RC 122 Introduction to Filmmaking
Department of Film
Faculty of Communication
Kadir Has University
Course Director: Murat Akser
makser@khas.edu.tr
Course TA: Sarphan Uzunoğlu sarphan.uzunoglu@khas.edu.tr
Wednesdays 11:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00
Course Description: This course aims to introduce the students to the art, craft and technique of
filmmaking. Students are expected to learn basic principles of filmic design, four foundational
elements of film style (mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, sound), tools of camera and editing
and be able to visualize a basic story idea.
COURSE OUTCOMES:
by the end of the course students should be able to
-identify principles of film design
-familier with the four fundamental elements of film style
-use camera and editing equipment at the introductory level
-make three 1 minute visual pieces with camera and editing
COURSE EVALUATION:
Homeworks x 4
%35 (5+5+10+5 points each)
Midterm Exam
%25
Final Exam
%25
Visual Pieces x 3
%25 (5+10+10)
Camera Test
has to be passed to use school cameras
Editing Test
has to be passed to use editing studio
COURSE TEXTS:
Herbert Zetzl. Sight, Sound, Motion: Applied Media Aesthetics 6th ed., Wadsworth, 2010.
Mick Hubris-Cherrier. Voice and Vision 2nd ed.: A Creative Approach to Narrative Film and DV
Production, Boston: Focal Press, 2012.
COURSE OUTLINE:
Week 1 January 30, 2013
INTRODUCTION TO COURSE PRINCIPLES- 10 Photos per week
Seeing, Perception, Context
Homework: 1 page essay Film goals, Personal Profile, Knowledge of Film
Week 2 February 6, 2013: Light
Application: Types of lights, 3-point lighting
Homework: 10 photos with texture + essay on a scene with lighting techniques explained
Week 3 February 13, 2013: Color
Application: Using filters
Homework: 10 colorful photos
Week 4 February 20, 2013: Composition
Application: Camera and framing, framing exercise
Homework: Cindy Sherman exercise – movie stills recreation
Week 5 February 27, 2013: Rythm and Movement
Application: Camera tests conducted
classic, rock, jazz, experimental exercise
Homework: Find a piece of music that tells a story to you. Write down the story and bring it to
class for presentation.
Week 6 March 6, 2013: Quick look at Final Cut pro
Application: Editing
Week 7 March 13, 2013: Sound
Application: Sound recording
MIDTERM EXAM
Week 8 March 20, 2013: Idea (Cinema is Game)
Application: Finding story ideas photo clipping exercise
Visual Piece 1: shoot 1 minute idea film
Week 9 March 27, 2013: The Script (Cinema is Message)
Application: Writing the script & Final Draft
Visual Piece 2: Shoot 1 minute viral ad
Week 10 April 3, 2013: Pre-visualization (Cinema is Pictures)
Application: Storyboards, overhead charts, FrameForge3D
Homework: Storyboards, shotlists, overhead diagrams
Week 11 April 10, 2013: The Crew (Cinema is teamwork)
Application: creation of on set crews. Procedures
budgeting and scheduling – movie magic b&s
Homework: Cast and crew sheets, daily call sheets
Week 12 April 17, 2013: Editing (Cinema is a puzzle)
Application: Final Cut Pro I
Dünden Sonra Yarından Önce opening
Screening: Cutting Edge
Week 13 April 24, 2013: Editing II
Final Cut Pro II
Week 14 May 8, 2013: Finishing
Mastering and Distribution, Group projects screening
Visual Piece 3: Group Project + FINAL EXAM
Final Group Project should be a 3 minute film with no dialogue, it could have sound effects, it
should have at least one 20 second tracking shot, at least 1 POV shot every scene should have a
master shot, and coverage. Shoot close-ups, inserts and coverege at all times, observe rules of
continuity and visully convey your message. The group members should be able to define their role
in terms of a diary they deliver at the end of the shoot.