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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
F/TV D044A
Course Title (CB02)
16mm/35mm Film Production I
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Course Description
The course examines industry-established pre-production workflows, laboratory procedures, interior and exterior lighting techniques, as well as color cinematography for 16mm and 35mm film production, with an emphasis on group student projects.
Faculty Requirements
Discipline 1
[Mass Communication]
FSA
[FHDA FSA - FILM/TV]
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This course is intended to meet a requirement of the A.A. degree in Film/TV: Production and is a CSU and UC transferable undergraduate course. The student learns script selection, scene visualization, casting, pre-production, and sound techniques in a 16mm/35mm film-based workflow as part of our department's CTE mission.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to both UC and CSU

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
4.0
Maximum Credit Units
4.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours3.57.0
Laboratory Hours1.50.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
42.0
Laboratory
18.0
Total
60.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
84.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
84.0

Prerequisite(s)

F/TV D022.

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Lecture and visual aids

Discussion of assigned reading

Discussion and problem solving performed in class

Quiz and examination review performed in class

Homework and extended projects

Guest speakers

Collaborative projects

Assignments

  1. In-class screenings of works in progress leading up to the final film shoot
  2. Final presentation of a short project shot on 16/35mm film
  3. Production book documenting the pre-production process involved in making the final film

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Screenings will examine proper sync sound techniques, as well as creative use of visuals and audio.
  2. Instructor feedback will evaluate the effectiveness of the visual and audio elements in conveying the student's story. Success will be evaluated based on the quality of: concept execution; composition/image; recorded audio; direction; and execution of the plan laid out in the production book assignment.
  3. The production book will demonstrate accurate and timely completion of all of the required pre-production paperwork and documentation required to make the film including, but not limited to: marked script; scene breakdowns; schedule; budget; casting materials; location scout records; crew lists; call sheets; storyboard/shot list; all necessary releases and permits.

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • 16mm/35mm film stock for class projects
    Essential College Facilities:
    • 16mm motion picture cameras with turrets and lenses or zoom lenses
    • Arri 35mm BL
    • Tripods, exposure meters, filters etc. for above cameras
    • Computer systems with editing software
    • 16mm/35mm projector
    • Video projector
    • Portable audio recorder

    Examples of Primary Texts and References

    AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
    Mullen, M. DavidAmerican Cinematographer ManualThe A.S.C. Press2022/11th Edition
    Malkiewicz, Kris and M. David MullenCinematographySimon & Schuster2005/3rd Edition9780743264389
    Rose, JayProducing Great Sound for Film and Video: Expert Tips from Preproduction to Final MixRoutledge2014/4th Edition9780415722070
    Winters, PatrickThe Dos and Don'ts of Successful Filmmaking: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemRoutledge2021/1st Edition9780367369743
    Hurbis-Cherrier, MickVoice & Vision: A Creative Approach to Narrative FilmmakingRoutledge2018/3rd Edition0415739985

    Examples of Supporting Texts and References

    None.

    Learning Outcomes and Objectives

    Course Objectives

    • Develop and complete a production book covering the several steps necessary in making the motion picture.
    • Apply interior and exterior film lighting techniques in black and white and color cinematography.
    • Demonstrate mastery of on-location, advanced sync-sound production equipment.
    • Select complementary sound and visual elements in order to tell a story.

    CSLOs

    • Develop and implement a shooting schedule from a production script.

    • Identify the different film stocks used for different shooting situations and how they affect the image.

    Outline

    1. Develop and complete a production book covering the several steps necessary in making the motion picture.
      1. Script breakdown and shooting schedule
      2. Budgeting for film
      3. Location, insurance, and logistics
      4. Casting and crew selection
      5. Story visualization including look book images, shot list, and storyboards
    2. Apply interior and exterior film lighting techniques in black and white and color cinematography.
      1. Film stocks and instruments for black and white and color cinematography.
        1. Comparison of available film stocks
        2. Light meters
        3. Effective use of lighting and reflectors
      2. Lighting plans for interior and exterior cinematography.
    3. Demonstrate mastery of on-location, advanced sync-sound production equipment.
      1. Principles of successful field recording
      2. Recording sound effects and ambience on set
      3. Microphone pickup patterns and placement on set
      4. Use of a multi-track sound mixer to properly balance location sound elements
    4. Select complementary sound and visual elements in order to tell a story.
      1. Use of shot structure to convey narrative in film
      2. Timing and synchronization of sound and film elements for maximum dramatic effect

    Lab Topics

    1. Lighting with various lighting fixtures
    2. Use of grip material to shape the light
    3. Film stock comparison
    4. 16/35mm camera operation
    5. Sync sound procedures
    6. Multi-track audio recording
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