Royal Arts AcademyFilm Making Curiculumn

Through working with DSLRs, Smart phones and Digital Video Cameras, students learn  visualizing, shot design, and are introduced to the fundamental tools of cinematography – light  & lensing. To this end, all students are able to shoot at a basic level as well as appreciate the 

creative possibilities of cinematography. All this culminates in a film project (PRODUCTION  WORKSHOP CLASS). Students will learn to collaborate and communicate effectively by  interpreting the script and using lighting, composition and movement to create a visual style  and look. Students will also learn the mechanical basics of cameras, camera operation, optics  and camera support. Technical lighting fundamentals encompassing exposure, light meters,  color, lighting instruments, and molding the light will be explored. You will utilize all the  technical tools to help create a visual style for any given project. Practical exercises on DSLRs,  Smart phones and Digital Video cameras are designed around learning basic lighting, lensing,  camera movements and shot design. Practicals culminate in a conceptual and demonstrable  grasp of narrating through the moving image.

Incorporates different world renowned techniques which help in understanding, analysing and  applying the craft of Acting. The module spans the history of Acting: traditional and classical  modes of acting, modern acting i.e. method acting / realistic form of acting and the post modern, i.e. contemporary methodologies, to comprehend the art of performance more  efficiently. Creative Body Movements: Creative body movements are prime exercises. These  movement classes enables one to become graceful and energetic, and makes one aware of  factors like rhythm, gait, pace, tempo, gestures, postures, body language, compositions, etc.  which later help one in understanding scenes more effectively. Voice Culture: In voice classes, students get to understand the power of their voice and gain an insight of how to modify it by  controlling various resonators and muscles. By doing different breathing exercises, the students  learn voice modulation which helps them in understanding the nuances of diction and  articulation. Diction & Speech: The students are taught the importance of clarity of speech — articulation as well as expressions. The students are made to analyze and study various  monologues from plays and films, which later helps them in dialogue delivery. Actor and  Camera: This aspect of training is a highly technical endeavor which deals with all the technical  nuances of film acting, concerning the camera. Here the students get to know the importance  of the camera, camera placement, camera movement, shot division, shot taking, types of shots,  the presence of the actor before the camera, the significance of the ‘mark’ vis-à-vis the camera,  etc 

This course exposes students to the theory and craft of dramatic screenwriting. The Process:  The class explores how a script is developed from concept to final written form. Through  lectures, film viewing, and weekly exercises, emphasis is placed on plot and story structure, the  adaptation of ideas into cinematic forms, how to tell a story with images, and character, plot,  and dialogue development. Students create complex, layered characters with an emphasis on  dialogue without story exposition. Students write a scene that imparts information and reveals  character through subtext – guiding the audience through the use of actions – as subtly and  naturally as possible. Story conflict within a scene is stressed, as is the protagonist/antagonist  relationship, and culminating in the ultimate scene resolution. Students also write a second  scene in sequence, discussing audience expectations, and the possibility of going against these  expectations to build interest and create a more compelling narrative. Each student writes two  short 8-12 page scripts developed within the context of the workshop.

Screen Lab. Students will participate in seminars and workshops covering a range of topics,  including practical filmmaking skills, creative brainstorming, a survey of concepts underpinning  moving image theory, and the state of the creative industries. Directing Boot Camp. key  creative and technical skills that anchor the director’s craft will be taught and provide the foundation for more advanced techniques. Fundamentals of dramaturgy and narrative  construction, mise-en-scène, visual storytelling and directing actors. The Actor and the Story. A  thorough enquiry into Symbiotic relationship between the writer’s intention, the director’s  interpretation and the actor’s instinct will be studied to learn how to elicit engaging and  truthful performances. Director’s Craft and Creative Collaboration. Students will learn the  importance of the collaborative relationship between directors and key Heads of Departments,  including the Cinematographer, 1st AD, Producer, Editor, Casting Director and Production  Designer.

This is a hybrid writing/production course that guides students through the process of  completing a 10 minute narrative film. Students will write scripts for short fiction films, and  then, by filming them, learn to apply the fundamentals of digital video production. Initial  classwork will include visual writing exercises, camera operations, script work, and basic fiction  film production. Students will continue on in groups to develop, film, edit, and critique 10 minute narrative films based on a shared class theme or narrative premise. This course is truly  INTENSIVE and requires a significant amount of work, including outside of class and daily  deadlines for submission of creative work. Students from various specialist areas converge in  this workshop class to put into practice what they have learnt over the period of three months.  This course is compulsory for all certificate students.