Short Film Practical Analysis: Directing 2

Subject guarantor:

Pavel MAREK

Name of lecturer(s):

Pavel MAREK

Learning outcomes of the course unit:

The course is intended for students in the planning stages of their own short films. The aim of the course is for students to have exposure to a range of directing styles in order to better execute their vision. However, all students interested in learning the practical techniques of directing are welcome.

Mode of study:

Seminar, discussion

Prerequisites and co-requisites:

No

Recommended optional programme components:

No

Course contents:

Although a script poses infinite possibilities for realization common situations frequently occur. This course will examine such basic occurrences (three or four person dialogue, movement shots, car scenes, landscapes, cityscapes) and how various directors have interpreted them in both American and European film.

We will analyze specific situations and the rudiments of directing them. Our analysis will be deepened by an examination of master directors and how they developed creative solutions to common cinematic problems such as exposition, scene changes, and beginning and ending a film.

Recommended or required reading:

Katz, Steven. Shot by Shot, Michael Wiese Production, 1991

Planned learning activities and teaching methods:

No

Assessment methods and criteria:

Examinations:

Mid-term: the midterm examination involves short question-answers from the material covered iin the required reading.

Final: Writing assignment: Analysis of selected film (3 pages, A4, double space)

Grading:

The course grade will be calculated as follows:

Active participation in seminar discussions - 50%

Midterm test - 20%

Final writing assignment - 30%

Course web page:

Note:

Required Reading:

Katz, Steven. Shot by Shot, Michael Wiese Production, 1991

Reading for the mid-term test:

Chapter 9: Staging Dialogue Sequences (p. 173-193)

Chapter 13: Depth of the Frame (p. 229-238)

Chapter 14: Camera Angles (p. 239-258)

Chapter 15: Open and Closed Framings (p. 259-266)

Chapter 17: The Pan (p. 279-286)

Chapter 19: The Tracking Shot (p. 295- 305)

Schedule for winter semester 2013/2014:

The schedule has not yet been prepared

Schedule for summer semester 2013/2014:

	06:00–08:0008:00–10:0010:00–12:0012:00–14:0014:00–16:0016:00–18:0018:00–20:0020:00–22:0022:00–24:00
Mon	místnost 107 Učebna 1 (Lažanský palác) MAREK P. 19:00–22:00 EVEN WEEK (přednášková par. 1)
Tue
Fri
Thu
Fri

Date	Day	Time	Tutor	Location	Notes	No. of paralel
	Mon	19:00–22:00	MAREK P.	Učebna 1 Lažanský palác		přednášková par. 1

The subject is a part of the following study plans:

• Erasmus (optional subject)
• Cinema and Digital Media - Cinematography (optional subject)
• Cinema and Digital Media - Screenwriting (optional subject)
• Cinema and Digital Media - Directing (optional subject)