WEEK 1. Creating characters and the importance of story. A study of character archetypes and the mythological steps in every great story ever told. Understanding the essential elements needed in your story to make a WINNING film.
Correct script formatting.
How to use modern script-writing software.
Homework is given to write a short script
WEEK 2. Script review. The class votes on the script that will be made into a short film.
Discussions on refining the script.
How to cast your actors.
How to direct your actors to get the performance you want.
Set etiquette.
WEEK 3. How to set-up a proper lighting arrangement for a movie. Cinematography - how to use a DSLR camera for filming (white balance, aperture, depth of field, exposure, framing).How to use a modern digital recorder and microphone to capture the best possible sound. Final review of the script to be shot.
FULL DAY. Finally, ACTION! Everything you have learned so far is now put into play! The class (which will now become the actors and crew!) will shoot a film based on the chosen script using a modern DSLR camera and recording equipment. Each student will get an opportunity to appear in the movie, operate the camera, operate the sound equipment and DIRECT!
(1 full day on a Saturday). Check dates.
WEEK 4. We look at basic video editing techniques:- types of cut, when to use transitions, colour grading, sound mixing, rules surrounding music etc.
Each student takes a copy of the camera footage and audio recorder sound files to edit the video on their own PC.
Video editing in itself is a handy skill to have whether you’re making a film or just editing videos on your phone for YouTube.
WEEK 5. We finally see your film! The final review of each of the edited versions and lessons learned, along with next steps and an invitation to join the Australian Cinematographers Society.
All students receive a certificate.
This course does not require for you to have any previous experience at all. While we do accept enrolments from under 18s, you must have permission from a parent/guardian and be mature enough to work with adults.
Disclaimer* While every effort is made to ensure your course experience is the best it can be, we cannot be held responsible if your chosen PC/software combination fails to live up to expectations. Editing video requires a lot of CPU power, so please do not expect these products to work on a netbook or entry-level PC with poor graphics capability. Please check that your PC meets the recommended PC specifications set out by the software vendors. Usually, these include nVidia or ATI graphics.
If you have any questions, please contact us or check the vendor websites.
You can use iMovie on your Mac, or Final Cut or Final Cut Pro.
We recommend DaVinci Resolve 12 or later.
Windows:- Live Essentials Movie Maker (free from Microsoft website)
We recommend DaVinci Resolve 12 or later.
Yes, it is entirely possible to edit your movie on one of the above devices. You will need a card reader in order to load the video files, and software (available from the App Store). Please ensure your device has enough memory to handle the large video files. Apps are iMovie or Pinnacle Studio for iPad.