Brandeis University Technology Learning Community

Who: Marc Weinberg, Adjunct Assistant Professor of English and American Literature, and Film Studies
LTS Liaison: Mark Dellelo
Course: FILM 110A: Film Production I, Fall 2008

Summary

This fall, fifteen students enrolled in a new elective course offered by the Film Studies Program. They were organized into groups of three, and each of these five groups was asked to collaborate on the production of three short movies over the course of the semester. All groups were presented with the same set of guidelines: each was given the same script for their first movie, asked to write a script without dialogue for their second movie, and required to write a dialogue-driven narrative for their third. Along the way they traded roles in the various phases of the moviemaking process—preproduction, production, and postproduction—as they learned the ins and outs of dramatic structure, preparing story and production boards, working with actors, using production equipment, and editing digital video. Balancing instruction on how to conceive a movie narrative with instruction on mastering motion picture technologies was a challenge that Marc Weinberg and Mark Dellelo relished in their work with these students.

Professor Marc Weinberg on the Learning Outcomes

“I was impressed by our students’ growth and commitment. Based on my experience teaching other production courses, I find that participants don’t anticipate the difficulty of the process – or that there are intangibles to be considered beyond the basic mechanics of filmmaking. Coordinating schedules, securing locations, and ensuring that actors and crew work cohesively are the elements often overlooked. What do you do if a cast member doesn’t show, or a key light doesn’t work? These are the challenges we address during the course. By the end of the semester, students are able to manage their own work and that of their crew, which allows them to focus on their art. By the time they screened their third films, the students’ work showed maturity and skills far beyond their relative inexperience. Through dedication and passion, they demonstrated the strongest possible commitment to their desire to become filmmakers.”

Student Perspectives

“This class gave me a new perspective on what it takes to make a no-budget film, and I feel like I learned a lot of it from experience—the assignments forced me to rapidly apply the knowledge I received in class, and that was really motivating. The load wasn’t light and there was some pressure, but it gave me the kind of structure that I need to be creative. Sometimes my passions take a backseat to my papers and homework, so I was glad that this class forced me to invest time in doing something that I enjoy.”

- Illona Yuhaev, sophomore, Film Studies minor

“My Film Studies minor at Brandeis had given me a theoretical knowledge that is vital to my understanding of the movie medium—but this only goes so far. It was not until this class that I was able to appreciate how hard it is to be behind a camera. Once you have an oh-that’s-how-they-did-it moment, the theory really begins to make sense. After taking this class, I realize that I am only at the very beginning of my life-long study of film, but I now have the tools to continue.”
- Adam Barish, senior, Film Studies minor and history major

Contributors: Marc Weinberg, Mark Dellelo
Last Updated: 01/15/2009