2019-2020 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts: Conservatory of Motion Pictures
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Michael Kowalski, M.A., Interim Dean
Dan Leonard, MFA, Associate Dean
Professors: Badham, Bettman, Blaustein, Cheney, Chichester, Coolidge, Dill, Doyle, Fredrick, Funk, Jensen, Kowalski, Kroyer, Leonard, Rose, Seydor, Slowensky, Ward;
Artistic Professors: Jech, Swimmer;
Associate Professors: Arundale, Carman, Deck, Fuery, Gardner, Gulino, Kost, Lane, Lee, Nathan, Paura, Schwartz, Wolansky;
Artistic Associate Professors: Knox, Rosenberg, Rowe, Warren;
Assistant Professors: Finch, Fugate, Gilois, Goldberg, Hirsen, Rosenthal, Rubin, Young;
Artistic Assistant Professors: Aguero, Condon, Dutcher, Marcus, Pavelin, Rote, Thibault, Trela;
Instructor: Walther.
The graduate programs are housed in the Conservatory of Motion Pictures within the Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.
The Master of Arts in Film Studies program provides students with an in-depth knowledge of film history, film theory and film analysis and an intense academic and creative research experience.
The Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Filmmaking prepares students to develop strong original content as documentary storytellers in the fields of film and television.
The Master of Fine Arts in Film Production program provides students with a specialized course of study that prepares them for production-oriented careers in the film and television arts as directors, editors, cinematographers or sound designers.
The Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Producing program provides students with a course of study that prepares them for careers as producers or business and creative executives in the film and television arts.
The Master of Fine Arts in Production Design program provides students with a course of study that prepares them for careers as production designers, art directors and set designers in the film and television arts.
The Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting program provides students with a course of study that prepares them for careers as writers in the film and television arts.
The Master of Fine Arts in Television Writing and Producing provides students with direct experience in both writing and producing, preparing them not only to create the vision of a show as a writer but also to realize that vision as a producer managing the processes of production.
The Master of Business Administration/Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Producing offered in collaboration with the Argyros School of Business and Economics provides unique training to students who want to develop their skills in business administration with a focus on business practices and careers in the film and television industry in management or executive level positions at production companies, talent agencies, studios or television networks.
The Juris Doctor/Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Producing offered in collaboration with the Fowler School of Law provides unique training to students who want to practice law in the entertainment industry, either as in-house counsel to production companies, talent agencies, film studios or television networks, in law firms that specialize in entertainment law or who want to be film and television producers or film and television executives in studios or independent production companies.
Admission and Prerequisites
The Conservatory of Motion Pictures welcomes applications for graduate study from students with baccalaureate degrees in any discipline. Admission to the program is based on the following requirements, as outlined in the graduate supplemental application for the Conservatory of Motion Pictures:
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Official transcripts should be mailed directly to the Office of Graduate Admission.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic, professional or personal qualities.
- Creative or scholarly portfolio list: A listing of activities that demonstrates the student’s creative or scholarly potential.
- Personal statement/letter of intent: A statement of intent describing why the applicant wants to attend film school.
- Creative or scholarly writing assignments: As outlined in the graduate supplemental application for the Conservatory of Motion Pictures.
- Interview.
Transfer or Substitution of Coursework
Students who have taken graduate courses in film and television at other accredited universities may petition to transfer up to six credits of coursework upon approval of a petition by the chair of the graduate programs. (See the academic policies and procedures section for more information.)
Students who have undergraduate degrees in film or significant, documented prior experience in the film and television arts may petition to replace certain basic requirements with other graduate level film and television courses.
MFA in Film Production applicants who demonstrate advanced professional experience and/or who have completed a degree in a film major may, in exceptional cases, apply directly to the second year of the program (the beginning of conservatory program).
The Master’s Thesis
The intent of the coursework in all programs is to prepare the student for a final thesis project. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.000 “B” to meet the minimum eligibility requirements to begin work on the thesis project and enroll in thesis credits. Students writing a thesis or producing a thesis project as part of their master’s degree will work closely with a faculty thesis supervisor. Guidelines for successful completion of the thesis process are available from the chair of the graduate programs. Students should observe the printed deadlines for submitting an application for degree conferral graduate form when the thesis project is near completion. (See the academic policies and procedures section for additional guidelines.)
Master’s Degree Time Limit
For the Master of Fine Arts in Film Production, all coursework and thesis requirements are designed to be completed within three years of the date of the student’s catalog year entry into the program. For the for the Master of Arts in Film Studies, Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Filmmaking, Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Producing, the Master of Fine Arts in Production Design and the Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting, all coursework and thesis requirements are designed to be completed within two years of the date of the student’s catalog year entry into the program. Students may not deviate from their assigned program curriculum (see requirements for the degree) in any semester without the consent of the chair of the graduate programs. An official leave of absence form (available from the Office of the University Registrar) must be approved in the event a student is unable to take required classes during any semester while in residence. A detailed explanation of the reasons for needing a leave of absence and a proposed timeline for completion of degree requirements will be required for approval. A leave of absence may not exceed two years.
