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Unit Guide - BFP100: Introduction to Film Production

SAE Institute 2011

Version 6.0

Unit Guide

Course: Bachelor of Film Production (BFP)Unit No: BFP100Unit Name: Introduction to Film Production

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Contents

1. UNIT OVERVIEW 2

2. AIMS 3

3. LEARNING OUTCOMES 3

4. ASSESSMENT ITEMS 3

5. CORE TEXTS 3

6. ACADEMIC STAFF 4

7. LESSON OVERVIEW 4

8. SCHEDULE 6

9. ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES 6

10. EXERCISES 810.1 BFP100 Exercise 1 8

10.2 BFP100 Exercise 2 8

11. ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT 8

12. READINGS 912.1 BFP100 Reading 1 9

12.2 BFP100 Reading 2 9

13. DUE DATES 9

14 RESOURCES AND EQUIPMENT 914.1 Studios and Lab Facilities 9

14.2 Equipment 8

14.3 Intranet/Network Resources 8

15. RECOMMENDED AND FURTHER READING 815.1 Books 8

15.2 Journals and Other Publications 10

15.3 Websites and Other Online Sources 10

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1. Unit OverviewUnit Number: BFP100Unit Name: Introduction to Film Production

Credit Points: 10Pre-requisites: Nil

2. AimsThis unit explores at an introductory level all facets of film and television productionby way of understanding the roles of all production crew. Students will learn basicstorytelling, script structure and writing styles, selecting a genre, characterdevelopment, as well as being introduced to all technical requirements including

composition and framing, basic camera work, understanding mise-en scene andmontage, basic lighting as well as basic directing styles and techniques flowing

through to basic editing. Students will critically examine non-verbal communicationsas a mode of communication in silent film.

3. Learning OutcomesUpon successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

Explain the term genre as it applies to film Define the concepts of storytelling Compose an original story based on the principles of storytelling Distinguish different crew roles in pre-production, production and post-

production

Compose a scene/sequence based on set-procedure and protocol Operate a video camera Implement basic cinematographic principles Demonstrate ability to set up and use both steadicam and wally dolly Apply safe working practices in various types of shoots Assess the production process and outcomes

4. Assessment ItemsThe following assessment items must be completed for this unit:

BFP100.1 Report 30%

BFP100.2 Practical Assignment 60% BFP100.4 Exercises 10%Note: All assessment items must be attempted.

5. Core TextsAscher, S., Pincus, E., 2007, The Filmmaker's Handbook: A Comprehensive Guidefor the Digital Age, Plume.

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6. Academic StaffCampus Academic Coordinator:David Kim-BoyleEmail: [email protected]

Tel: 02 8241 5200

Unit Coordinator:

David CroweEmail: [email protected]

Tel: 02 8241 5200

Unit Lecturer(s):Justin LaneEmail: [email protected]: 02 8241 5200

7. Lesson Overview

TrimesterWeek

Syllabus SessionType

Lecturer

1 Unit overview Assignment review Screening Watch and analyse previous

student films

Lecture Lane

2 Basic understanding andprincipals of the digital videocamera

Shot sizes and rule ofthirds/composition and framing

Lecture /

Workshop

Lane

3 Storytelling-Each student tell shortstory

Articulate emotional themes Cinema as an unspoken

language-creating tension fromthe energy of shots

Discuss Story/Plot. Where do

ideas come from? Story outline Character breakdown Genre Storytelling and construction. Structure: 3 act play Beginning/Middle/End. Narrative or non-narrative Expressionism-Surrealism Watch

examples

Pair up for film

Lecture Lane

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4 Style through framing/composition Optics/aperture/shutter/white

balance and depth of field.

