COURSE SYLLABUS

2011-2012

Teacher name: Paul N Papadonis
Email address:
Voicemail: 781-659-8810 ex. 5122

The mission statement of Norwell High School is to provide an engaging, supportive environment where students strive for excellence, practice respect and contribute to society.

Integrity ¨ Learning¨Respect¨Responsibility

COURSE NAME: THE ART OF FILM MAKING

COURSE EXPECTATIONS: Students will explore both the technical and creative aspects of film making through the use of the video camera and computer editing software. Along with the hands on use of the camera and computer editing software operation, basic concepts concerning directing, editing, cinematography, filming, screen writing, lighting, composition, sound, shot making, and pace will be an integral part of this course. Five famous landmark films will be watched and critiqued by students with an eye for effective art direction, editing, cinematography, screen writing, lighting, sound, shot making, dialogue, special effects, and pace. Students will be required to complete a three-page critique for each of these films. A large portion of this class will be devoted to making films in groups of three or four students. Group work and changing responsibilities from one film to the next will be paramount in this class. Most of the filming for these group made movies will be done outside of class; this is a requirement. All finished films will be critiqued and evaluated by the entire class with the instructor having the final say on the group that was responsible for making the film.

COURSE SKILLS/CONCEPTS: Students will study, concept and treatment, screen writing, dialogue, art direction, lighting techniques, shot making/ composition, story boarding, and cinematography.

MAJOR UNITS: Students will work in small groups to produce films in the following genre, transition movie, commercial, conflict action film, music video, and a dialogue. All students will asked to film and edit a short film on their own.

TEXTS AND REQUIREMENTS/ MATERIALS: Students will use video cameras and computer editing software such as I movie and Final Cut Express. Texts: “The Computer Video maker Handbook” and “Film Making Shot by Shot.”

HOMEWORK POLICY/MAJOR PROJECTS:

Students are expected to film movies for production outside of class time for homework.

・  Transition Film

・  Commercial

・  Conflict or Action sequence

・  Music Video

・  Short Dialogue (Final Exam)

・  Individual Film (Creating emotions with a simple object)

GRADING SYSTEM:

Transition movie, commercial, conflict action film, music video, dialogue, and written film critiques.: Graded twice. (Ex. 87 + 87)

Vocabulary quizzes: Graded once. Example: 76

Type one writing assignments: Check (no points gained or lost, check minus one point lost, check plus one point gained)

Any assignments turned in late will have points taken away from the final project grade.

IMPORTANT:

Classroom assignments and projects make up 75% of your grade with attitude and effort making up the remaining 25%.

Things that will affect the “Attitude, Effort, Productivity” grade:

Positively / Negatively
Respect for others and their work
Completing homework on time
Coming to class prepared and on time
Working for the entire class period
Cleaning up materials and facility
Trying new things with an open mind
Participating in class critiques
Keeping artwork in good condition / Disrespect or destruction of another’s work
Losing or damaging equipment
Wasting time
Not caring for materials
Frequent complaining or excuses
Surplus of conversation during class critique
Vulgar, crude, or rude language or displays
Excessive tardiness and absences

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