MC571 The Film Review (2 credits)
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This course is a study in film analysis. We will begin with the theory that a film review is a well-written essay that is both informative and entertaining. Writing a film review is an excellent way for students to enhance their ability to appreciate film and more deeply understand the mechanics of narrative.
We will watch a number of films from different genres (drama, comedy, the thriller, science-fiction)—Sidney Lumet’s The Verdict, Woody Allen’s Annie Hall, or Akira Kurosawa’s Ran, and write several film reviews on these and other films of interest. We will examine a series of film reviews by the most accomplished reviewers in the business, such as A. O. Scott, David Denby, and Richard Corliss, and we will break the film review down into its component parts to fully assimilate its whole. Finally, we will write a variety of film review types, including the technically highlighted critique, the thematic critique, the negative review, and the socially relevant critique.
MC500 Advanced Narrative (2 credits)
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This course examines the essential role of narrative in the creation of all forms of media. From the beginning of human history, whether in the form of cave paintings, mythology, scripture, or literature, creators/artists have sought to impart messages to their audience through the use of storytelling or narrative. Gaining a deeper understanding of the fundamental elements of narrative, and how to apply them, will enable students to create works of lasting value.
Many artists find themselves at times overwhelmed by the amount of content they want to put in a story; or, they have the feeling that something is wrong or missing—that the story doesn't work. This course will help students swiftly detect what is amiss with their narrative. They will practice writing exercises that will help them overcome creative blocks and address weaknesses in their narrative; they will learn how to construct a plot, develop characters, including the protagonist and antagonist, handle style, and manage a story’s main themes. Graduates of the course will be able to discuss or write about any narrative-based creative work with greater insight, clarity, and confidence. They will also be able to apply this knowledge to their own narrative-based creative works.
MC520 Advanced Screenwriting (4 credits)
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In this course, students will create a portion of an actual screenplay, including an outline of the entire plot. Students will not only learn the form of screenwriting, they will write with the full intention of producing a filmable script.
We will study a number of models, including films, film clips, and published screenplays. Before beginning to write the screenplay, students will create a premise, a series of structure-steps, definitive descriptions of the protagonist and antagonist, and a scene outline. In addition, students will work with free software that automatically formats text into an acceptable form, and learn how to market the script. Students will also have the option of creating a “shooting script” with camera angles.
MC550 The Frame (4 credits)
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This course is both theoretical and practical, and explores and expounds the power of two elements of filmmaking: image and sound.
All successful directors or artists have their heroes. They can all quote the film, the images, the sounds, that special creative work, that made a deep impression on them and inspired their own creativity. The core purpose of this course is to inform and inspire students by cultivating an appreciation of the work of a wide range of filmmakers, photographers, and directors who have used image and sound in diverse ways. Students will undertake project work so that they can experiment with fresh strategies gained from watching the work of others, and enhance their own filmmaking.
MC582 The Field (4 credits)
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This course will expose students to the critical experience of working in the field.
Students will work outside of the department via a field trip or an internship. The central goal of the course is to give students the experience of working in a real-world environment and dealing with all the challenges that arise on a location shoot.
MC581 Advanced Video Media Project (12 credits)
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This is a three-month course in advanced filmmaking in which students will work on a major project with continuing advice, mentorship, and guidance from faculty. Students will effectively be working as directors and/or producers for a movie studio. Projects can be—a narrative film, a piece of video art, or a mixed media creation.
We encourage students to collaborate with companies and entities outside of the university; this will allow them to gain some experience raising funds for their projects and working with clients and financial backers. The course gives students the opportunity to form creative partnerships with each other and with the wider Fairfield community that has already built up a reputation as a creative powerhouse. MUM is at the very center of this vibrant community which continues to grow in depth and diversity, influencing the US and the greater international stage. MA students have the fantastic opportunity to access all these resources, networks of creative people and media businesses, to give their careers a substantial head start.
MC590 The Media Market (4 credits)
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Every artistic product needs to enter the market at some point. A film, a book, a narrative or non-narrative based work all need to find a market if the filmmaker or writer is to earn any income from the work. Creative individuals are often reluctant promoters of their own work. This course will help students appreciate how important it is to promote their own work and guide them how to approach agents, publishers, television companies, studios, producers, and so on, in order to launch their work in the public arena.
We will analyze the business models of various media companies—publishing houses, television companies, and so on. How does a film studio work? What is the process of finding a screenplay, funding it, and getting it to screen? Understanding how the industry works as a business as well as a creative enterprise will enhance students’ ability to pitch their work—target the right people at the right time and place, in an appropriate manner. This knowledge also gives students the option of working in a range of roles at media companies. It's just as well to bear in mind that most of the well-paid jobs in these industries go to people who are running the business, rather than those who are producing the content for them.