Lenses-10-mm-200mm telephoto

lens Shot sizes L/S, M/L/S, M/S, M/C/U, C/U,

C/U, E/C/U

Establishing shot Layers-F/G M/G B/G Dirty shots Over shoulder Pan/Tilt Pull focus Filters

Lecture /Workshop

Lane

5 Introduction to Celtx script writingand scheduling programmes

Script written in Courier 12 pointonly

Crew List Camera test

Lecture Lane

6 Storyboard and shot listtreatment/script

Filming protocol and procedure-shoot a small scene in groups

Discuss performance direction

Lecture /Workshop

Lane

7 Study Week

(No Formal Classes)8 Treatment for the short script

Short synopsis Film Title Paperwork required for

submission

Filming and contracts Copyright

Lecture Lane

9 Stunt or make up workshop Workshop Lane10 Script submission

Schedule Daylight exterior lighting and white

balance

Camera prac- shoot to F-Stop

Workshop Lane

11 Production week 1: Shoot/Edit Self directed groupwork Lecturer available for assistance

during shoot

Final Script analysis Revision One on Ones

Groupwork /Tutorial

Lane

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12 Production week 2: Shoot/Edit Self directed groupwork Lecturer available for assistance

during shoot

Groupwork Lane

13

Final Edit/mix and submit Self directed groupwork Screenings

Seminar Lane

14 Marking-notes for re-edit One on ones Lane

8. ScheduleStudents are required to attend all classes for the unit. Refer to the studenthandbook for further details regarding attendance requirements for the course.

[Insert schedule here or refer students to relevant noticeboard or Intranet portal.]

9. Assessment GuidelinesAll assignments must be submitted formally in accordance with the assignmentsubmission guidelines that is outlined in the Student Handbook. Further policies in

relation to assignment submissions are also outlined in the SAE policies andProcedures. All queries regarding the assessment items for this unit should be

addressed to the Unit Coordinator or the Course Coordinator.

It is important to note that all assignments, unless explicitly noted as group work inthe unit guide, must be completed on an individual basis. When you submit work for

assessment you undertake that the work submitted is your own original work.

Assessment BFP100.1 Report

Production Plan

Submission Format Typed Report

Weighting 30%

Overview The pre-production process requires students to adhere toindustry standards in all written presentations. This initialprocess investigates all necessary documentation required

when applying for funding. Prepare a first draft script for theBFP100.2 Practical Assignment using Final Draft or Celtx as

well as a schedule using Celtx or EP Scheduling.Submissions due on day of class.

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Requirements Students must provide a bound document (no plastic sleeves)containing the following.

Cover page including title of the film, draft number,copyright date, student number and assignment code.

Table of contents Crew List Story Outline Character breakdown First Draft Script or treatment Shot List and or storyboard Schedule Word count 1800 (+/- 10%, not including quoted

materials)

Assessment Graded / Norm-referenced

Assessment Criteria

Fulfillment of all requirements Clear structural narrative/script Credible characters and characterisation Clear and concise story plotting Effective use of illustrative storyboards Informative and interesting narrative structure Appropriate formatting with all paperwork presented as

per formatting and referencing guide

Assessment BFP100.2 Practical Assignment

Silent Film

Submission Format DVD-R and mini DV tape

Weighting 60%

Overview The intention with this first film is to get students working inteams. In small groups the students conceive the idea then

write, produce, direct, light, shoot and edit a short silent filmbetween 3-5 minutes duration. Students foster a strongworking relationship based on trust and communication,learning how to work effectively performing a pre assigned

crew role. The film must be delivered on DVD-R and

presented with all necessary information on the DVD Cover.Some artwork is preferred but not essential at this stage ofdevelopment.

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Requirements Select a genre and story through style and emotion Understand basic thematic content and how to achieve

interesting storytelling

Use visual narrative to convey your ideas

Use minimal sound f/x and music Must be shot in 16 by 9 No more than 4 actors and no fewer than 2 At least 2 locations Use only natural or prac lighting. No additional lights. Demonstrate an ability to use camera, lenses, and filters. Demonstrate basic composition and framing Define and demonstrate different shot sizes Understand the 180 and 30 degree shooting rules Demonstrate ability to pan and tilt with fluidity Demonstrate an understanding of shutter speeds,

aperture, white balance and depth-of-field

Assessment Graded / Norm-referenced

Assessment Criteria Clear structural visual narrative Credible characters and characterisation Clear and concise story plotting Clear and concise direction Appropriate use of dialogues and voice over Appropriate use of sound/music Ability to work in a team Fulfilled individual crew role Appropriate formatting with film presented as per

requirements

10. Exercises

10.1 BFP100 Exercise 1

StorytellingEach student will need to prepare a story that will be told in class. The story may befrom any source: the students personal life, the media or other source. The storymust be well structured, including a beginning, a middle and an end.

