Summer 2012 - Session II

Professor:                     Richard Martini 

                                      Email: richmartini@yahoo.com                                                                                             

                                      Office: TBD

                                      Cell number: (310) 200-2745

                                      Office Hours:  TBD

Course Description

IFMS 263 "Filmmaking in Rome" is a hands-on introduction to writing, directing and editing the short film.  Students participate in the development, production, direction and post-production of a short subject up to ten minutes in length.  The class has no pre-requisites, and includes a field trip to Rome's famed Cinecitta film studios.

By conceiving, planning and executing a short narrative film, students explore how to choose an appropriate subject, how to develop that idea into the classic three act structure, and how to edit, polish and ultimately bring to market that finished product. Students will work in groups to develop, produce, direct and do post-production of a story up to ten minutes in length.  This short film subject will be chosen via class participation prior to shooting.  We will also engage in analysis and critique, and consider the potential marketing and distribution of short films through the Internet.  There are no prerequisites for this class, enrollment is for anyone - however if student has no formal film instruction experience it's recommended the student be familiar with the basics of shooting and editing a short film, whether reading up on it, or making short films via YouTube, iFilm, Google Video, Yahoo Films, or other short film sites.

Objectives

To provide students with practical experience in television/video production of short narrative films.

Students will work in teams, films will be shot on video. Number of films will depend on the number of students enrolled. Maximum length: 10 minutes, no exceptions.  If two or more students co-direct a piece, Maximum length is 14 minutes.

            *          Learn the basic principles of narrative story telling for film.

            *          Develop skills while expressing creativity through video production.

*          Gain an understanding of general video practices, across various contexts.

*          Learn to work collaboratively

There is no formal training required. Students who have some background using their own video camera and editing software will have an advantage in creating a finished project, but it is not required.  Students may bring their own DV cameras or laptop with editing software, also not required. Those students who bring their own equipment are welcome to work on their own, otherwise, students will work in teams and share equipment, directing, editing duties.

Evaluation

60% - YOUR OVERALL INVOLVEMENT WITH FINAL VIDEO

20% - ATTENDANCE AND/OR COOPERATIVE PARTICIPATION WITH OTHERS

20% - PAPERWORK AND MEETING DEADLINES

Tentative Schedule:

First week – Introductions. General discussion of student projects. Marketing and distribution of the short film, via the marketplace, or online DIY distribution. Viewing previous student pieces for evaluation. Students will learn how to structure a short story, using classic story structure. Ideas will be assigned if a student doesn’t have an idea for a film. The content of the short film is up to the student, however with the amount of time allotted, documentary subjects are recommended. We will discuss visual style, using locations and elements that are easily accessible, how to design and film a piece so it’s easier to edit. While the subjects are up to individual students, the delivery of the story is subject to industry and school standards with regard to profanity and/or subject matter. Projects must be approved in advance, and will be judged based on student’s desire and ability to deliver the project in the time allotted.  Students will pair up into teams and begin filming. If you’re project is approved, then shooting period begins.

Second Week - Student presentations of their projects/works in progress/outlines of individual projects due. Review documentation; film permits, insurance, safety, etc. Possible lighting and camera class, depending on student’s expertise. Students without their own equipment will work in teams, choosing their topic, and be assigned various duties; camera, interviewer, editing. At this point, everyone will begin their approved project. Everyone is eventually required to show something of what they’ve shot, so plan on showing dailies in class. Shooting period continues.

Third Week.– Shooting and editing period - screen dailies in class. Rough cuts in process – Class discussion about rough cuts. Every film team is required to show 3-5 minutes of edited footage in class. Each student is required to present some of the work they’ve done, whether directing, shooting, or editing. Class evaluations of fellow student’s projects.

Fourth Week –  Edit week. Time allotted for any reshoots, fine tuning edits - then individual Rough Cut sessions with students to help shorten or lengthen the piece. Important to add music and work on the film’s sound mix during this period. Fine tune final cuts of film.

SCREENING: Minor tweaking allowed up until screening day. Final edits will require a finished picture and mixed sound track. All students will participate in a screening of their work to a public audience. Final screening date TBD.

