Beginner's Guide to Filmmaking
An eight-week programme to introduce you to the creative and technical processes involved in filmmaking – probably your first step towards understanding the art of filmmaking. And hopefully not your last.
You will work in pairs or threes to make a short suspense film. You will be taken through the complete process of making a narrative drama - planning a simple story, storyboarding, filming, editing and creating a simple soundtrack.
Emphasis
Experiencing the process rather than the production of an award winning film or a job securing showreel piece.
- Visual storytelling techniques. We prefer you to use minimal or no dialogue.
Level – Beginners with little or no direct filmmaking experience.
But if you have experience on other formats or software, you would definitely benefit from this excellent opportunity to develop your skills in digital media. You should be comfortable using a PC.
Format – miniDV digital video
Production Process
- Single camcorder with just the onboard microphone
- Natural lighting only
Post-Production Process
Intel iMac, with Final Cut Pro for editing and Soundtrack to create music
- Absolutely no musical ability is required.
Course Timetable
1. Thu 24 January 2008, 6.30pm - 9pm
i. Course outline. Introductions. Favourite and most hated films.
ii. Introduction to Suspense exercise. Discussion
iii. Practical introduction to filmmaking process - filming, editing and creating music. Working all together, do a simple exercise to introduce you to the equipment and software.
2. Thu 31 January, 6.30pm - 9pm
i. Introduction to storyboarding
ii. Split into groups
iii. Plan and draw storyboards
iv. Group review of storyboards
v. Notes for shooting
3. Thu 7 February, 6.30pm - 9pm
i. Review of camera techniques
ii. Begin shooting
4. Thu 14 February, 6.30pm - 9pm
i. Review shooting progress and watch footage
ii. Complete shooting
5. Thu 21 February, 6.30pm - 9pm
i. Review of editing in Final Cut Pro
ii. Watch everyone’s footage together
iii. Notes for editing
iv. Start edit
6. Thu 28 February, 6.30pm - 9pm
i. Continue editing
ii. Watch everyone’s edit together
iii. Introduction to Soundtrack
iv. Create music and/or continue editing
7. Thu 6 March, 6.30pm - 9pm
i. Complete edit
ii. Complete music
iii. Finish films
8. Thu 13 March, 6.30pm - 9pm
i. Give out DVDs
ii. Final viewing
iii. Course Evaluation
iv. Where now – Create
v. Where now – careers and education