Persons failing to notify the Dodge College of a leave of absence will be subject to:
- Reapplication to the degree program and any new admission guidelines in effect at that time.
- Completion of any new or additional coursework and thesis requirements in place at the time the student wishes to resume study and/or complete the thesis.
Under no circumstances will a leave of absence be granted or a student be readmitted after seven years from the date of initial enrollment.
All degree requirements, including the thesis project, must be completed within seven years.
Student Code of Conduct
The collaborative nature of the MFA conservatory programs requires cooperation and participation by every student. Students are expected to collaborate and work collegially with their faculty and peers.
Master of Arts
Master of Fine Arts
Joint Degree Program
Accelerated Program
Broadcast Journalism
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BRJL 531 - Producing the News Magazine Television Series
Prerequisite, FP 531 . Students in this class will produce a multi-part series of half hour live-on-tape programs where a host/anchor interviews reporters and screens their long format (4-7 minutes) news packages. Each show will feature 3 reporters and their stories. May be repeated for credit. Fee: $300. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits
Documentary Filmmaking
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DOC 503 - Producing Reality Television
This course will serve students wishing to hone skills and pursue careers in producing reality television programming. Students will learn various techniques and methods for creating broadcast quality reality-style programs across the format’s many genres. There will also be an emphasis on the legal and ethical issues that are central to the genre. In addition to classroom discussions and screenings, students will work in the field producing, filming and editing reality programming. Fee: $300. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
DOC 516 - Expedition Documentary
Prerequisite, consent of instructor. This course will provide students with an opportunity to undertake a physically challenging expedition, and to document the experience via a personal documentary film. Expedition locations are TBD, and may include domestic or international destinations. Fee: TBD depending on location of travel. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
DOC 517 - Documentary Production I
Prerequisite, documentary filmmaking major. Introduces students to the issues and ethical challenges in documentary history and genres as well as technical basics of shooting, sound, and editing. Students engage in short, hands on exercises, creating two resulting documentary shorts. The course culminates in a final “fall film,” under five minutes in length. Fee: $300. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
DOC 521 - The Documentary Tradition
A critical and historical analysis of documentary film and video-making through lecture, discussion, and viewing of film and video excerpts. The documentary is examined from artistic, social, ethical, and political perspectives. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
DOC 523 - Transcultural Documentary
Prerequisite, consent of instructor. In this course the students will use the trans-cultural (ethnographic) documentary film as a creative medium to critically explore the great diversity of ethnic communities that make up the Southern California social-cultural landscape. Students will research, develop, and produce two short documentaries about aspects of a local community that is different from their own. The course will also critically examine the ethical and representational issues that are related to the production of trans-cultural films. Fee: TBD depending on location of travel. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
DOC 526 - Documentary Research Methodology
The goal of this course is to provide students with the skills and methodologies that are necessary to fully research the subject matters of their documentaries. The course will be taught in three modules, each covering a different mode of research. The three research modes will be: investigative journalism, ethnographic fieldwork, and legal research. Each module will be taught by an expert in that area of specialization. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
DOC 529 - Experimental Course
Experimental courses are designed to offer additional opportunities to explore areas and subjects of special interest. Course titles, prerequisites, restrictions, and credits may vary. Some sections of this course may be restricted to specific majors only. Specific course details will be listed in the course schedule. May be repeated for credit if course content is different. Some courses require student lab fees. (Offered as needed.) 1-3 credits -
DOC 541 - Investigative Journalism
Students will learn reporting techniques and production methods used to investigate and produce stories for longer format broadcast news stories and documentary films. There will be a vital emphasis on the many legal and ethical issues that are central to the practice of investigative journalism. In addition to classroom discussions and screenings, students will work in the field producing, filming, and editing investigative material. Fee: $300. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
DOC 545 - Wildlife and Environmental Filmmaking
This documentary production course covers techniques and methods for producing and editing films in the environmental and wildlife genre. In addition to classroom discussions, technical demos and screenings, students will work in the field producing, filming, and editing material in the areas of wildlife and the environment. Production will include several weekend filming trips to Southern California locations. Fee: $300. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
DOC 551 - Contemporary Issues in Documentary
Centered around workshops and discussions with documentary producers and directors currently active in the field, this course provides an overview of contemporary issues in feature documentary film, including ethical and representational considerations in nonfiction storytelling, adapting to the field as documentary modes and genres shift, and how to develop and maintain a relevant body of work within the nonfiction world. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
DOC 559 - Documentary Marketing and Distribution
Surveys outreach and community engagement methods for documentary film, including partnering with organizations, organizing community screening campaigns, accessing the educational market, securing conference placements, conducting international outreach and distribution campaigns, producing various forms of new media projects and using social networks to disseminate a documentary film. Fee: $75. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
DOC 575 - International Documentary Pre-Production
