CCA CLASSES

The following classes are available at CFS through the Community College of Aurora. For more information, visit the Community College of Aurora website.

FVT/FVM 105 - VIDEO PRODUCTION I

This introduction to visual storytelling provides students with the opportunity to identify the components and explore the expressive visual elements that compromise narrative motion pictures. Students work in groups and/or pairs structuring and shooting exercises and original projects to be edited in FVT/FVM 160 (which must be taken concurrently). With an emphasis on creating emotional connections between character and audience, this course will help students learn techniques to create and illustrate effective and dimensional stories.  Students will also learn the art of collaboration, which is necessary for film production.

FVT/FVM 114 - VOICE & ARTICULATION FOR THE SCREEN I AND AMERICAN DIALECTS

Instructs the student voice and articulation techniques for use on camera.  The course includes instruction in vocal placement, breath control, the international phonetics alphabet (IPA) and an introduction to dialect work focusing on American dialects.  Students will demonstrate comprehension and application of vocal technique and sound modification. Students will explore historical immigration trends insofar as they inform dialects throughout the United States and cultural effects on language and sound creation.  Students will analyze how vocal production and sound supports story and character development.

FVT/FVM 117 - UNDERSTANDING THE ACTOR'S PROCESS

Explores the actor's process with an emphasis on developing supportive and effective collaborations with other actors, directors and crew members. Applies techniques and acting theory to production and teaches basic terminology for actors in the screen environment. Introduces improvisation, script and character analysis, rehearsal process and protocol.

FVT/FVM 118 - SCREEN ACTOR IMPROVISATION TECHNIQUES

This course builds on FVT/FVM 117 Understanding the Actor’s Process, and is designed for students with an interest and aptitude for on-camera performance. The course continues to explore the teachings of Stanislavski as his system relates to creating believable and realistic characters and applying that knowledge to develop roles for the screen.

FVT/FVM 136 - SHORT SCRIPT ANALYSIS

Introduces short subject script analysis and emphasizes critical thinking in regards to story technique and subtext behind the writers work. Students will identify and demonstrate an understanding of the methods of script analysis and translate knowledge into new context by summarizing, describing, interpreting, discussing and evaluating the three to forty minute short narrative, experimental, documentary, and animation scripts and films.

FVT/FVM 150 - DEVELOPMENT OF FILM EXPRESSION

Examines the nature and structure of Film/Video expression, concentrating on the way directors, editors, and cinematographers use visual techniques to serve the narrative. Students watch films in their entirety and then analyze them for their lighting, composition, camera position, movement, lens, depth of field, use of screen space, placement of performers, and editing techniques.

FVT/FVM 153 - INTRODUCTION TO FILM PRODUCTION

Introduces students to the study of motion picture photography as a means of communication as well as the processes and considerations involved in 16mm film production. Covers film stock, laboratory and processing, crew positions and responsibilities, audio, lighting and exposure considerations. Students will apply both the creative and technical aspects of cinematography and demonstrate their artistry and collaborative skill with a final class project.

FVT/FVM 155 - WRITING THE SHORT SCRIPT

Introduces short script writing where students conceptualize, write, rewrite, and polish their own scripts throughout the course building a portfolio for use in student productions. The course covers several writing techniques including the principles of construction, the role of subtext, creating dynamic characters, and the difference in theory between shorts and features.

FVT/FVM 160 - VIDEO POST PRODUCTION I

Introduces the basic concepts and skills of video post production with an emphasis on non-linear editing. The student will demonstrate comprehension of basic editing techniques to enhance visual storytelling. The student will learn to critically analyze shot construction, motion and composition in storytelling and character development for the films and exercises they shoot in FVT/FVM 105 Video Production I.

FVT/FVM 164 - INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL EDITING: FINAL CUT PRO

Introduces the basic concepts and skills of non-linear editing using Final Cut Pro. The student will demonstrate comprehension in various editing techniques and apply the acquired knowledge to exercises in the class. The student will analyze other editor's works for aesthetic and technical merit and develop an understanding of industry standards and expectations. Capturing, outputting, and software integration are covered.

