General Course Listing

AHD-1070

Film History and Criticism

One semester: 3 art history credits

Through an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary theoretical discourses of cinema, the goal of this course is to familiarize students with the formal and stylistic features of film history and analysis. We will examine forms of interpretation and subjects of representation via the evolution of the cinema. Beginning with the Lumière brothers, Georges Méliès and the early works of D. W. Griffith, we will trace the historical development of film with an exploration of genres that include American silent comedies, German expressionism, surrealism and Soviet formalism. Classical Hollywood films and the establishment of the studio system will also be examined. The final segment of the course will be devoted to an analysis of postwar European masters such as Rossellini, Truffaut, Godard, Bergman, Fellini and Antonioni.

AHD-1075

Film History: Analysis of Genre

One semester: 3 art history credits

This course will investigate a variety of cinematic genres, such as the Western, horror, experimental cinema, period drama, the musical and science fiction. Screening will be preceded by an overview of the genre in question, and a follow-up discussion of how each film represents and/or subverts conventions or traditions.

CFD-1020

Introduction to Production I

One semester: 3 studio credits

Utilizing a project-based curriculum, this course will provide students with the necessary skills to write, produce and execute a short film. The fundamentals of preproduction, cinematography, lighting and sound will be explored through structured exercises in order for students to practice and hone their skills. Working in tandem with both their writing and editing courses, students will complete a ten-minute film by the end of the spring semester.

CFD-1025

Introduction to Production II

One semester: 3 studio credits

Serving as a continuation of CFD-1020, Introduction to Production I, in the second semester students will develop and practice their craft through the preproduction, production and postproduction of their short films. Progressive cuts, including dailies, assemblies, rough and final cuts will be screened in class for review and critique.

CFD-1075

Introduction to Sound

One semester: no credit

This course will examine sound theory, production sound mixing and postproduction sound finishing. We will embark on an exploration of sound and its impact on how and what we hear. Notable examples of sound mixes in cinema as well as students’ recordings made in class will be heard. Hands-on instruction with sound equipment will offer students the opportunity to explore best practices for making a great recording. Production sound mixes will be analyzed and brought into postproduction for adjustment to improve student recordings.

CVD-1080

Editing I

One semester: 3 studio credits

The grammar, structure and aesthetics of editing in the visual storytelling process will be the focus of this course. We will examine the theory and process of editing through lectures, screenings, assignments and exercises. Areas of exploration will include editorial and narrative structure, rhythm and pacing, and how each shot represents drama as it moves through a scene. Scene study and editing choices that maximize the actors’ performances will be emphasized.

CVD-1085

Editing II

One semester: 3 studio credits

This is the second part of a two-semester course. Students will continue to refine their skills as editors. Short films and scenes will be analyzed for their structure and meaning, and students will continue to hone their skills with the editing process through demonstration and assignments.

CFD-1140

Fundamentals of Narrative I

One semester: 3 studio credits

Gaining the necessary skills for writing well-structured scripts will be the focus of this course. Geared to short screenplays that students can use in their production classes, assignments will emphasize the fundamentals of visual language, in-depth character development and narrative structure. We will explore the dramatic choices involved in fiction, nonfiction, and adapted narratives as ways of expressing their individual voices.

CFD-1145

Fundamentals of Narrative II

One semester: 3 studio credits

Building upon the basics introduced in CFD-1140, Fundamentals of Narrative I, this course will explore more advanced forms of storytelling for the screen. While assignments will include diverse categories, such as genre, documentary and webisodes, the focus is on the construction and sequencing of scenes within the context of the character-driven narrative.

HCD-1020

Writing and Thinking

One semester: 3 humanities and sciences credits

This first-semester course helps students become critical and independent writers. To help establish a solid foundation in writing, the course introduces different types of writing using persuasive rhetoric in three writing genres, including narration, description, and cause and effect. Course readings are drawn from a variety of texts, including historical documents, short stories, drama, poetry and essays, which will be used as discussion and writing prompts. By the end of the course, students will have an enhanced understanding of writing as a means to think and better communicate their ideas.

