Curriculum

FIRST-YEAR REQUIREMENTS

Freshman film majors must take all the courses that follow.

AHD-1070 Film History and Criticism Fall 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 Spring 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 Fall 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 Spring semester: 3 studio credits

Serving as a continuation of CFD-1020, Introduction to Production I, in the spring 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.

CVD-1080 Editing I Fall 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 though a scene. Scene study and editing choices that maximize the actors’ performances will be emphasized.

CVD-1085 Editing II Spring 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 Fall 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 Spring 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 forms, 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 Literature I Fall semester: 3 humanities and sciences credits

This is the first part of a two-semester course that helps students become capable, critical and independent writers. With its focus on developing an argument, the course offers an introduction to some of the skills necessary for critical analysis of written art. It will include a review of writing basics (grammar, coherence, idea development, sentence and essay structure). Since reading widely is a foundation of good writing, course readings are drawn from a selection of premodern Western works, including drama, poetry, the narrative and the critical essay, which will be used as discussion and writing prompts.

HCD-1025 Writing and Literature II Spring semester: 3 humanities and sciences credits

This is the second part of a two-semester course that emphasizes essay development, reading and critical thinking. Students will write essays and a research paper, and continue to work on their grammar and essay development. Readings are drawn from a selection of modern works, including drama, poetry, the narrative and the critical essay.

SECOND-YEAR REQUIREMENTS

Second-year students must choose a specialization in one of the following categories and must complete all required courses within that specialization.

This concentration must be followed in the third and fourth years of study.