Prerequisites, application, interview, consent of instructor. Graduate students selected to participate in this year-long, international documentary program will write a research paper on the selected documentary film subject, citing current articles on the topic as well as any previous documentaries. In addition, students will plan all levels of technical prep, logistics and filming typically for summer productions. Requires subsequent enrollment in DOC 576 and DOC 577 . (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
DOC 576 - International Documentary Production
Prerequisite, consent of instructor. This course is part of a year-long experience that will provide students with an opportunity to use the documentary form as a means of examining important social and historic issues, particularly those related to human rights and justice. Students will select and study a topic prior to traveling abroad to shoot a documentary. Shooting will take place on-location overseas. Requires subsequent enrollment in DOC 577 . Fee: TBD. (Offered summer.) 3 credits -
DOC 577 - International Documentary Post-Production
Prerequisites, consent of instructor. The final course in a three-term sequence (DOC 575 , DOC 576 , 577) provides a hands-on, practical experience in intensive post-production of documentary film projects covering all aspects of post-production as they apply to documentaries: narrative construction, use of voice-over, picture, and sound editing. Fee: $300. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
DOC 578 - Documentary Storytelling: Editing
Covers traditions and forms of editing a variety of nonfiction formats, including: instructional, cinema verite, and experimental documentary. An examination of techniques and concepts behind editing each type of nonfiction film, from how to construct a scene to how to construct a film. Fee: $300. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
DOC 580 - Community Voices: Documentary Workshop
Prerequisite, consent of instructor. Hands-on training in social issue documentary film production. Working as part of a team, students will partner with a philanthropic non-profit organization based in Orange County to produce a short documentary to be used in conjunction with the organization’s outreach efforts. Students will learn the fundamentals of documentary pre-production, production, and post-production, as well as the core concepts behind social issue documentary filmmaking. May be repeated for credit. Fee: $300. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits -
DOC 589 - Cross-Cultural Documentary
This course is designed to give students a practical and theoretical understanding of how the documentary film can be used as a creative medium to explore and represent foreign cultures. The course will travel to another country where the students will have the unique opportunity to produce a short documentary about an aspect of a rich and diverse foreign culture. Fee: TBD. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
DOC 601 - Documentary Storytelling: Cinematography and Sound
This course explores techniques and traditions in shooting and sound for the documentary through the study of motion picture photography and sound recording and design as a means of communication. Includes lecture and practical application on camera operation, exposure, composition, formats, and location techniques, and sound design history and technique for documentary field and post-production. Includes the art and science of audio recording and design, including studio and field recording, digital editing, equipment operation, mixing, and the theories and techniques that support quality sound production. Fee: $300. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
DOC 617 - Documentary Production II
Prerequisites, DOC 517 , documentary filmmaking major. Further refines examination of documentary history and genres, as well as finer production skills, with a focus on how to structure and edit a documentary. Students spend the semester producing a “spring film,” under ten minutes, with certain limitations in content and form, to be specified by instructor. Fee: $300. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
DOC 629 - Experimental Course
Experimental courses are designed to offer additional opportunities to explore areas and subjects of special interest. Course titles, prerequisites, and credits may vary. Specific course details will be listed in the course schedule. May be repeated for credit if course content is different. Some courses require student lab fees. (Offered as needed.) ½-3 credits -
DOC 663 - Writing the Documentary
An introduction to all elements of writing for the documentary film, including how to craft the key elements of a nonfiction story proposal: synopsis, treatment, and structural outline, as well as the core written pieces of a documentary film: voiceover and narration. This course emphasizes the importance of writing in the career of a documentary filmmaker, and offers hands-on training in transitioning ideas from concept to reality. Fee: $75. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
DOC 670 - New Documentary Forms
This course examines the range of documentary modes of representation and genres as they exist today. It focuses in particular on the diversification of nonfiction since 2000, exploring current documentary styles, the influence of narrative techniques, the growth of the documentary audience, new technology, and the filmmaker’s voice. Fee: $75. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
DOC 697 - Thesis Production
Prerequisites, DOC 617 , documentary filmmaking major. Covers the pre-production and production phases of the graduate thesis film, including the research and development phase and field production. Students work in teams of three to shoot individual films but edit individually, for a target length of twenty-five minutes. Each student will also develop and present a complete proposal for a feature version of his or her thesis film. P/NP. Fee: $300. (Offered fall semester.) 6 credits -
DOC 698 - Thesis Post-Production
Prerequisite, DOC 697 , documentary filmmaking major. Covers the complete post-production, outreach and distribution phases of the graduate thesis film. The course is structured as a workshop in which cuts of the thesis films are reviewed and critiqued by the class prior to a final screening. P/NP. Fee: $300. (Offered spring semester.) 6 credits
Film and Media Arts
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FTV 500 - Historical Perspectives in Production Design
This course is a comparative analysis of production design from silent films to the present. It will study well-known production designers past and present. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FTV 502 - Narrative Strategies I
This course is designed to introduce graduate students to the evolution of film language through the study of the intertwining aspects of film theory, film history, and film practice. Students will focus on close analyses of a series of films representing important points in the development of the narrative cinema from its earliest days to the present. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
