minor exercises only require cuts and maybe a dissolve or two. Also, many of the for sale programs can be downloaded for free 30 day trials at no cost. There are also computer editing bays and free equipment checkout at the Oviatt Library.

Students with disabilities

Students with disabilities must register with the Center on Disabilities and complete a services agreement each semester. Staff within the Center will verify the existence of a disability based on the documentation provided and approve accommodations. Students who are approved for test taking accommodations must provide a proctor form to their faculty member signed by a counselor in the Center on Disabilities prior to making testing arrangements. The Center on Disabilities is located in Bayramian Hall, room 110. Staff can be reached at (818) 677-2684.