Students are required to take and pass the Proficiency Examination during their first year at SVA.

HCD-1025

Writing and Literature

One semester: 3 humanities and sciences credits

This course emphasizes reading, critical thinking and essay writing. Students will build on their skills acquired in HCD-1020, Writing and Thinking, in order to work on more complex essays. Students will learn how to research, use proper citations, and continue to work on their grammar and essay development. Readings are drawn from a selection of literary works, including drama, poetry and the narrative, as well as the critical essay.

CFD-2010 / CFD-2015

Production Workshop I and II

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

Production Workshop I and II are designed as a project-based course culminating in a short film by the end of second semester. Advanced strategies in cinematography, lighting and sound will be introduced through in-class and assigned exercises structured to advance each student’s craft. Films will be nurtured through every step, reviewing footage, cuts, sound and color.

CFD-2017 / CFD-2018

Documentary Workshop I and II

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

Combining theory and practice, students will research, write, plan and execute a short documentary on a subject of their choice. Through various assigned exercises, students will also receive instruction in camera, sound and lighting, as well as evolving technology in postproduction. Progressive cuts will be reviewed in class, culminating in an end-of-year public screening.

CFD-2050

Sound Production I

One semester: 3 studio credits

This is a comprehensive course that analyzes the connection between sound and storytelling in filmmaking. Students will explore the role that sound plays in creating a scene and how to critically listen. To apply this knowledge, students will be introduced to the elements of recording on set—using a mixer, a recorder, a boom mic and Lavalier microphones. Students will also be introduced to the elements of postproduction sound.

CFD-2051

Sound Production II

One semester: 3 studio credits

Students will perform recording lab exercises for video and film, utilizing state-of-the-art, multitrack sound recorders, expanded input sound mixers and video cameras. Advanced use of multiple radio microphones and boom microphones will be explored. Students will be introduced to the latest professional sound equipment, and be given independent recording assignments throughout the semester.

CFD-2053

Introduction to Mixing

One semester: 3 studio credits

Mixing is the art of making a coherent whole of the various parts of sound for film. The mix influences the audience’s perception of a film and helps express underlying emotional content. In this course students will explore notable examples to see how superlative mixes are accomplished, and will also examine the use of music and effects, including when one is more appropriate than the other. Students will work on projects through hands-on mixing.

CVD-2060

Avid I

One semester: 3 studio credits

Working with the Avid Media Composers, this course will examine the concepts and principles of random-accessed digital editing. We will discuss various ways of editorial problem solving for postproduction projects that range from documentary to commercial spots, industrials and music videos. Projects will be digitized and edited to a final master.

CVD-2061

Avid II

One semester: 3 studio credits

Advanced editing features and techniques of Avid will be examined. Topics will include: media management, effect editing, multiclip editing, color correction, signal measurement, film-to-tape projects, EDLs and professional output methods. Integration with other programs such as Adobe After Effects, Photoshop and DVD Studio Pro, as well as how to upgrade an Apple Final Cut Pro project to Avid for professional finishing will be explored.

CVD-2066

Advanced Final Cut Pro

One semester: 3 studio credits

The industry standard organizational and editing techniques required to take your film to the big screen will be the focus of this course. Topics include how to use keywords, roles, smart collections, rating for better organization, trimming using the precision editor, advanced masking, color grading, sound design techniques, integrating third-party plug-ins, media management, team collaboration, multi-cam, subtitles and captions, advanced online/offline workflows, versioning, outputting and archiving.

CVD-2067

Advanced Premiere Pro

One semester: 3 studio credits

Students will advance their skills in Adobe Premiere Pro, examining the industry standard organizational and editing techniques required to take films to the big screen. Topics will include round tripping with other applications, such as Adobe After Effects, Photoshop and Audition; advanced organizational workflows; media management; advanced trimming; masking; color grading, sound design techniques; advanced online/offline workflows; subtitles and captions; team collaboration; multicam; versioning; outputting and archiving.

