All Winter-Spring 2013 Film Digital Video Classes

3-D Computer Animation

This course introduces the student to the techniques of 3-Dimensional computer animation. The specifics of 3-D animation: modeling, texturing, keyframing, lighting, hierarchies, rendering and procedural animation are taught in the context of traditional animation principles. Students will complete four projects - three of which illustrate specific aspects of 3-D computer animation and the last of which is student-directed. Along with weekly lecture and classroom work, students complete at least 10 hours of lab work. Students are expected to be familiar with the Macintosh operating system and have a thorough understanding of motion picture and photography fundamentals as they relate to the computer. The course will provide students with access to contemporary 3D animation software - Cinema4D. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged.

This class has been CANCELED.

Prerequisite(s):

Introduction to Digital or Motion Picture Fundamentals, and graphic art experience. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

DIG 221 A Tue 6:00-9:00 Mougianis CANCELED

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Acting for the Camera

This course is designed for actors who would like to improve their craft by better understanding the differences between acting for the stage and acting for the camera, and for film and television directors who would like to work more effectively with actors. Contrasts between stage and screen acting in specific shooting scripts are examined and followed with appropriate script study, character analysis and exercises in film acting techniques. Each class includes a lecture, videotaped examples of performances for analysis and practical experience in working before a camera. Course requirements include outside reading, preparation and rehearsal of scenes for taping in class, outside viewing of film and television programs and written analyses of performances. Grading is based on performance, effort and written analyses. In addition to tuition, a $35 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

None. (Filmmaking or acting experience is highly recommended.) 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

FLM 241 A Mon 6:00-9:00 Early

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Advanced Digital Editing Techniques

In this course, students will explore the possibilities of digital post-production. Lectures will discuss a variety of editing styles and examples from short and feature- length films. Students will work with advanced digital editing software to develop proficiency in editing tech- niques, simple effects, color correction, sound design, as well as output options for a variety of platforms. Grading is based on assigned editing projects, student presentations, and participation. In addition to tuition a $70 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

Prerequisite: Film Production I or Video Production I. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

DIG 315 A Tue 6-9 Cantine CLOSED

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Advanced Sound: Recording and Post-Production

This course will build upon the principles and techniques covered in “Sound for Film and Video.” Lectures and projects deal with more complex production and post production issues that apply to both film and video projects. These include multiple microphone recording, recording and editing of multi-shot scenes and picture/ sound production techniques. Voice over, dialogue replacement, sound effects and foley recording will also be covered. Much of the course will be devoted to developing advanced editing and mixing techniques using the Pro Tools digital audio workstation. Grading is based on written exams, practical exercises, assignments and class participation. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged.

This course has been CANCELED.

Prerequisite(s):

Sound for Film and Video or by permission. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

FLM 360 A Wed 6:00-9:00 Benedict CANCELED

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Digital Effects and Compositing

This course covers digital methods of combining video, photographs, graphics, text & other visual elements and manipulation of those elements to tell a story. Most work will be done using Adobe AfterEffects, but the course will include other software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.Topics include gaining an understanding of the structure of digital images, transparency and masking, chroma keying, using layers and depth, keyframe animation, image processing, effects and their use, formats, input and output of imagery and workflow methods. Grading is based on assignments, exams and class participation. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

Prerequisite: Video Production I. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

DIG 345 A Mon 6:00-9:00 Mougianis

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Documentary Production

This course guides students through the planning, shooting, and editing of a documentary. The course builds on production skills common to all video and filmmaking by introducing techniques unique to non-fiction film, such as vérité (observational) shooting, interviewing and using archival material. The class will confront the ethical issues that arise when real people are presented on screen. Throughout the course, we will view and analyze recent documentaries, with the aim of understanding how reality can be captured and shaped in cinematically powerful ways. Students have the option of working with the news outlet PublicSource to produce research- based video for the website publicsource.org or may choose any form of documentary for their final projects. Grading is based on practical exercises, a written exam, a final project and class participation. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

Video Production I or Film Production I or permission of the instructor. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

VID 320 A Thu 6:00-9:00 Zavala

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Electronic Cinematography

This course will cover advanced video technology and professional techniques of videography. Emphasis will be placed on image quality, meeting broadcast specifications for video and audio, and double-system audio recording. Professional-quality video cameras will be covered extensively. Grading will be based on written exams, in-class production exercises, and an oral presentation. Though students will be asked to shoot video in class, this is not a production course; the cost of materials will be included in the $70 course fee.

