FX: Film and Media Production (See also FI)
FX 112 — First-Year Production I
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
This course introduces students to the aesthetic and technical aspects of film production, including the use of camera, lenses, lighting, editing and sound. In-class workshops and lectures give an overview of production skills and different modes of film making. Students hone their observational skills, communicate visual ideas with clarity, and develop their ability to create films as trained and informed filmmakers.
FX 113 — First-Year Production II
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
This course is a continuation of FX 112, focusing on the aesthetic and technical aspects of film production as students work towards creating more sophisticated films. Each week there will be lectures, screenings and assignments to give students the conceptual understanding and experience working in narrative, documentary and experimental forms. These are all designed to help students develop as filmmakers and prepare them for their second year of film production studies.
Prerequisite(s): FX 112.
FX 114 — Introduction to Editing
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
This is a film production course on non-linear digital editing. Through lectures, demonstrations and workshops, students will gain proficiency in all the crucial steps of film post-production from the organization of clips to final color grade and sound mix. Students will complete a series of exercises, both in-class and on their own.
FX 204 — Lighting for Film
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
An in-depth study of the aesthetics, history, technique, and the essential expressive power of light, both natural and artificial, as it is used in still photography and moving images.
Prerequisite(s): FX 112.
FX 212 — Second-Year Production I
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
This course builds on First-Year Production II and introduces students to a myriad of moving image forms including narrative, documentary and multiscreen installation. In-class workshops and lectures will provide an overview of aesthetic and technical aspects of film production as students are introduced to linear and nonlinear story-telling strategies.
Prerequisite(s): FX 113.
FX 213 — Second-Year Production II
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
Building on production skills developed in Second-Year Production I, this course focuses on documentary and creative nonfiction filmmaking. Students will learn all the crucial steps of production from the development of ideas and research through editing and post- production. Students will complete three short documentaries including a biographical portrait, a social change documentary, and a creative nonfiction piece.
Prerequisite(s): FX 212.
FX 226 — Documentary Production: Streets of NYC
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
This film production course explores creative approaches to documenting life and locations in New York City. Class crews use a variety of film techniques while shooting on the street, and incorporating the people they meet on the street into their films. Students will shoot several short documentaries throughout the semester.
FX 261 — Introduction to Sound
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
In this production course in sound for digital filmmaking, students explore the phenomena of sound, the art of audio recording, and the function of sound for the screen. Technical topics include digital recording, editing, and mixing; sound wave manipulation; audio processing; microphone technique; preparation for multi-track mixing; and final digital mixing to picture.
FX 319 — Sound Design For Film
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
This course is a digital audio production course that provides students with the skills necessary to create compelling soundtracks for film. Students will be guided through all the vital stages of sound design including sound effects, music selection and voice editing to enhance the visuals and narratives of a film.
FX 327 — Post Production Digital FX
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
An introduction to the digital techniques of post-production visual effects. Students create their own elements and incorporate “stock” elements to enhance and expand cinematic visuals, mastering the core competencies of Digital FX production through creative personal projects.
FX 328 — Directing The Actor
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
An introduction to the relationship between film directors and film actors. Students practice practical directing techniques through scene work, dramatic analysis, and action workshops. The history of directing is covered through readings, screenings, and collaborative exercises using outside actors.
FX 361 — Third-Year Production I
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
Focuses on the tools, techniques, and hands-on experiences required to become proficient in shooting digital video. Aesthetic, technical topics are addressed, including camera movement, use of filters, and introduction to color grading. Students shoot several short films throughout the semester.
Prerequisite(s): PH 283.
FX 362 — Third-Year Production II
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
Building on skills acquired in Junior Production I, this course refines the student's shooting and editing techniques. Students use more complicated lighting set-ups, and will incorporate dollys and handheld rigs into their films. With both group and individual projects, each student prepares for their thesis films to be shot Senior year.
Prerequisite(s): PH 284.
FX 373 — Advanced Cinematography
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
Building on earlier courses, this production course continues to explore cinematography as the means of shaping visual and narrative aspects of any project. Advanced uses of composition, camera, and lighting are mastered through lectures, technical workshops, and creative projects. Screenings, discussions, and readings help students understand cinematography in historical context.
Prerequisite(s): FI 232 or PH 372.
FX 461 — Fourth Year Production I
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
Production I is the first of a two course sequence that introduces students to the discipline of production from the producer’s point of view, taking into account the range of scales of production. These classes will explore the nature of the four aspects of production – development, pre-production, production and post production – through readings, in-class visits, field trips and hands on lab time.
Prerequisite(s): FX 362.
FX 462 — Fourth-Year Production II
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
Students continue shooting their thesis films. Through readings, in-class visits, field trips, and lab experiences, students study the four aspects of production – development, pre-production, production, and post-production.
Prerequisite(s): FX 461.