Film Production 18-MONTH DIPLOMA PROGRAM. Film Production. Our instructors bring real world knowledge, insight and contacts to your education.

Transcription

1 Our instructors bring real world knowledge, insight and contacts to your education. North Toronto Campus 2000 Steeles Ave. W Concord, ON L4K 4N1 Downtown Campus 10 Dundas St. E, Suite 704 Toronto, ON M5B 2G9 Film Production 18-MONTH DIPLOMA PROGRAM TorontoFilmS1

2 Overview With the explosion of growth in independent film, the Canadian entertainment industry, digital filmmaking and specialty channels on television, graduates of the program are in demand. Right from the start, highly skilled and adaptive film production graduates are well positioned for many creative and exciting career opportunities. The program at Toronto Film School blends both creative and technical skills training to prepare graduates for work as: Directors Producers Cinematographers Editors Cameramen and more Specific courses explore every area of production, from storyboards to studio practices, and include writing, editing, lighting and cinematography, audio, video formats and video production. Students are trained with hands-on camera work starting from the beginning of Term 1. Students benefit from the support and mentorship of faculty who are successful working professionals in their respective fields. Students also enjoy the unique opportunity to collaborate with other Toronto Film school students and instructors in other creative programs, including Writing for Film and Television, Acting for Film, Television and Theatre, as well as Video Game Design and Development and Video Game Design and Animation. The Diploma is now offered at two locations: the downtown Toronto, Dundas Square campus and the North Toronto, Steeles campus. Film production students have the choice to complete their program at the most convenient campus. Learning Outcomes After completing the program, graduates will be able to: Understand the history of the cinema from 1895 to the present day and the history and theory behind audio and video shooting and editing. Explain the difference between various digital video cameras and how they work. Create scripts and storyboards. Understand the art, craft and science of set design. They will know how to build, shoot and strike film sets, including in outdoor environments, with emphasis on planning, camera use and lighting. Understand the importance of working as a team. Use ProTools and Adobe AfterEffects. Use an ARRI camera and an editing package of choice. Display advanced editing, audio, cinematography and lighting skills. Develop and pitch a factual entertainment concept, including creating a short sizzler promo. Understand the latest developments in the new media environment. Explain story structure and know how to write strong dialogue and create characters that work. Direct actors effectively, after gaining knowledge about the role of the actor, including character preparation, dialogue analysis and how and when to use improvisation and script study. Fully understand how to navigate the domestic and international business landscape of TV and film, including emerging markets in mobile, web and video on demand. Understand the legal aspects of their business including copyright law. Understand different avenues and techniques for funding a project, from government and private institutions to raising their own capital. Market themselves and succeed in the industry, including landing job interviews. Display a portfolio of their own work (complete projects from development to post-production), including one short documentary, one narrative film and a final-term capstone project that is festival and distribution ready.

