Jobs usually arranged by the student, subject to Cinema Department approval. Job experience at CCSF, such as issuing film equipment, mentoring/tutoring cinema students, crewing or editing sound or picture for a local production company, are within the scope of this learning experience of film/video industry or related projects. One unit of credit is earned for 54 hours of unpaid or paid work.
The course offers instruction in basic film production, including fundamentals of digital and analog camera operation, basic editing principles, and an overview of lighting and sound. In-class equipment and crew workshops, assigned technical and creative exercises, individual off-campus film and video projects, in-class screening and critique of student work. Each student completes at least two individual projects.
An introductory course that addresses the formal analysis of cinema. The course covers filmmaking techniques such as cinematography, editing, mise-en-scène, sound, lighting, acting, and narrative.
Advanced work for filmmakers in sound recording, editing, design and mixing for motion pictures. Demonstrations of professional film location sound equipment, digital sound editing workstations, and film sound mixing studios. Film screenings and field trips to complement class lectures, discussions, exercises, demonstrations, group and individual work projects.
This course examines the international history of cinema from its late 19th century origins to the 1930s. The development of film technology, aesthetics, and genre are covered from 1880s France to the establishment of the Hollywood Studio System. Topics include early film technology, the development of Classic Hollywood style, French Impressionism, German Expressionism, Soviet Montage, early animation, the introduction of sound technology, and the establishment of the Hollywood studio system.
Introduction to documentary filmmaking production, from concept to distribution. Emphasis on fundamental skills including documentary producing, sound recording, lighting, cinematography and editing. Production practice is explored in the context of historical movements and contemporary issues.
An overview of sound recording and design with a focus on hands-on, practical approaches. Sound recording techniques using a variety of microphones and audio recorders; sound editing and design using digital audio workstations to manipulate sync sound, dialogue, sound effects, music, and for sound mixing. Film screenings, lectures, demonstrations, and field trips.
An introductory course that offers essential skills in writing a professional nonfiction script. Attention to research methods supporting content development, interviewing technique, story structure, script format, and cinematic grammar are emphasized. Historical nonfiction films and their influence on current work will also be explored.
Development of the art and practice of cinematography and lighting in the execution of short, single-camera styled projects. Assignments focus on lens choice, motivated camera movement, color temperature & correction, 16mm and digital video camera operation, and lighting design. Students learn to work together as a crew as defined by industry standards.
An introductory course that examines the history, development, and influence of Hollywood on American culture. The course also covers the evolution of cinematic form in the United States and its influence on international film style.