Course Description
This course, offered in collaboration with the Georgia Film Consortium, provides students with basic production techniques and skills, studio production practices, and professional preparation for working in the commercial film and television industries.
Athena Title
On Set Film Production
Non-Traditional Format
Course may be taught off-site at the Georgia Film Consortium.
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course provides students with a basic set of skills and insights sufficient to be integrated into the sets of working film productions. The course is offered in collaboration with the Georgia Film Consortium. Course may count toward a Film Studies Minor, as a general elective, or in Area VI (depending on major).
Topical Outline
I. Economics of Film A. Define the term "film" and describe the phases of film production. B. Discuss the film industry and its impact in Georgia. C. Explain the Georgia film incentive. II. Set Personnel and Organizational Structure A. Describe the titles and job descriptions of the production crew. B. Articulate the organizational structure of on-set personnel by department. C. Explain job duties and responsibilities for all members of a production crew. III. A "Day on the Set" Workflow and Schedule A. Explain the production sequence on a shooting day. B. Understand what a production schedule is and what it is designed to accomplish. C. Define the time requirements of production. D. Adapt to the ever-changing expectations of the production environment. E. Describe how crew members (by department) should prepare for a shooting day. F. Articulate film production terminology used by crews. G. Identify the components of a call sheet, shot lists, and first AD calls. IV. Current Social Media Ecosystem A. Demonstrate the job duties of entry-level "below-the- line" crew members. B. Explain cinematography, shot progression, and shot compositions. C. Demonstrate camera operations, including perspective and camera movement. D. Explain the structure and formatting of a script, including sides. E. Explain the basics of light, including color temperature, intensity, angle, and quality. F. Identify types of lighting, including Fresnel lens, Open Face PAR, Broad, LED, and soft box. G. Describe lamp types, including Tungsten, HMI, fluorescent, HID, and LED. H. Identify the basic parts of light stands, including the spigots, risers, and knuckles. I. Identify the types and functions of different light stands. J. Explain the types, sizes, and functions of flags, nets, and cucalorus. K. Discuss techniques and materials used to modify lighting. L. Explain electricity in terms of house power, wire gauges, capacity, and calculating loads. V. Production Assistant Technology Skills A. Understand the basic function of industry standard software for production. B. Explain Movie Magic software for scheduling and budgeting. VI. Professional Behavior A. Discuss the 10 work ethic traits prescribed by TCSG. B. Embrace work ethic traits in the classroom and during production exercises. C. Follow protocols and etiquette standards during assigned production exercises and when on a production set to maintain a safe working environment. VII. Set Operations A. Identify and discuss the different production paperwork and information disseminated to the cast and crew of a feature film or TV production. B. Compare the required call times for all cast and crew on a film and TV production set. C. Identify the difference between a script and sides and when they are used. D. Define the components of set security, including lock- up and lock-down. E. Assemble and construct a variety of production paperwork. F. Analyze and create appropriate call times for cast and crew for a film or TV production from predetermined production scenarios. G. Analyze and format script revisions and daily sides and determine distribution to the appropriate cast and crew, including production office. H. Describe the "final draft" (for script revisions) and script revisions protocols. VIII. Production Logistics A. Explain mechanics of location shooting versus in- studio production. B. Identify the main functions of logistical support and services. C. Understand the function of the transportation department. D. Explain the set-up and wrap-out of the "production village." E. Identify location production methods and troubleshooting. IX. Career Planning and Self-Marketing A. Understand the importance of networking and centers of influence for building a career in the film industry. B. Apply basic networking skills to advance a career. C. Identify potential career paths relevant to your interests and skills. D. Draft a resume suitable for the film industry. E. Recognize the impact of unions on careers in the film industry. F. Examine standard employment contracts and industry forms.