CURRENT COURSES
SHORT FILM * MEDIA FOR THE ACTOR * CREATIVE WRITING * CULTURES OF FEAR & HORROR * HISTORY OF SCI-FI CINEMA * HISTORY OF INDEPENDENT CINEMA * COMPOSITION
Course Description:
This course is a broad survey of the historical power and construction of films that have defined the “horror” genre. As a class we will critically examine the major tenets and staples of this genre and how these films draw various influences throughout the world.
Course Mission:
To analyze the history and the major themes of horror films in relation to fear, the international realm and ultimately dive headlong into “what is scary” and what is fear?
CREATIVE WRITING
Course Description:
This course offers to performing artists a dynamic creative writing workshop in which students explore, develop, structure and present their written expression. By reading some of the most inspired creative works and comparing the fundamental structure of various texts, such as poetry, the short story, one-act play and screenplay, students will write and present their own material based on multiple formats. Prerequisite: English Composition.
Course Objective:
Students will analyze and identify the components and formats of a range of texts and write and present their own material as a creative response.
Course Description:
This course is a broad survey of the historical power and presence of independent cinema across the scope of legendary and current filmmakers, actors and the studios that brought about the love of the independent film. We will survey how the term independent has change throughout the course of this “style” of film making including the birth of “Hollywood” which was in and of itself a independent endeavor and how the term has radically shifted up to the current landscape of modern cinema. Through discursive and analytical discussions and writing as a class we will examine the concepts (loss, distrust, reality bending, thriller, irksome behaviors and oft non-linear narratives, etc) that these films explore and how those concepts apply to our understanding of films and how we ourselves understand these qualities in our every day existence.
Course Mission:
To analyze the history of independent cinema by focusing on several decades, including landmark films throughout the history of cinema. We will also examine how these films get made, where the money comes from and how they arrive before our eyes. We will also examine the independent film festival circuit to understand how many major figures in Film have come be known and beloved.
HISTORY OF INDEPENDENT CINEMA
CULTURES OF FEAR AND HORROR
CRITICAL STUDIES COURSES
HISTORY OF SCI-FI CINEMA
Course Description:
Sci-Fi is a rich, diverse, and sometimes elusive genre, even more so than many other established ones. We will examine its evolution, component parts (the semantic elements) and major thematic implementations (the syntactic elements) , how they interrelate, and where they may be pointing to what=s next for the genre which, frankly seems to be stagnating and recycling at present. As ever, we will ground our study in the socio-cultural trends of the times of these films conceptions and seek to understand the needs and anxieties they seem to be addressing and, again, what that may mean for the future of the genre.
Course Mission:
To encourage students to improve their skills by learning through example and analysis. Additional goals: To expose students to screenings, the art, the design, and the themes of Sci-Fi cinema, of theoretical concepts, life experiences, and a range of emotions which will assist them in referencing and applying these things to their work. To expose students to the history, context, and evolution of the Science Fiction genre in ways that can be applied to their work.
PRODUCTION COURSES
SHORT FILM
Course Description:
The creation of a short film (or films) from start to finish. Students will be given specific guidelines within which they will write individual screenplays for short films. Once the films are written, there will be a selection process and one or more of the films will be chosen to be produced. Students will then serve as actors and crew for the shooting of the film(s). A viewing of the final product is anticipated.
Course Mission:
To write a well-structured, well-written screenplay that adheres to criteria set forth at the beginning of the course. To experience acting and crewing as directed in an original short film.
ACTING FOR THE CAMER 3
Course Description:
This course will introduce the student to fundamental methods and techniques for acting in film and television. We will learn and explore the necessary adjustments of one’s acting style to be a successful actor on camera.
Course Mission:
By the end of the course, the student will be able to:
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Work various acting styles in both static and moving shots
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Understand the basics of working for an edit and the creation of a film scene
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Work in multi camera environments
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Understand CGI environments and the techniques involved
MEDIA FOR THE ACTOR
Course Description:
This class offers students a broad spectrum of introductory elements of current media. The course is structured in 3 “modules” for the semester. Students will start by learning a brief history of the evolution and vocabularies related to current media and technologies; emphasizing how they are used within contemporary society. The exploration will then lead to important information relating to how current media is most used by actors and performing artists (slates, reels, auditions, websites, etc.). The final module will focus on creating sample “content” as often used by actors to promote themselves and their artistic projects.
Course Mission:
To provide historical reference and practical skills in using media as a viable relevant resource for working actors.
SHOOT FOR THE EDIT
Course Description:
Students will build upon all previous semesters of on-camera classes, with specific focus on application of techniques as applied to the demands of a “final film edit”. Film Structure, the editing process, and elevated film acting techniques will be explored to achieve characters that align with a director’s process, an editor can successfully cut, and ultimately live effectively on camera.
Course Mission:
By the end of the course, the student will be able to:
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Develop skills that facilitate an editable performance
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Work in both static and moving film styles that combines technique, continuity & spontaneity in the actor’s work
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Understanding the edit and the editor’s needs, as well as the actor’s responsibility to that process
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Facilitate growth in the acting process for complicated shooting situations & understanding how that process relates to the finished film
STUDENT FILMS
THE SHOWDOWN
AMDA, Spring 2014
Written by Elisa Hoyos
LIVING MEMORIES
AMDA, Fall 2012
Written by Diane Santiago
MONDAY
AMDA, Fall 2013
Written by Stephen Jun
SURPRISE
AMDA, Spring 2013
Written by Jacklyn Chung