Filmmaking Foundations and Preproduction

This unit introduces essential filmmaking concepts across preproduction, production basics, and introductory post-production and distribution practices. Students will learn genre and screenplay evaluation, create core preproduction documents, make informed technical choices for camera/lighting/sound, and prepare festival/streaming distribution materials to ready them for hands-on production work in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze differences between independent and studio (Hollywood) production models and compare film genres to select appropriate storytelling, marketing, and distribution strategies for short-form projects.
• Apply preproduction processes by producing a project prospectus, shooting schedule, basic budget summary, location scouting assessments, cast/crew call sheets, and preliminary storyboards for a short film.
• Demonstrate technical decision-making by selecting appropriate camera bodies, lenses, lighting setups, and assembling a sound team, then conducting and documenting camera and sound tests and test shoots.
• Evaluate postproduction and release pathways by outlining an editing and sound-finishing workflow, choosing effects and titling approaches, and preparing a basic festival/streaming submission and press-release plan.