CINEMATOGRAPHY

CFD-2010 Production Workshop I fall

CFD-2015 Production Workshop II spring

or

CFD-2017 Documentary Workshop I fall

CFD-2018 Documentary Workshop II spring

CFD-2070 Cinematography I

CFD-2080 Production Design fall

or

AHD-2068 The Language of Film

or

AHD-2070 International Cinema

DIRECTING

CFD-2010 Production Workshop I

CFD-2015 Production Workshop II

or

CFD-2017 Documentary Workshop I

CFD-2018 Documentary Workshop II

CFD-2128 Writing the Short Film

CFD-2129 Directing for Film

AHD-2068 The Language of Film

or

AHD-2070 International Cinema

EDITING

CFD-2010 Production Workshop I

CFD-2015 Production Workshop II

or

CFD-2017 Documentary Workshop I

CFD-2018 Documentary Workshop II

CVD-2060 Avid I

CVD-2061 Avid II

CVD-2066 Advanced Final Cut Pro

or

CVD-2067 Advanced Premiere Pro

AHD-2712 The Art of Editing

AHD-2068 The Language of Film

or

AHD-2070 International Cinema fall or spring

SCREENWRITING

CFD-2128 Writing the Short Film

CFD-2140 Writing the Feature-Length Script I

CFD-2145 Writing the Feature-Length Script II

CFD-2350 Adaptation

AHD-2068 The Language of Film

or

AHD-2070 International Cinema

SOUND

CFD-2050 Sound Production

CFD-2051 Sound Production II

CFD-2056 Introduction to Sound Design/Effects

CFD-2162 Sound Design I

CFD-2163 Sound Design II

AHD-2068 The Language of Film

or

AHD-2070 International Cinema fall or spring

THIRD-YEAR REQUIREMENTS

CINEMATOGRAPHY

CVD-3010 Advanced Production I

CVD-3015 Advanced Production II

or

CFD-3326 Advanced Documentary Workshop I

CFD-3327 Advanced Documentary Workshop II

CFD-3030 Advanced Lighting/Cinematography I

CFD-3428 DaVinci Resolve: Color Correcting Your Film

HLD-3130 Film and Literature I

HLD-3135 Film and Literature II

DIRECTING

CVD-3010 Advanced Production I

CVD-3015 Advanced Production II

or

CFD-3326 Advanced Documentary Workshop I

CFD-3327 Advanced Documentary Workshop II

CFD-3060 Advanced Writing and Directing I

CFD-3065 Advanced Writing and Directing II

HLD-3130 Film and Literature I

HLD-3135 Film and Literature II

EDITING

CFD-2162 Sound Design

or

CFD-3428 DaVinci Resolve: Color Correcting Your Film

CFD-3432 Postproduction: Digital Workflow I

CFD-3436 Postproduction: Digital Workflow II

HLD-3130 Film and Literature I

HLD-3135 Film and Literature II

SCREENWRITING

CFD-3060 Advanced Writing and Directing I

CFD-3065 Advanced Writing and Directing II

or

CFD-3170 Writing for Television I

CFD-3175 Writing for Television II

CFD-3140 Advanced Screenwriting I

CFD-3145 Advanced Screenwriting II

HLD-3130 Film and Literature I

HLD-3135 Film and Literature II

SOUND

CFD-3054 Advanced Sound Production I

CFD-3055 Advanced Sound Production II

CFD-3112 Introduction to Mixing

HLD-3130 Film and Literature I

HLD-3135 Film and Literature II

FOURTH-YEAR REQUIREMENTS

CFD-4940 Film Thesis I

CFD-4945 Film Thesis II

AHD-1070

Film History and Criticism

Fall 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

Spring 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

Fall 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

Spring semester: 3 studio credits

Serving as a continuation of CFD-1020, Introduction to Production I, in the spring 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.

CVD-1080 Editing I

Fall 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 though a scene. Scene study and editing choices that maximize the actors’ performances will be emphasized.

CVD-1085 Editing II

Spring 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

Fall 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

Spring 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 forms, 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 Literature I

Fall semester: 3 humanities and sciences credits

This is the first part of a two-semester course that helps students become capable, critical and independent writers. With its focus on developing an argument, the course offers an introduction to some of the skills necessary for critical analysis of written art. It will include a review of writing basics (grammar, coherence, idea development, sentence and essay structure). Since reading widely is a foundation of good writing, course readings are drawn from a selection of premodern Western works, including drama, poetry, the narrative and the critical essay, which will be used as discussion and writing prompts.

HCD-1025 Writing and Literature II

Spring semester: 3 humanities and sciences credits

This is the second part of a two-semester course that emphasizes essay development, reading and critical thinking. Students will write essays and a research paper, and continue to work on their grammar and essay development. Readings are drawn from a selection of modern works, including drama, poetry, the narrative and the critical essay.

CFD-2010 / CFD-2015 Production Workshop I and II

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

Production Workshop is designed as project-based courses culminating in a short film by the end of spring 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

Fall or spring semester: 3 studio credits

This comprehensive course analyzes the role of sound techniques in film and video—music, effects, voice- overs and sync sound, among other components. Instruction in the composing of sound for film will be given and students will compose sound for theoretical situations. Readings that cover the principles of sound theory and application will be assigned. Visiting specialists will give practical instruction with recording machines, microphones and all mechanical elements used by sound recordists.

CFD-2051 Sound Production II

Spring semester: 3 studio credits

A continuation of Sound Production I, in this course students will record sound on dialogue scenes, both interior and exterior, using state-of-the-art digital cameras and sound devices, including 744t recorder, CL- 12 linear fader mixer, Lectrosonic radio microphones and associated lavalier microphones. Students will also work with “open” microphones and employ them in real-world scenarios.

CFD-2056 Introduction to Sound Design/Effects

Spring semester: 3 studio credits

This course is an introduction to the elements of sound editing: ADR, Foley, sound effects, dialogue and music. What is ADR? What is Foley? How do the editors in dialogue and music and effects work with the sound designer to create a movie soundtrack? Students will have the opportunity to learn hands-on how movie soundtracks are “built” step by step, practicing all aspects of sound editing and designing the soundtracks of various short films.

CVD-2060 Avid I

Fall 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

Spring 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

Fall or spring 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

Fall or spring 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; multi-cam; versioning; outputting and archiving.