AHD-2068

The Language of Film

One semester: 3 art history credits

Serving as an introduction to the basic terms and concepts of cinematic language, this course will explore the vocabulary, grammar, sign and syntax of film through screenings, lectures and discussion. Feature-length narratives as well as animated, experimental and documentary shorts will be addressed, with an emphasis on examining the function of the film as a formal construct—the basic principles of film form. We will also pay particular attention to the techniques of the film medium along with the questions of types and genres of films. The course is analytical but with a thoroughly pragmatic bent: to map the extraordinary diversity of contemporary cinematic practice in relation to editing, sound, cinematography, framing, genre, auteur and narration.

AHD-2070

International Cinema

One semester: 3 art history credits

Designed to facilitate an understanding of classic and contemporary international cinema, this course is dedicated to the study of films that have adopted a different aesthetic framework from Hollywood. We will discuss themes, ideologies, forms, the impact of history—both political and social—and the background stories of the filmmakers. Screenings will be drawn from the cinema of Mira Nair (India), Jean-Luc Godard (France), Andrei Tarkovsky (Russia), Federico Fellini (Italy) Carl Dreyer (Denmark), Luis Buñuel (Spain/Mexico) and Peter Weir (Australia), among others.

CFD-2070 / CFD-2075

Cinematography I

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

The technical and aesthetic aspect of lighting for film and digital video will be explored in these courses. We will begin with an examination of basic lighting instruments and their use in the art of lighting: composition, color, light-and-shadow, three-point lighting, cameras and lenses. The courses will then focus on creating and controlling the cinematic style, and studying the differences between film and digital video. Exposure, latitude, interior, exterior, shooting, high-key and low-key styles, narrative and commercial production will all be covered. The second semester will concentrate on lens, film stock and digital video compression. Assignments will vary from 30-second commercials to tabletop and blue-screen productions to recreating scenes from feature films. The close relationship of production and postproduction in a computerized world will be examined.

CFD-2080

Production Design

One semester: 3 studio credits

Understanding the role of production design in the filmmaking process will be explored in this course. It will begin by tracing the history of art direction in the Hollywood studio system through the work of leading art directors. Particular attention will be given to William Cameron Menzies and how his contributions led to the advent of the production designer. The craft, process and working methods of the production designer will be explored in detail. How directors collaborate with designers to capture their vision on film will also be examined.

CFD-2088

Makeup for Film and Television

One semester: 3 studio credits

Beginning with an overview of makeup design and application (painting, construction methods and prosthesis), this course will then focus on exploration and experimentation of various materials used in the field of makeup for broadcast media. Students will design and create their own full ‘character’ makeup, which may be used for their film projects.

CFD-2128

Writing the Short Film

One semester: 3 studio credits

This course is designed to assist students in writing short screenplays for their second-year production courses. Through various exercises students will be exposed to multiple strategies for the development of scripts that are both highly visual and character-driven. Students will explore the elements of visual language to convey key elements of theme and story, and workshop in class with actors to deepen their understanding of characters. Scripts are read and discussed by class members with respect to style, structural elements and visualization.

CFD-2134

Directing for Film: Working with Actors

One semester: 3 studio credits

Emphasizing the relationship between performer and camera this course will cover practical skills for soliciting great performances from actors by focusing on, and demystifying, the actor/director collaboration. By exploring directorial techniques and approaches, students will consider various ways to work effectively—with experienced actors and novices—to elicit spontaneous, authentic and nuanced performances. Character, scene and script analyses; casting protocols; rehearsal techniques and improvisation will be addressed. Each student will have the opportunity to direct scenes with professional actors.

CFD-2138

Acting

One semester: 3 studio credits

This course is designed as an introduction to the craft of acting. Students will learn how to create believable characters for the screen through sense memory, improvisation and intuitive use of the self. The vocabulary necessary for communicating with actors will be taught as well as the art of constructive criticism, which is essential to directing films.

CFD-2140

Writing the Feature-Length Script I

One semester: 3 studio credits

Required for all screenwriting majors, this course will focus on constructing a character-driven screenplay in three-acts. Students are introduced to the Writers Guild Short-Form Contract and will develop their scripts through each stage of professional screenwriting processes, including character research, logline, synopsis, outline and drafts. Students will finish a full outline of their screenplay and a first draft of the first act by the end of the semester.

