Fall, 2005 3.0 CREDITS Prof. David Schmoeller
Mon 9:00-12:00 office hours: Wed. 2-5pm
FDH-143B Tel: 702-895-2535
Schmoeller Email: www.david.schmoeller@ccmail.nevada.edu
Short Film Archive Website: http://.shortfilmarchive.unlv.edu
Requirements: 220 or permission of the instructor.
This is an advanced course in cinema studies. The course will examine the concepts and dynamics of staging for the camera; camera movement; provide practical experience analyzing and directing scene work.
OBJECTIVES: When you finishing this course, you will understand the basic fundamentals of staging for the camera; where to put the camera to maximum effect and how to move the actor in relation to the camera for maximum effect.
CLASS REQUIREMENTS: Each student will:
1) Each student will direct one in-class video project
2) Each student will direct one outside-of-class video project.
3) Each student present a staging critique of a scene from a movie, music video, short film, etc. – no more than ten-minutes.
The UNLV SHORT FILM ARCHIVE will screen a two hour program of shorts every Thursday evening from 7:30 to 9:30pm in room A-106 of the CBC building starting September 23, 2004.
The UNLV SHORT FILM ARCHIVE will produce SPRING FLICKS in May. See website for details
PLEASE NOTE: 1-18-2005 Instruction and late registration begin. Late fee of $25.00
per day begins.
1-17-2005 – Holiday – Martin Luther King
1-24-2005 WEEK 1 Analysis of masterworks – how a scene is designed, staged
and executed. “JFK; ”Shindler’s List;” Thelma & Louise.”
Discuss student shooting schedule & how dailies will be
critiqued. Analyzing the scene, story & screenplay; The 180 Rule; Screen direction; eye-line problems; Crossing the line; Shooting inside or outside the scene, etc. “Mysterious Museum” dailies & Student Critiques. Cheating for camera. Assign shoot dates.
1-24-2005 PLEASE NOTE: Last day to late register, add courses, change courses, change from audit to credit, or pay fees. None of these will be accepted after January 24 at 5:00 p.m.
Final day to drop or withdraw and receive a 100% refund. There are no refunds for partial load reductions after that date.
Final day to pay fees with a $125 late penalty. Failure to pay will constitute withdrawal from all classes.
1-31-2005 WEEK 2 FIRST INSIDE SHOOT / OUTSIDE DAILIES
The secrets of casting; the importance of the
Rehearsal process; Working with actors.
Student Dailies & Critique
Student Critiques
2-4-2005 PLEASE NOTE: Final date to submit an application for May graduation
to the cashier without a late penalty fee (Graduate and Undergraduate).
2-7-2005 WEEK 3 INSIDE SHOOT / OUTSIDE DAILIES
The secrets of casting; the importance of the
Rehearsal process; Working with actors.
Student Dailies & Critique
Student Critiques
2-14-2005 WEEK 4 INSIDE SHOOT / OUTSIDE DAILIES
Avoiding the proscenium problem; How to look at Dailies & spot problems; the importance of clean entrances & Exits; The Directors’ picture book; The Directors’ style
Book; Effective shot lists; developing your own style;
Basic coverage versus stylized shooting;
2-21-2005 WEEK 5 PRESIDENTS DAY - HOLIDAY
2-25-2005 PLEASE NOTE: Final day to totally withdraw from all courses and receive a 50% refund.
Final day to submit an application for May graduation to the cashier with late penalty fee (Graduate and Undergraduate)
2-28-2005 WEEK 6 INSIDE SHOOT / OUTSIDE DAILIES
How great directors design a scene – revisiting;
The moving camera – understanding the impact of your
Shot; selecting the screen format size
Student Dailies & Critique
Student Critiques
3-7-2005 WEEK 7 INSIDE SHOOT / OUTSIDE DAILIES
Review basic topics covered up to date.
Student Dailies & Critique
Student Critiques
3-14-2005 WEEK 8 Mid-Term
INSIDE SHOOT / OUTSIDE DAILIES
3-18-2005 PLEASE NOTE: Final date to drop or withdraw from classes, or change from credit to audit except short courses (see course listings on the web). Drops and withdrawals will not be allowed after this date even with instructor approval. Drops should be processed by 5:00 p.m.
