All students are required to enroll in 3 hours of MPA classes per semester to remain MPA majors, including approved electives from other arts areas.
Freshman and sophomore students are required to utilize MPA Foundation Electives from other arts areas their first year(s).
Students are required to participate fully in all program activities, including productions, required screenings and guest filmmaker visits.
In order to graduate from the MPA program a student must have completed/fulfilled the following requirements
* Introduction to Screenwriting
* Introduction to Production
* Film History: An Overview
* 2 semesters of Production Workshop over Junior and Senior years
* 1 MPA Production Elective per year beginning as a sophomore
* 1 Theory and Critique Class per year
* 1 Screenwriting class per year
* 1 Foundations Elective/Year
Equipment
Students are encouraged to bring their own personal computers, digital video cameras, tripods, and applicable software. The Motion Picture Arts program is Apple Macintosh based, with Final Draft screen writing software (PC and Mac) will be helpful for students using their own personal computers.
Materials Needed
Grip Gloves
Multiple Notebooks
Spindle DVD-R
Sketch Book
Black Sharpie pens
1 gig or more jump drive
12 - mini DVD tapes
Textbooks as indicated below.
All material can be purchased on campus at the Interlochen Scholarshop.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Semester One and Semester Two Offerings
Course Title: Introduction to Screenwriting
Target Students: Grades 10-PG for Creative Writing and Motion Picture Arts majors.
First Semester – Required for all NEW MPA Juniors, Seniors and Post Graduates
Second Semester – Required for all NEW MPA Sophomores
Pre-Requisite if needed: None
Number of times course can be taken: 1
Seating Priority: Creative Writing majors, Motion Picture Arts majors and General Studies students on the Creative Writing track have priority seating. Seating open to non-writing majors in grades 11-12 space permitting.
Credit per semester: .50
Meeting Time: Daily
Description:
This course introduces the concepts of writing for the screen from an analytical and creative viewpoint. Students will learn about screenplay structure and format; explore the creation of character, setting, conflict, theme, tone, dialogue and subtext; and gain an understanding of how to use the tools of the filmmaker to create filmic language and write visually. Students are also given an introduction to some of the professional aspects and resources including the art of pitching stories and how the Writers Guild of America helps screenwriters.
Objectives:
To explore the concepts of visual storytelling through specific screenwriting assignments
To gain a basic understanding of screenplay structure and format and implement this understanding through analysis and creative work
To gain a basic understanding of the other professional aspects of screenwriting and how screenwriters fit into the filmmaking world
Student Performance:
Write and revise five to six screenwriting pieces, all of which are workshopped by the class for peer critiques
Participate in the peer critiques of their classmates’ written pieces
Presentation of analysis of each feature length screenplay read in class through worksheets and discussion, and creation of a pitch
Develop a feature length screenplay idea into a treatment and implement the structural concepts learned from the reading of screenplays
Assessment:
Instructor feedback on all writing assignments and worksheets
Peer critiques on all first drafts and some revisions of writing assignments
A final self narrative on the student’s overall work and participation
Text/Materials Needed:
Notebook and writing materials, screenplays and handouts provided/loaned
Course Title: Advanced Screenwriting
Target Students: Grades 11-12-Post Graduate
Pre-Requisite if needed: Introduction to Screenwriting and Instructor Permission
Number of times course can be taken: Multiple
Seating Priority: First Semester – Returning MPA Majors, Second Semester - Creative Writing and MPA Majors
Credit per semester: .50
Meeting Time: Daily
Description:
This course is designed as an intense workshop for screenwriting students who are ready to work on projects of their choice. Having learned the basics students are now expected to further develop their voice as a screenwriter, create their own goals, and actively engage in analysis of professional screenplays. There is also further exploration of the professional aspects of being a screenwriter.