Prerequisite(s):

Video Production I. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

VID 317 A Wed 6:00-9:00 Caloiero

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Experimental Film Workshop

This project-oriented course is designed to expose students to a wide range of approaches to filmmaking. It will cover an array of processes and techniques used by filmmakers working outside the mainstream. The class encourages projects made using film (16mm or super-8), but basic digital editing will be covered, and students can finish their work on film or in a digital format. Students will explore techniques that include time lapse cinematography, timed exposures, rotoscoping, optical printing, working directly on the film itself (scratching, painting, etc.) and hand processing their footage. Students will watch and discuss a wide variety of short experimental films. Grading is based on course projects and active participation. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee will be charged.

Prerequisite(s):

Motion Picture Fundamentals, 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

FLM 125 A Thursday 6-9 Bonello and Lewis

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Film Genre: The Crime Film

From The Great Train Robbery (1903) to Lawless (2012) the crime film, it’s widely believed, is the only kind of film that’s never been out of fashion. We will survey the genre’s historical and stylistic range from silent-era crime films, iterations of Scarface, Hitchcock’s crime films and highly- stylized films like Pulp Fiction, The Usual Suspects, and Snatch. The course examines social issues as well as film form, tracing the major characteristics, concerns and innovations that have perpetuated and transformed the genre. In addition, we’ll investigate the ways in which crime films inevitably raise moral and ideological questions. Whether glorifying or critiquing criminals, crime films are never completely innocent. Grading is based on written exams, homework and attendance. Limited outside viewing may be required. In addition to tuition, a $35 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

None. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

FLM 270 A Thu 6:00-9:00 Howell

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Film Production I

This course is designed to develop proficiency in the standard procedures of filmmaking and the use of equipment. Students participate in shooting two 16mm films, editing and building soundtracks. Basic aspects of cinematography, lighting, sound and editing are covered, including the use of 16mm cameras, sound equipment and digital editing software (Avid Media Composer). Student projects are viewed and critiqued in class. Outside work is necessary for planning, shooting and editing. All equipment is provided, but students pay for their own film and lab expenses. Grading is based on each student’s films, exams on technical basics and class participation. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

Motion Picture Fundamentals. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

FLM 106 A Monday 2-5 Lewis CANCELED
FLM 106 B Tuesday 6-9 Lewis

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Film Production II: The Production Team

In this advanced 16mm filmmaking class groups of students work together to make a 16mm film with the instructor’s close supervision.At the beginning of the term students may submit scripts for consideration, and the class will choose the projects that will be produced. Each production team will prepare a detailed budget and do all necessary pre-production for their movie, and they will work together as a crew to shoot, edit and finish the film. Each chosen project will be supported by Pittsburgh Filmmakers with an allotment of 1,200-1,600 feet of 16mm film stock, significantly limiting the expenses for individual students. All participating students will receive screen credit and a copy of the finished film. Issues of sync sound and digital post-production are covered in this course. A fully edited film with sound will be completed by the end of the term. Projects are shot on film, but students edit digitally. Students who want to propose a script to the class should bring a written film treatment to the first class. Extensive outside work is necessary. Equipment and film stock is provided, but students pay for lab expenses and supplies required for their group project. Grading is based on the quality of the student’s work, participation and one written exam. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

Film Production I. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

FLM 206 A Wednesday 6-9 Lewis

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Film Thesis II

This course is a continuation of Film Thesis I. Students edit and do all post-production for the film that was shot during Thesis I. In order to complete this course the student must have an Answer Print of the film, or an exhibition-quality digital video master, and show a copy in an approved Pittsburgh Filmmakers Thesis Screening. Grading is based on the quality of the student’s finished work and the ability to meet deadlines. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

Film Thesis I. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

FLM 404 A by appointment Staff

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Intermediate Web Design

This course builds on the designing and HTML programming skills learned in the Intro to Web Design class. Students will practice creating CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)-based websites. The class will also explore the Dreamweaver tool set in depth, and learn tips and techniques for working within the framework of a browser. Database connectivity, scripting and e-commerce are introduced for students who want to pursue web design even further. Grading is based on assignments, projects and class participation. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged.

