CINE 101 - Introduction to Cinema Production
This course is a basic study of the techniques and technology of cinema production. Terminology, equipment, safety procedures and fundamental production tools and methods will be the focus of this introductory class.
CINE 102 - History of American Cinema
From early experiments with moving images through the invention of sound, color and digital effects, students will study the evolution of cinematic form, style and language as well as the social and artistic impact of the medium on society.
CINE 105 - Screenwriting I - Introduction to Screenwriting
This course will focus on the fundamental structure of the screenplay. Principles of character, conflict, visual storytelling, dialogue, and plot will be studied. Professional formatting will also be introduced.
CINE 110 - History of International Cinema
This course will continue the international exploration of the development of cinema as an art form and it's impact on society to the present day. Major international movements including German Expressionism, Soviet Montage, Italian Neo-realism and French New Wave will be studied.
CINE 150 - Production I
Students will produce, direct, shoot, and edit several short projects on digital video. These projects will give students the opportunity to explore the fundamentals of visual storytelling, lighting, editing and sound design. Students will analyze each other's work as well as be evaluated by the faculty. Prerequisite: CINE 101
CINE 205 - Screenwriting II - The Narrative Structure of Cinema
An in-depth analysis of the structure, formulas and storytelling techniques of the feature length screenplay will be the focus of the course. Students will study a wide range of successful films and discover the common elements that they share. Prerequisite: CINE 150
CINE 210 - Visual Structure of Cinema
This course will introduce students to the visual elements of cinematic images and show how the manipulation of these elements can help the filmmaker communicate with the audience. Prerequisite: CINE 150
CINE 250 - Production II
Students will write, produce, and direct a short narrative or documentary film. Through their projects, students will continue their exploration of the crafts of directing, producing, editing, screenwriting and cinematography. In addition to producing their own film, students will work in key positions on each other's projects. Prerequisite: CINE 150
CINE 301 - Cinema Studies - Various Topics
This course will offer the opportunity for in-depth exploration of an aspect of the history of cinema. Various topics will be offered including the studies of Genres, Film Authors and National Cinemas.
CINE 305 - Intermediate Screenwriting
This course is designed for the student who is considering screenwriting as their concentration. Students will be challenged to take an original idea, through development and plot outline, to a completed first draft. Prerequisite: CINE 250
CINE 306 - Story Analysis
Students will learn the skills of professional screenplay analysis, including, writing a concise plot synopsis, evaluating a script based on structure, character, theme and marketability, and developing a detailed plot outline. Prerequisite: CINE 250
CINE 310 - Intermediate Directing
Students will gain hands-on experience by directing, shooting, and editing a series of exercises designed to transform scripted text into visual storytelling. Casting and working with actors in preparation and execution of scripted scenes will be the focus of the course. Prerequisite: CINE 250
CINE 315 - Intermediate Producing
For students considering a concentration in producing, this course provides a detailed study of the responsibilities and requirements of producing motion pictures. Areas of study include pre-production, script breakdown, budgeting, scheduling, fundraising, script development, line producing and post-production. Prerequisite: CINE 250
CINE 320 - Intermediate Editing
Designed for the student in the Editing/Sound concentration, this class is an indepth study of picture editing using Final Cut Pro and sound editing with pro Tools. Editing dialogue, music, split tracks, and use of change and cue sheets will be explored. Prerequisite: CINE 250
CINE 325 - Intermediate Digital Tools
Students will learn the basics of image manipulation, title design, compositing, graphic design and special visual effects for digital post-production using various software applications. Prerequisite: CINE 250
CINE 340 - Intermediate Cinematography
Designed for the student considering a concentration in cinematography, this course will focus on techniques in rigging, lighting, and digital imaging. Class exercises are designed to developed skills in narrative and documentary camera techniques. Prerequisite: CINE 250
CINE 350 - Production III
Students will work in groups to produce a narrative or documentary short that approaches professional quality. Each project will be a collaborative effort, created with involvement of a student screenwriter, producer, director, cinematographer, editor, and sound designer. Prerequisites: CINE 305, 310, 315, 320 or 340.
CINE 351 - Documentary Production Workshop
Students will work in groups to produce a short form documentary. Genres and styles of non-fiction cinema will be analyzed and discussed. Prerequisite: CINE 350
CINE 352 - Commercial Production Workshop
Students will work in groups to develop and produce a commercial or public service announcement. The structure of the commercial industry will be discussed and the roles and responsibilities of the client, advertising agency and production company will be explained. Prerequisite: CINE 350
CINE 353 - Experimental Cinema Workshop
Students will work in groups to produce an experimental work. Important works and filmmakers of the genre will also be studied. Prerequisite: CINE 350
CINE 405 - Advanced Screenwriting
This course will focus on the development of a feature film screenplay. Beginning with an original concept, students will outline the story, develop characters, write a treatment and complete a first draft. Writing techniques and formats required for television, non-fiction film and multi-media will also be studied. Prerequisite: CINE 350
CINE 410 - Advanced Directing
This course will cover advanced techniques for story development, previsualization, working with actors, blocking, and managing emerging technologies. Directing majors will have the opportunity to complete all pre-production work for their thesis film. Prerequisite: CINE 350
CINE 415 - Advanced Producing
Areas of study will include negotiating techniques, optioning source material, guild contracts, insurance, and package material. Students will gain an understanding of the different practices involved in producing, financing, marketing and distributing both studio and independent films. Producing majors will complete all pre-production work for their thesis film. Prerequisite: CINE 350
CINE 420 - Advanced Editing
Advanced editing techniques including color-correction, title design, masking, edit decision lists, on-line editing and mastering to various formats will be covered. Editing majors will have the opportunity to address considerations specific to their thesis project. Prerequisite: CINE 350
CINE 425 - Advanced Digital Tools
A continued exploration of special visual effects, motion graphics, compositing, "film-look" for video, and the latest emerging technologies and tools in digital postproduction. Students will have an opportunity to develop applications for use in their thesis project. Prerequisite: CINE 350
CINE 440 - Advanced Cinematography
Advanced lighting, filtration, and in-camera techniques will be studied as well as post-production processes, including digital color timing and digital inter-negatives. Cinematography majors will have the opportunity to focus their studies on issues specific to their thesis project. Prerequisite: CINE 350
CINE 450 - Production IV
Students will create and produce a professional quality narrative or documentary thesis project. Each thesis project will be created with a student producer, director, screenwriter, cinematographer, editor and sound designer. Each student will be evaluated in terms of concentration and on the quality of the finished film. Thesis films will be showcased in the Point Park Digital Film Festival. Prerequisite: CINE 350
CINE 485 - Screenwriting Master Class
Students will focus on creating a professional -quality writing sample by rewriting and polishing an existing script. This course will also cover the business and legal aspects of screenwriting, including agents, managers, negotiating deals, options, adaptations and pitching your work.