Objectives:
To become more disciplined screenwriters through long term projects and self created goals and deadlines
To continue to explore the differing writing styles of professional screenwriters through examination of their screenplays
To further experience with the professional aspects of screenwriting
Student Performance:
Creation of screenwriting goals throughout the semester and accompanying self narratives on the fulfillment of these goals
A portfolio of treatments and screenplay pages created from self-assigned goals
Discussion questions created for the professional screenplay of their choosing
An opportunity to have their screenplay pages performed by Theatre students at a reading
Presentation of pitches of an original ideas and written query letter, which is peer reviewed and revised
Assessment:
Weekly assessment given by instructor on student’s fulfillment of goals and participation in class workshops and discussions
Instructor feedback on writing projects
Peer review on all writing projects
Self narrative reflecting on all aspects of the student’s work and participation at the mid semester and end of semester
Text/Materials Needed:
Writing materials, Screenplay copies and handouts provided/loaned
FIRST SEMESTER ONLY
Course Title: Intro to MPA Production
Target students: New Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
Pre-requisite: Enrolled MPA Major
Number of times course can be taken: 1
Seating priority: Majors only
Credit per semester: 0.5
Meeting time: Daily
Description:
The class is a hands-on introduction to cinema production, designed for first year MPA majors. Technical knowledge will be gained through lectures, demonstrations, readings and class exercises; videos will be viewed throughout the semester to demonstrate technical/aesthetic concepts. Students explore basic skills required to design, shoot and edit digital video and apply them to class projects, daily assignments, and exercises.
Objectives:
To demonstrate understanding of film literacy through the thoughtful application of technical skills and aesthetic concepts learned.
To gain fundamentals of digital film, storytelling, and film literacy through visual and aural expression.
Student Performance:
Observation and critical analysis of master works.
Timely development and submission of short visual narrative sequences
Active participation as crewmember.
Assessment:
Demonstrated application of aesthetic/technical skills to visual storytelling.
Preparation of/participation in class discussion, peer critique, and location production.
Thoughtful application of instructor/peer critique in story development, preproduction, production and post-production.
Midterm and Final Exam
Text/materials needed:
Steven Ascher and Edward Pincus The Filmmaker’s Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age
5 Mini DV Tapes, Spindle DVD-R, Black Sharpie, Notebook, Jump Drive at least 1 gig or more, Production Notebook separate from daily notebook.
Course Title: Film History
Target Students: Grades 10-PG
Pre-Requisite if needed: none
Number of times course can be taken: 1
Seating Priority: MPA Majors, Others by space availability and Instructor Permission
Credit per semester: .50
Meeting Time: 2 periods, twice weekly
Description:
This course explores the historical eras of cinema from its birth in the late 1800s through current trends, focusing on Hollywood’s formation and transformation as well as major International movements. Students gain an understanding of how technological advances, business practices, and cultural influences have changed the art of filmmaking, and how cinemas of different countries have influenced each other.
Objectives:
To gain an understanding of major cinematic trends as well as how the art form was created
To connect aspects of film being learned in production classes to their historical beginnings
To be able to analyze and write critically about film and filmmakers and begin to develop a cinematic vocabulary
To recognize how film as an art form continues to evolve and change beyond the classroom
Student Performance:
Participation in daily discussions on lecture material and film screenings
Written critical analysis in the form of essays and on-line threaded discussion questions
Presentation of a research project which demonstrates in-depth exploration of a chosen topic approved by Instructor
Presentation of a hypothesis on where the future of American Cinema might be headed based on historical trends and research on what is currently happening
Assessment:
Demonstrated familiarity with films screened and reading materials
Instructor feedback of student’s essays and discussion posts and analysis
Participation in discussions, including a formal discussion on the future of Amercian Cinema at the conclusion of the semester
Instructor and peer feedback on the presentation of the research project
Text/Materials Needed:
Notebook and writing materials, handouts provided by instructor
Course Title: Directing for the Camera
Target students by: grades 11-PG
Pre-requisite, if needed:
Number of times course can be taken: 1
Seating priority: MPA Majors, Theatre students by instructor permission
Credit per semester: .50
Meeting time: daily
Description:
This course focuses on single camera directing techniques with emphasis on filming the narrative script and the director’s relationship with the actor. Through exercises in class, student directors will learn script analysis methods which will increase their ability to penetrate a text and communicate with actors. Visualization skills will be introduced to help students discover the most effective means of telling their stories.
