Making Short Films: A Practical and Complete Guide from Script to Screen

The general objective of this programme is to provide students with basic technical and creative skills, complemented by the requisite knowledge and understanding of the techniques and disciplines of producing a short film.

Entry Requirements

Camcorder / tapes

Programme Content

Session 1

Welcome and introduction to the course: Assessment criteria and expectations.
Brief overview of the basic steps of film production
Scripts and the Screen writing process:

• The importance of a good script.
• What makes a good story?
• The different types of film genres.
• The three-act story structure.
• Key elements of a screenplay and screenplay formats.
• Do’s and Dont’s.
• Drafting the film treatment.

The Production Team – Roles and Responsibilities
The class will be divided into production teams. Each team will have their first production
meeting during this class session. The objective is to first identify the roles each member will
play in the production of a ten-minute short film. Secondly the team will decide on a genre
and film idea. At the end of the production meeting each team will present a brief synopsis
of their production idea to the class, with a more thorough treatment to be submitted at the
beginning of the following session.

Session 2

Scripts and the Screen writing process (continued):

• Script styles, submission scripts, and shooting scripts.
• Scriptwriting DO’s and Dont’s and other common issues.

Scriptwriting Practical:
The Treatment will be reviewed and feedback given, followed by the class using the
remainder of the class to work on their scripts as a group. The finished script is to be
submitted via email no later than three days before the next class.

Session 3

Feedback on scripts will be given at the beginning of this class.
Pre- Production:

• The responsibilities of each production role.
• Storyboards and their purpose.
• Storyboarding techniques.
• The importance of the shot list.
• Location scouting and the elements of a location survey.
• The six steps of creating a shooting/production schedule.
• 10 tips for proper film casting.
• Legal issues in film production.

The remainder of the class will be used by the groups to remedy any problems with their
scripts and/or create a storyboard based on their approved scripts.

Session 4

Production Techniques (Camera):

• Basic video camera overview.
• Important camera controls.
• Proper videography techniques, movements, and rules.
• Shot types and shot framing.
• Depth of field and the rule of thirds.
• Shooting for movies and short films.
• Common errors in capturing video footage.

Based on their approved scripts, groups will use the remainder of the class to formulate a
shot list to be submitted by the end of the class.

Session 5

Production Techniques (Lighting):

• A basic overview of light and its properties.
• The importance of light and lighting to capturing good footage.
• The capabilities and limitations of video cameras.
• Different types of light use in videography and film.
• Lighting controls and devices.
• The basic three point lighting setup.
• Advanced lighting techniques.

Each group will utilize the remainder of the class to create a tentative shooting schedule.
Assignment: Use the days between this and the next class session to scout for locations
which would be suitable for your production. Prepare a location survey for each one
selected.

Session 6

Presentation of location surveys
Production Techniques (Audio):

• An overview of audio principles.
• The different types of microphones and their uses.
• Pick-up patterns and monitoring sound.
• Tips to capturing broadcast quality audio.
• The role of music and natural sound.

The remainder of this class will be used to give demonstrations of the three production
categories (camera, lighting, and audio). Students will be afforded the opportunity to put
into practice the concepts taught in the previous classes. Any issues regarding production
will also be addressed during this time.
Assignment: Based on your approved treatment and decisions arrived at during production
meetings, use the days between this and the next class session to shoot all required
footage.

Session 7

Video editing 1 :

• The precepts of digital video editing.
• The facts about hardware and software.
• Introduction to Adobe Premiere Pro.
• Creating a new sequence.
• Digitizing and importing footage and other items.
• Playing, marking, and trimming of clips.
• Use of the toolbar.
• Inserting clips into the timeline.

For the remainder of the class, the class will practice editing a basic interview using footage
provided by the lecturer.

Session 8

Video editing 2:

• Transitions and Video Effects
• Adding Music and Sound Effects
• Titles and Graphics
• Key framing and basic animation.
• Finalizing and Outputting

Session 9

This class session will be spent recording narration if
needed, digitizing footage and importing additional
media if needed.

Session 10

Each team will assemble a rough cut of their production
which will be screened and either greenlighted or given
instructions for revision before moving on to the next
stage.

Session 11

Teams will use this class session for their online edit at
the end of which the production will be finalized and
exported to DVD.

Session 12

Screening Day

Registration Information

* Please note that all information is subject to change. It is advisable to confirm all information before registration.
* Registration for all Short Media courses can be done at the Champs Fleurs, Port-of-Spain, Trincity or San Fernando Campus.
* Payment of fees can be made by linx, credit card or cheque.
* An administration fee of $100.00 is payable on all registrations.
* A late fee of $20 will apply on registrations within 1 week of commencement of class.
* A Certificate of participation is awarded to each participant upon satisfying 80% attendance of classes and/or any exam or course-work assigned by lecturer.

Schedule