FTV 503 - Narrative Strategies II
This course is a further exploration of the evolution of film language and theory. Students will examine the films of traditional and alternative filmmakers to see how they translated their unique visions of the world to the screen. Students shall see how the visual forms of these filmmakers developed are a direct creative articulation of the ideas they wish to express through the medium of film. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FTV 510 - Industry Insiders
Through screenings, interviews, and discussions, this course explores the work of a variety of well-established working artists from the Hollywood film community and explores how these artists incorporate their own beliefs and values into the broader culture by working in an intensely collaborative medium. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FTV 529 - Experimental Course
Experimental courses are designed to offer additional opportunities to explore areas and subjects of special interest. May be repeated for credit if course content is different. Course titles, prerequisites, restrictions, and credits may vary. Some courses require student lab fees. Some sections of this course may be restricted to specific majors only. Specific course details will be listed in the course schedule. (Offered as needed.) 1-3 credits -
FTV 561 - Structure and Function of a Film Festival
Prerequisite, consent of instructor. Examines the structure, function, marketing, and exhibition of film festivals. This is a travel class where students participate in festival events including jury procedures, screenings, workshops, and seminars with filmmakers. Fee based on travel and accommodation expenses. Fee: TBD. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
FTV 561I - Structure of an International Film Festival
Prerequisite, consent of instructor. A three-week intensive travel course to study international film preservation at Il Cinema Ritrovato film festival in Bologna, Italy. Students will experience important rediscovered and restored international films that paint a more nuanced understanding of film history from a global perspective. They will also consider the films’ restoration principles and theories/practices employed by the archivists, as well as the role of film festivals in regard to film restoration, important auteurs in international cinema, and the practice of writing global film history. Film screenings will be supplemented by daily lectures and discussions, readings, and attendance of panel discussions/symposiums. Fee: TBD. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
FTV 590 - Internship
(Offered as needed.) ½-3 credits -
FTV 593 - Cross-Cultural Filmmaking
Prerequisite, FTV 531. This travel exchange course is designed to give Chapman students the opportunity to work collaboratively with a group of students from a foreign film school on two school-sponsored short narrative film projects. One of the films will be produced at Chapman while the other will be produced in the foreign host country. The students will use this collaborative cross-cultural filmmaking experience as a means to explore and gain an understanding of the people, culture, and society of a foreign country. Fee: varies. (Offered summer.) 3 credits -
FTV 597 - Music Video Production Workshop
Prerequisite, consent of instructor. A workshop in the development and creation of professional-level music videos. Students will be teamed for each project, serving in key creative and/or production roles. May be repeated for credit. Fee: $300. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
FTV 601 - Filmmaking Outside Hollywood
Travel course in which students first study then experience an American city or area in order to immerse themselves in the area’s filmmaking business and history as well as the area’s use as a setting and sometimes as a character in films. Class meetings before and after the trip will prepare students for and allow them to reflect on their experiences. May be repeated for credit. Fee: TBD. (Offered interterm.) 3 credits -
FTV 629 - Experimental Course
Experimental courses are designed to offer additional opportunities to explore areas and subjects of special interest. Course titles, prerequisites, and credits may vary. Specific course details will be listed in the course schedule. May be repeated for credit if course content is different. Some courses require student lab fees. (Offered as needed.) ½-3 credits -
FTV 642 - Agents and Managers
This class will provide an in-depth look at agenting and managing. Throughout the semester, students will learn about the similarities and differences between agents and managers today in the industry, as well as learn about their roles of the past and how those roles have changed throughout the years. Students will also learn about how agents and managers select their clients and how clients select their representation. Fee: $300. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
FTV 653 - Film Capitals of the World
Travel course in which students first study then experience a cities in order to immerse themselves in the cities’ filmmaking business and history as well as the cities’ many incarnations as settings and sometimes as characters in films. Class meetings before and after the trip will prepare students for and allow them to reflect on their experiences in the two cities. May be repeated for credit if a different topic. Fee: TBD. (Offered interterm) 3 credits -
FTV 666 - First Shorts/First Features
This class will examine the early work of directors and explore the transition to their first feature film by analyzing the level of each director’s craft in their early work to determine what they did right creatively, why they were noticed, and how their first feature was made. Fee: $300. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
FTV 690 - Independent Internship
Offers students an opportunity to earn credit and learn professional skills on the job by working for a studio, network, production company, newsroom, etc. A minimum of 40 hours of work for each credit is required. P/NP. (Offered every semester.) ½-3 credits -
FTV 692 - Internship Workshop
Class meetings focus on career counseling, resume workshops, practice interviewing, and networking. Outside of class students learn on the job through a variety of on-site internships at studios, agencies, and production companies. This course includes a lecture and required laboratory component held at different times. Fee: TBD. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits -
FTV 699 - Individual Study
Individual research and projects. Designed to meet specific concerns which are not provided by regular curriculum offerings. P/NP. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. (Offered every semester.) ½-3 credits
Film and Television Producing
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FTP 531 - Production Workshop I for Film and Television Producing Majors
