CINEMATIC ARTS

Students will study the styles and techniques of influential directors and acting coaches through film analysis and scene work with the goal of creating and executing strong performances aligned with one’s directorial vision.  The art of directing will be broken down into script analysis, performance preparation and planning, on set communication with crew members and actors, and post production communication with editors, sound designers and composers.

Screenwriting I is designed to develop the beginning story-tellers voice through idea development, the creation of log lines, synopsis’, and pitching and execution of a short form screenplay. Format and structure will be explored by examining existing screenplays and how they translate to the screen. Objectives will include meeting the student's commitment to festival submission.

Students will explore the language of the camera and learn to utilize and control the visual elements of: composition, lighting, tone, color and camera movement.  Students will become intimately familiar with the Cinematic Arts Department’s equipment including, cameras, lenses and additional camera supports.  Students will study the work of accomplished cinematographers and be introduced to techniques used by directors of photography designed to heighten audience experience and engagement as well as enhance the emotional resonance of visual storytelling.

Students will learn concepts, theories, and skills in capturing audio for cinema. Students will learn how to work with different departments within a production to get the best audio possible from each scenario.  Students will receive on-the-job training through the repetition of varying scenarios in the field.  We will briefly study the science of acoustics and the art of recording. This will be a part of our two (2) exams throughout the year. Throughout the course, students will use Logic X and be exposed to digital recording techniques, composition skills, as well as how to collaborate and realize a director’s vision.

Students will learn concepts, theories, and skills in curating music for cinema. They will achieve this goal by creating a working cinematic score through the development of integral communication skills and by swapping between the roles of composer and director. In addition, students will learn about music videos, musicals, visual albums, and other forms of art combining music and motion pictures.  Students will receive on-the-job training throughout the production of their projects with the repetition of production tasks and procedures and access to their own music station. We will briefly study the history of music for cinema in order to understand the important musical scores that have shaped today’s movies. Throughout the course, students will use Logic X to be exposed to digital recording techniques, composition skills, as well as how to collaborate and realize a director’s vision.

Students will work with professional actors and participate in conversations with casting directors in order to gain increased understanding of character development, acting/directing techniques and the casting process.  Students will learn the intricacies of breaking down a script and learn effective methods to properly communicate with actors with the goal of enhancing their ability to successfully articulate and execute their directorial vision.

Students will work in groups to create short form content for the Cinematic Arts Department’s social media and online platforms including, Vimeo, YouTube, Instagram and SoundCloud pages. Instructional videos, and content that highlights social and pop culture commentary will be produced to share knowledge as well as develop and increase online engagement and viral presence.

This course consists of hands-on practice with the department’s high-end cameras and production equipment.  This is a required course that will deepen students’ confidence and awareness when handling and utilizing equipment and provide an in-depth overview of proper procedures and on-set safety measures.  The course will focus heavily on peer critiques and reviews, class readings, technical seminars, and informal lectures on photographic histories and contemporary practices, with an emphasis on the history and contemporary use of digital photography.

This course will use current and classic Films, TV shows and both short and long form media programs to study, examine and dissect story, characters (protagonist vs antagonist), story structure, use of visual style, cinematography, editing, music, sound effects and CGI. Starting with script readings (when available) and the viewing of the final produced product. This will create an environment where students can openly discuss and analyze Cinema, TV and media content from a critical and theoretical perspective.  This course will deepen student knowledge of the production process, from conception to completion, and enhance students’ understanding of the necessary elements that make popular and successful content media work.

Global Producing is a class that encompasses all aspects of producing and how to produce for all forms of the cinematic experience. From traditional producing that involves Films and TV, to producing in the modern era with Digital Video Content, VR, and Content Producing.  Global Producing analyzes all forms of producing and how to approach them as creators. Global Producing will also focus on the universal fundamentals such as budgeting, scheduling, logistics handling, team management, packaging, business, law, marketing and creative storytelling. Furthermore, Global Producing will also focus on philosophical and theoretical approaches to producing that will lay a foundation to allow the Producer to be able to produce in a rapidly changing cinematic landscape. Upon completion of the course students should be able to gain the understanding of how a producer approaches all types of projects and then take action to perform duties as a professional Producer.