3 Faculty Rick Bennett Director/Producer He is a writer-director-producer and has handled all 3 with style and flair over a career spanning 30 years. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, with a Bachelors of Science in Film and Communications, his career spans all forms of performance and visual arts. His gravelly voice is best known as that of Juggernaut in the famed animated series, X-Men. He has directed several feature length films such as "Balance of Power" and "Hostage for a Day". His Television credits include "Road to Avonlea", "Katts and Dog", "In the Family", "Dog house", "Forever Knight" and "Zaboomafoo". Rick has produced several short venue films and recently produced "The Water" which has been accepted into the Los Angeles Short Film Festival, and has just finished Producing the Feature Film " The Corner Shop" due for release in fall In addition, he has shot over 200 National and International Television Commercials, from Budweiser and MacDonald's to Chevrolet and Kodak. He has won several industry awards including a Clio, a Bessie and a Coq d'or. He has been business partners with several well known industry stars including the late John Candy and musician, Jimmy Buffett. Jeff Hanley Camera/Set Procedure Jeff grew up in Oakville, ON. At an early age his parents recognized that few things could keep his attention. After taking him to the theatre to watch "Follow That Bird" (The Sesame Street Movie) they were astonished to find that not only could he sit through the entire film, but he also stayed on to watch the credits. Movies have taken up most of his time since. Upon graduating high school Jeff went to the Toronto Film School. He took every opportunity to make connections, shoot and produce a variety of students films and finally graduated with a Producer's Awards in Initially Jeff started as an Assistant Director, with high hopes of eventually sitting in the directors chair. He worked on several films and landed his first feature, "The Chair", directed by Brett Sullivan. On theis set, working with DOP Kiarash Sadigh, Jeff found a new interest in the camera and lighting. Jeff has done much work out side the education milieu working as a cinematographer, gaffer and assistant director. His knowledge of the film production business is very broad and current. Bernie MacNeil Cinematographer An award winning cinematographer with more than 40 years experience, Bernie is one of Canada's best known and revered commercial cinematographers. Honoured with countless awards for his work in the business. Bernie's credits included "Thicker than Blood", "Low Flying Duck", "Table for Two" and the Genie nominated short film, "Claire". Recently Bernie Shot the Short film "Solitude", which was nominated at the Los Angeles Short Film Festival and has just completed work on the feature film "The Corner Shop". Bernie is comfortable with both digital and film cameras and has recently done work on the new Red camera system as well as the Sony PMW EX3 and is currently working with the new Canon DSLR's Bernie helped design and Instruct the Lighting and Camera course at the Toronto Film School. Craig McKay Editor Craig McKay began his career in the 90's as an electronic music DJ/Producer, headlining events across North America and signing with Irritant Records, a prominent European record label dedicated to experimental music. In early 2000 he shifted his focus into Film and Television production, becoming the managing creative editor for a European entertainment production house in Amsterdam, Holland. In 2004 he began editing and producing Canadian Television. Since then he has produced and edited shows for Much Music, Slice Network, YTV, HGTV, E Network (Canada and USA), focused mainly on factual entertainment and comedy. His natural gift for project development and storytelling lead him to become a key pilot promo editor for Tricon Film & Television - one of Canada's top ten Gemini Award winning production companies. In 2007 Craig's experience in creative management and film editing earned him a position as an editing instructor for the Toronto Film School where he has since employed and continued to mentor several graduates. Darrel Moen Audio Post Production, Engineer, Producer & Composer Darrel Moen has been part of the entertainment industry for over 35 years. His insatiable appreciation for music began as a child centered with his musical family and an incredibly inspiring Music Teacher who helped guide him through the early years. He naturally continued performing before getting his feet wet in the Studio with the Music Scene of Minneapolis in the 80's. His travels brought him to Toronto where he continued with his music, however was introduced and received his first taste of the Film and Television industry... and has ever since been hooked. The majority of his time has been spent in Post Production... from sound design to the final stages of delivery. Starting his career when Analog was the only choice... Using this true and irreplaceable experience, acquired the understanding of the art and importance of the history of audio. As times change, so must the professional and so he eagerly embraced and has been using Digital Technology to it's fullest capacity available from it's infancy through all the advancements of today while holding on to the purity and honesty in the art form. Darrel has always been in the position of educating others and been an instructor for over 15 years. Together with Rick Bennett and his wonderfully talented and passionate team, helped design, create and build the program at the Toronto Film School.

4 Term One FPT110 AUDIO 1 Audio 1 introduces students to the importance of audio in the film industry with both a theoretical and practical approach. The course focuses on the proper use of tools used to capture and process audio to enhance the final "Audio and Visual" product. Students learn the entire path of the audio process from the initial point of capturing during production, the proper handling during the process of importing and exporting through the various stages and applications of commonly used in the industry. introduced. This course has a theory and hands on studio component. FPT120 EDITING 1 Editing is the creative work of post-production. In this course, students learn the art of telling a story by assembling various shots to create the whole. Students are introduced and learn to use editing software suites. Students also learn the techniques of editing. These techniques are essential for creating meaning and producing the desired emotions from the audience. FPT141 CAMERA & SET PROCEDURE The Camera and Set Procedure course is designed to familiarize the student with how different digital cameras are used throughout the program operate. Students will be exposed to the video village, how it works, main participants and proper camera etiquette. During the course, students will prepare the camera for tests and will be shown how to FPT130 CINEMATOGRAPHY 1 Cinematography is the art of telling a story with the use of light. In this course, students are introduced to the different elements of the set and the set etiquette as it pertains to lighting. Students will learn how to safely manipulate and handle electricity, fixtures and hardware. The basics of three point lighting are FPT140 PRODUCTION 1 Production 1 is an introduction to the basic operation of film and digital shoots. Students will learn to work with actors and other industry personnel to create and edit a simple scene. Students learn techniques, rules and concepts of directing. They also explore the translation of the written word to the screen. This course has a theory and hands on studio component. operate cameras safely yet effectively. Once students have demonstrated a solid understanding of how to operate the equipment successfully and safely, they will have the right to sign out cameras. FPC120 FILM HISTORY 1 Film History 1 explores the history of the cinema from the humble beginnings of film through present day. In focusing on North American cinema, with some European study, the student will learn about the masters of cinema, various genres, and techniques, as well as how the social environment directly impacts film. Upon completion of this course the students will possess an understanding of cinema history, the various genres, and the manner in which the industry works. Students will learn various aspects of cinematic language and understand the early and modern advances in film history.

