FIRST YEAR (24 units)

The purpose of the first year is to introduce students to the technologies and fundamentals of visual storytelling and to immediately immerse them into the art and craft of filmmaking.

FALL

FLTV 104 Editing for Beginners
Intended for those without previous experience with editing software, this course introduces the student to the basic concepts and techniques of editing as a means to increase the impact of web videos and short films. Open to all students. (maximum enrollment: 20)

FLTV 108 Storytelling
Our understanding of ourselves and the world around us is constructed through the use of narratives. The most effective way to communicate these narratives is through storytelling. In this class, we will learn how to apply the basic tools of the storytelling craft to transform dry, ordinary narratives into memorable, engaging experiences. This skill is the foundation of the audiovisual storytelling profession (film and television) but is also the most powerful way to help you become a gifted communicator — whether in business, education, healthcare, or the law, the ability to communicate through stories will give you an edge in expressing your ideas effectively and memorably. Open to all students. (maximum enrollment: 20)

WINTER

FLTV 110 Short Scriptwriting
Commercial short-form storytelling runs the gamut from the 30-second spot to short films, web series, and television comedy or drama. This writing course includes training in proper script format and practice writing scripts in multiple formats. It’s a foundational course for the student intending to engage in script writing as a profession. Prerequisite: FLTV 108 (maximum enrollment: 20)

FLTV 112 Basic Production Techniques
A hands-on introduction to the basics of visual storytelling including filming and production audio, roles on set, set safety, and industry standard practices. The course will also introduce the student to postproduction editing and audio mixing. During this course students will create a short narrative piece, a corporate-style interview, and a short travel/destination or sports event video. (maximum enrollment: 20)

SPRING

FLTV 118 History of Moving Pictures
From Edison to the ‘talkies’, from New York to Los Angeles to International Film, this survey course provides a basic vocabulary of the major trends and personalities in film and television history. Open to all students. (maximum enrollment: 100)

FLTV 181 Visual Storytelling
In a critique-based learning environment, students work on a set and participate in the key aspects of the production process. Each student directs a short script that is entirely shot in class. When not directing, students assist their colleagues by rotating through each of the following roles at least once: Creative Producer, Cinematographer, 1st Assistant Director, Camera, Gaffer, Grip, Electrician, Boom Operator, Production Audio, and Actor. Along with the in-class assignment, students will complete a second visual storytelling project (e.g. narrative, documentary, or music video with a narrative) of their own creation. Prerequisite: FLTV 112 (maximum enrollment: 20)

Second Year (36 units)

The purpose of the second year is to further develop overall visual storytelling skills with a specific focus on production, editing, and sound.

FALL

FLTV 240 Editing I
The course introduces the student to the TV/Film editing experience. It explores and compares the various digital editing software options and introduces the student to common editorial workflows, processes and techniques. It incorporates audio and provides a brief introduction to multi-camera editing. Students will organize and edit work they create in FLTV 181. Prerequisite FLTV 181 (maximum enrollment: 20)

FLTV 131 Critical Listening
A course in how to hear ‘beyond the mix’ and analyze individual elements; how to determine what differentiates ‘good’ sound from ‘bad’ sound and to hear the differences between plates, springs, chambers and rooms; how to hear compression artifacts, noise reduction artifacts, etc.; and to learn what makes a good mix, with special attention paid to balance, productions (whether song or film), and the decision to create a stereo or surround mix. Open to all students. (maximum enrollment: 20)

FLTV 275 Lighting
A practical course in utilizing the technical elements of lighting a scene combined with an introduction to the aesthetic choices involved in creating tone and painting with light. Prerequisite: FLTV 181 (maximum enrollment: 20)

