Graduate School Bulletin

Spring 2024

FLM: Film

FLM 500: Introduction to Graduate Studies

This seminar course will introduce graduate film students to each other, to graduate faculty across disciplines, and will encourage new collaborations and projects for development during the students¿ graduate careers. Film students will meet to discuss the role of each artist, with emphasis on the changing nature of collaboration and the expanding art form in today¿s film profession. Readings, written assignments and collaborative projects are required. 4 credits. Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.) Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor. Southampton and Manhattan. Semesters Offered: Fall & Spring.

3-4 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

FLM 501: Film Tools

This course will give students an overview of production essentials; covering safety, basic movie-making equipment and basic editing. Student will spend time in the classroom and on set, shooting various exercises, paying special attention to set safety, proper handling of the gear, the ins and outs of a selection of cameras, sound equipment and lighting. In addition, the basics of cinematography and framing, audio techniques and basic set protocol will be covered. The course will cover the basics of non-linear editing; including: creating new projects, media management, sequence settings, importing, transcoding, sound, JKL cuts, titling, mixed file format editing, export settings and delivery.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

FLM 505: Film Management I: Production Development

Instruction and training in art direction and design which may include exploration of a particular approach, review of current techniques, experiments in style, hands-on exercrised, intensive production periods, etc. The particular theme of the course will be announced in the course schedule. Beneficial for writers, directors, and producers. Suitable for film and television.

1-3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.

FLM 506: Film Management II: Literary Management

In this course, students will be guided through a deeper dive examination of best-practices, a changing landscape, and strategies for marketing, distribution, financing, legal and post-production in film, television, & digital content. The class is structured as an independent study for students to workshop their ongoing individual projects and receive one-on-one mentoring from class instructors. Throughout the semester this course will also include provocative in-class conversations with working industry professionals such as producers, agents, lawyers, financiers, and distributors. This is a highly interactive and practical application class where students will work throughout the semester individually and collaboratively on building an executable plan for one film, tv, or digital content project of their choosing in preparation for its creation and release.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 508: Editing I

This course will focus on the editing process and how a film is shaped during editing. Tools of editing will be explored as well as the theory behind their use. Through film examples, articles, books and hands on lessons, students will learn the craft of editing. The language and purpose behind every cut will be examined. Working with cutting-edge digital editing software, the course will cover the basics of non-linear editing; including: creating new projects, media management, sequence settings, importing, transcoding, sound, JKL cuts, titling, mixed file format editing, export settings and delivery.

1-3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

FLM 509: Cinematography I

This course will focus on the fundamentals of camera, sound, safety, and proper use of basic production equipment. Students will be introduced to the tools necessary to shoot their short films, shooting various exercises in a classroom and on the set, including safety, proper handling of the gear, the ins-and-outs of a selection of cameras, sound equipment and lighting. In addition we will cover the basics of cinematography and framing, audio techniques and basic set protocol. This is the first step to properly capturing the stories students have to tell. Course takes place in the classroom and on the set.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

FLM 510: Film History I

Film as text in the context of its time. A study of Film History with attention to specific topics in the lexicon, theories, movements and genres of the field. It may be repeated as an independent study with the permission of the instructor.¿3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)¿May be repeated for credit. Semesters Offered: Spring.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 520: Film History II

Course surveys films of a specific period or movement. May be repeated once. 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)¿

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 523: Film in New York

The course delves into a field survey of film and television offerings in New York City, festival by festival and organization by organization. Students will become acquainted with the status of film in New York, including, but not limited to The Film Society of Lincoln Center, The Tribeca Film Fest, New York Film Festival, New York Shorts Festival, IFC, Doc NYC, Women¿s International Film Festival, New York Women in Film and Television, New York Mayors Office of Film and Television, New York Governor¿s Office of Film and Television, and New York Production Alliance. Additionally, all students will serve as jurors on the SUNYWide Film Fest.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 525: Topics in Film

Intensive studies of selected forms of film and filmmaking from various countries and periods, designed to supplement rather than repeat areas of study already undertaken in the curriculum. Topics may include producing, directing, writings in film, the ins-and-outs of financing, genre screenwriting, films without words, films in the noir tradition, the spaghetti western, among others. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 1-3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.). Semesters Offered: Fall and Spring.

