Introduction to Filmmaking

Special Information

Materials you will need to bring to the first class:

• Pen or pencil

• Paper

In addition to the course fee, students are expected to provide the following list of indicative tools, materials and equipment:

• A video-recording device is essential, whether this is a DSLR camera or a smartphone. Although the basics of cinematography will be taught on a DSLR, any camera or device the student feels comfortable making films with will be acceptable

• Optional: An external sound recorder, a tripod

Content of Course

Students will, throughout the duration of this class, gain competency in several filmmaking disciplines. Supported through in-class exercises, these will include:

1. Idea generation and story planning.

2. Review of other filmmakers and effective short films from throughout history.

3. Script format, research, and development.

4. Basics of cinematography, including lens choice, shot size, camera movement, lighting, and axis.

5. Shot planning by use of shot lists and storyboards.

6. Sound recording and voiceover.

7. Set etiquette, organisation, and planning.

8. Directorial techniques, working with actors, and running a film set.

9. Visual storytelling using editing and effective use of Premiere Pro.

10. Basic sound design using Premiere Pro.

11. Exporting a film for online and physical environments.

12. Criticism and the use of feedback to improve work.

Teaching method(s)

Students will be taught as a group, taking them through the various stages of creating a successful short film. Although shooting outside of the course sessions is strongly encouraged, the class exercises will give students the opportunity to learn about various factors of filmmaking and refine their ability to function in a variety of related disciplines. One-on-one discussion of student projects and interests will support student learning, as well as class critiques on work created during the course. Well-regarded work from other filmmakers will be showcased to inspire but also challenge student viewpoints.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to develop and organise personal ideas and concepts into a filmmaking project.

• Demonstrate an understanding for the various departments and disciplines of making a film, employing a range of filmmaking skills which show the variety of creative filmmaking roles.

• Create, edit and present a short 1-3 minute film.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• Katz, S. (1991) Film Directing Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen. California: Michael Wiese Production 

• Weston, J. (1999) Directing Actors. California: Michael Wiese Production

• Murch, W. (2001) In the Blink of an Eye: A Perspective on Film Editing. California: Silman-James Press

Web Sources

https://www.youtube.com/user/everyframeapainting

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.