CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
Course name: Documentary Production Process
Course code: CTV-3400
Total contact hours: 60 hours
Main Objectives:
* To work collaboratively on producing an engaging documentary that may not exceed (6 minutes) screen time.
* Understand the primary elements to creating a short documentary.
* Understand and exploit the cultural and environmental elements that filming locations can offer.
Course Description:
The class will focus on the logistical and creative responsibilities of producing a short documentary. Students will work closely with each other, assuming the roles of producers, writers, directors and editors in the process of development and execution of documentaries.
Attendance Policy:
No unexcused absences will be permitted. Excused absences must be approved by the instructor, in writing, prior to the date of the absence. Excused absences include religious holidays, medical emergencies and extenuating special circumstances.
Professionalism:
In addition to the lectures, the course requires assistance to the filming locations, since these are an extension of the classroom. The collaboration of each individual student affects the quality and opportunity of the other student's education.
Punctuality:
It is essential to be on time to every film set and class, since one the most important elements in the film professional practice is punctuality.
Grading Policy:
The grades range from 0 to 100%. In order to pass, you will need at least an 80%.
Half of your final grade will be based on your work on a short documentary this semester. Each student is required to work out a detailed proposal that stipulates his or her responsibilities on an approved project for the semester.
The other half of your grade for is based on your class participation throughout the semester, and your reading and discussion of the assigned texts.
Session #1: Overview
* Intro to study program
* Definition of the documentary genre
*History
*The process
*Viewing of sample documentary
*Reading assignment
Session #2: Researching
*Selecting a genre/tone
*The theme
*The topic
*The locations
*The structure (story)
*Viewing of sample documentary
*Research assignment: Costa Rican society
Session #3: Photography
*Semiotics
*Storyboards
*Camera movements and angles
*Point of view
*Different lenses
*Viewing of sample documentary
*Research assignment: Costa Rican nature
Session #4: Direction
*Structure: Sequence and Scenes
*Storyboards
*Set up Schedule
*Camera movements and angles
*Point of view
*Reading assignment: Camera and lights
Session #5: Camera and lights Techniques
*Writing with images
*Axial line
*Lights triangle
*Practice in the studio: camera basics
Session #6: Editing and Post-Production
*The role of the editor
*Viewing of: "The cutting edge"
*The Soundtrack of a film: The importance of music
*Basic editing
*Reading assignment: Crewing for the projects
Session #7: Interview Recording
*Interview Recording Exercise.
Session #8: Pre-production meeting
*Pre-production meeting
Recording
Session #9:
*First Cut
Session #10:
* Final cut
* Final Analysis
NOTE:
There will be reading assignments almost every week. A handout containing all of these will be given out the first day of Session.
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