Course Outline for Film 15
Introduction to Digital Filmmaking

Effective: Spring 2019
SLO Rev: 04/18/2018
Catalog Description:

FILM 15 - Introduction to Digital Filmmaking

3.00 Units

Introduction to digital filmmaking as an artistic medium through lectures, screenings, demonstrations, and hands-on practicum. Critical analysis and appreciation of production elements and development of skills in pre-production planning, digital cinematography, direction of actors, sound design, art direction, and post-production.
Strongly Recommended: FILM 14.
0612.20 - Film Production*
Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 2.00 36.00 72.00 108.00
Laboratory 1.00 72.00 0.00 72.00
Total 3.00 108.00 72.00 180.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. assess and compare films from historic and aesthetic perspectives;
  2. interpret cinematic storytelling techniques employing relevant film terminology;
  3. create production assignments using techniques and artistic choices including shot composition, camera angle/movement, focal length, lighting, direction of actors, scenic elements, music, sound effects, and editing;
  4. describe the importance of pre-production materials including shooting scripts, storyboards, shot lists, script breakdowns, location surveys, production schedules, budgets, permits, clearances, and release forms;
  5. articulate the roles played by team members in various digital film production crew positions including but not limited to director, cinematographer, script supervisor, art director, camera operator, dolly operator, boom operator, sound recordist, and editor.
Course Content:
  1.  LECTURE
    1. Film art from historic and aesthetic perspectives
    2. Cinematic storytelling
      1. Techniques 
      2. Relevant film terminology
    3. Film techniques
      1. Artistic choices
      2. Shot composition
      3. Camera angle/movement
      4. Focal length
      5. Lighting 
      6. Direction of actors
      7. Scenic elements
      8. Music
      9. Sound effects
      10. Editing
    4. Pre-production
      1. Shooting scripts
      2. Storyboards
      3. Shot lists
      4. Script breakdowns
      5. Location surveys
      6. Production schedules
      7. Budgets
      8. Release forms
    5. Production crew positions including but not limited to
      1. Director
      2. Cinematographer
      3. Script Supervisor
      4. Art Director
      5. Director of Photography
      6. Grip
      7. Boom Operator
      8. Sound Editor/Composer
      9. Editor
  2. LAB/DEMO
    1. DSLR Camera techniques for filmmaking
    2. Lighting techniques
      1. Lighting actors and a scene
      2. Color and light
    3. Sound techniques
      1. Audio recording techniques
      2. Microphones
    4. Camera blocking
      1. Tripods
      2. Pan
      3. Tilt
      4. Run and gun camera work
    5. Blocking actors
      1. Match on action and  movement
      2. Directing actors
    6. Art Direction
    7. Location Scouting
    8. Introduction to editing techniques
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Lecture/Discussion
  2. Demonstration/Exercise
  3. Laboratory
  4. Distance Education
  5. Screenings
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Write a critique which compares and contrasts visual techniques used in contemporary critically acclaimed films.
  2. Prepare an oral presentation to the class which describes a short film concept using cinematic storytelling techniques and employing appropriate film terminology.
  3. Participate in a classmate’s film production as a crew member performing the function of cinematographer, script supervisor, art director, camera operator, dolly operator, boom operator, sound recordist, and/or editor.
  4. Produce your short film with classmate's participation as part of your crew.
  1. Home Work
  2. In-class exercises
  3. Class presentations
  4. Final Examination
  5. Final project
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. identify and describe the purpose of pre-production materials covered in the course
  2. identify and explain the roles of various digital video film production crew positions
  3. demonstrate a basic comprehension of film techniques and artistic choices through production assignments
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Mick Hubris-Cherrier (2018). Voice and Vision: A Creative Approach to Narrative Film and DV Production (3rd). Focal Press.
  • Optional: DSLR video camera
  • External storage drive, such as a USB flash drive, or a USB hard-drive
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Introduction to digital filmmaking as an artistic medium through lectures, screenings, demonstrations, and hands-on practicum. Critical analysis and appreciation of production elements and development of skills in pre-production planning, digital cinematography, direction of actors, sound design, art direction, and post-production.
Strongly Recommended: FILM 14.