Introduction to Film explores a wide variety and range of film types and units of study, including film history, shot composition, editing techniques, animation, special effects, sound in film, film ratings, specialists that help make a film, and individual genre-based units of study. Additionally, students are introduced to basic script formatting, writing, and “pitching.” Focus includes the development of techniques for analysis in shot composition, story structure mapping, appreciation of silent and scored films, and character development through the visual medium of film. Students begin to analyze works of cinema, research film history and genres, and create original scripts using techniques studied in class. 

Individual Objectives
-	Students will express reflections and reactions to film and print text as well as to personal experience with cinematic history and traditions.
-	Students will evaluate scenes, examine character development, and look at how filmmaking techniques inform an audience.
-	Students will examine written screenplays and develop informed opinions.
-	Students will create and use standards to present, evaluate, and refine original film concepts.

Introduction to Film will be taught as a US high school (secondary school) elective, but you don't have to be taking it as an elective or for a grade to enjoy the class. Between class time and homework the students will do the required 60 hours of work to use this class as a semester length elective. 

The syllabus has a breakdown of the expected schedule for the class, but there is room to go slower or faster through each unit depending on student interest in the topics. A survey will be conducted during the first class about the possible film watches to determine what films will be watched. Films might also be changed to different units depending on the results of the survey. 

Each class meeting will be a combination of lecture, discussion, and viewing of film clips and informational videos via screen sharing.