FILMMAKING

There are many elements that go into making a film. It is a team effort between all those involved. In this program students will get to experience all that filmmaking entails. In class students will learn about the craft. Outside of the classroom students will put everything into motion as they rotate crew positions and work as a group to help each other with their visions.

Classes include:

Directing and the filmmaking process

What is directing and how does it relate to filmmaking? The director is the captain of the ship. It is their vision that is being brought to life on the screen. S/he over sees all aspects of the project at hand. In this class will introduce the process of filmmaking and how one controls what is in the frame. This class will introduce students to vocabulary and the tools necessary to making a successful film.

Cinematography and the Camera

The cinematographer is the one who controls the image being captured on screen. S/he works very closely with the director to realize the vision on hand. This class will introduce students to the camera, technically how it works, and how to use it effectively to capture the story being told. Students will not only go over theory bit will also become familiar with the equipment through hands on exercises.

Screenwriting

What good is a film without a story? No matter how good your actors and crew are, nothing is as important as the script. This class will go over story structure, and scriptwriting formats.

Editing

Everything comes together in the editing process. The editor can bring the directors vision to life or s/he can change the story all together. How do sight, sound, time, and rhythm play a role? This class will go over the theory and tools necessary to piecing films together.

*Additional Classes

Producing

There are different types of producers from Executive to Associate. The producer is the one who oversee the budgeting and scheduling of the movie making process. This class will go over effective ways to put a movie together. Many times a director takes on the responsibility of the producer.

Lighting

A film is nothing with out the screen image. Like a painter putting paint on a canvas, a cinematographer uses light. Light can be used not only to capture and image but it can bring your senses to life through a feel of time and space. This class will go over lighting equipment and how to uses it effectively to create the right image.

Working with Actors

How does a director get the right performance from an actor? This class will introduce the correct vocabulary and techniques used to communicate with actors. Student will act out scenes as classmates direct them.

Marketing and distribution

Once I get my film finished how do I get it seen? There are many websites and printed publications that can be used effectively. This class will go over the promotion of your product through festivals, the internet, and self promoted screenings.

Documentary

Shooting Action Sports

* Additional classes are held depending on availability of instructor and time. The workshop length will determine how many additional classes you will have. One week programs are not guaranteed additional classes. Some classes may be combined.

Suggested Reading List:

Making Movies, by Sidney Lumet

Shot by Shot, by Steven Katz

A Sense of Direction, by Willam Ball

On Directing, by Harold Clurman

Periodicals:

New York Times

Variety

Podcasts:

Sundance Film Festival

Tribeca

Extreme Filmmaking

Sierra Tahoe Institute introduces a 1-Week course in action sports filmmaking. Learn how to capture the excitment of your favorite sport on camera. Since this camp is run in conjunction with our Mountain Biking program, students have the opportunity to make Mountain Biking videos.

What makes a good shot? How do you piece toghether your video to thrill your audience? These questions and more will be answered through the following classes:

© 2009 Sierra Tahoe Institute, Lake Tahoe, CA USA