Objectives:
Students will develop an appreciation for the craft of directing for the camera
Students will acquire rigorous script analysis techniques
Students will expand their visual and imagistic storytelling vocabularies
Students will gain a deeper appreciation of the relationship between an actor and a director
Student performance:
Daily in active class discussions
Presentations to class of script analysis work
Execution of duties as a director while filming -Final critique of scene
Assessment:
Daily participation in discussions, rehearsals and filming
Demonstrated competency in script analysis through written assignments
Quality of final scene
Overall growth as a director
Text/materials needed:
On Directing Film by David Mamet Film Directing Shot by Shot by Steven D. Katz
Mini-DV cassette
Course Title: MPA Production Elective - Lighting
Target students: Grades 11-PG, New and Returning MPA Students
Pre-requisite: none
Number of times course can be taken: 1
Seating priority: MPA Majors only
Credit per semester: .50
Meeting time: Two period block, twice weekly
Description:
This class is a hands-on introduction to skills and techniques in cinematic location lighting. Through lectures, guest artists, demonstrations, and class exercises, this class explores the technical and artful use of light, with emphases on aesthetics, exposure, instrument placement, rigging, and motivation.
Objectives:
To understand and apply the fundamentals of lighting for location production.
To effectively analyze/manipulate values of light of natural, practical, and instrumental sources.
To gain confidence through the safe application of grip and location hardware.
Student Performance:
Observation and critical analysis of master works through written and oral presentation.
Timely development and submission and usage of lighting schematics in preparation for activities.
Demonstrative, proactive and safe participation as crewmember.
Assessment:
Demonstrated application of aesthetic/technical skills to artfully illuminating sets and locations in activities and exercises.
Preparation of/participation in class discussion, peer critique, and location production.
Thoughtful application of instructor/peer critique in exposure, instrument placement, motivation with consideration of story.
Application of safe lighting practices.
Midterm and Final Exam
Text/materials needed:
Grip gloves, Black Sharpie, 2 Sony Mini-DV Tapes, Jump Drive 1 gig or more, Notebook, blank sketchbook
Course Title: Thesis Development
Target students: Grade 11-PG,
Pre-requisite: Returning MPA Student
Number of times course can be taken: Twice for returning juniors
Seating priority: Majors only
Credit per semester: .50
Meeting time: Once a week
Description:
This class is for the first semester development of returning Junior and Senior MPA majors’ thesis productions/screenplays.
Objectives:
To submit Thesis Ideas
To secure Thesis Advisor
To develop and complete Thesis Screenplay
To prepare for end of First Semester and early Second Semester location production.
Student Performance:
Timely development and submission of components of thesis work.
Thoughtful and active participation of weekly peer critique.
Invested and demonstrative participation as location crewmember.
Application of culmination of story and production skills to development of Thesis Production or Thesis Screenplay.
Assessment:
Thesis development deadlines met.
Preparation for/participation in class discussion, peer critique, and location production.
Thoughtful application of instructor/peer critique and revisions to screenplay.
Weekly appointments with Thesis Advisor in addition to weekly class meeting.
Text/materials needed:
Grip gloves, Black Sharpie, 2 Sony Mini-DV Tapes, 1 gig or more, Notebook, blank sketchbook.
SECOND SEMESTER ONLY
Course Title: MPA Production Workshop
Target students: Grade 11-PG, New and Returning students
Pre-requisite: Introduction to MPA
Number of times course can be taken: 2
Seating priority: MPA Majors only
Credit per semester: 0.5
Meeting time: Daily
Description:
This class is designed to guide upper level MPA students through advanced skills in preproduction, production and post-production, in order that they may complete a Thesis Project.
Objectives:
To prepare story ideas, script development, script breakdown, casting, producing, location scouting, production management, and directing.
To submit Thesis Ideas
To secure Thesis Advisor
To develop and complete Thesis Screenplay
To prepare for second semester thesis development in production, post-production, export of media for end of year projection.
Student Performance:
Timely development and submission of components of thesis work.
Thoughtful and active participation in peer critique.
Invested and demonstrative participation as location crewmember.
Application of culmination of story and production skills to development of Thesis Production or Thesis Screenplay as a director, writer, and crewmember.
