Film (FILM)

FILM 1040. Intro to Film and TV Post (6) 

This course is the first of an 18-credit hour certification in “Film & Television Post-Production.” Students will operate various professional non-linear editing (NLE) systems, with a focus on practical skills and essential knowledge of editing, including file management, footage logs, timecodes, proxies, edit decision lists (EDLs), synchronization, transitions, simple effects, basic audio mixing and file exports. Additionally, students will explore the terminology, department hierarchy, history and theory of editing and sound design through topics such as continuity style, montage, juxtaposition of images, development of sound design, and linear and flat-bed editing. Students will also develop an understanding and awareness of current post-production industry standards and workflow practices. This course is the prerequisite for ALL other courses in the Georgia Film Academy “Film & Television Post-Production” Certification Pathway.

FILM 1520. Georgia Film Academy Course I (6) 

This course is the first of a two-course program that will provide an introduction to the skills used in on-set film production, including all forms of narrative media that utilize film-industry standard organizational structure, professional equipment and on-set procedures. In addition to the use of topical lectures, PowerPoint presentations, videos and hand-outs, the course will include demonstrations of equipment and set operations as well as hands-on learning experiences. Students will learn: film production organizational structure, job descriptions and duties in various film craft areas, names, uses and protocols related to various pieces of professional on-set film equipment. Students will also learn, through lecture and exercises, how the various film craft relate to one-another on a working set, as well as how and why they all must operate in sync. In addition, students will learn skills related to networking and self-marketing.

FILM 2100. Introduction to Film (3) 

A humanities-based approach to cinema as an art form, this course introduces the basic elements of motion-picture form: camerawork, editing, narrative, sound, and mise-en-scene. The course also locates contemporary filmmaking within historical and international contexts. Attendance is required for weekly out-of-class screenings.

FILM 2400. Digital Image Production (3) 

This hands-on course introduces students to camera-based imaging. Students learn basic composition and lighting techniques, principles of visual design, image processing and manipulation, and the basics of creating moving images through animation.

FILM 2420. Intro to Field Production (3) 

This essential, hands-on course introduces students to the production and distribution of digital media. Workshops, readings, and assignments teach the basic concepts employed in production, post-production, and distribution, as well as practical skills using professional equipment and post-production software. Students will create a number of projects in the course, which they can use on their demo reels.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1102

FILM 2430. Storyboarding (3) 

Students will explore concepts of visual storytelling using a variety of tools including storyboarding and animatics. Students will develop knowledge of and approaches to designing pre-visualization materials that reflect the design, mood, action, and dialogue of a film or video project and which will tell the story most effectively.

Prerequisites: (CMS 2100 or FILM 2100) and (CMS 2420 or FILM 2420) or FILM 1520

FILM 2520. Georgia Film Academy Course II (6) 

This course is the second of a two-course program designed specifically to provide students with a basic level of on-set film production skills, knowledge and experience with film-industry standard organizational structure, professional equipment and on-set procedures. The skills and knowledge gained in FILM 2510 will form a foundation for students to be able to perform at an entry-level on working productions. This course will focus on professional-level productions, on which students will have roles in on-set and pre-production crafts. Because of the compressed and sometimes unusual scheduling nature of film production, students must have flexibility in their own schedules to be able to work on these projects. The course will be structured similar to a seminar or practicum.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520

FILM 2700. History of Cinema (3) 

This course introduces students to the evolution of motion pictures as an art form from the silent era to the present. It critically surveys historically important cinematic traditions across narrative, documentary, and/or experimental forms.

Prerequisites: CMS 2100 or FILM 2100

FILM 2800. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520 or (CMS 2410 and CMS 2420)

FILM 2801. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520 or (CMS 2410 and CMS 2420)

FILM 2802. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520 or (CMS 2410 and CMS 2420)

FILM 2803. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520 or (CMS 2410 and CMS 2420)

FILM 2804. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520 or (CMS 2410 and CMS 2420)

FILM 2805. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520 or (CMS 2410 and CMS 2420)

FILM 2806. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520 or (CMS 2410 and CMS 2420)

FILM 2807. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520 or (CMS 2410 and CMS 2420)

FILM 2808. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520 or (CMS 2410 and CMS 2420)

FILM 2809. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520 or (CMS 2410 and CMS 2420)

FILM 2810. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520 or (CMS 2410 and CMS 2420)

FILM 2811. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520 or (CMS 2410 and CMS 2420)

FILM 2812. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520 or (CMS 2410 and CMS 2420)

