Certificate Program in Filmmaking

Certificate Program in Filmmaking 
Want to go even further with your ideas? Learn how to be truly creative and mold words, images, thoughts, and equipment to your vision for the true artistic expression you desire: your own film.

The Certificate Program in Filmmaking is designed for those who have either graduated from a Filmmaking Workshop or have other previous filmmaking experience. This immersive, hands-on course shows you how to completely utilize every step of the filmmaking process artistically as well as technically – leading up to the creation of several group projects.

Over two terms, you’ll grow – from Screenwriting through Pre-Production, to Production and Post-Production – and you’ll learn the full spectrum of creative tools you’ll need to craft your dream from the ground up. At IAFT, we take filmmaking seriously – and it shows.

Learn more about the Certificate Program in Filmmaking by contacting us and asking any question you might have. After all, this is your life. Live it to the fullest – let no dream go unfulfilled.

TERM 1 HOURS

Screenwriting 101 »

• Basics of professional screenplay formatting and 3-act structure.
• Brainstorm ideas for stories and scripts.
• Create story conflict, as well as memorable characters, relationships, and dialogue.
• Learn successful storytelling by examining character, structure and genre.
• Develop and write and workshop one short script.

21

Cinematography 101 »

• Learn the roles in the camera department.
• Learn basics of lighting, camera placement, coverage and continuity in hands-on sessions.

24.5

Sound 101 »

• Fundamentals of studio and location sound recording.
• Teaching the vital importance sound plays in creating an engaging and convincing scene.

10.5

Directing 101 »

• The role of the director / what makes a good director.
• Story development and script breakdown / shaping a story.
• Basic directing skills / shooting for editing / visual story-telling.
• Working with actors and writers.

14

Producing 101 »

• Role of the producer, from studio to independent filmmaking to television.
• Creating a production book, including script breakdowns, budgets and schedules.
• Producing the short film.

14

Class Film 101 »

• In Screenwriting 101, class members will each write one short script (about 3-5 pages) with no dialogue. • Each student will shoot his/her script as a project during the first term.

28

Editing 101 »

• Learn basic principles and rules of both technical and creative film editing.
• Learn Final Cut Pro for basic editing.
• Learn how to edit for emotion, pace, timing, smoothness and continuity.
• Edit a short film with no dialogue, music and effects.

28
Classroom hrs total 140
Lab Hours 85
TERM 2 HOURS

Screenwriting 202 »

• Learn story structure in-depth, including the relation to genre.
• Learn to write inciting incidents, progressive complications, crisis, climax and resolution.
• Study principles from Robert McKee’s Story.
• Develop, write and workshop one short script.

21

Cinematography 202 »

• Learn to tell a story visually using camera movement, shot and lens selection and lighting.
• Learn advanced lighting packages to ensure quality and continuity of light.

24.5

Sound 202 »

• Digital nonlinear audio layout utilizing Pro Tools.
• Basics of ADR, foley and mixing.
• Importing, layering, and timeline editing.

10.5

Directing 202 »

• Managing cast and crew, and interacting with other departments.
• Directing actors and other directing skills / casting, rehearsals, and working one-on-one with actors.
• Using dialogue and sound to tell an audio-visual story.
• Overall theme and story resonance.

14

Producing 202 »

• Breakdown, produce a budget, and prepare a production schedule for a feature film.
• Casting, locations, staying on schedule and budget.
• Film financing, contracts, copyrights and other legal issues.
• Looking for funds to make films / the business of international film production.

14

Class Film 202 »

• In Screenwriting 201, class members will each write one short script (about 5-7 pages).  • One script will be selected for production by the class as a team during the second term.

28

Editing 202 »

• Edit a short film with synchronized audio and video using Final Cut Pro.
• Learn basic Photoshop skills.
• Learn basic motion and color correction skills.
• Export projects to DVD using DVD Studio Pro, , and compression for internet streaming.

28
Classroom hrs total 140
Lab Hours 85