FVT/FVM 165 - DIGITAL EDITING: AVID

Introduces the basic concepts and skills of non-linear editing using Avid Media Composer. The student will gain facility in digitizing, compression, inputting, outputting, and software integration as well as the principles of nonlinear editing. The student will demonstrate comprehension in various editing techniques and apply the acquired knowledge to exercises in the class.

FVT/FVM 181 - TOPICS IN FILM STUDIES

Surveys different genres, cultures, and movements, students will watch films and analyze within historical, social, and aesthetic contexts. Various topics may include Soviet Cinema, The Musical, Film Noir, Silent Cinema, Contemporary Global Cinema, etc.

FVT/FVM 183 - ITALIAN NEO-REALISM AND FRENCH NEW WAVE CINEMA

An examination of the Post War movements that revitalized world cinema and moved production out of the studios and into the streets. Students will identify components and analyze methods, concepts and theories. Stresses the work of Rossellini, De Sica, Goddard, Truffaut, and Renais.

FVT/FVM 184 - LANDMARKS OF CINEMA

Students examine and analyze standout films of popular cinema from the last few decades with inquiry into what makes them rise above their peers. Students evaluate the films and research and interpret the work of individual film makers whose work interests them.

FVT/FVM 185 - THE DOCUMENTARY FILM

An overview of the subject, with an emphasis on the historical development of the documentary film. Classroom visits with local documentary filmmakers, analysis of documentary techniques, finding the story and the challenges of the medium.

FVT/FVM 186 - THE HORROR FILM

Provides an overview, history, and examination of the horror genre. Students will analyze films from a variety of perspectives: drama, history, culture, and film aesthetics and techniques. The approach will be by sub-genre, i.e. Vampires, Mad Scientists, Zombies, etc.

FVT/FVM 187 - THE SCIENCE FICTION FILM

Provides an overview, history, and examination of science fiction movies, the ultimate "what if" films. Students will analyze films from a variety of perspectives: drama, history, culture, and film aesthetics and techniques. The approach will be by sub-genre, i.e. space travel, time travel, etc.

FVT/FVM 188 - THE COMEDY FILM

Provides an overview, history, and examination of the film comedy genre. Students will analyze films from a variety of perspectives; drama, history, culture and film aesthetics and techniques. Examines both style (Farce, Social Satire, Parody, etc.), and performers (Chaplin, Keaton, Fields, Marx Brothers, etc.), moving chronologically.

FVT/FVM 200 - VIDEO PRODUCTION II

Engages students in more advanced productions, helping them to develop and demonstrate a mastery of the many skills necessary to make effective and successful films. Translates knowledge, methods and concepts developed in previous courses, into a creative, problem solving learn-by-doing filmmaking experience.

FVT/FVM 202 - FILM/VIDEO BUSINESS

Introduces students to the basic principles of business and how they apply to the motion picture industry. The course covers a broad assortment of topics including new venture creation, intellectual property, accounting and finance. These topics are then applied to specific events or organizations inside of the industry to build context.

FVT/FVM 204 - ART DIRECTION

Introduces the historical and organizational role of the Art Director, script analysis technique, the research and pre-visualization process, and the parameters of the set. Students will explore the emotional content of artistic choices in regards to set, props, wardrobe and makeup. Analysis of character development and the characters' relationship to the space and the physical elements of the set will be explored. Students will learn to apply color and texture to support the story and character on a student production.

FVT/FVM 205 - CAMERA TECHNIQUES

The narrative importance of different camera angles, movements, and focal planes are analyzed. Students will examine how video and 16mm film cameras work, and various techniques used in composition and the acquisition of images. Students will demonstrate and apply technique by shooting specific exercises both in and out of class.

