Course title

Pre-requisite

Course description

Nathan Hale High School
Introduction to Filmmaking
Fall; 2015 © David C. Friedle
Table of Contents
Page
Instructor Information ...................................................... 1
Course Description ........................................................... 2
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism .................................. 2
Course Essential Questions .............................................. 2
Course Objectives …………............................................. 3
Projects and Deadlines ……............................................. 3
Consultant Learning …..................................................... 4
Meeting Deadlines ............................................................ 5
Missing Class …………………………………………… 5
Employability Skills ………………................................. 5
Classroom Rules ………………………………………… 6
Out of Class Responsibility ……………………………… 6
Equipment Checkout ..…………………..………………. 6
Student Information .......................................................... 7
Equipment Checkout FORM …………………………… 8
Instructor Information
Instructor: David Friedle; M.Ed.
Office: Room 2105
Office Phone: 206-252-3758
Office Hours: Monday: 9:30-10:20am; 3:00-4:00pm
Tuesday: 3:00-3:30pm
Wednesday: 3:00-3:30pm
Thursday: 8:00-10:00am
Friday: 9:30-10:20am; 3:00-3:30pm
Other times by appointment only
E-Mail: dcfriedle@seattleschools.org
Introduction
to
Filmmaking
Syllabus
Page
2
Course Description
Filmmaking teaches the fundamental skills needed for producing original short films.
Although not every student will go on to work in the filmmaking industry; the skills taught in
this class are very relevant to many other vocations. Telling a story using filmmaking
techniques requires strong attention to detail; the ability to analyze a story for subtext; nuance
and symbolism; the ability to work with teams of people; and the ability to think critically
about all facets of a project.
The culminating product from the class will be an original short film to be viewed by other
students; parents and the community. Students will participate in all facets of the production
of their short film. Students will learn how to write their own script; do shot breakouts; direct;
shoot and edit their shots into a watchable film. Students will learn how to use state of the art
software: Adobe Premiere; Adobe Audition; and Adobe After Effects using Macintosh
computers. Students will have access to consumer grade cameras and tripods and
microphones.
The first 2/3 of the course will consist of small projects designed to teach the basic concepts
of filmmaking. The final 1/3 of the course will be open for students to utilize their own
creativity and skills to produce their own short film. As filmmaking requires large teams of
people; students will be working in teams the majority of the time. Success in this class will
depend on students’ willingness and ability to work cooperatively with others; to be a
contributing member of a group and to risk trying new things.
Filmmaking Integrity
Because the work students do in filmmaking will be shown to the public; all work will need
to be PG rated; non-slanderous; and properly credit all copyrighted works including prerecorded
music. During the filming of student projects; students may not participate in or
encourage any activity that is illegal; immoral; unsafe; or objectionable to a general audience.
Students may not perform any kind of physical stunt in the production of their films.
Violence of any kind is not allowed in filmmaking I student films. (Filmmaking II will teach
students how to film scenes with physical contact in a safe and realistic way) Projects that
violate any of the above rules will not receive a grade.
Course Essential Questions
1. What are the elements to telling a great story?
2. How can I use digital technology to make a film?
3. What makes a film successful?
Course Objectives
Unit 1: (Basic camera operation)
Basic camera technical operation
Basic camera motions
Pan / Tilt
Track / Dolly
Pedestal / Crane
Basic camera shots
Establishing; Long; Medium
Tight Medium; Closeup;
Extreme Closeup
Use of Tripod
Basic Digital Editing
Unit 2: (Composition)
Use of Basic Shots/Camera Motion
Rule of thirds
Screen Direction
Leading lines
Negative / Positive Space
Controlling Light
Unit 3: (Basic Storytelling)
Working as a Team
Interpersonal responsibilities
Roles in crew
How to read a script
Scene Coverage
Plan View
Shot Breakout
Storyboards
Basic Directing/Camera
Coverage
180 & 30 degree rules
Overlapping action
Starting / Ending Shots
Blocking / Timing
Unit 4: (Interpreting Scripts)
Shooting to Edit
Shot Breakouts & Plan Views
Shooting for Coverage
5 Step digital editing operations
Input; Assembly/Rough Cut
Trimming/Fine Cut (J & L cuts)
Sound Levels
EFX/Transitions & Titles
Unit 5: (Basic Audio)
Using Camera Microphone
Using Boom Microphone
Ambient vs Directional Noise
Avoiding Distractions
Normalization
Balancing Left vs. Right
Unit 6: (Shooting Scripts)
Shot Breakouts & Plan Views
Shooting for Coverage
Continuity Editing for Coverage
Match Cuts
Dialog; Emotion; Action
Parallel Action
Transitions
Cut Points
Camera Placement
Unit 7: (Writing a simple Script)
How to convert a story into a script
Treatment
Technical Script Requirements
Basic Structure
Scene Analysis
Continuity Editing
Practical script writing techniques
Effective Dialog
Effective Scene Transitions
Unit 8: (Final Project)
Writing your own script
Producing your own script
Preparation for viewing
Time Management
Project Management

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Requested competency code

Date submitted

Approved

Approved competency code

• CTE
• Career and technical education

Approved date

Online / Virtual