¶ Course Description
Digital Cinema is an advanced-level course for students open only to students who have completed Video Production and earned a score of proficient on that course’s WebXam. Using the skills and knowledge gained in Video Production, students continue to expand their skill set, learn advanced editing and compositing techniques, create motion graphics, and have the opportunity to work on exciting independent projects. Additionally, Digital Cinema students have the opportunity to produce short film and episodic content for public release and share their knowledge with Video Production students!
¶ Supplies + Recommended Equipment
Please bring the following to class each day:
- 1.5" 3-ring binder + 1 divider
- Looseleaf paper
- Pencil
During class, we will take notes by hand! Writing notes by hand makes it easier for us to learn and process new information. All notes should be kept in your course binder.
¶ Optional Equipment
- USB-C External SSD (512GB or larger)
Check out the Equipment Recommendations page for specific recommendations.
During the school year, we work to meet the following learning goals through a combination of note taking, hands-on experiences, and creative projects that put your knowledge and skills to the test. There is so much to do and so little time!
¶ Course Content
During the school year, we will work to cover these topics through a combination of note taking, hands-on experiences, and creative projects that put your knowledge and skills to the test. There is so much to do and so little time!
- Storytelling “skeletons” and brainstorming
- Review of framing, camera, and tripod basics
- Introduction to cinematic storytelling
- Review of the 180-degree rule and basic video grammar
- DaVinci Resolve Refresher (Cut and Edit pages)
- Reflection and feedback on first short projects
- Cinematic lighting: 3-point setups and creative lighting
- Advanced camera controls: manual exposure and depth of field
- DaVinci Resolve Refresher (Color Page)
- Planning and production of narrative shorts
- Audio basics and science of sound review
- Essential story questions and script planning
- Feedback and revision processes
- DaVinci Resolve (Fusion Page) for advanced VFX
- Compositing, chroma keying, and masks
- Large-scale narrative production
- Audio/Video sync strategies
- Refinement of rough cuts, audio passes, and spotting music/sound
- Cause/effect-driven visual stories
- On-screen graphics and branding
- Advanced Post-production and audio techniques
¶ Media Watchlist
Throughout this course, video examples from films, television series, and online productions are used to explain and provide context for specific videography and storytelling techniques. Occasionally, examples may include profanity or graphic depictions of violence. While we will not use them in our own projects, these elements of the human experience have a place in the storytelling toolbox.