FVT/FVM 206 - FILM/VIDEO LIGHTING

Lighting design and aesthetics in interior, exterior, location and studio settings. Students will examine and analyze photographic and motion picture lighting and plan, design and implement their re-creation. Students will then demonstrate and apply technique by shooting specific exercises both in and out of class.

FVT/FVM 207 - DIRECTING WORKSHOP

This class is a workshop focusing on the directing process, specifically: interpretation of the script, working with actors, rehearsal, blocking for camera, preparation for shooting, camera motivation and dynamics. Our focus will be on directing actors, playable direction, script analysis, scene breakdown and rehearsal, actor preparation, improvisation as a tool and shot selection.

FVT/FVM 208 - SOUND FOR FILM/VIDEO

This introduction to sound for film and video provides instruction on acquisition of audio on location and post-production methods. Students will apply the techniques and tools discussed in class to practical exercises and group environments. Students will analyze sound information to prepare projects for the post-production process and learn to synthesize the acquired results with the visual elements of the story to enhance the emotional impact of a piece. Students will be introduced to sweetening techniques, musical compositions and Foley.

FVT/FVM 209 - PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

This course teaches students how to plan, schedule, and budget for a feature length film or television pilot using Scheduling and Budgeting software. Students will use critical thinking to arrange and divide the script and learn how to predict, calculate, and estimate for insurance requirements, unions and guilds, and basic accounting to complete a professional industry budget and schedule ready for production.

FVT/FVM 211 - STUDIO RECORDING FOR VOICE

Instructs the student in preparation and performance of song and dialogue for the screen. This course includes instruction on preparation and performance on camera and in the studio including studio protocol, microphone techniques, ADR and voicing animated characters. Students will explore sound and its effect on emotion and character and apply acquired techniques to support the story as defined visually.

FVT/FVM 212 - CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL CINEMA

Students will explore some of the major themes and currents in filmmaking from around the globe during the past 40 years including differences between local traditions and transnational industrial and artistic practices, forces of globalization on a culture and its films, and historical and cultural context of the production and reception of individual films. Students will explore the concepts of global cinema, first, second, and third cinema, third-world cinema, and counter cinema.

FVT/FVM 213 - CINEMATOGRAPHY

Cinematography elucidates the integration of lighting, camera movement, visual aesthetics and actor blocking necessary for narrative development and character revelation in the translation of script to screen. This course focuses on how entire scenes may captured in a single dynamic camera movement ("sequence shot") that enhances the dramatic presentation of narrative flow and character arc through exploration of the three dimensional set of the scene and its interpretation to the two dimensional space of the screen.

FVT/FVM 214 - PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTARY PRODUCTION

The Professional Documentary Production class allows students to propose, research, write and shoot their own original documentary projects, or to engage in the work with non-profit clients in a professional documentary production program that can lead to federal scholarships upon the completion of 350 hours of work.

FVT/FVM 215 - VIDEO POST PRODUCTION II

Instructs students in editing techniques using footage shot in FVT 200 Production II and from assigned footage. Students will explore various exercises to learn control and comprehension of digital editing and storytelling and to apply these techniques to the completion of a final edit for Production II. Students will continue to use and gain mastery over non-linear editing systems including an introduction to audio post production, music creation and placement and color correction. Students will learn to evaluate footage and edit pieces with strong character development and strong narrative structure.

FVT/FVM 216 - PRODUCING THE INDEPENDENT FILM

Introduces students to the basic principles of producing the independent feature film. Students will further develop their feature film premise by creating a business plan which includes marketing, financing, and distribution as well as measuring, analyzing and assessing the industry, box office, markets and risk factors. Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared to present their project to prospective investors.

FVT/FVM 217 - ACTING FOR THE SCREEN

This advanced, third-level acting course is designed for students who want to learn professional skills. Course will provide the students with enhanced acting abilities to develop multiple skills regarding the creation of dramatic characters. Students will learn set protocol, film technology and logistics.

