CMNA 399 Outline 2005/06 Winter

COURSE NUMBER:

CMNA 399

COURSE TITLE:

Special Topics in Communication Arts - 2005/06 Winter - Introduction to Motion Picture Production

NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:

Gilbert Allan

CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION:

credits 3(hrs lect 3 - hrs sem 0 - hrs lab 3)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

A course on a topic of figure of special interest to a member of the communication arts faculty and offered on a non-recurring basis.

Prerequisites: 3 credits of Drama or 3 credits of Communication Arts

2005/06 Winter

This course will examine the global film industry as both an art form and a business. Students will experience selected motion picture production activities in order to enhance their appreciation of the industry. This class will include lectures on film, viewing and discussion of film and practical experience in motion picture production.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Filmmaking for Teens by Troy Lanier & Clay Nichols

MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT:

Participation	20%
Comparative Analysis	20%
Acting/Directing	5%
Live Commercial	5%
"One Scene" Screenplay	5%
Budget for Final Project	10%
Final Project	35%

	100%

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

to expose the inner workings of motion picture production
to explore a new creative medium
to introduce film criticism
to build practical skills in producing, directing, acting budgeting, writing, shooting and editing film projects

COURSE OUTLINE:

Students will be required to:

view five feature films and keep a journal of their insights while analyzing the various techniques used to create the story.
attend classroom discussions on digital filmmaking, the film industry and film criticism.
participate in practical sessions working with a video camera to learn to create a "cinematic" or "film" look.
execute a number of "acting experiences" to enable them to perform in front of the camera.
dissect and analyze existing screenplays and learn the process of storyboarding.
write a "one scene" screenplay.
prepare and submit a budget for the final project.
work independently or with a group to create their own short film for public exhibition and be responsible for the entire production.

Required texts, assignments, and grade distributions may vary from one offering of this course to the next. Please consult the course instructor for up to date details.