This course explores the basics of cinematic storytelling from a critical perspective. Through lectures, screening and class discussion, this course explores the nature of storytelling for the moving image. The foundation of the FTMA program, this course guides students as they explore how stylistic choices contribute to the development of plot, character, and conflict in a variety of forms. The Art of Storytelling will teach students the fundamentals of building compelling, organized and meaningful stories across various media platforms.

In this introductory workshop on screenwriting, students write several short screenplays over the course of the semester and learn the basics of the craft. Character, action, conflict, story construction, the importance of showing instead of telling and other essential components are explored. Each student will produce one of his or her screenplays in December, with a director and an editor as collaborators.

In Directing I, students explore the grammatical rules, stylistic techniques and narrative elements of cinematic storytelling. By completing a series of directing exercises, each student will start to develop their portfolio. With additional workshops in lighting, editing, staging and blocking, each student will be equipped to direct a completed 3-5 minute scripted short film at the end of the course.

In Producing I, students learn all major aspects of line producing for film, television and new media – the nuts and bolts of production. This includes set protocols, responsibilities and etiquette. Each student will be responsible for producing a short project they’ve written, gaining hands-on experience with the producing process: script breakdowns, budget creation, production agreements, SAG paperwork (if applicable) crew hiring, casting, locations, permits, set protocols, shot lists and scheduling. Outside of class, participation as Production Assistants (PA’s) on the sets of Upperclass Students is a requirement of this course in the first trimester. This class will also include guest lectures from top independent film and television producers.

This course is designed with multiple elements and purposes. One of its key premises is that an essential part of the preparation for becoming a filmmaker is wide and deep exposure to, and thoughtful and well-informed analysis of, many types of good films. We will screen an eclectic assortment of important films by major directors, aiming to analyze them as thoroughly as possible from a variety of critical perspectives. There will be assigned readings from scholarly/critical texts as well as from statements by the directors on their films and approach to filmmaking. There will also be regular writing assignments, including several short critical essays and a final longer analytical essay including some research into substantive critical sources.

Through guided and collaborative workshops, students will learn how to brainstorm story ideas, create outlines and structure a feature-length screenplay or an approved television pilot/spec. This class will also devote time to helping students write the script for their 8-12 minute movie project (a Thesis Project for MA candidates, and the Fall Movie project for MFA candidates).

In this course, students apply a variety of methods to the study of the cinematic story. They examine the structure and aesthetics of the feature film, and the relationship between adapted material, screenplays and completed films. Students develop their analytical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of effective cinematic storytelling.

In this introductory course students will learn the basics of Cinematography including lighting, optics, camera testing, LUTS, composition, color and more. Students will learn to apply these principles during in-class hands on Cinematography exercises. This immersive course is designed to equip students with the fundamentals of cinematography, allowing them to take their film projects to the next level of professionalism and style. This course also includes a brief history of the craft.

Focusing on style, narrative elements and all aspects of the post-production process, the goal of this course is to recognize editing technique as a crucial and completely unique aspect of cinematic storytelling (applicable and relevant to tv/new media). Students workshop and edit various exercises and narrative projects while also editing their producer’s short film in preparation for their first Crit Panel Review.

In Producing for Film & TV II students gain even more understanding of the production process by exploring what producers do on set in meaningful ways, through guest lectures and screenings. The major focus of this course is the successful pre-production of the student’s second short film of the program. Students will emerge from this course ready to tackle their second film with a deeper understanding of how to run a successful set, see a film all the way through post-production, plan for the unexpected and handle a larger crew with more sophisticated logistics, thus resulting in a more professional experience.

With advanced directing exercises, students will develop a more comprehensive understanding of the art of visual storytelling – orchestrating the shape, tone and experience of a piece. Further, students will learn the art of directing the actor, practicing the skills necessary to communicate notes and vision in a way that coaxes the best performance and the highest level of harmonious collaboration among cast and crew. Students will gain a firm understanding of “the director’s work” on the script, floor plans, staging, camera and storyboards. These elements are completed during the semester as students’ develop and prepare to shoot a 8-12 minute short film, an original web series episode or a short documentary.

This course is designed to prepare students for their Thesis Project by allowing students more personalized time and critique of the scripts for their planned thesis projects. Through exercises, screenings and discussions, students will also gain an even deeper understanding of the main tenets of story structure and craft.

This course will explore production methods and how storytelling and creative content are applied to new media formats. We will look at the basic infrastructure of the branding industry and how creative content can serve clients. By working with real clients and marketing teams, students will be assigned to think creatively about products and organizations and create a series of commercials/promos while continuing to develop their portfolios.

Writing is often a lonely and solitary process, and some writers prefer that. Yet, there is also a reward in allowing others to help you build and even elevate your story. In this class, students will pitch 3 TV pilot ideas with an eye towards developing a solid story and writing a beat sheet and, at least, Act I during the trimester. The student, with faculty input, will determine what story they want to run with and the class will become your personal writer’s room. In the writer’s room we will create characters, plot and story arcs. This is an opportunity to understand yet another way to build story and see your creativity through other writers’ eyes. The focus is on the benefits of the hive mind as it relates to collaborative story telling.

PRE-REQUISITE – Rough Cut of 8-12 Movie Project must be complete BEFORE the start of the trimester. This class teaches advanced editing techniques, so students will enter this class with a full rough cut of their film already edited. This will allow students to dive deeper into advanced editing techniques such as fine cutting, scratch tracks, sound design, color correction, sound mixing, ADR, foley, picture lock, credits, delivery and more. Projects that have previously been shot will be taken through all phases of production until they are ready for film festival submission or distribution.

This class explores the short documentary form and tradition and applies it to film, television and new media formats. Students will work in small groups to develop a fully fleshed out idea that they will produce and shoot as a thesis. These projects will serve as a significant touchstone for students’ professional portfolio/reel.

Directing III will further enhance students directing skills by mounting in-class mock set exercises that allow students to make practical use of the skills they’ve learned so far. This class also prepares students to work on professional sets by demystifying the way Hollywood runs their film sets and allowing students to put those same protocols into practice for their Thesis films. Students will work to develop a fully fleshed out idea that they will prepare to produce and shoot for their Thesis. These projects will serve as a calling card for students who want to concentrate on a specific aspect of their interests.

With over 2,000 media firms in the surrounding area, students complete internships in a professional film, television or other media company to gain professional experience and exposure to the marketplace. By working closely with the faculty, each student will find a unique opportunity that fits their desired area of interest.

• Casting & Audition Masterclass
• Augmented and Virtual Reality Production 
• Adobe Photoshop Masterclass
• Adobe Acrobat Masterclass
• Art of Story Building Masterclass
• BOOT CAMP: Producing Documentaries w/ Purpose
• Adobe InDesign
• Color Correction Fundamentals
• Sound Mixing in Post (Audition and/or Audacity Software)
• Foley & ADR: Do’s & Dont’s
• How to get good sound on set
• How to get an Agent/Manager
• How to make an effective reel
• Trending in Film & TV: Exploring New Formats, Streaming & Interactive Film
• Green Screen Masterclass
• Motion Capture (2-3 Day Series)
• Cinematography Camera Tests (2-Day Series)

• • Day 1 – Camera Latitude Test on two models.
  • Day 2 – LUTS & Color Correction on Day 1 footage