Eight-Week From Story to Screen - Courses

Program Overview

Through hands-on workshops, lectures, and crew role exercises, students gain fundamental skills in screenwriting, directing, production, post-production, and storytelling for the screen. The program prepares students for careers in various film industry roles, including director, screenwriter, producer, and editor.

Program Outline

Eight-Week From Story to Screen: A Short Course in Filmmaking

Degree Overview:

The Eight-Week From Story to Screen program is a full-time, intensive course designed for aspiring filmmakers with little to no prior experience. It aims to equip students with the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to bring their own short film to life. Through a combination of practical workshops, theoretical lectures, and crew role exercises, students will gain hands-on experience in various filmmaking disciplines, including:

• Screenwriting: Developing and structuring compelling narratives, writing a short film script, and understanding the importance of a synopsis.
• Directing: Communicating effectively with actors, collaborating with crew members, and understanding the core relationships in filmmaking.
• Production: Mastering health and safety protocols, budgeting, planning shooting schedules, casting, managing copyrights, and conducting effective auditions.
• Post-Production: Using Adobe Premiere Pro to edit footage creatively and technically, enhancing narratives through the editing process.
• Camera, Lighting & Sound: Understanding the impact of visual and audio elements on storytelling, exploring camera, lighting and sound techniques.
• Storytelling for the Screen: Mastering visual storytelling techniques, including composition, framing, blocking, and camera positioning.

Outline:

The Eight-Week From Story to Screen program follows a structured curriculum, focusing on different aspects of filmmaking each week:

• Week 1: Introductions, Introduction to Filmmaking, Cameras & Lighting, Introduction to Sound, Story Development, Pre-Production Planning.
• Week 2: Scriptwriting, Shot Lists & Storyboards, Directing Skills, Production Design, Budgeting & Finance, Casting & Audition Techniques.
• Week 3: Production Schedule & Breakdown, Camera Operation, Lighting Techniques, Sound Recording, Location Scouting & Permits.
• Week 4: Directing Actors, Rehearsals & Blocking, Advanced Camera Techniques, Advanced Lighting Techniques, Advanced Sound Recording, Location Management.
• Week 5: Health & Safety, Production Management, Risk Assessments, Continuity & Editing Workflow, Introduction to Adobe Premiere Pro, Colour Correction & Grading.
• Week 6: Script Breakdown for Editing, Editing Techniques, Sound Editing & Mixing, Music & Sound Design, Copyright & Music Licensing.
• Week 7: Finishing & Outputting Projects, Post-Production Workflow, Sound Design & Mixing, Music & Sound Design, Copyright & Music Licensing.
• Week 8: Project Review & Feedback, Distribution & Marketing, Industry Networking, Next Steps & Career Planning.

Assessment:

Students' progress is assessed through a combination of:

• Practical Assignments: Students will complete various practical exercises throughout the course, including writing a short film script, directing and editing a short film scene, and participating in crew roles for other students' projects.
• Written Assignments: Students will write essays and reflection pieces on topics related to filmmaking, storytelling, and critical analysis.
• Final Project: Each student will produce their own short film as the final project, incorporating all the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the course.

Teaching:

The program boasts a highly experienced and passionate faculty, consisting of:

• Industry professionals: Active filmmakers and film industry specialists with extensive real-world experience.
• Academic tutors: Experts in film theory, history, and critical analysis.
• Guest speakers: Renowned filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals who share their insights and experiences.
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Hands-on workshops: Students gain practical experience through a variety of filmmaking tasks and exercises.
• Interactive lectures: Engaging lectures introduce key concepts and theories related to filmmaking.
• Crew role exercises: Students experience different aspects of filmmaking by taking on various crew roles.
• Group discussions and feedback sessions: Students engage in constructive dialogue and receive feedback on their work.

Careers:

The Eight-Week From Story to Screen program prepares students for a variety of potential career paths in the film industry, including:

• Director
• Screenwriter
• Producer
• Editor
• Camera Operator
• Lighting Technician
• Sound Recordist
• Production Assistant
• Film Critic
• Film Festival Programmer
The program also encourages students to develop their entrepreneurial skills and consider freelance opportunities within the film industry.

Other:

• The program is offered full-time, requiring a commitment of Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, for eight consecutive weeks.
• Students are eligible for a 10% Early Bird discount if they book three months or more before the course start date.
• The program is open enrollment, with no specific entry requirements.
However, students are expected to possess a basic level of English language proficiency for effective communication and comprehension.