INTRO TO FILM LANGUAGE - FMS200 Spring 2022
Course

Lessons
Here is the course outline:
1. Lesson One
Feb 7
Introduction to Course. Movement as first tool for Film Language. Screening of Skritek to introduce professor |
2. Lesson Two
Feb 14
We will examine movement as a fundamental and expressive tool in film language. |
3. Lesson Three
Feb 21
we will screen movement exercises and examine Murnau's film Sunrise for how movement is used as an expressive tool. |
4. Lesson 4 - on Frame
Feb 28
We will examine frame as an expressive tool in film language |
5. Lesson 5 - on Frame
Mar 7
We will examine frame as an expressive tool of film language |
6. Lesson 6 - Narration & POV
Mar 14
We will look at narration and point of view theory, examining clips from the film Marketa Lazarova to illustrate how POV helps audience to believe that what they are seeing has really happened. |
7. Lesson 7 - Composition
Mar 21
Composition |
8. Screening Composition Exercises Plus Depth of Field
Apr 4
Composition exercises are screened (sent in advance to Professor. Link is submitted on NEO.) Then class proceeds with discussion of depth of field |
9. Lesson on Depth of field + Midterm
Apr 11
Depth of field as an expressive tool continued, (will not be on the midterm). Time is given for midterm test during last 60 minutes of class. Questions relate to tools already examined - movement, frame, POV and composition. |
10. Lesson on Shot Sizes
Apr 25
Shot Sizes - we will explore how different shot sizes fulfill different functions in film language. Shot size exercise is assigned. Due next week. |
11. Lesson on Angles & Axis
May 2
Lesson on angles & axis. |
12. Lesson on Color
May 9
We explore how filmmakers work with color as expressive tool for dramatic storytelling. Shot size exercises screened in class. |
13. Lesson on Color
May 16
We continue to explore color, understanding additive and subtractive colors, complementary combinations and ways in which color can be used to enhance a film's drama |
14. Final Exam
May 16
the exam is taken online during this last week |