This class has been CANCELED.

Prerequisite(s):

Introduction to Web Design. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

DIG 330 A Tue 6:00-9:00 Burgess CANCELED

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Introduction to Digital Editing

This course is designed to familiarize students with the possibilities that digital technology offers for the manipulation of still images, sound, and motion pictures. After introducing beginners to the Macintosh Operating System, the course allows students to use Final Cut Pro to edit video and sound and Photoshop to manipu- late still images and text. Access to Macintosh computers with the necessary software is provided. Grading is based on assignments, a written exam and class participation. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

None. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

DIG 112 A Tuesday 2-5 Heistand CLOSED
DIG 112 B Thursday 6-9 Heistand

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Introduction to Screenwriting

As an introduction to writing for film and video, this course combines theory, analysis and practical exercise. Screenwriting basics are covered including story, structure, scene, character, dialogue and action. Students develop stories, scenes, and characters and examine the ways in which these elements can be combined in a screenplay. Writing for documentaries is also discussed. Students are required to see selected current films for discussion. Considerable outside work is necessary. Grading is based on the quality of the writing assignments, homework and class participation. In addition to tuition, a $35 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

None. (Motion Picture Fundamentals recommended.) 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

FLM 228 A Tuesday 2-5 Heidekat
FLM 228 B Wednesday 6-9 Heidekat

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Introduction to Web Design

This course provides students with the foundation to build web pages using current technologies. During the course students will be introduced to the process of modern web design, its languages, tools, theory and history. Students come away from the class with an understanding of HTML & CSS, basic usage of Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop and WYSIWYG editors. Other lecture topics include interface usability, internet security, and the business of the internet. Grading is based on web sites created for class, assignments and an exam. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

Familiarity with MAC OS. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

DIG 202 A Mon 6:00-9:00 Burgess

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Lighting for Film and Video

In order to demystify the problems involved in lighting for motion pictures, students participate in a variety of lighting and shooting situations. Among the topics covered are: the differences between lighting for film and for video, light sources, light metering, lighting styles and tools. Excerpts from classic and contemporary films and videotapes are viewed and discussed. Students are encouraged to show their current or previous work in class for the purpose of addressing lighting issues. Grading is based on written exams, homework and participation. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

Film Production I or Video Production I. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

FLM 234 A Mon 6:00-9:00 Rutkowski

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Meisner Acting Technique

Acting is living truthfully under imaginary circumstances. It is not pretending.Through Sanford Meisner acting exercises, the actor will work in a lab investigating and strengthening his or her authentic emotional instrument and imagination muscle while abandoning all pretense and learning to see and listen truthfully.This class will be useful and pragmatic, and it is appropriate for actors at all levels who want to develop their range. It is appropriate for directors who want to develop their ability to work with actors more effectively as well. Exercises include emotional prepara- tion, a one-on-one back-and-forth observing and listening technique called “repeating” and creating a physical activity that elicits a specific emotional response automatically. Grading is based on the quality of preparation, the ability to take direction, preparation, risk-taking and regular attendance. In addition to tuition, a $35 course fee is charged

Prerequisite(s):

None. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

FLM 112 A Wed 6:00-9:00 Hartman

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Motion Picture Fundamentals

Motion Picture Fundamentals is a hands-on introduction to key photgraphic concepts and the core concepts of self-expression with moving images. Students shootphotographs, digital video and motion picture film to learn the basic principles and techniques of light, composition, camerawork, editing and storytelling. All equipment is provided, including 35mm still cameras, mini-DV video cameras, super-8 film cameras and digital workstations with Apple’s Final Cut editing program. Those unfamiliar with Mac OS should consider taking “Introduction to Digital Editing” prior to or concurrent with this course. Students pay for film, videotape and lab costs. Grading is based on student projects and written exams. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

