Class Syllabus
Film Workshop - An Introduction to Film
Instructor: Jason Silva – [email protected]
Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 10:30 - 11:40
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course provides an overview of film as an art form, and basic filmmaking techniques. Students will study the great films of cinema history, with special focus given to different aspects of filmmaking, including the fundamental principles of movies, form and narrative, mise-en-scene and design, directing, cinematography, screen acting, editing, sound, and writing. Students will work in teams and individually to create short digital film projects, with special focus given to the pre-production, production, and post production stages.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Attendance: Prompt daily attendance is expected. All students must be seated in the classroom and prepared to learn when class begins. Each tardy or unprepared class will cost the student academic points and negatively influence their grade. Additionally, if a student is aware of up-coming absences, it is their responsibility to inform the teacher before the absence(s) and arrange make-up or alternative work. Any student who accumulates three or more tardies or unexcused absences in the same class in one month will be required to recover instructional minutes on the last Saturday of each month. Saturday attendance will be from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Failure to attend Saturday recovery hours may result in a schedule change.
Professionalism & Attendance grades will be factored into daily assignments including Due-Nows and Bell Work, Class Activities, and Exit Tickets. There will at least one grade posted for every day the class meets. If a student is absent (even if it is excused), they will lose points for that day until the work is made up. In some instances, students may need to complete an alternate assignment to make up points. It is the students’ responsibility to contact me about making up missed points for absences or tardies.
Semester Grading
100% - 90% = A
89% - 80% = B
79% -70% = C
69%- 60% = D
59%- or less = no credit earned
August & September - Film Noir - Film Analysis/Film Production (Lighting)
October - Horror Genre - Film Analysis
November & December - Advanced Acting Collaboration
January - Biography Film Analysis, Artist Spotlight Production
February - The Films of Steven Spielberg
March - Dance Collaboration/Music Video Production
April & May - Short Film Production
Fundraisers: As a part of our artistic community, the school asks each student to be involved in our annual fundraiser in the spring. Each student will contribute art made as a collaborative effort in class or maybe an independent project that can be quickly done as a break from the class curriculum. All the money that is made from these fundraisers will directly be used for art supplies and to support the performing arts department.
Seniors: We will have several assemblies over the school year discussing college preparation, Portfolio Day, professional artist panels, entrepreneurship panel, college tours, guest artists, senior exhibit and the graduation slide show. All seniors are required to participate in the Senior show in May. More details about this will be given throughout the year.
Remind @filmwo
We will be using the Remind App for text messages in this class. Both parents and students will receive reminders for homework, assignment due dates, and tests or quizzes. Students or parents who do not want to participate must sign a waiver that they will not be participating in the Remind program. The Remind App is free and only requires a cell phone number.
NSAA Non-Discrimination Policy
NSAA provides an academic and social environment that is free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by law. NSAA seeks to promote a safe environment in which community members are free to express themselves without fear of recrimination.
Students with Accommodations and/or Modifications
To ensure and support the intellectual and artistic richness in our education community, NSAA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment by providing equal access to students with disabilities. Accommodations pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and modifications to support students who meet the requirements for Exceptional Student Services will be honored as directed by federal and state law.
Benchmark and AzMerit Testing
All Students will take Benchmark Tests in all NSAA courses: August 13-14, December 13 & 14, and May 16-17 and the AZMerit Exam (with the exception of seniors) sometime in April 2019. Part of the Benchmark Exam may be included in Semester Final Exams. Students must attend these days and will lose participation points for any absences. Test data is instrumental in being able to refine course work and effectively plan for the future. Take note: This test data is often used for college entrance and scholarships; students should take the exams seriously and perform to their best ability.
School/ClassPolicies:
NSAA Cell Phone Policy (new for 2019-20)
NSAA will institute a school-wide cell phone policy for the 2019-20 school year. All cell phones will be collected in a phone caddy or cell phone center at the beginning of each class. Students will have full access to their phones before and after school, at lunch, and during class passing periods. Phones will not be accessible during bathroom breaks. Limited cell phone usage in class will be allowed per teacher discretion for instructional purposes. Teachers and administrators will have complete discretion to deal with cell phone “emergencies” on a case by case basis.
All students are expected to be TRUSTWORTHY, to be COMMITTED, and to RESPECT the rights of all individuals in the room and its guidelines. Excessive violence, foul language, drug use, and sexual content will not be tolerated in student projects. Any student who is unsure of the content of a proposed video project should check with the instructor first.
All students are expected to produce their own original work. Plagiarism is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Plagiarism will result in being dropped from the course with a failing grade, as well as a referral to the Dean of Students for further action.
No food, drink, and any electronic devices are allowed in the classroom without the express permission of the teacher.