Prerequisite, film and television producing major. An introduction to dramatic narrative production. Each student will write, direct, and edit a series of exploratory exercises with the goal of creating compelling characters and telling emotionally-engaging stories through basic cinematography, lighting, editing, sound, and elementary production management. Fee: $300. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
FTP 534A - Production and Set Management for Film Production (Producers)
Prerequisite, film and television producing major. Analysis of procedures and problems in preparing a script for film or television production. Emphasis on the role of the production manager in breaking down scripts, setting up shooting schedules, preparing budgets, and planning post-production, as well as on-set organization, safety and chain of command. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FTP 560 - Overview of Producing
Prerequisite, film and television producing major. Examines the process of producing film and television programming for various entertainment companies, including large corporations studies, independent production companies, television companies, computer companies, and startup ventures. Fee: $75. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
FTP 562 - The Development Process of Film and Television
Prerequisite, film and television producing, or screenwriting major, and second year standing. An introduction to the process of developing material for motion pictures and television. Topics examined include developing existing literary material; developing news stories/current events; and developing fictional material for numerous venues including feature films, movies of the week, television shows, and cable films. Other topics examined will be the role of the producer in working with writers, agents, and studio/network executives during the development process. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FTP 564 - Film and Television Financing
Prerequisites, FTP 560 , film and television producing major. An overview of the different financing structures utilized in motion picture and television production. Topics covered include bank financing, studio financing, network financing, IPO’s, limited partnerships, debt swap financing, negative pickup deals, and presales. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FTP 565 - Optioning Books for Film and TV
This course is designed to help students gain insight into the industry, through working with experienced professionals in finding, optioning, pitching and selling screenplay ideas and existing screenplays. Fee: $75. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
FTP 566 - Story Development for Producers
Prerequisites, FTP 560 , graduate film and television producing major. An overview of development, from idea through production draft. The course will teach students practical and critical skills for evaluating and developing film, television, and web projects. Students will learn to create, assess, critique, and develop ideas and stories ranging from original ideas, existing literary material, non-fiction, and news stories/current events. Students will learn the role of the producer as he or she works in collaboration with writers, executives, financiers, directors, and line producers during the development of the script. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FTP 567 - Independent Feature Filmmaking
Prerequisite, film and television producing major. A case study of independent filmmaking. May be repeated for credit. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FTP 631A - Production Workshop IV for Producers
Prerequisites, FTP 534A , film and television producing major. The second of a two-part course in which students in the producing discipline, complete and supervise advanced productions as preparation for the final thesis film. Enrollment contingent upon approval of project proposal. Fee: $600. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FTP 661 - Marketing, Distribution and Exhibition
Prerequisite, FTP 560 and a film and television producing major. An examination of the role of marketing, distribution, and exhibition in the motion picture and television industry. Topics covered include domestic and international marketing campaigns, publicity and advertising, different platforms of distribution, distributor-exhibitor relations, distribution deals, release patterns, and campaign design/implementation. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FTP 674 - Entertainment Law
Prerequisite, film and television producing major. An in-depth examination of the legal and ethical issues involved in entertainment law. Topics covered include right of privacy, right of publicity, literary option and literary purchase contracts, life story rights agreements, intellectual property, copyright, chain of title, writer/director/actor employment agreements, merchandising agreements, distribution agreements, exhibition agreements, union agreements, music licensing, principles of negotiation, defamation, Hollywood creative accounting, etc. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FTP 697 - Thesis in Producing I
Prerequisites, FP 531 , FTP 534A , FTP 560 , FTP 631A , film and television producing major, consent of instructor, consent of producing program coordinator, completed a minimum 30 credits, achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.000 (B) to meet minimum eligibility requirements to enroll in the thesis. Part I will demonstrate a student’s mastery of all aspects of producing a film project, from story development and pre-production to production and post-production. May be repeated for credit. (Offered fall semester.) 6 credits -
FTP 698 - Thesis in Producing II
Prerequisites, FTP 697 , film and television producing major, consent of instructor. Students must have consent of producing program coordinator. Part II will demonstrate a student’s mastery of rights acquisition, story development, pitching, budgeting, packaging, marketing, distribution, and exhibition of motion pictures and television that will culminate in the creation of a project portfolio. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits
Film Production
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FP 501 - Actor-Director Workshop
Prerequisite, film production major with cinematography, or editing emphasis. A comprehensive course in understanding the acting process through script analysis, scene study, and acting exercises. Each student will be required to act in various monologues or scenes, both improvisational and scripted. Fee: $75. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits -
FP 502 - Acting for Non-Actors
Prerequisite, film production major with cinematography, or editing emphasis. A comprehensive course in understanding the acting process through script analysis, scene study, and acting exercises. Each student will be required to act in various monologues or scenes, both improvisational and scripted. Fee: $75. (Offered every semester.) 1½ credits -
FP 503 - Studio in Visual Preparation and Presentation