FILM 2813. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520 or (CMS 2410 and CMS 2420)

FILM 2814. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 2812 and (FILM 2813 )

FILM 2815. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 2812 and (FILM 2813 )

FILM 2816. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

FILM 2817. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

FILM 2818. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520 or (CMS 2410 and CMS 2420)

FILM 2819. Lower Level Special Topics (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a film criticism topic.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520 or (CMS 2410 and CMS 2420)

FILM 3155. Cinematography (3) 

This intensive hands-on course introduces students to the artistic and technical operation of video cameras and related equipment used for motion picture production. Camera movement, composition, focus, exposure, file formats, in-camera image modifications, application of post-production techniques in shaping the digital negative, and other elements of high-resolution image acquisition and processing are covered in this project-based course. Students will also learn the role of the Director of Photography and related positions on a film crew.

Prerequisites: (CMS 2100 or FILM 2100) and (CMS 2410 or FILM 2400) and (CMS 2420 or FILM 2420) or FILM 1520

FILM 3340. National Cinemas I (3) 

This course closely studies the development of a specific national or regional cinema in terms of its aesthetic, theoretical, and socio-political dimensions. Topics range from the study of a historical period (the Russian silent era, for example), to an in-depth analysis of a single (The French New Wave), to the conceptualization of a specific national or regional cinema (e.g., Japanese, Indian French, Mexican, Canadian, African, New Zealand, etc.).

Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 and (FILM 2100 or CMS 2100)

FILM 3341. National Cinemas II (3) 

This course closely studies the development of a specific national or regional cinema in terms of its aesthetic, theoretical, and socio-political dimensions. Topics range from the study of a historical period (the Russian silent era, for example), to an in-depth analysis of a single movement (The French New Wave), to the conceptualization of a specific national or regional cinema (e.g., Japanese, Indian, French, Mexican, Canadian, African, New Zealand, etc.).

Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 and (FILM 2100 or CMS 2100)

FILM 3342. National Cinemas III (3) 

This course closely studies the development of a specific national or regional cinema in terms of its aesthetic, theoretical, and socio-political dimensions. Topics range from the study of a historical period (the Russian silent era, for example), to an in-depth analysis of a single movement (The French New Wave), to the conceptualization of a specific national or regional cinema (e.g., Japanese, Indian, French, Mexican, Canadian, African, New Zealand, etc.).

Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 and (FILM 2100 or CMS 2100)

FILM 3350. African American Cinema (3) 

This course studies the rich and diverse history of African American Cinema from the silent era to the present day. The course’s primary texts of study are Independent films directed by African American filmmakers, occasionally considered in dialog with selected Hollywood representations of African Americans. The course particularly emphasizes Black Film Aesthetics as a politics of representation and counter-representation—the ways in which film is used as a medium of protest, resistance, and cultural affirmation.

Prerequisites: CMS 2100 or FILM 2100

FILM 3360. Deconstructing Disney (3) 

This course studies how Disney films reflect and skew the traditional fairy tales on which they are based, in order to further discern how Disney constructs its ideologies and promotes particular identities. Disney created these films within particular historical and cultural contexts; as such, the course considers how their creative circumstances from the 1930s right up to the present day yielded their particular intersections of race, gender, class, sexuality, ability, capitalism, and nation. Additionally, the course considers how audiences can interpret these popular cultural texts in ways not necessarily designed or even forethought by Disney.

Prerequisites: CMS 2100 or FILM 2100

FILM 3410. Lighting for Motion Pictures (3) 

This studio course introduces the aesthetic conventions and technical skills of motion-picture lighting, including instruments, equipment, and techniques used for in-studio and on-location settings. Students will learn the process behind production lighting and demonstrate the ability to achieve a professional-quality video image.

FILM 3420. Audio Recording & Sound Design (3) 

This studio course introduces the aesthetic conventions and technical skills of recorded sound. Assignments include field recording for audio media (e.g. radio and podcasting) and video, along with post-production sound design for moving images, including the preparation of dialog, sound effects, and music tracks.

Prerequisites: CMS 2100 or FILM 2100

FILM 3480. Producing (3) 

The course will explore the role of the film producer with focus on both the creative and organizational techniques of producing. Students will explore and put into practice the detailed preparation that precedes a film or television shoot and will learn the proper pre-production techniques to ensure a successful project.

Prerequisites: (CMS 2100 or FILM 2100) and (CMS 2420 or FILM 2420 or FILM 1520)

FILM 3490. Directing (3) 

This is a hands-on course in directing, and theoretical class based on lectures, readings, and presentations. Students will learn the role of a director and execute basic directing techniques. They will learn visual storytelling, shot design, and how to cast and direct actors.