Equipment and supplies provided by NSAA
Students will shoot their class projects using digital video camcorders or personal equipment if they prefer. These cameras will only be available DURING CLASS TIME. No school property will be available this year for checkout. Any student wishing to shoot projects outside of class time will need to provide his or her own digital video camera. Students will be allowed to use lighting and misc. camera equipment during class shoots in class time. Lighting equipment is NOT available to check-out. Students will be editing using iMovie, or Final Cut Express available on the computers in the lab in the DA room at NSAA. - arranged with the instructor. Any student who has access to a computer with editing software may complete assignments at home. This will not excuse a student from attending class on lab work days. Students who edit at home will be required to bring in periodic footage and/or rough cuts for instructor review.
Required Materials
64 GB or greater Thumb Drive
1 Inch - 3 ring binder & 5 binder dividers
Course content viewing parental permission form
During the course of the year, we will be viewing films from throughout the history of cinema. Whenever possible, the instructor will provide viewing selections which adhere to the G, PG, or PG-13 standards of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). However, some of the films we will be studying in class fall into the category of “R”. Additionally, some foreign films, independent films and pre- MPAA films will not be rated and will be classified as “Unrated.” The instructor will use the guidelines as established by the MPAA to determine if an unrated film should be shown in class. All of the class viewings will be accompanied by a contextualization and discussion revolving around the social conditions in which the film was produced, the intended audience, and ethical implications of representation.
In order for your child to be able to view these films we must have the signed permission of a parent or guardian. Should you decide that your child may not view any of the films categorized as Rated “R” the instructor will provide an alternate activity during class viewing time. At any time a parent may request information about any films viewed in class.
For more information about the Ratings as established by the Motion Picture Association of America, please visit their website at http://www.mpaa.org.
This is to certify that _______________________________________, has my permission to view selected films to be shown in the film and video class. I certify that I am the parent or guardian of the student and am authorized to give this permission. I also understand that should I desire to know information about any of the films shown in class I will need to contact the instructor.
Signed,__________________________________ Date: ________________________
Or
Check this box:
□ I would prefer that my child, ______________________________ be given an alternate activity during class viewings which include anything rated “R” according to the motion picture industry.
NSAA Cell Phone Policy
NSAA will institute a school-wide cell phone policy for the 2019-20 school year. All cell phones will be collected in a phone caddy or cell phone center at the beginning of each class. Students will have full access to their phones before and after school, at lunch, and during class passing periods. Phones will not be accessible during bathroom breaks. Limited cell phone usage in class will be allowed per teacher discretion for instructional purposes. Teachers and administrators will have complete discretion to deal with cell phone “emergencies” on a case by case basis.
Please initial below to indicate your understanding of this policy.
___________________ ________________________
Student Parent/Guardian
Instructor: Jason Silva – [email protected]
Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 10:30 - 11:40
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course provides an overview of film as an art form, and basic filmmaking techniques. Students will study the great films of cinema history, with special focus given to different aspects of filmmaking, including the fundamental principles of movies, form and narrative, mise-en-scene and design, directing, cinematography, screen acting, editing, sound, and writing. Students will work in teams and individually to create short digital film projects, with special focus given to the pre-production, production, and post production stages.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- Develop an appreciation of film as an art form.
- Appraise the value of films as a reflection of culture
- Identify and describe the basic elements of production for motion picture
- Describe how technology affects how films are made and experienced.
- Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively to make short films.
- Apply concepts and classroom experiences to increase their enjoyment of film outside of class.
Attendance: Prompt daily attendance is expected. All students must be seated in the classroom and prepared to learn when class begins. Each tardy or unprepared class will cost the student academic points and negatively influence their grade. Additionally, if a student is aware of up-coming absences, it is their responsibility to inform the teacher before the absence(s) and arrange make-up or alternative work. Any student who accumulates three or more tardies or unexcused absences in the same class in one month will be required to recover instructional minutes on the last Saturday of each month. Saturday attendance will be from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Failure to attend Saturday recovery hours may result in a schedule change.
Professionalism & Attendance grades will be factored into daily assignments including Due-Nows and Bell Work, Class Activities, and Exit Tickets. There will at least one grade posted for every day the class meets. If a student is absent (even if it is excused), they will lose points for that day until the work is made up. In some instances, students may need to complete an alternate assignment to make up points. It is the students’ responsibility to contact me about making up missed points for absences or tardies.
Semester Grading
100% - 90% = A
89% - 80% = B
79% -70% = C
69%- 60% = D
59%- or less = no credit earned
August & September - Film Noir - Film Analysis/Film Production (Lighting)
October - Horror Genre - Film Analysis
November & December - Advanced Acting Collaboration
January - Biography Film Analysis, Artist Spotlight Production
February - The Films of Steven Spielberg
March - Dance Collaboration/Music Video Production
April & May - Short Film Production
Fundraisers: As a part of our artistic community, the school asks each student to be involved in our annual fundraiser in the spring. Each student will contribute art made as a collaborative effort in class or maybe an independent project that can be quickly done as a break from the class curriculum. All the money that is made from these fundraisers will directly be used for art supplies and to support the performing arts department.
Seniors: We will have several assemblies over the school year discussing college preparation, Portfolio Day, professional artist panels, entrepreneurship panel, college tours, guest artists, senior exhibit and the graduation slide show. All seniors are required to participate in the Senior show in May. More details about this will be given throughout the year.
