Curriculum
First Term
FP100 – Film Production A-Z
(This class is a prerequisite to all other classes)
This is a survey course that through lecture and hands-on experiences presents all the elements involved in the making of a film (digital or film based). Topics covered include: communication skills, strategic conception, creative, pre-production, production, post-production, and basic distribution. Some elements covered will include the various film departments; the roles and skill sets needed as well as the concept of how story over arcs all departments and the implementation of their elements. Students will take an active part in a Guided Professional Shoot as well as develop and produce their own short film.
AV100 – Artistic Vocation
This is a seminar-discussion based class exploring the meaning, purpose, and spirituality of being an Artist. The class will cover common misconceptions of Art in the modern world and Church; more traditional views of the work of the Artist; the meaning of co-creation; the meaning of vocation, why it is applicable to the Arts, and why it is important for the Artist to view his work through the lens of vocation; the role of Beauty and Mystery in one’s art and faith; the centrality of the Incarnation to the life of the Artist; the role of the Artist in the Artist’s spiritual development; the communal nature of the Art of film; the responsibilities and temptations in the life of the Artist.
ST100 – Story Structure
Students explore the core of quality filmmaking: the art of storytelling. This class operates under the premise that good films are dependant on good story structure. In this class students will learn all elements of story creation from conception through structure. In the process, they will see the role of plot, back-story, character arc, inciting incidents, and sub-text. Each student will work with a partner within the class to concept both a short and a feature film, developing them through the stages of synopsis, beat-outline and treatment. Students will also be taught the art of pitching story ideas and given opportunities do hone their skills to the class and various instructors.
PD100 – Producer I: Business and Legal
Producer I provides active exploration of the roles and responsibilities of the Producer with regard to creative, business, and legal decision making. Students will interact with professional producers in person and by phone. They will learn the role of the producer from the development process through the film’s distribution.
DR100 – Film History
It is critical for individuals interested in the art of filmmaking to understand where the medium of film has been. Despite its relatively short history, filmmaking has undergone myriad trends, movements, innovations, and functions. An understanding of the course that film has taken will give the student a clearer vision of where it is they might want to go.
PP100 – Post-Production I: Editing
This course teaches student basic and advanced functions of their Apple computers. The software covered includes Mac OS, QuickTime Pro, and multiple QuickTime formats. The course will focus mainly on Final Cut Pro Studio 2, including basic functions, tips and techniques, special effects, importing and exporting films, and a vast amount of keyboard shortcuts.
Second Term
ST200 – Screenwriting
Students will be taken through the entire process needed to write both a short and feature screenplay. This will include proper formatting, understanding and application of exposition and subtext, application of different story character structure elements, team writing, giving and taking notes, the role of different drafts, prepping for and pitching of a your story to industry professionals, and the proper use of Final Draft software. During the class students will become familiar with the writing concepts from: McKee, Riley, Field, and Voytilla.
PD200 – Producer II: Physical Production
The student learns about all elements of physical production along with what a Unit Production Manager and a Line Producer do during pre-production, production, and post-production. Elements included are: breaking down a script, production forms, role and relation of producer to “below the line” personnel, creating and managing film budgets, location scouting and day-to-day interaction with Guilds and Unions. Students will produce a short film in this class as part of the hands-on experience of its content.
DP100 – Cinematography
This course gives the student a more complete understanding and hands-on experience with the theory and practice of classical cinematography. The course materials and labs will expose students to both the technical knowledge and creative expression associated with the cinematographer position.
DS100 – Production Design
This class introduces the student to the world of art direction in films as well as develops some of the basic skills needed to work in production design. Students will understand the importance of production design as it relates to each aspect of production, not just art direction itself. Classes consist of discussion time, including guest lecturers and a weekly lab where students will be given art direction exercises to complete. Elements include: the role of the Production Designer vs. the Art Director, the “trinity”, art design and FX, history of design, and practical design vs. digital design.
DR200 – Directing
The role of director, while the most sought after and coveted role on a film set, is also the most difficult, challenging, rewarding, overwhelming, and daunting. The student interested in film directing needs to understand the requirements and demands involved in directing. The best way to arrive at this understanding is through praxis.
PP200 – Post-Production II: Finishing
This course will provide both an overview and in-depth information and training of the post-production process. Areas to be covered include positions, process (work flow), development and transferring, special FX, fixing continuity, color correction, and sound design.
IT200 – Industry Trip to Los Angeles
Students who have successfully completed the first two trimesters will be allowed to participate on this trip to Los Angeles as an excursion into the film industry (tuition includes most travel expenses). Once there, students will meet with past graduates of Compass now in the industry as well as other professionals, including Academy Advisors, members of Hollywood Connect, and other faith-based organizations. This experience also includes touring some production facilities and studios and getting an overall taste of the Hollywood atmosphere, and when possible, some on location educational experiences.
Third Term
TW250.0 – TW250.5 Summer Seminar and Thesis Film
Participating students will be divided into teams made of a Producer, Director, 1st AD, DP, and Art Designer. Each team will be given a script (from the Screenwriting class), as well as seed money to produce it according to the concepts and standards established during the proceeding year. In addition to producing this project, students will also be involved in a variety of Seminars held during the first two weeks of June and one every other week until the project is finished in August. As part of the experience, the individual producers are to coordinate their efforts during production including sharing team members when possible and planning and holding an end of class premiere for all the projects.