WINTER

FLTV 125 How to Watch a Movie Like a Pro
In this course, the student will closely and systematically study the dramatic, audio-visual and technical tools and techniques that filmmakers have been refining for over a century to create the works of art shaping our popular culture and deeply influencing our behavior, tastes, and opinions. The course examines the major elements that go into making a movie including Lighting, Score, Script, Directing, Design and more. Students see filmed examples of uses of these cinematic elements and learn to evaluate for themselves this powerful art form. This course is recommended to anyone interested in personal development and a deeper understanding of human behavior and motives, and for anyone looking to sharpen critical thinking about human affairs in general. Open to all students. (maximum enrollment: 45)

FLTV 231 Music Editing for Film and TV
The course connects the basics of music; rhythm, beat, tempo, phrasing, etc. to the basics of editing picture and sound. Emphasis will be placed on choosing music to enhance emotion, creating mood through music, and developing themes for characters. It will also deal with pragmatic questions such as how to cut ‘source music’ at musical phrases and measure bars for lower-budget productions. Prerequisite: FLTV 206 (maximum enrollment: 20)

FLTV 241 Editing II
Course focuses on introducing the student to more advanced features of editing software. The student will learn to become more proficient on the “editorial tool” to work efficiently and creatively. This course will also introduce the student to more advanced audio editing techniques and the use of sound effects. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use and integration of motion graphics using applications such as Adobe After Effects. Students will be expected to edit picture and sound for a short film including creating motion title and end credits. Prerequisite: FLTV 240 (maximum enrollment: 20)

SPRING

FLTV 130 Field Production Audio
An introduction to the basics of audio production in the field, including how to use wireless lav mics, boom mics, field recorders, field recorders, field mixers, and how to record audio on camera. The course will also teach how to properly use pop filters, wind screens, and compensating equalization. Open to all students. (maximum enrollment: 20)

FLTV 311 Writing for Visual Storytelling
This is a course in writing scripted stories for visual media. It includes advanced study of script writing forms, with a particular focus on creative writing for streaming television. Increasing knowledge of writing theory is expressed in ongoing writing assignments. Students receive feedback that emphasizes that writing is a process heavily reliant on rewriting. Applies to University Studies requirements. Prerequisites: FLTV 108 and FLTV 110

FLTV 380 Directing
This is a practical workshop that emphasizes the visual realization of scripts. Through video exercises and assignments in class, the course explores directorial choices in art direction, camera placement, and editing through a series of exercises and discussion. Prerequisite: FLTV 275 (maximum enrollment: 20)

THIRD YEAR (24 units)

The purpose of the third year is to focus student attention on mastering the skills required for artistic and career success.

STUDENTS WILL COMPLETE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SEQUENCE ONE AND EITHER SEQUENCE TWO OR SEQUENCE THREE.

SEQUENCE ONE: Production (12 units)

FLTV 361 Pre-Production
Each student will select a completed script to produce and direct. The script must be approved by the scriptwriting faculty as of sufficient scope and quality to justify the effort involved in producing it across three quarters. During this specific course, the student will prepare a budget and schedule, attract needed funding, select locations and secure permits as needed, “hire” crew and cast, and complete additional pre-production tasks as required by the script. Grading will be based on the quality and quantity of completed pre-production tasks. Prerequisite: FLTV 380 (maximum enrollment: 20 students)

FLTV 362 Production
During this course, the student will produce and direct the project developed in FLTV 361. By the end of the quarter, principal photography and pick-up shots should be in the can. Grading will be based on the quality and completeness of the footage. Prerequisite: FLTV 361 (maximum enrollment: 20 students)

FLTV 363 Post-Production
Students in this course will oversee or personally complete the required editing, post-production audio, color correction, scoring, and more as required to deliver a completed film in digital format. Grading will be based on the completed film. No grade will be given until the completed film is turned in. Prerequisite: FLTV 362 (maximum enrollment: 20 students)

SEQUENCE TWO: EDITING (12 units)

FLTV 326 Color Correction
Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of color theory and learn how various color correction techniques can enhance the story being told. Students will complete color correction for an entire short film. As part of the course, students will be required to earn Certificates indicating competence in selected, commonly-used, editing programs. Prerequisite: FLTV 240 (maximum enrollment: 15 students)