CFD-2145

Writing the Feature-Length Script II

One semester: 3 studio credits

In this course students will revise the first act of their screenplays, and complete the second and third acts. Emphasis is on pacing, knowing what to take out as well as what to put in. Actors may be brought in to explore the dramatic potential in scenes and to help students write natural dialogue. Students will complete a second draft of their screenplay by the end of the semester.

CFD-2162

Sound Design

One semester: 3 studio credits

Filmmakers will tell you that sound is 50% of a film. Great sound can enhance a story. Through hands-on experience in a recording studio, students will explore recording dialogue, sound effects and Foley, and synchronize these elements to the moving image. Techniques in audio editing, using effects and mixing will also be covered with Pro Tools software. Students will record, create, mix and output sound for several projects throughout the course.

CFD-2212

Shooting on Film

One semester: 3 studio credits

In this course students will become familiar with the history of 8mm, 16mm and 35mm film. Though screening dailies and rough cuts, we will explore filmmaking techniques from start to finish, culminating in each student producing a five-minute film. Camera operation, film stock choices, exposure and lenses will all be addressed. We will screen footage in class and discuss reshooting and editing options

CFD-2262

Creating Character

One semester: 3 studio credits

Great stories rely on great characters. This multidisciplinary course is ideal for aspiring screenwriters and writer/directors who want to write more dynamic character-driven drama. You will work with professional actors and use techniques and exercises to make vivid characters come to life. A unique fusion of directing, writing and acting allows you to create scripts in action and to hone your skills for dialogue, unlocking the mysteries of specific characters. Taught by a screenwriter and an actor/director, the goal of this course is for students to develop exciting new material for film, both short and long form.

CFD-2344

Movement in Storytelling

One semester: 3 studio credits

This course will explore movement as a key component in storytelling and screenwriting, helping directors, writers, editors and visual artists to understand movement and its meaning. Students will investigate how internal motivations can be expressed externally without dialogue, and explore how we read—and write—body language, movement and stillness. Class time will be divided between moving the body, writing and discussion. Students will be given the opportunity to experience how movement affects expression and enhances creativity.

CFD-2346

Music and Sound

One semester: 3 studio credits

You don’t have to be a professional musician to make great soundtracks for your films and videos. With a keyboard and cutting-edge computer software programs such as Reason and Pro Tools, you can create great music to sync with your images. Students will have hands-on experience in a recording studio and will learn techniques of songwriting, editing and mixing. Basic music theory will be explained as well as how to use prerecorded music and drum loops in various musical styles—hip-hop, world, jazz, rock and classical, among others. If you are a musician, you can enhance your compositions with these amazing tools.

CFD-2350

Adaptation for the Short Film

One semester: 3 studio credits

The challenges in transforming material from other media onto the screen will be the focus of this course. Screenplays may be developed from virtually any source material—fiction, nonfiction, journalism, poetry—and students will investigate how to obtain screen rights for their work, including public domain, options and ownership. Emphasis is on short films that students can produce themselves.

CFD-2442

Improvisation

One semester: 3 studio credits

Improvisation is not only the jazz of theater, it is also an important life skill. Improv skills encourage spontaneous and creative invention and the free use of mind and body to invent relevant action and reaction. This course teaches the foundational tools, language and philosophy behind improvisation through the use of drills, exercises and games. We will examine the basic elements of improvising a scene and developing characters. The class structure is completely collaborative, and the course requires full attendance and full participation.

CFD-2563

Political Documentary

One semester: 3 studio credits

Students will study important political documentaries, both historic and recent, and investigate the political ideas and movements behind them by reading key political texts, news and journal articles. Students will be expected to examine their own political beliefs, and commit themselves to a proposal and treatment for their own political documentary.