AHD-2068 The Language of Film

Fall or spring semester: 3 studio 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

Fall or spring semester: 3 studio 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 and II

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. We 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 spring 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

Fall or spring 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-2082 Generations of Makeup

Fall or spring semester: 3 studio credits

This hands-on course will explore various techniques of achieving character demands, the breaking down of character creation and the importance of consistency. Students will follow industry standards while designing, creating and executing a full character look. The art and history behind movies most iconic makeup looks will also be examined.

CFD-2088 Makeup for Film and Television

Fall or spring 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 and animation projects.

CFD-2128 Writing the Short Film

Fall 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-2129 Directing for Film

Spring semester: 3 studio credits

This is a practical craft workshop emphasizing the visual realization of film scripts and the relationship between performer and camera. Through the screening of clips as well as shooting assignments in class, students will explore directorial choices including script, character and scene analysis; casting and rehearsal; design and visual style; actor and camera blocking; framing and camera placement and coverage. Through work with actors, students will discuss various strategies for director/actor communication. They also gain experience in how to communicate with the crew during preproduction, production and postproduction. Students will be encouraged to work on scenes from their own film projects.

CFD-2131 Directing Actors

Fall or spring semester: 3 studio credits

This course will cover practical skills for soliciting great performances from actors by focusing on, and demystifying, the actor/director collaboration. By exploring effective directorial techniques and approaches, students will consider various ways to work effectively—with both experienced actors and novices alike—to elicit spontaneous, authentic and nuanced performances. Script analysis, casting, rehearsal techniques and improvisation will be addressed. Each student will have the opportunity to direct with professional actors.

CFD-2132 Casting for Film

Fall semester: 3 studio credits

This hands-on course will give directors the experience and tools to properly cast for the camera. We will examine which material to choose for auditions, how to write a casting notice that will attract the actors you want to audition, how to run casting interviews and casting sessions, and the critical callbacks. What to look for when casting both “real” people and trained actors and how to talk to stage actors and amateurs to get successful film performances will also be covered. Students will work with a wide range of professional actors and non-actors in every session. We will shoot the auditions and watch playback so that students can begin to evaluate the difference between the actor live and the impact on screen.

CFD-2140 Writing the Feature-Length Script I

Fall 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 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

Spring semester: 3 studio credits

A continuation of CFD-2140, Writing the Feature-Length Script I, 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 I

Fall or spring 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-2163 Sound Design II

Fall or spring semester: 3 studio credits

Building on the basic techniques explored in CFD-2162, Sound Design I, in this course students will learn how to solve production issues with the use of noise reduction, EQ, reverb and compression in order to match the production audio. Students will work on track management, signal flow and cleaning dialogue. We will work with advanced techniques in recording, editing, MIDI and mixing through projects that focus on Foley, sound effects and ADR. Pro Tools workflow will be discussed and examined.

CFD-2202 Directing Actors II

Spring semester: 3 studio credits

This course is for students who want to increase their understanding of the actor’s work. Advanced techniques will be taught as well as communication skills for both actor and director.

CFD-2212 Shooting on Film

Fall 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. All film material will be provided.

CFD-2262 Creating Character (The Actor/Writer Collaboration)

Fall or spring 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 exciting 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-2350 Adaptation for the Short Film

Fall or spring 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 Comedy Improvisation

Fall or spring semester: 3 studio credits

Improvisation is the jazz of theater. It’s spontaneous and creative and an essential acting and life skill. This course will focus on short-form comedy improv. Whether you use it to improve your commercial and theatrical auditions, incorporate it into your rehearsal process, become a better writer, or feel more at ease when speaking in public, improv will free you up and “get you out of your head.” In a supportive and energetic group atmosphere, we will examine the basic elements of improvising a scene and developing characters. Discover the secret of making it look easy.

