What's included
12 live meetings
12 in-class hoursProjects
1-2 hours per week. Over the course of 12 weeks students will create a storytelling project, based in the conception of their own idea (Short Film, TV Show, PSA, Docuseries, Reality TV show) Students will write, shoot, and edit their project under the guidance of their highly skilled and accomplished instructor.Certificate of Completion
Students shall be provided with a formal certificate upon successful completion of the course.Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
Beginner - Advanced Level
Course Overview: In this engaging Fundamentals of Film class, students will explore the exciting world of filmmaking and storytelling through various mediums. This course is designed to spark creativity and develop critical thinking skills while introducing students to the basics of film production. Topics Covered: History of Film: An overview of significant milestones in film history. Film Genres: Exploration of different film genres such as action, comedy, drama, and animation. Storytelling Techniques: Understanding narrative structure, character development, and themes. Cinematography Basics: Introduction to camera angles, shot composition, and lighting. Editing Fundamentals: How editing shapes a film’s narrative and pacing. Sound Design: The role of sound effects, dialogue, and music in film. Film Analysis: Learning to analyze and critique films critically. Class Structure:Weekly Sessions: Classes will be held once a week for one hour. Introduction & Overview: Each class will begin with a brief overview of the day’s topic. Interactive Activities: Students will engage in hands-on activities, group projects, and discussions. Film Screenings: Clips from various films will be shown to illustrate key concepts. Final Project: Students will work in groups to create a short film that incorporates what they’ve learned. Teaching Methodology: Interactive Learning: I believe in a hands-on approach where students actively participate in discussions and projects. Visual Aids: Utilization of slides and video clips to enhance understanding of concepts. Games and Activities: Fun activities and games will be incorporated to reinforce learning and stimulate creativity. Teaching Style:My teaching style is collaborative and student-centered. I aim to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and expressing themselves creatively. Student Interaction:Lectures: Brief lectures will provide foundational knowledge on key topics. Group Discussions: Students will engage in discussions to encourage critical thinking and peer learning. Creative Projects: Hands-on projects allow students to apply what they’ve learned in a practical way. Feedback Sessions: Regular feedback will be provided on assignments and projects, fostering improvement and growth. This course is not just about learning film; it’s about creating a community of young filmmakers who can express their unique voices through the art of storytelling.
Learning Goals
Students will learn the basic elements of film language, including shots, angles, and editing techniques. They should be able to identify and explain how these elements contribute to storytelling in films.
Students will develop skills in storytelling by creating original scripts. They will learn the fundamentals of character development, plot structure, and dialogue, enabling them to write a short film script.
Syllabus
12 Lessons
over 12 WeeksLesson 1:
Week 1: Introduction to Film
Topics: History of film, importance of film in culture
Activities: Watch a short film; discuss impressions.
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Week 3: Storytelling in Film
Topics: Narrative structure (beginning, middle, end)
Activities: Analyze the plot of a popular film
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Week 5: Cinematography
Topics: Camera work, lighting, composition
Activities: Photography exercise: shoot a scene with different angles
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Week 7: Editing and Pacing
Topics: Cuts, transitions, rhythm of storytelling
Activities: Edit a short video project using provided clips
60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Pre-Requisites
Students should have a basic interest in storytelling.
Supply List
Students also need access to a camera phone and should understand basic phone functionalities, in order to film projects on their phones. Students also need access to a working computer with wifi.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Devan Renea is a WGA writer. She holds an MFA in creative writing, a bachelor’s degree in film, and a GradC in education media design & technology. Devan was previously a writer for OWN’s legal drama series, “Delilah”, including the season finale. Devan was also a writer and script coordinator for the critically acclaimed Hulu limited series, “Mike”, starring Moonlight’s Trevante Rhodes. Devan’s other writing credits include work on the NAACP award-winning series “Queen Sugar”, produced by Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay; the Saturn-award winning CW series “Stargirl”; and Freeform’s Teen Choice award-nominated series “Famous in Love”. She is the CEO of Boss Up Productions, a multi-platform production company. Devan is a also Screenwriting Instructor for nonprofit organizations, Kids in the spotlight, Hurston Wright Foundation, and Empowher Institute. She is also a dedicated online instructor through platforms Varsity Tutors and Native Camp.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$34
weekly or $400 for 12 classes1x per week, 12 weeks
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
1-12 learners per class