Prerequisite, film production major. This beginning workshop introduces students to classical and digital techniques for creating story-boards, mood boards, and other forms of pre-visual presentation. Fee: $75. (Offered every semester.) 1½ credits -
FP 504 - Fundamentals of Visual Design and Production
Students further their understanding and appreciation of the art and craft of visual design by studying the prime concepts of cinematography, equipment procedures, camera mechanics, interior and exterior lighting, pre-production planning, composition, optics, electricity and safety, exposure, color, production design, sound, and collaboration. Each student will discover and refine his or her own visual aesthetic and develop an understanding of the collaborative nature of filmmaking. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
FP 506 - Overview of Post Production
This course provides a comprehensive and thorough understanding of the motion-picture, post-production process from a creative and technical perspective. We will follow the post-production work flow from the moment the shoot is finished through editing and sound design to the final release print of the film. Along the way, we will look at the technical and practical aspects of each step in the post-production chain, and we will focus on how each step can play a creative role in the storytelling process. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FP 507 - Filmmakers and Actors Workshop
Prerequisites, FP 531 , FP 532 . A group experience in which student filmmakers get an intensive hands-on experience working with each other and with actors in rehearsal and production. The class is a workshop in which faculty mentor students during the making of actual productions. The class takes unique advantage of a concurrent class offered through the Theatre Department. The students from both classes will work on common projects and the interaction of these differing student pools is one of the primary benefits of the class. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
FP 515 - Editing I
Prerequisite, film production majors. Provides students with an intensive hands-on experience editing projects electronically. This course will introduce the student to the theory and practice of film-style editing on the computer using a non-linear editing system. Fee: $300. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FP 516 - Editing II
Prerequisite, FP 515 . In this course the students will edit one or more short movie projects (2nd Cycle projects) and oversee the complete video post-production on these projects. The emphasis in the editing portion of the course will remain on shaping performances and structuring scenes for maximum dramatic effect. The course will also be an exploration of current technologies and workflows employed in film and television post-production as it applies to the Digital Intermediate process. Students will gain practical experience in conforming and color grading. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FP 525 - Art and Craft of Foley and ADR
Prerequisite, FP 515 . This course will introduce students to the necessity of foley and Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR) for a completed motion picture sound track. Methods for producing and recording real-time sound effects and post-production dialogue will be taught using a fully-equipped foley stage as a classroom and work from fellow students and professional filmmakers as raw material. Fee: $300. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FP 530 - Story
The Story course aims to give graduate students a strong foundation in communicating narratives with their multi-faceted purposes of informing, persuading, entertaining and transforming individuals, society, culture, and humanity. All of the arts will be used as an inspiration for understanding the contemporary tools required for creating media and movies in today’s society. The study of “form” in other arts, such as poetry and music, opera and literature, and, innovative storytelling models, such as non-linear storytelling, will also be explored. Some sections of this course may be restricted to majors and/or areas of study. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
FP 531 - Production Workshop I
Prerequisite, consent of instructor. An introduction to dramatic narrative production. Each student will write, direct, and edit a series of exploratory exercises with the goal of creating compelling characters and telling emotionally-engaging stories through basic cinematography, lighting, editing and sound. Some sections of this course may be restricted to directing area of study only. Some sections of this course may be restricted to majors and/or areas of study. Fee: $300. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
FP 532 - Production Workshop II
Prerequisite, FP 531 with a grade of B- or better. An exploration of dramatic narrative production focusing on story, performance, and subtext through the development, preparation, production, and post-production of an emotionally-engaging short film of limited scope. Students serve as writers, directors, editors and sound designers on their productions and crew on their classmates’ productions. Fee: $600. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FP 533 - Fundamentals of Audio Design
Prerequisite, film production major with editing, or sound design emphasis. A course on the art and science of audio recording and re-recording. Students will provide production and post-production audio design and support for advanced film, video, and multimedia projects. Emphasis on proper methods of recording quality field sound, sound effects recording, SMPTE time code systems, signal processing, multiple sound track construction, and mixing. Fee: $300. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FP 537 - Fundamentals of Cinematography I
Prerequisite, film production majors, cinematography emphasis. A basic lecture/workshop course on the techniques of still and motion picture photography, lighting, and digital videography. The course emphasizes artistic control in the use of lenses, filters, film, lighting, exposure, and composition. Projects focus on control and creative uses of film in a variety of situations. Fee: $300. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
FP 538 - Directing I: Fundamentals of Directing Performance
Prerequisites, film production major with directing emphasis. A concentrated study in the means of eliciting convincing performances from actors and blocking for the camera. Work includes script analysis from an acting viewpoint and directing actors brought in from outside the class. Fee: $300. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
FP 539 - Directing II: Fundamentals of Directing Camera
Prerequisites, FP 538 with a grade of B- or better, film production major with directing emphasis. An intensive study in blocking for the camera taught in a workshop setting. Each student will shoot and edit two five-minute scenes of their choosing, using digital equipment. Emphasis is on how to heighten the drama of a story through effective placement and movement of the camera. Fee: $300. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