10.2 BFP100 Exercise 2

Story OutlineWrite a 1-2 page story outline for short film. This outline will include a tag line, short

synopsis and character breakdown as per lecture content.

11. Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct is behaviour that contravenes the values of academic

integrity, which breaches rules, policies, direction and guidelines at SAE Institute in

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relation to assignments and assessment, and which normally includes action taken

with the intention of gaining an unfair advantage for self or others. It includes, but isnot limited to, plagiarism, collusion, cheating and fraud.

Students are expected to adhere to the academic honesty policy and procedures at

all times. If you are unsure about the use of other peoples works or ideas withinyour own work you should discuss this with your lecturer at the earliest opportunity.You should also ensure that you read the SAE Formatting and Referencing guidethat provides an overview of the Harvard referencing style and examples of how to

reference most of the kinds of works that you will cite. Be meticulous withreferencing and citation (includes credits) in all exercises, practical and written

assignments submitted during your studies.

Note that SAE may use screening software to check authorship and originality ofsubmitted assignments.

Please refer to the Academic Honesty Policy for further details or contact your unitcoordinator if you have any questions in relation to academic honesty.

12. Readings

12.1 BFP100 Reading 1

Read Chapter 6 The Video Camcorder and Chapter 7 The Video Image and

chapter 8 ShootingFrom the The Filmmakers Handbook

12.2 BFP100 Reading 2

Read Chapters 1-4., Screenwriting-The Art Craft and Business of Film and

Television Writing.

13. Due Dates

Task Week Due Date

BFP100 Reading 1 Week 2 23-3-11

BFP100 Exercise 1 Week 3 30-3-11

BFP100 Exercise 2 Week 5 13-4-11BFP100 Reading 2 Week 8 4-5-11

BFP100.1 Report Week 10 18-5-11

BFP100.2 Practical Assignment Week 13 8-6-11

14. Resources and Equipment

14.1 Studios and Lab Facilities

Computer Lab Edit Suites A, B, and C

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14.2 Equipment

Film kit Editing software / workstation

14.3 Intranet/Network Resources

Further course notes and materials may be downloaded from the Source Drive onthe Intranet.

Log on to the Intranet using your User Name and Password Mount the Source Drive (Command - K; Select Source) Go to BFP_Year 1 Folder Locate Unit Folder

15. Recommended and Further Reading

15.1 Books

Barnard, M., 1998, Art, Design and Visual Culture, St Martins Press, New York.

Barry, A. M. S. 1997, Visual Intelligence: Perception, Image, and Manipulation inVisual Communication, State University of New York Press.

Elsey, E., and Kelly, A., 2002, In Short: A Guide to Short Film-Making in the DigitalAge, London, British Film Institute.

Hart.J. The Art of the Storyboard, Second Edition: A Filmmakers Introduction, 2ndEdition, Focal Press.

Katz, S.D., 1991, Film Directing: Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen,Michael Wiese Productions.

Gross, L.S.S., Foust, J., C., Burrows, T.D., 2004, Video Production: Disciplines and

Techniques, McGraw-Hill.

Metz, C., Taylor, MM., (Translator), 1974, Semiotics: The Language of Cinema,Oxford University Press Inc, USA.

15.2 Journals and Other Publications

American Cinematographer (magazine)

EncoreDigital Media World

IF

15.3 Websites and Other Online Sources

Screen AustraliaAvailable from:

www.screenaustralia.gov.au

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Centre For Screen BusinessAvailable from:http://csb.aftrs.edu.au/

Encore Magazine OnlineAvailable from:www.encoremagazine.com.au

ScreenhubAvailable from:

www.screenhub.com.au

Screen DailyAvailable from:www.screendaily.com/

Screen Producers of Association of Australia

Available from:www.spaa.org.au/

The Production Book

Available from:www.productionbook.com.au

Approved by: Office of Academic Services

Version: 6.0Date: 8 February 2011

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