5 Term Two FPC110 SCRIPTS 1 Scripts 1 introduces students the basic format of the screenplay characters, dialogue, scenes, and sequences. Students create complex, layered characters, who speak naturally, without story exposition. Students write a scene that imparts information and reveals character through subtext - telling the audience what they want them to know with activity - as subtly and naturally as possible. The conflict within a scene is stressed, as is the protagonist/antagonist relationship, and the ultimate scene resolution. Students also write a second scene in sequence, discussing audience expectations, and the possibility of going against these expectations to build interest and create a more compelling narrative. FPT210 AUDIO 2 Audio 2 explores the history of music in motion picture and its use in the film industry. Students examine historical and present day examples of music composition and composers. The focus is on the how the presence of music or lack thereof, enhances the experience of film. Using various audio editing suites students explore the concept of making better choices during the creation, editing and placement of music to motion picture. FPT220 EDITING 2 Editing 2 builds on the basics introduced in Editing 1. The course focuses on intermediate editing techniques with a focus on style, gloss and presentation. Students experiment with their work and the work of others and receive continuous feedback on how to edit effectively to create a storyline. Students study the interplay between music and the image and how to produce the desired rhythm. The student s main work in this course will focus on the editing of a music video. FPT230 CINEMATOGRAPHY 2 Cinematography 2 builds on the fundamentals of Cinematography 1, with a focus on using the features of the camera, especially the 16mm film camera. Students will learn the camera systems, including loading and unloading, color temperatures, and reading light meters. Students will continue to experiment with lighting and the safe distribution of power. Upon completion of this course, students will have comparable knowledge and skill of a 2nd or 3rd camera assistant. FPT240 PRODUCTION 2 Production 2 builds on the skills learned in Production 1. Students focus on the staples of the film making industry; marketing and promotional media including; music video (standard and EPK Electronic Press Kits), commercials, corporate and training videos, Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and live event coverage. Students will pitch creative ideas and see those ideas through to production. Students will learn to cultivate relationships with clients and gain confidence in their film making abilities. FPC210 WORKING WITH ACTORS Working with Actors will give students a basic understanding of the art of acting, which will include character preparation, dialogue analysis, and the how and when to utilize improvisation and script study. Students in the program need to learn about acting to better communicate with actors when making films. Upon completion of the course students will have an understanding of how the actor works. This will better prepare students to direct actors in both their projects and professional work.

