Digital Filmmaking

Grade 9–13, one semester, 1⁄2 credit

Visual narratives surround us, with films, television programs, commercials and Youtube having an ever- increasing presence in students’ lives. Digital Filmmaking provides students opportunities to better understand, as well as to create, digital videos. Students learn the technical aspects of digital production, including digital cinematography, non-linear editing, lighting, and computer-based special effects. Equally important is the art of storytelling. Students work to create original, well-structured stories, with compelling characters and conflicts. Besides that, students will have contact with films from different countries and cultures, learning about film history and early techniques.

Grade 9–13, one semester, 1⁄2 credit

This project-based course is offered to students with a solid knowledge in filmmaking. Students will use their previous filmmaking knowledge working in short scenes, experimental filmmaking, enhancing their cinematic skills. The final project of this class is a short film that will be entered in the ASP Film Festival. Prerequisite: Digital Filmmaking -with teacher recommendation.

Grades 11, full year, 1 credit

IB Film, year one of this two-year program, challenges students to fully explore Film as Art by studying great films, creating documentary scripts and producing short films. This three-pronged approach creates opportunities to thoroughly investigate Film as Art while preparing students for the IB Film assessments, submitted in Year 2. Students will follow the IB curriculum, but the course is not limited only to those seeking the IB Diploma. The course is open to all students who seek an in-depth understanding of the power of film to inspire, to inform, and to entertain. Year 1 of the program looks critically at a variety of film genres, develops cinematography and editing skills, and introduces script writing as art. It is advisable but not required to have some film experience before taking this course.

Grades 12–13, full year, 1 credit

IB Film is the second year component of the two-year IB Film curriculum, where students complete the three elements of the IB Film Portfolio - a film (with trailer for HL), a documentary script and a structured film analysis. Throughout the year students will view and discuss select films, work on production exercises and script writing assignments. Students will spend the first semester creating their IB film, a five-minute (SL) or seven-minute (HL) production. During this process they will specialize and focus on one production role. They will also research and begin writing their documentary script for submittal. During the second semester students will finalize all of the pieces of

the IB Film Portfolio, including the analysis component of the course, a 12-15 minute scene analysis project. Prerequisite: IB Film - 401