CFD-2571

The Activist Film

One semester 3 studio credits

Cinema doesn’t just serve to reflect upon political realities or as a way of denouncing abuses or social injustice. For decades documentary filmmakers have used their work as a foundation for action, as tools for community organizing, and to advocate for social and political change. This course interweaves discussions on key political concepts—some explicitly heterodox—with screenings of important political documentary cinema. Students will produce a short, political, nonfiction piece.

AHD-2712

The Art of Editing

One semester: 3 art history credits

Editing is the creative process by which visual and aural elements are rhythmically integrated to produce meaning in film. This historical survey investigates interrelations of storytelling and story-showing by screening classic and contemporary film scenes and sequences. Students explore how editing techniques across various genres shape character and story, inspiring one of the world’s most powerful art forms.

CFD-2733

Visually Planning Your Films: Storyboards for Live Action

One semester: 3 studio credits

Students will gain hands-on experience in creating storyboards and storyboard animatics from their own short scripts, both on paper and digitally. We will explore a variety of storyboarding software, though emphasis will be placed on storyboard theory and psychology, thumbnail storyboards, and collaboration, as students work to strategically plan a film through sequential art.

CFD-2752

Marketing and Publicity

One semester: 3 studio credits

Students will research the tools and techniques necessary to find an audience in the digital age. Topics include premarketing, social media profiles, sentiment analysis and other data-driven methods, how AI is transforming content marketing and the many-faceted roles of publicists. Students will meet guests from the industry as they create a marketing strategy for a film from packaging to distribution.

CVD-3010

Advanced Production I

One semester: 3 studio credits

This course will explore sophisticated and developing languages of the moving image. Through exercises, demonstrations and production, we will focus on the craft, aesthetics and content of film and moving-image making, as practiced in emerging and traditional forms.

CVD-3015

Advanced Production II

One semester: 3 studio credits

This is the second part of a two-semester course. During the second semester, each student will undertake a major project or series of smaller projects. Alternatively editing and cinematography majors may function as editors or cinematographers on two, third-year projects.

CFD-3030 / CFD-3035

Advanced Cinematography I and II

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

Three interrelated areas of cinematography that are essential to the realization of the dramatic demands of the script—visualization of the script, communicating with actors, lighting and postproduction processes—will be the focus of these courses. Through demonstrations, discussions, screenings, critiques and hands-on projects, students will explore sophisticated lighting techniques for film and digital cinematography. How to translate ideas into images, experiment with varied lighting styles and create specific moods for interiors and exteriors will be examined, as well as the collaboration between the director and director of photography in planning action scenes, structure, coverage and the interpretation of the script. We will discuss emulsions, tonality, contrast, the “quality” of light, exposure, angles, composition, movement, continuity, lenses, depth of field, filters, special effects, lab liaisons (timing lights, printing, digital mastering and transfers) and managing camera and lighting crews. Arriflex 16-SR camera, advanced digital cameras, super speed lenses, dolly, Jib-arm, Gear head, Steadicam, Tungsten, HMI and Kino-Flo lights will be used in class.

CFD-3054

Advanced Sound

One semester: 3 studio credits

Designed for those who want to pursue sound on a professional level, this course will explore advanced mixing techniques and automation tips and tricks. Projects will include setting up a mix to deliver to a dub stage, advanced routing and plug-in automation, and best practices when working with a complex mix. Projects will address mono to stereo to 5.1 up to Atmos mixing. We will also explore the issues involved in delivering your project in the correct form and levels. Mastering for sound as well as for delivery requirements will be addressed. Stem mixing and mastering levels will also be covered. The QC (Quality Control) process will be addressed.

CFD-3056

New Audio Formats

One semester: 3 studio credits

Students will be introduced to cutting-edge, multichannel technology, such as Dolby Atmos, and will explore techniques for recording to new audio standards. A comprehensive walkthrough of components, applications and workflow will be given, including hardware and software requirements for various setups. We will also discuss new ways of imagining sound design and the best practices to integrate them in different projects.