CFD-2456 Visual Translation for Production Design I

Fall semester: 3 studio credits

The goal of this course is to introduce methods used to create meaningful imagery from screenplays. The process of previsualizing and how to determine the salient points that establish the visual representation of a film will be addressed, beginning with the initial steps of previsualization—from first impression rough- response drawings to pattern-recognition responses. Each student will complete three projects using a variety of mediums, such as watercolor, acrylics, drawing, photography and digital technologies to express ideas for a given production. Toward the end of the semester various design software programs will be presented.

CFD-2457 Visual Translation for Production Design II

Spring semester: 3 studio credits

This course is a continuation CFD-2456, Visual Translation for Production Design I. Working with Autodesk SketchUp, we will explore how to achieve visual interpretations of scripts and other texts, and how to build a consensual approach to design for a project. Using scripts for film and television, students will take a concept and create physical set solutions from models, drawings, photography and digital technology.

AHD-2712 The Art of Editing

Fall 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 cinema’s bonds to painting, photography, theater and literature, as well as its profound links to music and dance, to discover how editing strategies developed—and continue to do so—inspiring one of the world’s most powerful art forms.

CFD-2733 Visually Planning Your Films: Storyboards for Live Action

Spring 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-2743 Pitching and Development

Fall or spring semester: 3 studio credits

Writers, directors and producers must know how to pitch, and to whom they are pitching. Students will bring their own projects to class, pitch their log lines and refine them, as they workshop synopses in class. Students also write bios branding themselves. Guests from various branches of the film and television industries will share their pitching techniques and students will pitch to them.

CFD-2752 Marketing and Publicity Fall or spring 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 / CVD-3015 Advanced Production I and II

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

These courses 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. During the spring 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 Lighting and 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 / CFD-3055-A Advanced Sound Production I and II

Fall semester: 3 studio credits

Designed for those who want to pursue sound on a professional level, these courses will explore various techniques through individual projects based upon student interest. Projects may include music recording for movies, production and/or postproduction mixing, sound editing, ADR, sound design, or Foley.

CFD-3060 Advanced Writing and Directing I

Fall 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

Spring 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.

CFD-3112 Introduction to Mixing

Fall 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 project through hands-on mixing.

HLD-3130 / HLD-3135 Film and Literature I and II

Two semesters: 3 humanities and sciences credits per semester

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 / CFD-3145 Advanced Screenwriting I and II

Two semesters: 6 studio credits per semester

These courses are 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-3170 / CFD-3175 Writing for Television I and II

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

This intensive course 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 spring semester, students will create and write original pilot episodes for their own television show.

CFD-3190 The Business and Craft of Writing for Television

Fall 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

Fall 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

Fall or spring semester: 3 studio credits

Transforming the physical and psychological environments of a student’s script into the visual reality of his or her 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-3247 After Effects

Fall or spring semester: 3 studio credits

In this course students will explore advanced techniques needed in creating seamless motion picture effects. Keying, tracking, particle systems and practical effects will be addressed in 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-3258 Advanced Makeup for Film and Television: Prosthesis

Spring semester: 3 studio credits

The world of makeup goes beyond color and powder when the artist has the skill to alter the structure of a face using prosthetic appliances. This hands-on course will explore the materials and techniques of prosthetic fabrication and application. Students will design, sculpt, mold and cast a full-face prosthetic appliance, and use the resulting piece as a building block for other projects in prosthetic/visual effects makeup.

CFD-3261 Advanced Directing

Fall semester: 3 studio credits

Students in this course will be given an in-depth and hands-on opportunity to develop their own approaches to mise-en-scène: blocking actors, visualizing action, establishing character, POV, motion, composition and creating a sequence. Different directing styles will be explored, such as the pursuit of authenticity in realism and the narrative conventions of Hollywood. Students will gain practice in effective communication with various on-set departments and key crew members. Critique of student work will be provided. ARRI film and digital cameras will be used, and students have access to state-of-the-art sound facilities.