FLTV 327 Visual Effects
In this course, students who have achieved proficiency with editing software learn to use visual effects techniques to enhance storytelling impact. Specific techniques include mastering the workflow require to complete visual effects shots with all the needed elements, including the use of green screen. As part of the course, students will be required to earn Certificates indicating competence in selected, commonly-used, editing programs. Prerequisite: FLTV 240 (maximum enrollment: 15 students)

FLTV 325 Advanced Effects and Compositing
In this course, focused on using visual effects to enhance the emotional impact of stories, students will hone their ability to create effective shots and explore some of the remote effects collaboration software options. Students will create a complex composition shot and insert it into an editorial sequence. As part of the course, students will be required to earn Certificates indicating competence in selected, commonly-used, editing programs. Prerequisite FLTV 327 (maximum enrollment 15 students)

SEQUENCE THREE: SOUND (12 units)

FLTV 340 Digital Recording and Mixing
The student will learn the theory behind digital sound and learn the physics of sound including how it travels, it’s properties, etc. Special attention will be paid to microphone theory, placement, and choice and get introduced to mixing and signal processing techniques including equalization compression, noise reduction, limiting, gating, etc. As part of the course, students will be required to earn Certificates indicating competence in selected, commonly-used, editing programs. Prerequisite: FLTV 231 (maximum enrollment: 10 students)

FLTV 341 Advanced Mixing Techniques
In this course students learn to do a stereo mix. Students will set up submixes and record stems, build and mix effects and foley tracks, sound design, advanced signal processing techniques, mixing films and TV shows to proper film or television level specifications, creating spaces and enveloping the listener in the sound, keeping tracks organized into type and proper playlisting techniques. As part of the course, students will be required to earn Certificates indicating competence in selected, commonly-used, editing programs. Prerequisite: FLTV 340 (maximum enrollment: 10 students)

FLTV 342 Surround Mixing Techniques
The course assumes the student has learned how to do a stereo mix. It builds on that knowledge with instruction on how to build a surround mix. Students will learn how to set up the proper 5.1 and 5.0 busses; balance items in a 5.1 mix and keep the mix elements audible but interesting, analyze motion and when and how to use it, advanced panning techniques, and more. As part of the course, students will be required to earn Certificates indicating competence in selected, commonly-used, editing programs. Prerequisite: FLTV 341 (maximum enrollment: 10 students)

FOURTH YEAR (12 units)

The purpose of the fourth year is to create material that showcases student skills in a manner that launches them on a path toward reaching their career goals.

FLTV 477 Senior Thesis I
This is the first of a three-quarter sequence. Visual storytelling projects created by advanced students will showcase the creative, technical, and/or business skills learned. Proposals must be pitched to a faculty review panel for approval. Projects selected will be of sufficient scope to justify three quarters of work and 12 units of credit. Completed projects should serve to help launch students in their chosen career. Prerequisite: FLTV 363 (maximum enrollment: 20)

FLTV 478 Senior Thesis II
This is the second of a three-quarter sequence. Visual storytelling projects created by advanced students will showcase the creative, technical, and/or business skills learned. Proposals must be pitched to a faculty review panel for approval. Projects selected will be of sufficient scope to justify three quarters of work and 12 units of credit. Completed projects should serve to help launch students in their chosen career. Prerequisite: FLTV 477 (maximum enrollment: 20)

FLTV 479 Senior Thesis III
This is the third of a three-quarter sequence. Visual storytelling projects created by advanced students will showcase the creative, technical, and/or business skills learned. Proposals must be pitched to a faculty review panel for approval. Projects selected will be of sufficient scope to justify three quarters of work and 12 units of credit. Completed projects should serve to help launch students in their chosen career. Prerequisite: FLTV 478 (maximum enrollment: 20)