FVT/FVM 218 - ACTOR MOVEMENT AND ACTION

This first level is an introduction to skills that will bring basic movement awareness. This course is designed to expand concepts of movement specifically for film acting by developing a metaphoric language to apply to characterization and enhance the student's general physical ability, observational skills, and confidence when acting.

FVT/FVM 219 - SCREEN PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP

This class offers opportunity to perform in advanced student productions and professional projects in this capstone course for the Acting for the Screen Certificate Program. Students will perform a variety of roles, demonstrating ability to create believable characters with convincing through lines. Student will apply textual analysis and character development to performances in this workshop environment. The performances developed in this course will be evaluated and edited into a actor's reel as a component of their professional resume.

FVT/FVM 220 - 16MM PRODUCTION

Students pitch scripts to class and instructor for selection as 16mm projects, then crew and produce them. Emphasis will be placed on student’s ability to tell a compelling story visually, including familiarity with the continuity style of the contemporary movie and a heightened awareness of composition and traditional three-dimensional design, while remaining open to and aware of more avant-garde and experimental forms and approaches.

FVT/FVM 227 - HISTORY OF ACTING

A chronological education of acting styles, focusing first on acting and storytelling of the ancient world then studying individual achievements in acting methods still used today.

FVT/FVM 228 - ACTOR MOVEMENT & ACTION II

This class continues the student’s training of physical-based acting techniques. Through the innovative techniques learned in Movement I, students are challenged weekly to expand previous trainings of performance and expression. Introduction of basic stuntwork will be illustrated and choreography will also be trained. Techniques that will be used include: Mudra Space Awareness, Five Element Acting, and meisner-based exercises.

FVT/FVM 229 - PRODUCTION PREPARATION

Presents a rigorous overview in development and pre-production for Production III projects. Students will analyze, rewrite and polish short scripts in development for production as well as formulate, plan and prepare by scheduling, budgeting, and casting their projects in preparation for production.

FVT/FVM 236 - CREATIVE PRODUCING

This course introduces the role of the creative producer contrasting historical and contemporary roles. Students will assess, analyze, and compare scripts at the conceptual level in story development to plan, predict, estimate, and design a script from conception through pre-production, production and post-production on a student film project. Student will also begin development on a feature film project by evaluating ideas from magazines, newspapers, novels, short stories, and screenplays. Emphasis will be on the creative process of story development and pre-production as it relates to the craft of producing.

FVT/FVM 248 - POST PRODUCTION SOUND

The Post Production Sound course continues instruction on the theories and technical aspects of editing, mixing, mastering, and audio synchronization to video and film. Students will evaluate footage acquired on location and work with digital audio workstations to fix problems and create "clean" dialogue and location sounds. The student will be introduced to Automatic Dialogue Replacement and recording audio for video sync. Students will continue to learn to synthesize audio elements (dialogue, music and effects) with the visual elements of the story to enhance the emotional impact of a piece. Students will also continue to explore audio sweetening techniques, musical compositions and Foley.

FVT/FVM 250 - WRITING FOR BROADCAST MEDIA

Introduction to the basic skills in developing and writing a feature screenplay or teleplay including conceptualization, genre conventions, act structure, scene construction and character development combined with summarizing and describing written work through pitch session and assessing and discussing through writer's meetings. Students will create final projects working in teams (TV pilots/episodes) or as individuals (screenplays).

FVT/FVM 251 - FEATURE SCRIPT ANALYSIS

This course is designed to familiarize students with advanced feature screenplay analysis by applying, combining, and integrating story knowledge in the form of written evaluation of material (script coverage). Students will read, analyze, and compare several writers' works from major production companies, studios, and agencies in development and critically evaluate and assess material in order to recommend or pass on the project for future production.

FVT/FVM 264 - INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL EFFECTS

Introduces Digital Effects software and methods for creating digital effects in the post-production environment. Students will achieve mastery in simple animation and understand the principles of animation as defined historically. Students will analyze style and emotional aesthetic and learn to support story by synthesizing video elements with effects. The coursework covers compositing, alpha channels, 2D and 3D effects.