3-21-2005 WEEK 9 SPRING BREAK
3-28-2005 WEEK 10 INSIDE SHOOT / OUTSIDE DAILIES
The emotional dynamics of cinema. How to study effective blocking; Use of video assist; Storyboarding
Student Dailies & Critique
Student Critiques
4-4-2005 WEEK 11 INSIDE SHOOT / OUTSIDE DAILIES
Matching problems & solutions; the problem
with the OTS; the problem with the MASTER; visual
breakdown of a scene. Practical exercises in staging
Student Dailies & Critique
Student Critiques
4-11-2005 WEEK 12 INSIDE SHOOT / OUTSIDE DAILIES
Moving the camera & subsequent lighting
problems; Hitting marks – professional methods
Student Dailies & Student Critiques
4-18-20054 WEEK 13 INSIDE SHOOT / OUTSIDE DAILIES
Do I really need to know about camera lens; Shooting ratio – film & digital or video tape
Student Dailies & Critique. Student Critiques
4-25-2005 WEEK 14 INSIDE SHOOT / OUTSIDE DAILIES
Screenings of Student Projects
Student Dailies & Critique
.
5-2-2005 WEEK 15 INSIDE SHOOT / OUTSIDE DAILIES
Review all topics covered up to date
Student Dailies & Critique
Student Dailies & Critique
5-9-2005 WEEK 16 FINAL EXAM
Final INSIDE SHOOT / OUTSIDE DAILIES
5--19-2005 FINAL GRADES DUE, 9am
15% MIDTERM:
15% FINAL:
25% INSIDE SCENE
25% OUTSIDE SCENE
10% CRITIQUE:
5% CLASS PARTICIPATION
5% DIRECTOR’S NOTEBOOK
EXTRA CREDIT: half a grade up (i.e. from a B+ to and A-) for one of the following:
1) ATTENDING AT LEASE SIX SHORT FILM SCREENINGS ON
THURSDAY EVENING, 7:30-9:30)
2) PARTICIPATING IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SFA
PROJECTS: NAC GRANT PROJECT; NAC JACKPOT (Seniors);
the CENTENNIAL PROJECT (involves a Saturday)
ATTENDANCE: Required. More than three unexcused absences will lower your grade 5%. A fifth and sixth unexcused absence will lower grade by 2 1/2% each. More than six unexcused absences will result in a failing grade for the course. Excessive tardiness (more than 5) will lower your grade.
The DIRECTOR’S NOTEBOOK: Since organization is a key element of most production work, especially directing, each student is to keep a notebook with handouts, class notes and other papers. The Director’s notebook will be turned in 12-6-2004.
SEE SEPARATE SHEET REGARDING EQUIPMENT CHECKOUT PROCEDURES & TIME
One-on-one or small group assistance with writing is available free of charge to students at the Writing Center. Although some drop-in times are sometimes available, students with appointments will receive priority assistance. Appointments may be made in person or by calling 895-3908.
PLEASE NOTE: Disability: If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, you will need to contact the Disability Services (DS) for coordination in your academic accommodations. Disability Services is located within Learning Enhancement Services (LES), in the Reynolds Student Services Complex (SSC), Room 137. The telephone number is 895-0866 / TDD 895-0652.
Copyright: The University requires all members of the University Community to familiarize themselves and to follow copyright and fair use requirements. YOU ARE INDIVIDUALLY AND SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VIOLATIONS OF COPYRIGHT AND FAIR USE LAWS. THE UNIVERSITY WILL NEITHER PROTECT NOR DEFEND YOU NOR ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR EMPLOYEE OR STUDENT VIOLATIONS AND FAIR USE LAWS. Violations of copyright laws could subject you to federal and state civil penalties and criminal liability as well as disciplinary action under university disability policies. To familiarize yourself with copyright and fair use policies, the University encourages you to visit its copyright web page at: http://www.unlv.edu/committees/ copyright
Religious Holidays: As a general rule, a student missing a class or laboratory assignment because of observance of a religious holiday shall have the opportunity to make up missed work. Students must notify you of anticipated absences by the last day of late registration to be assured of this opportunity.
Extracurricular Activities: If you represent UNLV at a extracurricular activity, you shall have the opportunity to make up assignments, but you must provide official written notification no less than one week prior to the missed class.
As a film major you will be presented with opportunities to work in the production of your own projects, other student or faculty projects, projects for other classes and even professional projects that will shoot in town. You are encouraged to take advantage of every opportunity to practice and hone your art and craft but not at the expense of your work in this class. Participation in any production outside of this class is not an excuse for failing to complete any and all responsibilities established in this class.