6 Term Three FPC221 SCRIPTS 2 Scripts 2 focuses on story arc and the three act structure; students learn the fundamental points in a story, including inciting incident, plot point 1 (commitment), plot point 2 (reversal), climax and resolution. With this structural knowledge, students create a beat sheet for a 7-12 page short film that contains rising action leading to a climax where the lead character is confronted with their ultimate dilemma. Students then go on to write a treatment for their film including details of what each character is thinking, and the subtext that is being implied. Finally, students write a draft of their script, with a focus on building tension and holding audience interest. FPT310 AUDIO 3 Audio 3 is an in-depth study of the practice and critical role of dialogue in motion pictures. Past and present examples are used to explore the difference between dialogue, dialogue replacement (ADR) and voice over (V/O) narration. Students learn to correct and enhance the existing dialogue from production. Students will use the onsite recording booth with Pro Tools to learn proper procedures of recording, editing and placement of both ADR and V/O into the original dialogue audio. FPT320 EDITING 3 Editing 3 provides students with the opportunity to explore how to drive context through carefully creating emotional experiences. This mind play is achieved by studying concepts such as tethering, the audience as a willing versus unwilling participant, and principles of hypnosis. The student s editing skill is honed further by practicing on their work produced in production calls. FPT330 CINEMATOGRAPHY 3 In Cinematography 3 students gain proficiency with the use of the 16mm. Students are introduced to the 35mm camera which they will learn to assemble and disassemble. Students explore concepts such as focus pulling, depth of fields, latitudes and dolly movement. Students work with colour gels and contrast ratios to make colour corrections for sharp and vibrant imagery. Upon completion of this course students complete a project using the 16mm camera. FPT340 PRODUCTION 3 Production 3 provides an introduction the fundamentals of documentary production and approaches to documentary storytelling. Students will be guided through various production as well as post-production techniques. Working in groups, students will explore documentary techniques through relevant assignments carried out in labs. The final product of this course will be a short documentary film. FPC222 FACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT Factual entrainment has evolved through Reality to Docu-Drama and now Factual Entertainment. It is by far one of the fastest growing segments of the television broadcast market. In Factual Entertainment, the students focus on developing and pitching an original Factual Entertainment concept. Students will be guided through the process of creating a story, episode structure, casting the central personalities, how to budget the production and packaging the overall proposal. The central project will be the production of a short sizzler to present to broadcasters and producers. Lab assignments will familiarize students with the production skills needed to create an effective sizzler promo. FPT250 AFTER EFFECTS Generating effects are quickly becoming a mainstay of today s films. The overall objective of After Effects is to give the students a general overview of After Effects software. Students learn to create and manipulate after effects and use them accordingly. Students learn how to use the interface and how to create compositions, layer basics and layer transformation properties, as well as create and view masks and use multiple masks. Other properties and techniques of After Effects are explored.

7 Term Four FPT410 AUDIO 4 Audio 4 takes a comprehensive look into the complicated yet important relationship sound effects and foley has with both dialogue and visual components. Students study examples of both the history and present day practices of creating and using effects (sound effects, foley and ambience) and explore the last remaining elements of audio post production. In this course, students learn to record effects using both onsite recording booth and zoom recorders while at the same time learning how to use stock effects libraries to enhance the overall soundtrack of the motion picture. Students begin to plan the audio components of their capstone production course in term five. FPT420 EDITING 4 Editing 4 focuses on the philosophies of storytelling, what it means to tell a story, what it means to manipulate people s emotions and what it means to be an artist/filmmaker from an editing perspective. Upon successfully completing Editing 4, students will develop a thorough understanding of the tools and technology used in the basic Online Editing process. Using professional colour-correction software, students will learn the skills required to make their footage look consistent and professional. Students will learn how to build, design, and present an effective demo reel on DVD and BluRay. FPT430 CINEMATOGRAPHY 4 Cinematography 4 is a culmination of all the skills learned in the previous Cinematography courses. Students are involved in location shoots, responsible for coordinating props and wardrobe. Students will use camera filters, neutral density, special effects, and variations in shutter angle and speed, and exposure compensation techniques in order to tell a story through the use of light. The final outcome of this course is a 10 minute film that will become a demo reel. FPT440 PRODUCTION 4 Production 4 focuses on preproduction; namely, the start of the movie making process. Students explore the logistics of planning and preparing for production. Students work with various documents used in the industry, ranging from shot lists, equipment lists, call sheets, daily reports and budgets. The final product in this course is a shot movie challenge where students bring the creative and business aspects together. This course has a theory and hands on studio component. FPC223 PRODUCTION DESIGN Production Design introduces the student to the art, craft and science of professional film and television art direction. The focus is to create the physical look of the story and its environment. The course provides students with a basic understanding and working knowledge of the principals of design in the process of western filmmaking. This course provides students with the knowledge to create a cohesive design that will weave through the film and advance the director s vision in creating a unique look for the film. FPT411 FILM PRODUCTION underlines the preproduction process. It is designed to teach students what elements are required in preproduction, how to acquire these elements and how to put these elements together as a package presentation for their upcoming 5th term project competition. Students will learn the production values that are essential to producing a short film.