FVT/FVM 265 - DVD AUTHORING

Instructs the student in the basic concepts and skills of DVD authoring. The student will explore the various techniques available in the software program DVD Studio Pro to achieve their technical and artistic visions for DVD projects. Students will analyze and evaluate other interactive products and learn to consider audience participation in the digital environment. Students will apply the techniques in a DVD of their personal work as their final project..

FVT/FVM 266 - FLASH: MOTION GRAPHICS

Introduces Adobe's Flash software. Students will learn how to prepare motion graphics for streaming on the web. Students will analyze and evaluate other interactive media and develop projects designed to support interactivity with internet based audience. Students will demonstrate comprehension of the techniques used to control the user interface environment. Students will explore the use of the principals of animation as defined historically in an ever-changing medium.

FVT/FVM 267 - EDITING AESTHETICS

Seeks to uncover the building blocks, personal decisions, and practices that make up the craft of editing. Introduces contemporary applications of rhythm, pace, structure, and general rules of thumb for cutting and examines the historical development of the craft. Students analyze the storytelling techniques of master editors in a variety of genres to help them in the discovery of their own editorial voice.

FVT/FVM 270 - FILM/VIDEO PRODUCTION III

Students take their developed scripts and pre production work from FVT/FVM 229 Production III Preparation, and realize their production during the course of this class. Students polish the screenplay, finish casting, art direction, location scouting, shot listing, location surveys, planning for post, rehearsing, developing acting and directorial charts and realizing performances. Directing, Producing, Cinematography, Post, and Acting students collaborate on creating films and videos that showcase the highest quality of professional production and story telling values in their finished project. Students complete an assembly edit, schedule and execute any pickups within the course.

FVT/FVM 271 - VIDEO POST PRODUCTION III

This course is a companion course to the Production III class and will continue to instruct students in advanced techniques in Final Cut Pro and on the integration of third party software applications. Students will directly apply the techniques from this class to the edit of their Production III project. Students will complete polished and professional edits including sophisticated use of sound, titles, and music in the realization of character, narrative, and thematic goals.

FVT/FVM 275 - SPECIAL TOPICS

Includes a variety of courses:

Maya I - An introduction to the powerful 3D animation software that was used to create films such as Toy Story I and II, Shrek, etc. Introduction to character modeling, nurbs, polygons, lighting and set building in 3D space.

Maya II - A more advanced course in character modeling, set design, character lip syncing, 3D movement, etc. using the Maya animation software. Rendering and outputting issues are also covered.

Voice And Movement For The Screen - An acting workshop in physical expression for the screen. Voiceover as well as character realization is taught.

Acting In Productions Workshop - An independent study in acting. Students make themselves available to perform in student film and video productions, taking on an agreed upon number of roles with their faculty advisor. Faculty consults on character realization. Student should end up with a significant reel of performances and resume credits.

FVT/FVM 287 - COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

Provides internship in the industry. Minimum of 130 hours. Do not take this course if you are planning to enter a bachelor level program.

MGD 111 - ADOBE PHOTOSHOP I

Concentrates on the high-end capabilities of a raster photo-editing software as an illustration, design and photo retouching tool. Students explore a wide range of selection and manipulation techniques that can be applied to photos, graphics and videos.

MGD 141 - WEB DESIGN I

Introduces web site planning, design and creation using industry-standards-based web site development tools. Screen-based color theory, web aesthetics, use of graphics editors and intuitive interface design are explored.

MGD 143 - MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGN I: FLASH

Stresses creation of animation and dynamic interactive media for web and multimedia applications. Students will learn how to animate objects, create symbols, and assemble motion tweens.

MGD 153 - 3D ANIMATION I

Encompasses all major aspects of creating 3D characters using animation software. Using developed characters, the student will learn how to animate for personality.

MGD 253 - 3D ANIMATION II

Addresses more advanced aspects of creating 3D characters on the computer. Students also examine facial animation, lip synchronization, scene design and lighting set-ups.