The Art of Filmmaking
Intensive Workshop (suitable for beginner to advanced students)
Taught by Franc Péret or Zofie Feytons.
Click here for Franc's profile.  Click here for Zofie's profile.

This course is a rare opportunity to be involved in a short film project without needing to have your own camera or equipment; everything is provided by the instructor.  The goal of this course is to introduce amateur filmmakers to the art of professional filmmaking.  Students will have an opportunity to witness every facet of filmmaking, including as a director, actor, cameraman, gaffer (light man), perch man (sound) and editor.  By the end of the six weeks, our team and crew will complete a short film from concept to final product, everything from camera setting to video editing.  Please note, for this course, students do not need to have their own camera, as the course will be taught with professional equipment provided by the instructor.  The team will work on a short movie project with one HD camera, one set of lenses, one fluid-head tripod, one set of movie lighting, one set of microphones, one external sound recording device, etc..  The aim of this course is to introduce you to the knowledge and skills to build your own team and shoot your own short movies in the future.  The following topics will be learned through first-hand exposure and hands on experience:

Storytelling – We will transform a short script into storyboard format and then translate it into audio-visual format.
Camera work including angles, movement, and setting to capture the action.
Lighting that achieves the correct exposure and sets the mood.
Direction of actors to bring out the best performance for the desired effect.
Recording sound to emphasize the emotion of the image (sound design).
Mastering continuity, composition, and camera angle from scene to scene.
Getting an editing rhythm and style to complete the project for distribution.

This is a hands-on workshop-style class with students having full exposure to every aspect of the production.

Part 1 (5 hours)

Story-telling:
Introduction to the usual mistakes made in amateur movie-making.
Building up story and work flow from start to finish for better results.
Short story construction in three acts.
Visualization: Getting from words to cuts.
Notion of transition and rhythm.
Check list of needs: actors, locations and equipment.

Camera control:
Understanding the full range of professional cameras and formats: 35mm, 16mm, and HD video.
Understanding video format and compression issues.
Introduction to professional camera functions: recording mode, white balance control, shutter speed, zoom and focus control, zebra, knee and gamma settings, etc.
Introduction to equipment: tripod, lighting, sound recording, microphone, media, etc.
Introduction to exposure control with monitor.
Discovering the complete computer workflow from back up to editing.

Part 2 – Shooting the story (15 hours)

Introduction to the functions of light and composition to create a three dimensional image.
Mastering composition by using various camera angles, positions, and lens ranges.
Mastering "mise en scene", with actors, props, and light position.
How to direct people to get the best acting performance.
Mastering camera movement while keeping control on focus.
Introduction to the concept of continuity: How to set camera positions and actor movements to link shots.
How to record voice and sounds.
How to back up all data into computer and prepare the edit line.

Part 3 – Editing (5 hours)

How to import all needed images, sounds, and footage into your project.
How to create a timeline, insert cuts, and start the edit.
How to add titles, transitions, sounds, and music.
How to export the movie.

This course is taught by Franc Péret.  Please click below to view Franc's showreel.  (This movie requires Adobe Flash plugin.)

Please click below to view some short films from the filmmaking class.  (These movies require Adobe Flash plugin.)

Please see below a sampling of the equipment that will be used in the class.

Course Title: Filmmaking
Tuition Fee: RMB 3200
Auxiliary Fee: RMB 900 (for assistants, actors, make-up artist, etc.. Please note: all equipment is provided; there is no need to have your own camera.)

Spring Session 2013: March 24th to April 28th

Section A: Sunday afternoons: 1:00 - 3:30 (first two weeks), 1:00 - 6:00 (next four weeks)
6 weeks from March 24th to April 28th (Course Code: FM103)   Registration Closed
Location: ELC Learning Center

Fall Session 2013: October 13th to November 17th

Section A: Sunday afternoons: 1:00 - 3:30 (first two weeks), 1:00 - 6:00 (next four weeks)
6 weeks from October 13th to November 17th (Course Code: FM103)
Location: ELC Learning Center

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE

Registration Procedure:
First register online to reserve your place.  You will receive a confirmation email with further details and instructions.  Payment must be made on site at the ELC Learning Center during the payment dates shown below (you can come in person or send someone).

Tuition fee payment for the Fall Session 2013 will take place Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, September 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th.  The payment hours are 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Payments will be received in the Registration Office at the ELC Learning Center.  Payment must be received on time to complete your enrollment and maintain your reservation in the class(es) for which you have registered.

Register early to reserve your place, as many classes fill up quickly.  If the course for which you are registered does not reach the minimum enrollment requirement, you will be notified of the cancellation before the payment dates.  As such, we receive payments only for courses which are proceeding as scheduled.  Please note, we do not offer trial lessons or discounts of any kind.  Refund Policy: No refunds will be issued after the start of the term.