FP 540 - Production Audio
Prerequisite, film production major with sound design emphasis. This course is designed to give students the fundamental knowledge of how to record production audio for motion pictures and television. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FP 541 - Visual Effects for Editors
Prerequisites, FP 515 , film production major with editing emphasis. Visual effects allow filmmakers to take the audience on journeys to places that have ceased to exist or that have never existed, and to see things that we could only imagine. VFX For Editors provides grad students with an understanding of the world of digital imagery, visual effects and animation, focusing on their history, current status, and effect on film, television, and other media. Students gain hands-on experience with the techniques and execution of visual effects as pertaining to the film industry, and the workflow and structure of motion graphics and CG animation. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FP 542 - Production and Set Protocol
Prerequisite, film production major with directing, or cinematography emphasis. Analysis of procedures and problems in preparing a script for film or television production. Emphasis on the role of the production manager in breaking down scripts, setting up shooting schedules, preparing budgets, as well as on-set organization, safety and chain of command. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FP 542A - Pre-Production Planning
Prerequisite, film production major with cinematography or directing emphasis. An introduction to the basic principles of physical production including crew hierarchy and roles/responsibilities, on-set protocol, scheduling, budgeting, location management, legal issues relating to intellectual property, and safety. The course also introduces students to professional craft unions and guilds as well as the business of directing and cinematography from the producer’s point of view. Fee: $75. (Offered fall semester.) 1½ credits -
FP 542B - Set Protocol
Prerequisite, film production major with cinematography or directing emphasis. A basic introduction to professional set protocol and the art and discipline of visual storytelling. This course will emphasize the fundamentals of visualizing a story in collaboration with fellow artists such as the cinematographer and actors. Fee: $75. (Offered fall semester.) 1½ credits -
FP 559 - Pro Tools Certification
Prerequisite, FP 533 . This course is designed to give students immersive, hands-on training in Avid Pro Tools, the industry-standard software for recording, editing, and mixing professional sound. It will cover all basic features of the application as well as advanced functions such as Elastic Audio, MIDI and virtual instruments, and a full spectrum of editing tools and techniques. The course prepares students for the examinations required for “Pro Tools Certified User” status from Avid, which are administered within the course. Chapman does not award Pro Tools certification. Fee: $300. (Offered interterm.) 3 credits -
FP 568 - Avid Certification Prep
Prerequisites, FP 515 , film production major, consent of instructor. This course has been created to teach the core skills for editing using Avid Media Composer 5.5 and to introduce the fundamental concepts and workflow of editing. It is designed for novice and intermediate users using Avid official training curriculum. Class consists of both lecture and lab time and each student will be given the opportunity to take the Avid Media Composer Certified User exam. May be repeated for credit. Fee: $300. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
FP 571 - Graduate Location Filmmaking
A group experience in which students participate in the production of a school-sponsored film project. Class members are organized into production crews and assigned specific crew positions. May be repeated for credit. Fee: $300. (Offered interterm.) 3 credits -
FP 576 - Cinematography for Commercials
Prerequisite, FP 537 . This course will teach students the fundamental theories and aesthetic practices of shooting 30 second commercials. Students will learn the role of the creative concept in advertising with the goal of understanding what makes good advertising and how filmmaking compliments the advertising message. Fee: $300. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
FP 577 - Production Workshop III
Prerequisites, FP 532 with a grade of B- or better, film production major. The first of a two-part course in which students are responsible for producing, directing, and editing a complex sync sound narrative production. Enrollment contingent upon approval of project proposal. May be repeated for credit. Fee: $600. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
FP 578 - Fundamentals of Cinematography II
Prerequisites, FP 537 , film production major with cinematography emphasis. This is a lecture class on cinematography with in depth analysis of student’s work as presented in production classes. It will include in-class workshops. Fee: $300. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FP 582 - Music Composition for Filmmakers
A course designed to give film majors a foundation in both the musical concepts and technology necessary to compose original music to accompany picture. Compositional activity is supplemented by discussion and analysis of film scoring trends and techniques, stressing the role that music plays in any filmmaker’s creative process. Prior musical training or the ability to play an instrument is not essential. Fee $300. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits -
FP 588 - Digital Intermediate Workflow
Exploration of current technologies employed in film and television post-production as it applies to the digital intermediate process. This advanced course analyzes various workflows used in the creation of film and digital masters as well as file based systems. Students will gain practical experience in conforming and color grading. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
FP 600 - Cycle Project Screenplay Development
Prerequisites, SW 527 , FP 531 , SW 555 and film production major with directing emphasis, or screenwriting major. In this class, second year directors collaborate with second year screenwriters to develop a short Cycle project screenplay. The directors and screenwriters are closely mentored by the instructor, and narrative and character work is emphasized. The resulting projects are prepped and shot during the fall semester Production Workshop III class. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
FP 624 - Thesis Film Development
Prerequisites, SW 527 , FP 577 , film production major with directing emphasis. An intensive workshop designed to help students develop the best possible thesis screenplays. The screenplays developed in this class are intended to help students produce outstanding thesis films which demonstrate their unique, creative voices and their professional excellence. Fee: $75. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FP 631 - Production Workshop IV