1-3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 526: Topics in TV Writing

A seminar for writers and filmmakers concentrating on one area of study or topic in Television. The particular theme of the course will be announced in the course schedule. Topics may include, among others, the showrunner, producing the web series, international TV, producing the comedy sketch, a survey of American television.

1-4 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 530: Directed Readings in Film

Students read and evaluate the literature on a topic of special interest under the supervision of a faculty member. What makes a good script? What makes a producible script? What makes a feature film, a television series, a made-for-tv movie, or a webisode. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 1-3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.). Semesters Offered: Fall % Spring.

1-3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 536: Forms of TV Writing

Regular submission, discussion, and analysis of students work in one or more contemporary areas of television writing. Topics may include writing for mini-series and limited-series, unscripted television, writing for documentary, writing for short form, writing the webisode, writing for international TV, writing the pilot, writing the spec, among others.

1-6 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 537: Production I

In this course, writing, directing, editing and cinematography training will be synthesized, focused, and put into practice. Students work from the scripts developed in previous semester. In the first weeks, students review camera, sound, lighting, casting, scheduling, safety, and running a set, while preparing shot lists, story boards, call sheets, shooting schedules, talent agreements and location releases necessary to bring their visions to the screen. Then the production cycle begins: intense breakout sessions coupled with camera blocking prepare students for the rigors of a film shoot. To make the experience truly immersive, students crew on all productions, so expect to spend many days on set.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

FLM 550: Teaching Practicum

Supervised student teaching of undergraduate courses accompanied by a seminar in methods and strategies of teaching film at the University level. An independent teaching project, in which the student works with a particular faculty member, may be substituted. 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.). Southampton and Manhattan. Semesters Offered: Fall & Spring.

1-3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 560: Acting Theory and Practice

Course surveys the field of acting-its history, formal principles, primary techniques, and contemporary practice. Students develop course papers and, or projects in conjunction with advanced readings and instruction.

Spring, alternate years, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 575: Adaptation Workshop

This course is an intense examination of a stage play, a work of fiction (novel, novella, short story, poem) or a work of non-fiction (memoir, autobiography, poem), with the object of preparing an adaptation for the screen. Valuable for writers, directors and producers. The course will study other text to screen adaptations and film versions. Students will submit an outline or rough draft of their new version at the end of the course. 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.). May be repeated for credit. Semesters Offered: Fall & Spring.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated 1 times FOR credit.

FLM 576: Film Workshop

The workshops are intensive classes in various aspects of the craft of film, including producing, directing, editing, cinematography, lighting design, sound design, screenwriting, directing, acting, scheduling, budgeting, writing/directing webisodes, writing, producing and directing within the Dogme tradition, and episodic television, sitcoms, dramas, mini-series, and distribution; together with lectures, readings, seminars, and panels featuring nationally distinguished artists. These workshops encourage participation by visiting students, new theatre and film artists, established film artists, and teachers who will be admitted by application and may receive academic credit upon request. Graduate students may take any Film Workshop sponsored by the MFA program for academic credit. Study may occur in Southampton, Manhattan, or abroad. A submission of a workshop application, and permission of instructor are required. 1-6 Credits. Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.) ¿May be repeated for credit. Semesters Offered:

Fall, Spring, 1-6 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 591: Independent Project

Special project allowing advanced individual work in an area of film study or practice under the supervision of a faculty member. Must be scheduled by arrangement with instructor. Should result in longer form screenplay, production package or film, episode, or webisode. Can include technical, trade, or business school study.

1-3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 608: Editing II

Horror, comedy, drama and action. Four different genres, four different editing styles. This course will cover the styles used to edit the various film genres and why each and every cut has a purpose. Focus on the tools of editing as well as editing theory. Through the analysis of film clips, class discussion, and hands on lessons, students will learn the fundamentals and the processes of reconstructing these styles. Working with editing software, students will have the opportunity to edit various scenes, which will range in style and tone. Student will learn to think critically about all aspects of filmmaking, including blocking, framing, locations and shot selection.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 609: Cinematography II

This course will introduce you to the advanced cinema tools at your disposal. We will spend time in the classroom and on set, shooting various exercises, utilizing a wide variety of advanced camera/lighting and grip equipment. In addition to on-set exercises, we will study a variety of current and former cinematographers, analyzing their work from film to film.

