This course will cover all aspects of filmmaking. We’ll spend time reviewing film history and analyzing techniques used in various films, commercials & television projects. Key skills developed include technical proficiency in camera operation, sound design, costume design, lighting, editing as well as critical thinking and storytelling. Students will learn about the pre-production, production and post-production process and utilize these skills in hands-on projects. 

• Film History & Overview of the Industry – Where has it been & where is it going. 

• Media Overview & Analysis – We’ll learn how each medium differs and study some examples. 

  • (Industrials, Feature Films, TV, Vertical Shorts, Web Series, Commercials, UGC ads) 

• Breakdown of department responsibilities and positions – Who’s Who & what do they do on set?

  • Camera Department

  • Grip & Electric

  • Sound (including score & music)

  • Production 

  • Hair & Makeup

  • Costume & Wardrobe

  • Post-Production

• Hands-On Filmmaking – We’ll focus on the essentials

  • Generating Ideas – Brainstorming Sessions & Pitching Ideas

  • Storyboarding – bringing the idea to life in a visual presentation

  • Script Writing – Plot Structure, Storytelling, Character Development, Themes 

  • Casting – we’ll explore how casting works & how to choose the right actor

  • Filming – hands-on projects to apply the principles we learn in class (here you’ll get to work in some of the various departments we learned about earlier in the year).

  • Editing (Video & Audio) – sorting footage and putting the final project together. 

• Distribution Channels & Marketing – How do you get your film seen? 

• Semester Projects

  • End of Fall Semester Project - Commercial Project – create your own commercial 

  • End of Year Project – Film Project - create your own short film using the skills you’ve learned and the resources around you. 

• SPECIAL EVENT:

  • Film Festival – TBD in MAY we’ll wrap up our year together with a Film Festival to celebrate your hard work. We’ll take photos on the Red Carpet, screen films from High School & Middle School classes and celebrate with your classmates, family & friends. 

Requirements:

• Students must have access to Google Classroom to access assignments and links to class materials and videos.

• Students must have access to YouTube and the internet to watch assigned videos (All videos will be linked in Google Classroom).

• Students will need to create a Canva student account online for this class (free, invitation to join class will be sent from teacher)

• Students must have the ability to work together as a team on assigned in-class group projects. 

• Students must turn in assigned homework. Success in this class is dependent upon building incremental knowledge and skill. 

Materials Needed:

• Spiral notebook/journal for notetaking & jotting down ideas. (5x6 or larger spiral or bound notebook any color)

• Pencil for storyboarding

• 3 Ring Binder or Folder with pockets and brads for handouts & worksheets

• Pen for taking notes

• Highlighter

Optional Materials: 

• Video camera* (phone or digital camera) 

• Laptop or phone with editing capabilities 

* If a student does not have access to a camera or computer, please contact Mrs. Wright to discuss options prior to registering. 

Homework Requirements:

According to the Center's recommendation, it is advised to allocate 20 minutes for homework, 4 days a week. This duration is suitable for maintaining a balanced workload and allowing students to reinforce their learning outside of the classroom. By dedicating this amount of time to homework, students can effectively review and practice the concepts taught in class, resulting in a deeper understanding and improved retention of the material.