Assessment:
Thesis development deadlines met.
Preparation for/participation in class discussion, peer critique, and location production.
Thoughtful application of instructor/peer critique and revisions to screenplay and location production.
Weekly appointments with Thesis Advisor in addition to weekly class meeting.
Successful completion of Thesis Production or Thesis Screenplay of demonstrable technical and aesthetic merit.
Demonstration of the understanding of Motion Picture Arts through the thoughtful application of storytelling, technical skills and aesthetic concepts learned, through the written/visual/aural culmination of a Thesis Project and active participation in crew roles.
Text/materials needed:
Steven Ascher and Edward Pincus The Filmmaker’s Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age
Steven D. Katz Film Directing: Shot by Shot Visualizing from Concept to Screen
Grip Gloves, 1 Black Sharpie, 5 New Sony Mini-DV Tapes, Jump Drive – At least 1 gig or more, Notebook, Blank sketchbook, 25 DVD-R, Ring binder
Course Title: MPA Production Elective - Cinematography
Target students: Grades 11-PG, New and Returning MPA Students
Pre-requisite: Introduction to Production
Number of times course can be taken: 1
Seating priority: MPA Majors only
Credit per semester: 0.5
Meeting time: Two period block, twice weekly
Description:
This class is a continued introduction to cinematography and intermediate skills in camera usage, building on the foundations of technical skills and visual literacy learned in Intro to MPA Production.
Objectives:
To observe trends in cinematography through history of cinema
To add advanced concepts in design, balance, contrast to the beginning understanding of basic camera operation.
To apply texts in human perception, psychology, and vision to practical methods in cinematography.
Student Performance:
Detailed comparative analysis of methods, medium, and directors of photography.
Performance of techniques detailed in class and observed of masters in class exercises.
Use of readings and assigned research in classroom discussion and critical analysis
Assessment:
Evaluation of written responses in comparative, critical analysis of concepts and works of master cinematography.
Preparation of/participation in class discussion, peer critique, and location production.
Thoughtful application of instructor/peer critique in camera skills during exercise.
Midterm and Final Exam
Text/materials needed:
Peter Ward Picture Composition for Film and Television, Second Edition
Grip gloves, Black Sharpie, 2 Sony Mini-DV Tapes, Jump Drive 1 gig or more, Notebook, blank sketchbook.
Course Title: Film Aesthetics
Target Students: Grade 11-PG, Grade 10 with Instructor Permission
Pre-Requisite if needed: Film History
Number of times course can be taken: 1
Seating Priority: MPA Majors, Others by space availability and Instructor Permission
Credit per semester: .50
Meeting Time: Two period block, twice weekly
Description:
This course offers students an in-depth examination of film as an art form, analyzing specific elements of film to discover how they create cinematic language. Students will focus on the theories of narrative structure, mise-en-scene, color, sound, space and editing, and be able to identify how filmmakers use each element to communite story, character and theme.
Objectives:
To grasp the fundamentals of film form and style
To continue to develop cinematic vocabulary and to analyze and write critically about film and filmmakers
To connect critical analysis with work in production classes
Student Performance:
Participation in discussions on each film element covered and film screened
Written critical analysis in the form of essays and on-line discussion posts on each film element covered
Assessment:
Instructor feedback of student’s essays and analysis
Participation in discussions
Text/Materials Needed:
TBD
Course Title: Film Genres
Target Students: Grades 11-12-Post Graduate, Grade 10 with Instructor Permission
Pre-Requisite if needed: Film History
Number of times course can be taken: Multiple times
Seating Priority: MPA Majors, Others by space availability and Instructor Permission
Credit per semester: .50
Meeting Time: Two period block, twice weekly
Description:
This course is a film studies class that rotates topic yearly, giving students an opportunity to immerse themselves in a specific movement, genre, or area in cinema. Critical examination of the subject may be explored through screenings, readings, discussion and written analysis.
Objectives:
To gain knowledge on a specific aspect of cinema
To continue to develop cinematic vocabulary and to analyze and think critically about film and filmmakers
To connect critical analysis with work in production classes
Student Performance:
May vary depending on topic and will be determined by Instructor
