Professor: Rebecca Leopold
Email: Rebecca.Leopold@qc.cuny.edu
Course Wiki: https://github.com/rebleo/dgtlFlmmkng2019/wiki
This class explores cinematic storytelling through digital film making. Through a variety of in class and homework assignments, this course introduces participants to a variety of video making techniques, vocabulary and tools while learning the basics of concept development, video capture and editing with Adobe Premiere. Students will learn the fundamentals of recording and editing, lighting, sound, camera work and other pre and post production methods.
Students are expected to participate in class: contributing positively to class discussions, arriving on time having thoughtfully completed the reading, technical and creative assignments. Computers and mobile devices must be silenced and not glowing during critique, class discussion and student presentations.
It is your responsibility to turn in work on time, to make up any missed assignments, and to catch up with the class in the event of an absence. Late work is unacceptable; however, this work can be turned in for partial credit. If you know you are going to be absent, contact the professor by email in advance. You should have this page and the wiki bookmarked + check them regularly.
- DSLR w/ Video or Video Camera
- External Storage Drive — Thumb/Jump or External Hard drive
- Lynda, Vimeo, Github & FreeSound Accounts
- Headphones
This is a production oriented class. You will be required to use a DSLR for EVERY project. Canon and Nikon cameras can be rented from the Klapper Imaging Lab. You are responsible for planning your projects and acquiring your equipment in advance of deadlines. Remember the lab is open Monday - Thursdays, 9 am - 5pm.
You can also rent equipment from the Rosenthal Library Multimedia Commons.
There are no specific textbooks but students will have weekly reading assignments from a variety of sources linked on the class site. Students are encouraged to get their own copies of these texts and read them in their entirety, but it is not a requirement.
- Required:
- Weekly readings linked from syllabus
- Suggested:
- In the Blink of An Eye — Walter Murch
- The Filmmaker’s Eye — Gustavo Mercado
- Ways of Seeing — John Berger
Every week students will be asked to read, watch and reflect on through blog posts and in-class discussions - a variety of media as well as share the work they create during in class discussion and critique. Every week will be different. Please pay close attention to the syllabus online as these will be added and possibly changed throughout the semester.
Students will be asked to share images or videos as a means to turn in homework assignments. Students should set up and maintain a personal blog for this purpose. There are many free options that will offer you enough storage space for the semester. I suggest Medium but choose whatever platform you prefer.
To turn in your homework you must link to it every week on the class wiki. Wherever it says “share” - you are required to post on the wiki. To contribute to the wiki you must set up a Github account. We will do this in class on the first day.
Week 1: Class Overview & Intro to Film Histories
- Intro to course
- Persistence of Vision: Intro to the Camera Arts
Week 2: Making Video w/ a Single Lens Release
- Intro to Making Video w/ a DSLR: Exposure, Light, WB + Framerate
- Intro to Adobe Premiere
Week 3: Montage
- Screening: Sergei Eisenstein + Arthur Jaffa
- Project 1 Studio
- Project 1 Critique
Week 4: Narrative Filmmaking
- Screening: 180 Degree Rule, Continuity + Shooting for the Edit
- Hitchcock + Classic Narrative Editing Techniques
Week 5: Cinematography
- Screening: Visual Systems
Week 6: Narrative Editing Critique
- Screening Documentary Filmmaking
Week 7: Project 2 Studio
- Project 2 Process Critique
Week 8: Project 2 - Hitchcock Remakes Due + critique
- Screening: Film as Design Object
- Intro to Final Project
Week 9: Final Project Pitch
- Demo - Video Transformations + Effects
- Screening + Demo: Intro to Special Effects
- Demo - Making Titles in Premiere
- Demo - Making Titles in After Effects
- Discuss Final Project Process
- Demo - Color Profiles
- Discuss Final Project Process
- Final Project Studio
Week 12: Working Edit Screening + Critique
Week 13: Rough Cuts Due
- Final Project Studio
Two (unexcused) absences result in grade drop and four absences result in a failing grade. Late or early departure from class (15 minutes) is the equivalent of ½ absence.
All class work and homework is excellent. Projects have been completed when assigned. The work shows a development and understanding of the principles discussed in class. It is presented immaculately. There is regular and prompt attendance and participation during critiques and an enthusiasm toward the material being presented throughout the semester. This is exceptional work.
All assigned work completed in a thorough manner. An understanding of the principles and lessons covered in class is evident. The student comes to class regularly and on time and participates in critiques and discussions. This is better than average work.
Most class assignments and homework have been completed. Regular attendance but minimal or negative class participation. There is understanding of most of what’s being presented in class. This student shows some interest in the course content. This is average work.
Most class assignments and homework have not been completed. Marginal effort made to understand the course objectives and very little or negative participation on behalf of the student. Spotty attendance. This means below average work.
Student has not completed 1⁄3 of the course work and has missed too many classes. This student doesn’t participate or has a bad attitude and shows no interest. It means not enough work, attendance, and/or effort to pass the class.
- Participation 20%
- Regular Assignments 20%
- Project One 15%
- How’s the Coffee 15%
- Final Project 30%