8 Term Five FPT540 PRODUCTION 5 Production 5 is a capstone course where students are mentored through the process of creating a final film. Previously selected projects will be produced in this course and students participate in various roles of the production team; such are director, cinematographer, gaffer, and depending on the assignment. The creative and the business aspect of film production is emphasized through student interaction and collaborative production Students hold regular production meetings; work collaboratively as a team and with their faculty mentor. This course has both a theory and studio component. FPB410 DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING Distribution and Marketing introduces the filmmaking student to the business side of a film, and enables them to formulate production and distribution choices about projects and business partners. The student will understand the TV sales process and the global marketplace in which they will be working. Students will use the language of TV sales, create effective sell sheets, develop a sales forecast, and a marketing and promotional plan. Students learn to identify accessible and profitable markets, have a greater understanding of the domestic and international film and TV landscape, and understand the emerging markets in mobile, web and video on demand. FPB412 FINANCE FOR FILM AND TV Financing is often one of the most elusive yet, necessary parts of the filmmaking process. Students learn the proper language / terms and become familiar with the different types of funding available, at different levels of the government as well as private institutions. They will also become familiar with the different stipulations and approaches required by each, in order to access these funds. Students explore the different avenues and techniques for raising their own capital as well as the different techniques of financing a project. FPB413 FILM CONTRACT/COPYRIGHT The goal of Film Contract / Copyright is to understand what a copyright is, what it is needed for, and how one goes about obtaining it. We will be looking at the essential provisions of copyright law, focusing on its terms, coverage, exclusive rights, ownership and payments. Canada is continually changing our copyright laws as they pertain to writing, music and intelligent properties in general; students will learn about these changes. We will also be looking at the different kinds of contracts required in the industry; what is required, when it is required and what the basic terms and principals of the contracts are, when you need a lawyer and when you don t.

9 Term Six FPT610 POST AUDIO The first four audio courses examined the history of audio in motion picture, special effects and audio in the pre-production and production process. The Post Audio course is a complete study of the post production process. Students journey through the final stages of post production to mix and deliver to make a final soundtrack according to festival specification. FPB610 PORTFOLIO/CAREER DEVELOPMENT The Portfolio/ Career Development course will strengthen career seeking strategies, hone students pitch skills and introduce interview strategies and industry expectations. Students develop the ability to promote themselves, their work and to secure financing for their projects. The nature of unions, guilds and associations will be presented, as well as agents and what they have to offer. Students learn the steps necessary to form a production company. Students compile all their major works completed within the program and with assistance create an industry ready portfolio package. FPB414 NEW MEDIA FOR FILMMAKERS New Media for Filmmakers is designed to focus on all new forms of media that students will encounter upon graduation as it pertains to the industry. This is very relevant today, as the technology in the film business is changing quickly and drastically. This is a discovery course and relies heavily on the use of professional guest speakers to bring the latest developments to our students. FPC211 INTERNATIONAL FILM HISTORY International Film History is designed as an overview of the cinema, outside of North America. It is an introduction to some of the great masters of world cinema and their contribution to the cinematic art form. Student will gain insight into the greater knowledge of the contribution the world has given to cinema art. Students will be introduced to the difference between personal vision and cultural imperatives. Students will be able to explore and pursue models of storytelling and narrative outside of North American conventions. FPB620 BUDGET/ SCHEDULING/ FINAL PROJECT ON TIME, ON BUDGET, is the mission of all film projects. Budget/Scheduling/Final Project is the backbone to successfully produce a project, from full length feature films to a short film or corporate videos. The objective is to learn the art of creating a realistic shooting budget and a shooting schedule that compliments the budget. Students learn different types software to help them create budgets and schedules. They learn how to breakdown a script, create long budgets and shooting budgets, stripboards, and scheduling variables and dovetailing. This course has a lab component where the students create a complete project budget and schedule, either based on their own 5th term project or a project of their choice; the completed project will be part of the student s portfolio and ready for industry viewing. The Toronto Film School at the RCC Institute of Technology offers diplomas in Writing for Film & TV, Acting for Film, TV & Theatre, Film Production, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing & Merchandising, Interior Decoration, Video Game Design & Animation, Video Game Design & Development and Graphic Design & Interactive Media. The Toronto Film School has been offering quality education since For more information call or visit