Class Instruction and Study Tour

Class Instruction

Although the primary focus of the exchange will be on screenwriting, there will be significant time devoted to instruction in production. Students will learn about finding and developing stories, creating characters, scenes and writing complete scripts, while during the production track, will be introduced to digital cameras and lighting, as well as directing--staging and working with actors, camera placement and composition, lighting, and storytelling. 

In addtion to writing and directing short videos, the filmmakers will learn about non-linear editing and then will edit their videos, adding music and sound. There will be several sessions on the history of American films, which will reflect important historical and cultural facets of American life. Other planned components of the program are special seminars and speakers from all areas of  the entertainment field, and will also include tours of a number of production and post-production facilities, movie and television sets, and visual effects companies. 

Study Tour

An important component of this program will be a several day study tour, beginning in Los Angeles and traveling up the coast to San Francisco as noted in the background information above.  In addition, the students will have the opportunity to participate in leisure time activities, such as going to a baseball game, attending music and film festivals, museums and other attractions and enjoying this unique city.