CFD-3057

Scoring Your Film

One semester: 3 studio credits

The focus on this course will be on creating musical scores for film. With the use of software such as Pro Tools, Reason and Logic Audio, students will learn the fundamentals of creating music that evokes suspense, nostalgia, romance, adventure, and more. With hands-on practice in a recording studio, students will compose, record and edit using synthesizers, samplers and loop players to make thematic musical cues while learning the techniques of film scoring.

CFD-3060

Advanced Writing and Directing I

One semester: 3 studio credits

Building on the fused writing and directing approach introduced in second year, students will refine their scripts for third-year production courses, and begin their thesis films. Students will be exposed to innovative, professional techniques in screenwriting and storytelling, and encouraged to find their own styles. Working with actors, students will employ sophisticated directorial strategies, analyze their artistic choices and find their own strengths before going on set.

CFD-3065

Advanced Writing and Directing II

One semester: 3 studio credits

This is the second part of a two-semester course. It is intended to support the development of the thesis script. Students will have the opportunity to take creative risks and collaborate with actors. Scripts will be rehearsed, discussed and revised every week. As the scripts produced in the previous semester go into postproduction, films are screened with feedback to help students polish their final cuts.

HLD-3130 / HLD-3135

Film and Literature I and II

Two semesters: 3 humanities and sciences credits per semesters

Film and literature, two of the most important modes of storytelling, exist in a complex and dynamic relationship, each drawing from the other. These courses explore the rich interaction between key films and texts, particularly drama and the novel, analyzing how filmmakers use literary structures, strategies and techniques in ways that have become synonymous with film. At the root is storytelling in all its ancient and contemporary forms, and the goal is to enrich students’ understanding of story, increase their ability to see films critically, improve their writing and help make them powerful storytellers in their own work.

CFD-3140

Advanced Screenwriting I

One semester: 3 studio credits

This course is designed to encourage the development of the writer’s own style by exploring advanced strategies of character development and approaches. In the first semester students will write a proposal, outline and revised outline, and complete a first draft in accordance with the expectations of the Writers Guild short-form contract.

CFD-3145

Advanced Screenwriting II

One semester: 3 studio credits

This is the second part of a two-semester course. The second semester begins with the first rewrite of the first draft and goes on through the second rewrite, in accordance with the Writers Guild contract. Students are expected to have a complete second draft by the end of the semester.

CFD-3170 / CFD-31705

Writing for Television I and II

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

These intensive courses in writing for television will begin with writing a spec script (hour or half hour) for an existing television show. Treatments, synopsis, story outlines, the pitch, log lines and career strategies will all be addressed and explored. Guest lecturers, both producers and writers, will share their experiences and offer strategies on how to break into the television market. In the second semester, students will create and write original pilot episodes for their own television show.

CFD-3190

The Business and Craft of Writing for Television

One semester: 3 studio credits

The Business and Craft of Television Writing will prepare students for the challenges they will face when pursuing a career in television. Industry experts will provide insight into how the business works and ways to break in. The course will explore broadcast, cable and streaming television while defining the differences in creating shows for each format. Episodic versus serialized story structure will be addressed. What to do before writing a pilot will include how to concisely communicate a series concept in a one-page overview followed by a detailed beat sheet, essentially a script without dialogue. Beyond writing, students will develop skills designed to aid in successfully marketing their projects. Composing a query letter that gets results and using networking to broaden their television business contacts will be emphasized. The course will also cover how to verbally pitch an idea in an effective manner. To facilitate that effort, students will be supplied with documents from networks and production companies explaining what they want to hear in a pitch. By the end of the semester, students will have been exposed to the realities of being professional television writers and will be ready to write their pilot script.

CFD-3194

Creative Producing

One semester: 3 studio credits

This course will explore the responsibilities of the creative producer from project inception through distribution. Students will learn how to manage a project and about the principles and tools for creating and controlling their own work, as well as how to collaborate successfully with other film professionals and remain true to their artistic vision. From selecting the material, working with the writer, hiring the director, collaborating on casting choices and selecting a production crew to involvement with distribution and marketing strategies, the focus will be on the creative skill and business acumen necessary to be a successful producer. Guest speakers will share their insights into producing for the film and television industries. Both narrative and documentary filmmaking will be examined.

