1
Course Syllabus University of North TexasSpring 2014
Advanced Film RTVF 4400
Meeting in Room RTFP 180F
Wed 11:00AM – 1:50PM
Lab on Friday 9am-12pm in RTFP 180F
Prerequisite(s): RTVF major status, RTVF 3210 and 3230 with a grade of B or better and consent of instructor.
Assistant Prof. Eugene Martin
Office location: RTFP Building Rm. 263
Office Hours: Tues and Wed 10am-11:00am and by appt.
Email:
Graduate Teaching Assistant: Lauren Cater
Email:
Course Description: In Advanced Film, the class will create 8 short film projects. Each film will be 10 minutes in length. Every student is assigned to play a major role either as Director, Editor, Producer, or Cinematographer in one production and to serve as a crewmember on two others. An end of semester screening with the RTVF and UNT communities will be held on the Denton Main campus. We will be collaborating with the Location Recording and Post Mixing class during the semester as well. Their 12 students will be doing our location and studio audio taught by Prof. Jaskulske.
Course Objectives:
There are three main areas of learning that will be covered in the course.
A) Knowledge:
1) the art and craft of digitalcinema and the role of the D.P.
2) lighting for film, with natural and artificial light
3) location sound recording
4) color correction
5) how a director works collaboratively to achieve his/her vision in storytelling
6) the impact of digital tools and how they apply to filmmaking, especially in post-production and digital intermediate stages
7) the distinctive roles of crew members and how the pieces fit together
8) how an editor works with his/her director to shape the story
9) how the producer organizes and leads the film from script to screen
B) Skills:
1) composition: framing, understanding lenses, focal lengths, follow focus
2) camera skills: hand held, tripod, and dolly techniques
3) digital editing and film sound syncing on Adobe Premiere and Avid Media Composer
4) story structure, narrative storytelling techniques
5) visual analysis and approaches to color theory
6) research and survey references for scene study and scene analysis
7) breaking down a script to prepare for filming –how to create a shot list and follow continuity as it applies to matched action and time.
8) how to use a light meter: reflective, incident, and spot readings
9) how to set up lights safely in studio and on location
10) how to use mics for location sound recording
11) film sound mixing
12) output to digital media for exhibition
13) location scouting and walk through of locations with department heads
14) preparing to shoot your projects on time and on budget
15) Introduction to the casting process and understanding how directors work with crew and actors in harmony
16) learn Red Digital Cinema workflow and post production
C) Attitudes/Personal development:
1) working collaboratively and developing clear communication skills
2) brainstorming, reflective, and problem solving skills
3) managing emotional responses to complex and demanding environments
4) tolerance for complexity and ambiguity
5) ethics of authorship, intention, and the relationship to audiences
6) learning to critique peers constructively
7) gain an understanding as to how to enter the motion picture and TV industries
8) learning to work responsibly, respectfully, and safely
Students are required to create a production binder that will have sections as follows:
1) Peer Evaluation Report
2) All Pre-Production and Production documentation that includes cast sign in sheets, call sheets, and production reports
Required Text:
Ascher and Pincus, The Filmmakers Handbook 3rd Edition, Plume
ISBN#978-0-452-28678-8. Available at the UNT Bookstore. $25.
Red Quick Reference Guide available online at red.com.
Evaluation:
Grading:
Production Book100 pts.
Peer Evaluation Report50 pts.
Main Project/Key Role250 pts.
Lab Participation/attendance:100 pts.
Total500 pts.
Grading Criteria: You must have excellent attendance and participation to receive an “A” in the class. Three unexcused absences will equal one whole letter grade drop. If you are always late and let your team members down, or you prove to be difficult to communicate with (like you turn your phone off for 3 days while you are holding the master files to your groups’ project), then your grade will reflect this behavior.
Equipment and Editing Systems: See RTVF lab door for editing and equipment room hours. Provided by Mark Dobson (Media Services Coordinator) and Daryn Williams (Equipment Room Supervisor.) Students must supply their own headphones for use during shooting and in the editing facility. Any checkout of location equipment must be coordinated in advance with an entire list submitted to the equipment room at least 5 days in advance of your shoot.