Remind @filmwo
We will be using the Remind App for text messages in this class. Both parents and students will receive reminders for homework, assignment due dates, and tests or quizzes. Students or parents who do not want to participate must sign a waiver that they will not be participating in the Remind program. The Remind App is free and only requires a cell phone number.
NSAA Non-Discrimination Policy
NSAA provides an academic and social environment that is free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by law. NSAA seeks to promote a safe environment in which community members are free to express themselves without fear of recrimination.
Students with Accommodations and/or Modifications
To ensure and support the intellectual and artistic richness in our education community, NSAA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment by providing equal access to students with disabilities. Accommodations pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and modifications to support students who meet the requirements for Exceptional Student Services will be honored as directed by federal and state law.
Benchmark and AzMerit Testing
All Students will take Benchmark Tests in all NSAA courses: August 13-14, December 13 & 14, and May 16-17 and the AZMerit Exam (with the exception of seniors) sometime in April 2019. Part of the Benchmark Exam may be included in Semester Final Exams. Students must attend these days and will lose participation points for any absences. Test data is instrumental in being able to refine course work and effectively plan for the future. Take note: This test data is often used for college entrance and scholarships; students should take the exams seriously and perform to their best ability.
School/ClassPolicies:
NSAA Cell Phone Policy (new for 2019-20)
NSAA will institute a school-wide cell phone policy for the 2019-20 school year. All cell phones will be collected in a phone caddy or cell phone center at the beginning of each class. Students will have full access to their phones before and after school, at lunch, and during class passing periods. Phones will not be accessible during bathroom breaks. Limited cell phone usage in class will be allowed per teacher discretion for instructional purposes. Teachers and administrators will have complete discretion to deal with cell phone “emergencies” on a case by case basis.
All students are expected to be TRUSTWORTHY, to be COMMITTED, and to RESPECT the rights of all individuals in the room and its guidelines. Excessive violence, foul language, drug use, and sexual content will not be tolerated in student projects. Any student who is unsure of the content of a proposed video project should check with the instructor first.
All students are expected to produce their own original work. Plagiarism is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Plagiarism will result in being dropped from the course with a failing grade, as well as a referral to the Dean of Students for further action.
No food, drink, and any electronic devices are allowed in the classroom without the express permission of the teacher.
Equipment and supplies provided by NSAA
Students will shoot their class projects using digital video camcorders or personal equipment if they prefer. These cameras will only be available DURING CLASS TIME. No school property will be available this year for checkout. Any student wishing to shoot projects outside of class time will need to provide his or her own digital video camera. Students will be allowed to use lighting and misc. camera equipment during class shoots in class time. Lighting equipment is NOT available to check-out. Students will be editing using iMovie, or Final Cut Express available on the computers in the lab in the DA room at NSAA. - arranged with the instructor. Any student who has access to a computer with editing software may complete assignments at home. This will not excuse a student from attending class on lab work days. Students who edit at home will be required to bring in periodic footage and/or rough cuts for instructor review.
Required Materials
64 GB or greater Thumb Drive
1 Inch - 3 ring binder & 5 binder dividers
Course content viewing parental permission form
During the course of the year, we will be viewing films from throughout the history of cinema. Whenever possible, the instructor will provide viewing selections which adhere to the G, PG, or PG-13 standards of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). However, some of the films we will be studying in class fall into the category of “R”. Additionally, some foreign films, independent films and pre- MPAA films will not be rated and will be classified as “Unrated.” The instructor will use the guidelines as established by the MPAA to determine if an unrated film should be shown in class. All of the class viewings will be accompanied by a contextualization and discussion revolving around the social conditions in which the film was produced, the intended audience, and ethical implications of representation.
In order for your child to be able to view these films we must have the signed permission of a parent or guardian. Should you decide that your child may not view any of the films categorized as Rated “R” the instructor will provide an alternate activity during class viewing time. At any time a parent may request information about any films viewed in class.
For more information about the Ratings as established by the Motion Picture Association of America, please visit their website at http://www.mpaa.org.
This is to certify that _______________________________________, has my permission to view selected films to be shown in the film and video class. I certify that I am the parent or guardian of the student and am authorized to give this permission. I also understand that should I desire to know information about any of the films shown in class I will need to contact the instructor.
Signed,__________________________________ Date: ________________________
Or
Check this box:
□ I would prefer that my child, ______________________________ be given an alternate activity during class viewings which include anything rated “R” according to the motion picture industry.
NSAA Cell Phone Policy
NSAA will institute a school-wide cell phone policy for the 2019-20 school year. All cell phones will be collected in a phone caddy or cell phone center at the beginning of each class. Students will have full access to their phones before and after school, at lunch, and during class passing periods. Phones will not be accessible during bathroom breaks. Limited cell phone usage in class will be allowed per teacher discretion for instructional purposes. Teachers and administrators will have complete discretion to deal with cell phone “emergencies” on a case by case basis.
Please initial below to indicate your understanding of this policy.
___________________ ________________________
Student Parent/Guardian