Garrett, Jeffrey

Jenkins, Nicholas

English

University of Montana

University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana University of Montana Course Syllabi, 1990-2010 Spring 2-1-2008 MAR 355.01: Directing the Fiction Film Jeffrey Garrett University of Montana, Missoula, jeffrey.garrett@umontana.edu Nicholas Jenkins University of Montana, Missoula Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/syllabi1990-2010 Let us know how access to this document benefits you. Recommended Citation Garrett, Jeffrey and Jenkins, Nicholas, "MAR 355.01: Directing the Fiction Film" (2008). University of Montana Course Syllabi, 1990-2010. 548. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/syllabi1990-2010/548 This Syllabus is brought to you for free and open access by ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in University of Montana Course Syllabi, 1990-2010 by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact scholarworks@mso.umt.edu. Directing the Fiction Film Course Syllabus MAR 355, 3 credits, Spring 2008 Course times: Fridays 10:00am – 1:00pm Location: McGill Hall 228/121  Instructors:  Jeff Garrett and Nicholas Jenkins E-Mail: nicholasgjenkins@hotmail.com & jeffrey.garrett@umontana.edu Office Hours: Arrange  REQUIRED TEXTS:  On Directing - By David Mamet Making Movies - By Syndey Lumet  Course Description: Directing the Fiction Film is an introductory course into the art of visual story telling. More specifically, this class will be a workshop in “What to tell the actors” and “Where to put the camera”.   What cannot be taught is how to be Stanley Kubrick, Quentin Tarantino, or Steven Spielberg. This is not a class in “style”. Only you, the artist, can develop a style. What can be taught is communication. How to communicate with your cast and crew to make sure they are clear about your vision.   We will examine the basic and intermediate concepts of breaking down scripts into moments and beats, communicating with cast and crew, and gaining a critical understanding of when you have achieved what you wanted.  Course Expectations: 1. Attendance is Mandatory. 3 Unexcused absences will result in a FAILING GRADE. 2. There are no “make-up” exams or extensions given for projects or written work. All written work must be turned in on time, typewritten, and in hard copy form. No emailed or electronic forms of written work will be accepted. 3. Late projects or assignments will result in a loss of ½ letter grade for that project/assignment.  Course Requirements: 1.   Attendance/participation 10%  2.   Project 1                                     20% 3. Exams/Quizzes   10% 4.   Final Project                           40% 5.  Final Paper   20%  Project Descriptions: Project #1 – “Working with actors” A directing workshop based on a 2 page script you have written. This will be a two-week project and will serve as your introduction of “what to tell the actors”. No cameras yet. The second part of this project will be a page long summary of your experience working with “actors”. What did you feel were your strengths, weaknesses, and so forth?  Project #2 – “Directing for Camera” The bulk of the semester will be spent on the second project. You will be handed a script from a major motion picture YOU HAVE NOT SEEN as though you are to direct it. You will read the script and decide on a theme. Then you will be assigned a scene. You will break the scene down into moments and beats, cast it, crew it, rehearse it, and shoot it.  Project #4 – A 3-4 page paper (double spaced) on a director of your choice. You will research their philosophies and methods of directing. This paper will be discussed in much more detail as the semester continues.  All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an academic penalty by the course instructor and/or a disciplinary sanction by the University. All students need to be familiar with the Student Conduct Code. The Code is available for review online at http://www.umt.edu/SA/vpsa/index.cfm/page/1339  Schedule: Directing the Fiction Film  Week 1 (Jan 25) Course introduction Writing Assignment Moments, Beats, and Theme  Week 2 (Feb 1) Film Viewing  Week 3 (Feb 8) Scripts, Floorplans, Blocking, Casting  Week 4 (Feb 15) 1st Day of Directing in Production Space  Week 5 (Feb 22) 2nd Day of Directing in Production Space  Week 6 (Feb 29) Review of 1st experience directing Communicating with actors.        Week 7 (Mar 7) Assignment of scene from scripts Introduction of “Where To Put The Camera” Paper Assigned  Week 8 (Mar 14) Shot List/Shot Plot/Story Boards due.  Week 9 (Mar 21) Production Time.   Week 10 (Mar 28) Spring Break  Week 11 (Apr 1-3) Assignment of Paper Film Showing  Week 12 (Apr 8-10) Viewing of Raw footage  Week 13 (Apr 15-17) Group viewings of Rough cuts with Mark, Jeff, Paul and Nick. Discussion to follow.  Week 14 (Apr 22-24) Class discussion regarding directing experience       Week 15 (29-1) Group viewings of Fine Cuts with Mark, Jeff, Paul and Nick. Papers due.  

MAR 355.01: Directing the Fiction Film

https://scholarworks.umt.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1547&context=syllabi1990-2010

MAR 355.01: Directing the Fiction Film

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