CFD-3273 Experimental Cinematography

Fall 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-3326 / CFD-3327 Advanced Documentary Workshop I and II

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

This intensive, year-long course for emerging documentary filmmakers will delve deep into the study of documentary film across the genres. Students will find their subjects, workshop their stories in class, shoot, produce, and edit their films. Weekly lectures and visiting doc filmmakers will examine the production process, the ethics of nonfiction filmmaking, the art of editing, documentary funding structures and modes of distribution. By the end of the spring semester students will have completed a 15- to 18-minute documentary, and gained a comprehensive view of documentary film production.

CFD-3428 DaVinci Resolve: Color Correcting Your Film

Fall or spring 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

Fall or spring 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-3431 Music and Sound

Fall or spring semester: 3 studio credits

You don’t have to be a professional musician to make great sound tracks 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 digital recording, editing and mixing. How to use prerecorded loops and effects in various musical styles—hip-hop, world, jazz, rock, classical, among others—will also be covered. If you are a musician, you can enhance your compositions with these amazing tools.

CFD-3432 Postproduction: Digital Workflow I

Fall 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 computer technology, storage options, resolutions, frame rates, color space, codecs, compression techniques, DCPs, RED RAW workflow, aspect ratios, Pro Tools output and delivery, camera media, color grading, bit depth and bitrate. This is an indispensable course for editors.

CFD-3436 Postproduction: Digital Workflow II

Spring semester: 3 studio credits

This course will examine digital language—from media acquisition to digital exhibition. Students will work on their own projects to tackle real-world workflow hurdles and explore how to quickly get past them and get back to the creative process. We will focus on 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-3434 Postproduction: Structures in Storytelling

Spring semester: 3 studio credits

Inspired by the teachings of Sergei Eisenstein, Stefan Sharff, Karel Reisz, Andrei Tarkovsky, Alexander Mackendrick, Ingmar Bergman and Akira Kurosawa, this course will offer an advanced study into aesthetic solutions to shape image and sound compositions. An emphasis will be placed on the applications and significance of European montage. With a concentration on crafting a visual story via elements that are concurrently cohesive and divergent, we will screen student projects, theatrical releases and trailers, as well as discuss assigned readings in film criticism. The goal of the course is to master the elusive properties of moving-image editing.

CFD-3512 Film and Entertainment Law

Fall or spring 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 and Budgeting for Your Film

Fall or spring semester: 3 studio credits

This course will address the process of professionally managing a film project from development to distribution. Using EP software, we will cover such topics as breaking down a script, creating schedules and a realistic budget, as well as how to access information concerning the most up-to-date union rates, actor agreements and location fees. Students will complete a professional production book relating to short or feature film.

CFD-3921 Finance and Distribution

Spring semester: 3 studio credits

This course will explore sources of financing and distribution and the resources, materials and methods to attain them. We will begin with the budgeting process and production costs to publicity, marketing, delivery, legal costs, and other—often overlooked—areas that can come back to haunt you. The tried-and-true sources of financing will be reviewed, and students will investigate other financing techniques. We will practice the art of sales—from creating a prospectus to marketing and publicity, prospecting for investors and pitching the project.

CFD-4010 Career Strategies

Fall or spring 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-4040 / CFD-4045 Master Class in Screenwriting I and II

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

These courses will reinforce the basics of screenwriting and prepare students to become working screenwriters. Concepts such as how to make a script producible will be discussed by breaking down each student’s screenplay from the previous year. How to be economical when structuring a screenplay will also be addressed. Students will begin a new project with a logline, one-page overview and a detailed beat sheet. In addition, industry professionals will visit the class, including an executive from the Writers Guild of America who will explain how contracts, residuals and other legal aspects affect writers.

CFD-4101 / CFD-4102 Master Class in Cinematography I and II

Two semesters: 3 studio credits per semester

These courses are 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 course work.

CFD-4940 / CFD-4945 Film Thesis I and II

Two semesters: 6 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

Fall or spring semester: 3 studio credits

Junior or 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

Fall or spring 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.