Students will continue the process of working with professional actors and participate in conversations with casting directors in order to gain increased understanding of character development, acting/directing techniques and the casting process.  Students will learn advanced techniques and effective methods of communicating with actors with the goal of enhancing their ability to successfully articulate and execute their directorial vision.

Students will learn screenwriting techniques for creating original and adapted theatrical scripts.  This course will focus on group discussions, peer critiques, constructive criticism, and table reads with an emphasis on narrative story structure. Students will explore tools for inspiration when battling writer’s block, as well as gain repetitive practice in the rewriting process while incorporating script notes.

Third year screenwriting students will begin to explore the full-length screenplay, structure paradigms, developing subtext in dialogue and character development. Additional focus will be on the rewrite process to integrate notes and raise the level of execution. Lab time and one-on-one sessions will be included to allow guidance for festival projects. 

This course presents an overview of the real-world aspects of producing as practiced in the various sectors of the entertainment industry from pre-production through post-production. The class will simulate different scenarios a producer deals with throughout their career. Topics will include: Content Creation, pitching and selling ideas, creating a pitch deck, interactions with crew members, on-set etiquette, on-set paperwork, securing locations, permits, insurance, and funding, script breakdown and scheduling using Movie Magic, budgeting, post-production logistics, submitting into festivals and Production Booklets (creative and logistic).  Upon completion of the course, students should be able to understand various stages of production, from the creative aspect to the logistics. Students should understand all of the paperwork necessary for pre-production as well as demonstrate knowledge of Movie Magic Budgeting and Scheduling. Students will be required to create a production book demonstrating their ability to produce a short film of their own.

Production III will guide students through all phases of production from conception to completion on their short film submissions to the various Cinematic Arts Film Festivals.  This lab style class will provide students with the opportunity to collaborate with one another under the guidance and tutelage of their instructor.  The course will incorporate peer reviews and critiques on script development, dallies, and rough cuts of students’ short films with the goal of enhancing and refining students’ visual storytelling abilities.

Thesis Prep 4 will offer one-on-one and class exercises as well as lab time for 4th-year students to develop and refine their thesis projects. Idea development will focus on original ideas as well as adapting existing IP into screenplay format and aid in the pre-production, filming, and post-production processes. Class interaction will include live readings and class discussion to help in using feedback constructively.

Students will continue hone screenwriting techniques for creating original and adapted theatrical scripts, while also mastering the art of verbally pitching their ideas.   This course will focus on group discussions, peer critiques, constructive criticism, and table reads with an emphasis on narrative story structure. Students will explore various methods for creating and organizing pitch materials with the goal of getting their work financed or “greenlit”.

The first semester of this course is designed to support, advise and assist seniors as they organize, prepare and compile all of the elements required for college applications, including, but not limited to, letters of recommendations, essays, reels and short film portfolios. The second semester of this course will be a lab class that will aid and advise students in the best practices in transitioning from high school to college, as well as highlight and explore methods to increase professional advancement, such as internships, mentorships and networking opportunities. 

Students will continue to explore the language of the camera and deepen their control and utilization of the visual elements of: composition, lighting, tone, color and camera movement.  Students will increase their familiarity and practice with the Cinematic Arts Department’s equipment including, cameras, lenses and additional camera supports.  Students will study the work of accomplished cinematographers and be introduced to techniques used by directors of photography designed to heighten audience experience and engagement as well as enhance the emotional resonance of visual storytelling.

This lecture/workshop style class is the LACHSA Cinematic Arts Department’s version of “Inside the Actors’ Studio”.  This course will provide students with the rare opportunity to intimately converse and learn from industry professionals in a candid, Q & A format. Depending on the guest, students will have the opportunity to have their worked critiqued and have feedback provided by visiting professionals.