Please note: ***You are financially and legally responsible for any equipment you check out from either Department. A copy of the Department of Radio, Television and Film’s policy on the loss of checkout privileges for late equipment return is available for you to look at.
Safety: This course may involve potentially hazardous activities, the nature of which include working with and exposure to electronically powered equipment. Accordingly, the Department of Radio, Television and Film has slated this course within Category 2 (courses in which students are exposed to some significant hazards but are not likely to suffer bodily harm.)
Spring 2014Calendar:
Week 1 – Casting, script breakdowns
Lecture on how to storyboard for character POV – screen excerpt from The Hurt Locker
Lecture on cinematic “time”. The keys to creating a successful 10-minute film.
Lecture on editorial process.
Oscar predictions.
Friday Lab – DP’s and gaffers and key grips review Red Cinema Camera
Week 2 – Location Scouting, walk through, meet the Sound Teams
Directors to present their films to the Location Audio class
Lab – DP’s review DP’s and gaffers and key gripsreview Red Cinema camera
Producers: Hold large casting call for all films
Week 3 – Production Stills, Electronic Press Kits, Websites for the films reviewed,
Director’s workshop on working with actors, all are welcome to attend
Lab – Lighting lab for gaffers and DP’s, Tents, Griffs, and Frames with Daryn and Andrew
Week 4 – Shoot Project 1
Week 5 – Shoot Project 2
Review Dailies
Week 6 – Shoot Project 3
Review Dailies
Week 7 – Shoot Project 4
Review Dailies
Week 9 – Shoot Project 5
Review Dailies
Week 10 – Shoot Project 6
Review Dailies
Week 12 – Shoot Project 7
Review Dailies
Week 13 -- Shoot Project 8
Review Dailies
Week 14 - Screen and reviews rough cuts
Review Fine Cuts
Week 15 - Screen and review rough and fine cuts
Review Fine Cuts
Week 16 – Screen and review rough and fine cuts
Review Fine Cuts
Week 17 –Final Screenings
Film Slate for Spring 2014:
1. Mustache Mike at the Funeral (Feb. 7-9)
After receiving a distressing phone call from his girlfriend, Mustache Mike realizes that the first time he's going to meet her overpowering family is at her grandmother's funeral.
2. No Dreams of Tomorrow(Feb. 14-16)
Jessica learns in a church of the nearing apocalypse and loses hope in the future. But when easy-going Randy enters her life he helps her rediscover her dreams.
3.Morning Star (Feb. 21-23)
A young woman, who was raised conservatively, becomes pregnant and has to make a choice.
4. Everest (Feb. 28- Mar. 2)
When Everest visits a doctor for a checkup, he is directed to a pain scale chart and is asked to correlate his pain at that time to a corresponding number. This triggers flashbacks that progress from least to most painful, which forces Everest to relive ten unfortunate events to lead him to discover the root of his pain.
5. Amygdala (Mar. 7-9)
An older man and his wife reeling from an accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury. With his ability to make decisions and process emotions seriously impaired, Murray questions his path in life.
6. The Three (Mar. 14-16)
Wandering the ancient world, three warrior priests bring hope and justice through a mastery of the arcane.
7. The Phoenix (Mar. 21- 23)
While investigating the murder of a young boy, a clever detective stumbles upon a horrific discovery.
8. My Brother Will (Mar. 28- 30)
After being released from prison, Will, a neo-nazi, is surprised to find out that his sister is dating a middle eastern man.
Disability Accommodation:
The University of North Texas makes reasonable academic accommodation for students with disabilities. Students seeking accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their eligibility. If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide you with an accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty to begin a private discussion regarding your specific needs in a course. You may request accommodations at any time, however, ODA notices of accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any delay in implementation. Note that students must obtain a new letter of accommodation for every semester and must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class. For additional information see the Office of Disability Accommodation website at. You may also contact them by phone at 940.565.4323.