CFD-3241

Advanced Production Design

One semester: 3 studio credits

Transforming the physical and psychological environments of a student’s script into the visual reality of their own film will be explored in this course. Students will bring in scenes from their scripts to explore subtext, analyze character and discuss theme. Through sketches, location scouting, dressing the set, defining construction needs and research, students will begin the process of building an environmental visual palette for their story. Attention will be given to the psychology of the characters in order to study the impact of the characters on their environment and the environment’s effect on the characters.

CFD-3248

VFX: Introduction to After Effects

One semester: 3 studio credits

In this course students will explore the techniques needed in creating seamless motion picture effects. The Adobe After Effects interface, including timeline navigation, render settings and output module templates, animation and geometric transformations through keyframes, plug-in effects and presets, keyboard shortcuts, basic motion graphics, shapes, masks, transfer modes and 3D space will be explored. Additionally, the process of matte making in Adobe Photoshop will be covered. Specifically, in-depth coverage of Bezier curves and other selection tools in Photoshop and After Effects will be covered in thorough detail. Examples of each technique will be shown to nurture an understanding of what’s possible and to help in choosing the most efficient path to the desired results. Students will ultimately apply these techniques to live-action sequences.

CFD-3249

VFX: Advanced After Effects

One semester: 3 studio credits

A willing “suspension of disbelief” requires constant observation of the world around us. How does a leaf blow in the wind? How does a ball bounce on a sidewalk? What does an exploding rocket look like? Observing physical behavior informs believable effects in animation. Digitally fabricating or enhancing scenes to look real is essential in creating an impactful work of fiction. Along with a trained eye, Adobe After Effects can be a powerful tool. This course will cover the techniques needed in creating believable, seamless motion picture effects. Keying, compositing, motion tracking, image stabilization, rotoscoping, basic color correction and particle systems will be addressed in detail. The course will include examples of each technique to nurture understanding of what’s possible and choosing the most efficient path to the desired results.

CFD-3273

Experimental Cinematography

One semester: 3 studio credits

Cinematography does not just serve storytelling; it also expands our perception of what the story experience can be. Film inherently uses elements of photography, music, painting, dance, etc.; however, narrative and documentary films do not always use all of these artistic elements to their full potential. In this course we will mix and manipulate these elements as tools for the cinematographer’s eye. We will study analog techniques including dry for wet to pinhole to contemporary approaches (including virtual reality), while balancing both technical and expressive awareness, drawing on influence not just from experimental cinema, but also from contemporary light artists who can expand how we experience emotion and narrative in exciting new ways and learn to craft one’s own language of experimentation.

CFD-3342

Thesis Writing Workshop

One semester: 3 studio credits

This course is designed for students who intend to make a film for their thesis, but have not taken writing courses—generally, specialists in editing, cinematography and sound. Students will explore their ideas and outline, develop and revise a short script suitable for a thesis film.

CFD-3428

DaVinci Resolve: Color Correcting Your Film

One semester: 3 studio credits

The fundamentals of color grading and finishing with DaVinci Resolve software will be covered in this course. Students will explore the process of color grading from picture lock to final delivery. Topics include: creating a look for a project, enhancing storytelling by drawing the eye, scene matching and project management. The course will focus on both the technical and aesthetic requirements of finishing projects for broadcast, commercial and theatrical release.

CFD-3429

Introduction to Virtual Reality Filmmaking

One semester: 3 studio credits

The newest tools of immersive storytelling—360, virtual reality and augmented reality—will be introduced in this course. We will examine examples of key immersive experiences, and students will explore their storytelling potential in the areas of news, documentary, fine arts and advertising. Special focus will be placed on developing skills for directing a 360 film, including the use of 360 cameras, creating ambisonic landscapes and editing techniques. The final objective of the course will be to produce a series of 360 videos and demonstrate fluency in this new technology and its tools for production.