Prerequisites: (ENGL 1102 and CMS 2100 or FILM 2100) and (FILM 1520 or CMS 2420 or FILM 2420)

FILM 3520. On-set Internship (5) 

This course will allow students to gain experience working on the set of a feature film or television program.

Prerequisites: FILM 1520

FILM 3700. Great Directors (3) 

This revolving topics course analyzes and discusses historically important films by great international directors. It considers the role of the director in the creation of excellent films: personal “auteurist” styles, cinematic strategies, and typical themes.

Prerequisites: (CMS 2100 or FILM 2100) and FILM 2700

FILM 3820. Screenwriting (3) 

In this course, students will study the mechanics of screenwriting. The course explores dramatic structure including film language, story, and character development. Students will analyze and apply various techniques in writing for the screen.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 and CMS 2100 or FILM 2100

FILM 3850. Motion Graphics (3) 

This course focuses on the basic principles and practices of motion graphics, including design and composition, storyboarding and planning, compositing, and sequencing. Students will be introduced to current software and concepts used in the production of motion pictures, television, and networked media. Students should expect to spend additional time in the lab outside of the scheduled class time.

Prerequisites: CMS 4450 or FILM 4450

FILM 4310. Film Analysis and Criticism (3) 

This course continues the humanities-based approach to cinema begun in Introduction to Film, now in a writing-intensive format. Through weekly writing assignments students master the analysis of motion-picture form, including camerawork, editing, narrative, sound, and mise-en-scene. The course also considers multiple approaches to film theory and criticism within historical and international contexts. Attendance is required for weekly out-of-class screenings.

Prerequisites: (FILM 2100 or CMS 2100) and FILM 2700

FILM 4320. Women and Film (3) 

This course explores the role of women in cinema as on-screen representation, as spectators, and as filmmakers. We will study selected films and readings particularly in light of women's gender, class, race, and sexuality.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 and FILM 2100 or CMS 2100

FILM 4330. Film Genres I (3) 

An analysis of specific genres of American and international cinema, focusing on the conventions and icons of those genres and examining significant films within them.

Prerequisites: CMS 2100 or FILM 2100

FILM 4331. Film Genres II (3) 

An analysis of specific genres of American and international cinema, focusing on the conventions and icons of those genres and examining significant films within them.

Prerequisites: CMS 2100 or FILM 2100

FILM 4332. Film Genres III (3) 

An analysis of specific genres of American and international cinema, focusing on the conventions and icons of those genres and examining significant films within them.

Prerequisites: CMS 2100 or FILM 2100

FILM 4410. Digital Video Production (3) 

An introduction to the three phases of digitial video creation: pre-production, production, and post-production. Students will be required to attend events (e.g., video shoots) scheduled outside of regular class hours.

Prerequisites: CMS 2100 or (FILM 2100 and CMS 2420 or FILM 2420) or FILM 1520 and FILM 3155

FILM 4420. Visual Effects (3) 

Students will learn to use a variety of approaches including the proper design and integration of 2D and 3D effects as well as green screen and compositing workflows to achieve seamless, narrative-driven, visual effects sequences. Students will use industry-standard software to create vivid, realistic, and seamlessly integrated final projects.

Prerequisites: CMS 4450

FILM 4430. Advanced Lighting (3) 

This course focuses on mastery of advanced elements of narrative motion picture lighting. The course covers the visual and emotional qualities of light, how to apply different approaches and employ a variety of equipment and tools in lighting for character, commercial/corporate, and narrative scenes. The course examines and provides students on-set experience in the role of the lighting director, gaffer, and other crew positions.

Prerequisites: (CMS 3410 or FILM 3410) and FILM 3155

FILM 4440. Advanced Visual Effects (3) 

Students design and create multiple effects-based projects based on advanced compositing and visual effects techniques. Topics include 3D modeling, digital mattes, pre-visualization tools for seamless preview and production of effects on-set, and integration of effects as elements of the production and post-production environments.

Prerequisites: FILM 4420

FILM 4450. Digital Video Post-Production (3) 

Through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises, students master the basic terminology, and skills of digital post production, with an emphasis on nonlinear video editing. Fundamentals of visual storytelling-including continuity, pacing, and dramatic structure-are emphasized.

