Film Class

Instructors:Stephani Skalak, Shannon More, Dawn Smallman 

Class Time: Saturdays 8:30 – 11:30 plus outside class time as needed

Instructor Contact Information:

Room: 105, email: Stephani Skalak stephani.skalak@gmail.com

shannonm@stmaryspdx.org, Dawn Smallman: velvethammer00@hotmail.com

Course Description: This course will expose students to the art of filmmaking through the practical application of making a film. Grouped in teams, students will workshop, organize, film and edit a short documentary film. Students will be exposed to various professionals in the field who will help guide them through the concept, pre-production and post-production phases of documentary filmmaking.

Learning Goals: Students Will:

1. Learn the job descriptions of director, camera op, sound technician, light technician, producer, editor, and writer.
2. Analyze the documentary art form and understand its relevance in our society.
3. Learn/execute (where appropriate) narration/voice-over audio techniques.
4. Plan & execute pre-production, production and post production phases on a stated timeline.
5. Learn how to translate a topical idea into visual storytelling.
6. Understand mood/tone, setting, artwork, and characterization of the subject matter.
7. Demonstrate teamwork and communication skills.
8. Learn the basics of digital picture and sound editing.
9. Understand the importance of using sound, music, and lighting to support themes of the doc.
10. Understand and uphold copyright laws.

Course Materials: Although camera, lighting and sound equipment will be provided, students may be required to view various documentaries on their own which may include movie tickets or rental fees. 

Conduct: Above and beyond the expected conduct outline in the SMA student handbook, students are expected to be respectful of loaned equipment. Students are responsible for checking out the equipment and returning it in the same condition. 

A NOTE ON COMMITMENT: Much of this class is hands-on learning. The time that we spend in class will be used to discuss, explore and practice the skills learned in class. There is an extra time commitment that will need to be made outside of class for shooting, capturing and editing your footage. The deadlines for finishing your projects (especially your final project) are strict. There will be no time to scramble or “cram” for this.

Grading Scale - 100 or above A; 92-99 A; 90-91 A-; 88-89 B+; 82-87 B; 80-81 B-; 78-79 C+; 72-77 C; 70-71 C-; 68-69 D+; 62-67 D; 60-61 D-; Below 60 F.

Course Procedures:

If you are going to be late, please try to call someone.

Show up to schedule meeting times with your group.

When you check equipment or DVDs out, you are accepting full and financial responsibility for the equipment, even in cases of accidents.

Equipment checkout needs to occur at the designated time. All other equipment needs will be fulfilled at Shannon’s discretion and availabilty.

The equipment is for use by you and your teammates for your film class project. All other uses by yourself and others are prohibited