CFD-3432

Postproduction: Digital Workflow I

One semester: 3 studio credits

Postproduction professionals must be fluent in the digital language of filmmaking for their creative projects. This course will address the technical side of postproduction and the principles integral to digital cinema workflows. Through lectures, screenings and assignments, students will explore how to problem solve technical hurdles. Subjects will include discussions on acquisition formats, resolutions, frame rates, aspect ratios, color space, codecs, compression techniques, bit depth and bit rate, media cards, computer technology and workstation set up. This is an indispensable course for editors.

CFD-3436

Postproduction: Digital Workflow II

One semester: 3 studio credits

Be creative and technical and you’re unstoppable. This course will examine digital language—from media acquisition to digital exhibition. Students will tackle real-world workflow hurdles and explore how to quickly get past them and get back to the creative process. We will focus on media storage on HDD, SSD, RAID, proxy and offline/online options, transcoding, remote editing, compression techniques, color grading, ARRI and RED RAW workflows, Pro Tools output and delivery and DCPs. Students will complete the course with a heightened knowledge of postproduction.

CFD-3512

Film and Entertainment Law

One semester: 3 studio credits

This course will focus on the fundamentals of entertainment law by exploring the business and legal relationships within the broadcasting and film industries. How to anticipate and avoid legal problems prior to production will be addressed. Key issues in the areas of copyright law, sources of financing, distribution agreements, insurance and union consideration will be discussed. There will be guest speakers from the field.

CFD-3614

Line Producing: The Nuts and Bolts of Production

One semester: 3 studio credits

This course will examine the nuts and bolts of line producing in the entertainment industry. Students will learn how to manage a production and think like a line producer from preproduction through completion of production. We will explore the process of creating and managing budgets, schedules, calendars and negotiating deals within the production industry. Students will complete this course with an understanding of the management process from concept to screen by becoming proficient in scheduling and budgeting using industry standards.

CFD-4010

Career Strategies

One semester: 3 studio credits

The goal of this course is to facilitate the successful transition from college to the professional world. Experts from key areas in the entertainment industry will provide insight in all areas of film specialization, covering such subjects as intellectual property rights, marketing and promotion, finance, agents, producer reps and distributors: the tactical information necessary to move your career to the next level. Emphasis will be given to each student’s work, and on creating a market identity through social media and other strategies.

CFD-4101 / CFD-4102

Master Class in Cinematography I

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

This course is designed to challenge thesis cinematography students to refine their lighting skills by reproducing scenes from paintings by masters. Recent theorists and artists such as David Hockney contend that painters like Vermeer used optics in the form of lenses and mirrors to create distortions and soft focus effects that could not be seen by the naked eye. Included will be Georges de la Tour’s paintings with stunning candlelight scenes, the heightened naturalism and strong lighting in Caravaggio’s work, and John Singer Sargent’s use of precise patina to reveal mood and psychological nuance. Lectures by a distinguished group of guest cinematographers will complement coursework.

CFD-4940 / CFD-4945

Film Thesis I and II

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

Students are required to complete a thesis project that demonstrates an advanced level of craft and technique. All candidates will meet with the Thesis Committee at the end of their third year for instructions and deadlines. The College may reproduce work in matters pertaining to accreditation and promotion.

Independent Study

One semester: 3 studio credits

Junior and senior students who wish to pursue a special project not covered by the parameters of their department’s curriculum are eligible to apply for an independent study course. Students must have earned a grade point average above 3.00 at SVA and must submit their study goals as a detailed proposal for approval by the department chair. Proposals for an independent study must be made prior to the course adjustment period for that semester. Please contact the department advisor for specifics.

Internship

One semester: 3 studio credits

Students can gain valuable experience and broaden their professional network through an internship with an employer. Internships-for-credit are available to juniors and seniors who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or better. To receive credit, students must apply online during the designated application period, be approved by the Career Development Office, and registered for the internship by their academic advisor. Students need to work 150 hours during the semester (usually 10 to 15 hours per week), participate in a weekly online course with other SVA interns, and complete midterm and final self-evaluations. Elective studio credit is awarded for the successful completion of an internship. For more information go to sva.edu/career.

Curriculum