1-3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

FLM 637: Production II

The primary goal of this flexible workshop is to foster students' individual visions while expanding the scope of their production knowledge and experience. Participants should bring a draft of a 5-12 page script to the first class. Classes will focus on directors' preparation- both creative and practical. For the shoots, students will choose their collaborators and run their own sets. The final weeks of the class will be preparation for Dogme shoots.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.

FLM 638: Directing I - Principles of Directing

This course will focus on the analytical organizational and creative processes necessary to be a director. Topics include: visualizing your story, storyboarding, scene construction, shooting to the turn in the scene, shot lists, shoot schedules, framing, composition, script analysis and interpretation; visual interpretation (narrative, evocative image) and working with art directors, set designers, wardrobe, sound and light designers; casting, and the actor / director process. Preparation, leadership, scheduling. Students will gain a practical, hands-on understanding of the topics covered through exercises, various directing assignments, and a final project. 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.).

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

FLM 639: Directing II: Advanced Directing

This course will build upon the work covered in Directing I and will focus on advanced problems in Directing, including advanced scene work, choreographing the action scene, directing within a style or period, directing with f/x, incorporating fx into scenes, alternative forms, and the challenges of contemporary film and/or filmmaking. Topics may change. Prerequisite: THR 638 or permission of instructor. 3 credits. Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.).

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated 1 times FOR credit.

FLM 640: Film Design Workshop

Advanced assignments in film design. May include understanding set design, sound design, light design, art direction, music supervision, and shooting within a style, period, genre, era. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-B+, etc.)

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.

FLM 650: Screenwriting Workshop I

Students write, discuss and receive feedback on writing exercises, original scenes, and short or full-length screenplays, teleplays, episodic television, sit coms, long form dramas or webisodes. Advanced students may develop material for production. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 651: Screenwriting Workshop II

Emphasis on a particular aspect or genre of screenwriting, including comedy, drama, noir, crime, dogme, period, action, writing within a high or low budget; character, dialogue, structure, and experimental forms. Emphasis also on workshopping whole drafts of longer form projects. Prerequisite: FLM 650 or permission of instructor. 3 credits. Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 652: Screenwriting Workshop III

Advanced problems in writing of original screenplays for film, television, web and other media platforms. Emphasis on whole drafts and revision.

3-6 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 660: Acting Workshop for Filmmakers

Intensive study in acting in a particular approach or technique. Rehearsals outside of the scheduled class time may be required. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.). May be repeated for credit.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated 1 times FOR credit.

FLM 669: Advanced Tools

In this hands-on workshop course, students will focus on five specific areas of film making...Advanced Cinematography, Line Producing, Script Supervising, Production Design and Sound Design. Each class will be led by a working professional, and at the conclusion of this course students will emerge with a greater understanding of each discipline.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

FLM 670: Directing Workshop

Advanced training in directing, which may involve intensive production periods, experiments in style, exploration of a particular technique and approach, such as day for night, etc. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.

FLM 680: Art Direction Workshop

Instruction and training in art direction and design which may include exploration of a particular approach, review of current techniques, experiments in style, hands-on exercrised, intensive production periods, etc. The particular theme of the course will be announced in the course schedule. Beneficial for writers, directors, and producers. Suitable for film and television.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated 1 times FOR credit.

FLM 690: Professional Internship

A full-term internship at a production company or on a production. Students identify a Film company or artist whose work interests them. The student is expected to articulate his/her goals, research companies and inquire about internship opportunities at those institutions. A faculty advisor may help point students in the right direction; but is incumbent upon the student to do the research and secure an internship. Students then present a written proposal to the faculty advisor for approval. Students will also submit an internship description in the first month of work, then a journal or evaluation of their work experience.¿ Prerequisite: Permission of MFA Director. 3 credits. Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

1-3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 691: MFA Project

This is a long form produced project. All proposals for projects must be submitted in writing to the faculty supervisor and graduate program director for approval through FLM 692. Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

1-3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

FLM 692: MFA Thesis Paper

Independent study and research for M.F.A. students, on special topics related to the MFA Project, which may result in a screenplay, webisode, episodic series, documentary proposal or production package, realized in FLM 691. Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

1-3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.