Prerequisite, FP 577 with a grade of B- or better. An intensive workshop in which students complete various projects as preparation for the final thesis film. Enrollment contingent upon approval of project proposal. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FP 633 - Intermediate Audio Design
Prerequisites, FP 533 , film production major with sound design emphasis. This is the first of a two-part course that is designed to give the student an in-depth technical, theoretical, and practical understanding of the audio post-production process for the narrative, moving image form. Through work as a sound designer on advanced level projects, the student will focus on the appropriate uses of both conventional and unconventional audio design techniques to effectively tell a story. Fee: $300. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
FP 634 - Advanced Audio Design
Prerequisites, FP 633 , film production major with sound design emphasis. This is the second of a two-part course that is designed to give the student an in-depth technical, theoretical, and practical understanding of the audio post-production process for the narrative, moving image form. Through work as a sound designer on advanced level projects, the student will focus on the appropriate uses of both conventional and unconventional audio design techniques to effectively tell a story. Fee: $300. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FP 638 - Master Class in Directing
Prerequisite, FP 665 with a grade of B- or better. An advanced study in communicating with actors and blocking the camera taught through class exercises for students already experienced in the fundamentals of directing for film and television. Students work to perfect their ability to analyze a script for the purpose of directing actors. Through the study of advanced directing techniques, they develop their ability to communicate that analysis to an actor in order to elicit the best possible performance. Equal class time will be devoted to helping students add to their fundamental understanding of how effective camera blocking heightens the drama of the story they are telling. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
FP 640 - Editing II
Prerequisites, FP 515 , film production major with editing emphasis. Corequisite, FP 506 . This is the first of a two-part course which provides the student with advanced training in the theory and practice of editing in the narrative, moving image form. Through work as an editor on advanced level projects, the student will focus on the appropriate uses of both conventional and unconventional editing and sound design techniques to effectively tell a story. Fee: $300. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
FP 641 - Advanced Editing
Prerequisites, FP 640 , film production major with editing emphasis. This is the second of a two-part course which provides the student with advanced training in the theory and practice of editing in the narrative, moving image form. Through work as an editor on advanced level projects, the student will focus on the appropriate uses of both conventional and unconventional editing and sound design techniques to effectively tell a story. Fee: $300. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FP 660 - Editing III
Prerequisite, FP 515 , Editing Emphasis or consent of instructor. Provides students with an intensive hands-on experience editing under the supervision of a visiting master of the craft. Fee: $300. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
FP 664 - Directing III: Advanced Camera Directing Techniques
Prerequisites, FP 539 with a grade of B- or better, film production major with directing emphasis. An intensive study in advanced visual design and camera blocking with the emphasis on shooting dialogue scenes with a moving camera and directing action sequences. To be taught in a workshop setting for students experienced in the grammar of film, specifically shooting with a static camera. Emphasis is on teaching students two specific elements of craft: how to heighten the drama of a dialogue scene using a moving camera and how to shoot high energy action sequences safely and effectively. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
FP 665 - Directing IV: Advanced Directing Performance Techniques
Prerequisites, FP 538 , FP 539 with a grade of B- or better, film production major with directing emphasis. In this course students will further explore and utilize sophisticated methods of directing the actor in the narrative moving image form. Students will focus on the interpretation of text, visualization and performance when working with multiple actors and a camera. Directing specialists only. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FP 677 - Intermediate Cinematography
Prerequisites, FP 504 , FP 537 , FP 578 , film production major with cinematography emphasis. This is the first of a two-part course which provides the student with advanced training in the theory and practice of cinematography for the narrative, moving image form. Through practical work as a cinematographer on advanced level projects, the student will focus on the appropriate uses of both conventional and unconventional cinematography techniques to effectively tell a story. Fee: $300. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits -
FP 678 - Advanced Cinematography
Prerequisites, FP 504 , FP 537 , FP 578 , FP 677 , film production major with cinematography emphasis. This is the second of a two-part course which provides the student with advanced training in the theory and practice of cinematography for the narrative, moving image form. Through practical work as a cinematographer on advanced level projects, the student will focus on the appropriate uses of both conventional and unconventional cinematography techniques to effectively tell a story. Fee: $300. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits -
FP 686 - Pro Tools Certification II
Prerequisites, FP 533 , consent of instructor. This course is designed to give students a conceptual and practical understanding of the specific techniques for working with the Pro Tools audio software in a professional post audio for film environment. Areas covered in the course include: “Using video in Pro Tools”, “Recording Dialog in Pro Tools”, “Dialog Editing Techniques”, “Organizing Sessions in Pro Tools”, “Synchronization Concepts”, and “Mixing to Picture”. At the end of the course, the students will have the option of taking the Pro Tools Post Operator Certification exam. Fee: $300. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits -
FP 687 - Cinematography Master Class
Prerequisites, consent of instructor. An advanced course in motion picture photography for students who wish to enhance their craft skills in the realms of director of photography, lighting director, camera operator, and strengthen their personal skills at cinematic expression. Fee: $300. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits
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