None, 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

FLM 101 A Monday 2-5 Kenlon
FLM 101 B Monday 6-9 Zavala CLOSED
FLM 101 C Tuesday 6-9 Abrams
FLM 101 D Wednesday 6-9 Nugent
FLM 101 E Thursday 6-9 Bonev
FLM 101 F Friday 10-1 Zavala

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Technical Directing

Basics of designing and directing scenes for motion pictures are addressed in this course. Some of the problems discussed include the relationship of film to reality, the meaning of cinematic techniques, continuity, shot selection, cut selection and visualization techniques. The format is a combination of lecture, screening and interactive group exercises. Students participate in analyzing and reworking scenes from well-known films. Extensive outside work is necessary, including attending current films to discuss direc- torial issues. Grading is based on written exams, practical exercises, homework and class participation. In addition to tuition, a $35 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

Motion Picture Fundamentals. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

FLM 225 A Tue 6:00-9:00 Staff

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Video Production I

In this hands-on course students acquire the skills required to design, shoot and edit high-definition video. The class combines demonstrations, lectures, exercises, projects and critiques. Students are given several shooting and editing assignments. Emphasis is placed on visual and aural expression through technical mastery of the video medium. Topics include digital camera operation, lighting, audio recording, scripting, non-linear editing, special effects and audio mixing. Grading is based on the quality of work produced and on written exams. All necessary equipment is provided. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

Prerequisite: Motion Picture Fundamentals. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

VID 115 A Thursday 6-9 Vituccio CLOSED
VID 115 B Friday 10-1 Cantine

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Video Production II

This course challenges students to explore video language while producing a more ambitious work through improved technical skills, including digital modes of post-production. It integrates hands-on demonstrations, lecture, exercises, projects and critiques. Students use digital video cameras along with Avid Media Composer to produce a final project. Topics include advanced lighting and audio recording, digitizing, non-linear editing, time code, digital audio mixing, and final output. Grading is based on the quality of work produced and performance on written exams. All necessary equipment is provided. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged.

This class has been CANCELED.

Prerequisite(s):

Video Production I. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

VID 212 A Wednesday 6-9 Cantine CANCELED

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Video Thesis II

This course is a continuation of Video Thesis I. Students edit and do all post-production for the video that was shot during Thesis I. In order to complete this course the student must have an exhibition-quality digital video master, and show a copy in an approved Pittsburgh Filmmakers Thesis Screening. Grading is based on the quality of the student’s finished work and the ability to meet deadlines. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

Video Thesis I. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

VID 404 A by appointment Staff

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Write-Act-Produce-Direct

No matter what your goals are in film, you’ll work in a collaborative art form. Understanding inter-related disciplinesis crucial to making a successful film.Writers need to know what it takes to produce a particular sequence; directors need to know how to talk to actors; producers need to be able to stay true to a script while maintaining their budget; actors must be able to read scripts for action, and they need to understand the psychology of directors. Students will experience a little bit of every discipline in this course, spending three weeks dedicated to each area and the final two weeks of the term pulling it all together. Grading is based on assignments and class participation. In addition to tuition, a $35 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

None. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):

FLM 120 A Thu 6:00-9:00 Monahan

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Writing and Producing the Short Script

This course is designed to take students through the process of writing and planning a short film. Students will produce a film treatment and then multiple drafts of a script for a film, as well as work through critical phases of pre-production such as budgeting, creating a shooting script, storyboarding, casting, securing locations and acquiring necessary permissions and clearances. Students are expected to participate in critiquing and responding to the written work of others in the class. Significant outside work is required. Grading is based on the quality of the script, the quality of pre-production work and materials, and class participation. In addition to tuition, a $35 course fee is charged.

Prerequisite(s):

Introduction to Screenwriting. 42 classroom hours.

Section(s):