Prerequisites: (CMS 2100 or FILM 2100) and (CMS 2420 or FILM 2420) or FILM 1520 or (FILM 2400 or CMS 2410)

FILM 4460. Video Post-Production II (3) 

In this advanced class, students will study the narrative-specific use of color grading, compositing, motion tracking, titles and graphics as well as other industry-standard methods for professionally finishing a film or video project. Digital mattes, painting, 3D modeling and other visual effects tools and techniques will also be touched upon and used by students to enhance narrative film and video.

Prerequisites: CMS 4450 or FILM 4450

FILM 4480. Video Production II (3) 

This advanced course in video production gives students experience with advanced visual storytelling, directing, lighting and sound. Students will develop, produce, and direct short narrative projects while working in three other crew positions on student films. Students will learn on-set etiquette, the role of the Assistant Director, Director of Photography, Director, and Assistant Camera.

Prerequisites: CMS 4410 or FILM 4410 and CMS 3820 or FILM 3820 and CMS 4450 or FILM 4450

FILM 4490. Modes of Video Production I (3) 

This studio course in digital video production investigates modes of digital production, including fiction, documentary, experimental, personal narrative, web video, and interactive media, teaching fundamental terms and concepts while providing students with hands-on hardware and software skills. Students will be required to attend events (e.g. video shoots) scheduled outside of regular class hours.

Prerequisites: (CMS 2100 or FILM 2100) and CMS 2420 or FILM 2420 or FILM 1520

FILM 4491. Modes of Video Production II (3) 

This studio course in digital video production investigates modes of digital production, including fiction, documentary, experimental, personal narrative, web video, and interactive media, teaching fundamental terms and concepts while providing students with hands-on hardware and software skills. Students will be required to attend events (e.g. video shoots) scheduled outside of regular class hours.

Prerequisites: CMS 2100 or (FILM 2100 and CMS 2420) or FILM 1520

FILM 4492. Modes of Video Production III (3) 

This studio course in digital video production investigates modes of digital production, including fiction, documentary, experimental, personal narrative, web video, and interactive media, teaching fundamental terms and concepts while providing students with hands-on hardware and software skills. Sutdents will be required to attend events (e.g. video shoots) scheduled outside of regular class hours.

Prerequisites: (CMS 2100 or FILM 2100) and CMS 2420 or FILM 2420 or FILM 1520

FILM 4493. Modes of Video Production IV (3) 

This studio course in digital video production investigates modes of digital production, including fiction, documentary, experimental, personal narrative, web video, and interactive media, teaching fundamental terms and concepts while providing students with hands-on hardware and software skills. Sutdents will be required to attend events (e.g. video shoots) scheduled outside of regular class hours.

Prerequisites: (CMS 2100 or FILM 2100) and CMS 2420 or FILM 2420 or FILM 1520

FILM 4800. Special Topics I (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on either contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a media criticism topic.

Prerequisites: CMS 2100 or FILM 2100

FILM 4801. Special Topics II (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on either contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a media criticism topic.

Prerequisites: CMS 2100 or FILM 2100

FILM 4802. Special Topics III (3) 

This rotating topics course focuses on either contemporary production practices in film and television and teaches fundamental terminology and concepts through hands-on hardware and software skills or on a media criticism topic.

Prerequisites: CMS 2100 or FILM 2100

FILM 4901. Internship/Exper. Learning I (2) 

This course will allow students to earn credit for participating in film and media industry activities. Students may volunteer for film/media conferences or events, attend speakers and special presentations, work on-set for film/media productions, and/or take part in other faculty-approved activities. A minimum number of hours will be required for each credit hour and the work must be documented.

Prerequisites: CMS 4410 or FILM 4410

FILM 4902. Internship/Exper. Learning II (3) 

This course will allow students to earn credit for participating in film and media industry activities. Students may volunteer for film/media conferences or events, attend speakers and special presentations, work on-set for film/media productions, and/or take part in other faculty-approved activities. A minimum number of hours will be required for each credit hour and the work must be documented.

Prerequisites: CMS 4410 or FILM 4410

FILM 4903. Sem in Contemp Filmmaking (3) 

This advanced seminar will bring a rotating selection of film and media industry professionals to campus for master-class style workshops with seminar participants. Visiting professionals will also give public lectures highlighting best-practices and career advice for students and the wider film community.

Prerequisites: FILM 3155

FILM 4904. Portfolio Class (1) 

This course will provide students the opportunity to shape their best film and video work into a cohesive and career-ready portfolio. Students will meet with faculty as needed for input and direction and will publish the portfolio of their work online after a review by faculty and industry professionals.

Prerequisites: (CMS 4410 or FILM 4410) and (CMS 4450 or FILM 4450)