Expenses - Students are required to purchase (or bring) their own DV tape if needed.  Tape may be purchased in Rome, but it’s recommended students bring at least five blank DV tapes or extra digital storage for their own camera. Also a few blank DVD’s for your finished project. We have a limited number of cameras available for class members, as they will be assigned per project.   

If you own a DV camera, consider bringing it, as we’ll be working primarily in DV or in HD.  If you have no camera, you’ll be required to schedule time for camera use. We have a limited number of cameras to choose from, some in DV, some in HD. You may wind up shooting in HD, but then conforming the film to DV for screening. Your high end cell phone may be capable of recording video, but you should be familiar with it enough to turn it into a finished film that can be screened in front of an audience if that’s what you plan to use.

A laptop with editing software is not necessary, but if you are used to using it, try to bring it. There is no Final Cut Pro available, for example, if that’s what you use, then try to bring a laptop that has it, but not required. There are many free editing software programs for PC, including Microsoft’s “Windows Movie Maker” at their website.  Avid Express, Adobe Premiere, Pinnacle are also simple to use. We will be using AVID/Pinnacle editing software available for PC’s only on campus.

Recommended to bring wireless, or lavalier mics if you’re planning on doing extensive interviewing, and camera has a plug for microphone. However, in camera mics are okay to use, and separate tracks with voice over can also be used. 

There are a limited number of tripods.  Students will share the ones available, or learn how to improvise a tripod on location. There are some lights for interviews in dark facilities, but also limited. There will be a discussion of how to make use of lighting techniques on practical locations. Again, no equipment is needed for this class, these are recommendations for those who may have access to their own.

If you plan on entering this film in festivals, or as part of a future project, then you should have permission for the music.  Previous films from this class have gone into film festivals (Cannes) so it’s advisable to have something in public domain or that you own the rights to. It’s never too soon to think about post production issues.

The final video will be graded on technical achievement, communication, creativity and overall effort per person. Consistency in attendance and assistance on other projects constitutes the second area of evaluation. Note: it is mandatory you turn in all the paperwork, attend classes regularly and turn in a finished film.  This will result in an average grade.  In order to get an above average grade, students are required to stretch their talents as filmmakers, to present their idea in a fresh, new perspective, putting their hearts and soul into the project, and doing their best to make a compelling film about a subject matter that is equally compelling, comedic or sheds new light on a subject.  The final screening, and the audience’s response to it, will weigh heavily on the final grade.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A GRADE:

The requirements in the third area of evaluation consists of a PRODUCTION NOTEBOOK containing:

1.  Project description:

Includes a description of your individual class project, a working title, your name, and contact details. Also how you plan to shoot this story - where you plan to shoot, how you will obtain permits, etc. if necessary. A basic structure of what your film will be.

2. Production Diary

A compilation of all the notes, production schedules, changes or fixes that are made on a daily basis through production.  This could be in a tabulated folder, or a production folder - but basically a visual record of everything you’ve put into the project - names and numbers of crew, actors, permission from the actors or locations, insurance requirements, permits, etc.

3. Complete Project

A completed film, from 1-10 minutes in length, that is up to class screening standards.

PLAGIARISM

Definition:

The submission of material authored by another person but represented as the student’s own  work, whether that material is paraphrased or copied in verbatim or near-verbatim form.  Improper acknowledgment of sources in essays, papers or audiovisual projects.  Acquisition of term papers, audiovisual projects or other assignments from another source and the subsequent presentation of those materials as the student’s own work, or providing term papers or assignments that another student submits as his/her own work. DO NOT DOWNLOAD VIDEO CLIPS OR PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE INTERNET UNLESS STUDENT HAS WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE CREATOR OF THE WORK OR PROOF IT IS IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.

SAFETY

Loyola is fully committed to safety and sensible risk management; every student will be required to adhere to all safety and risk management policies. Any footage that violates safety policies, or local rules and regulations, will be disallowed from final projects and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.  Any film or TV footage acquired or produced during the commission of a violation of these policies will not be accepted for, and is ineligible for, a grade.