Vow Clarifications, More Course Updates

After talking to some of you about your scripts and proposals, I have addressed some aspects of the Vow of Chastity that are unclear or unsaid. The document has been updated, but here is what I added:

1. Script length and film length have consequences tied to them are not negotiable. If your script is too long, you lose points on your script grade (10% of overall grade). If your film is too long, you lose points on the final film grade (20% of overall grade) + forfeit your film's spot at the D2 screener.

For this reason, if your script or film are over the page/time limit, you will NOT be penalized for breaking the Vow of Chastity (which is also part of your final film grade). This is to prevent double-punishment for something that already has pretty severe consequences built-in.

WHAT THIS MEANS: You do not need to write a proposal for a script that is longer than 5 pages. Just be aware of the consequences of a long script and/or film.

2. Some vows in the Vow of Chastity document cover multiple production elements under one general heading. For this reason, writing a proposal does not mean, "I plan to break this vow in as many ways as is applicable to this vow." It means you are breaking the vow to use one, specific production element.

For example, if you plan to use ariel photography AND a crane shot, that will require TWO proposals, one for each element of "elaborate camera setups" you want to utilize. Even though these two techniques are listed under one vow, they require one proposal each.

Another example, if you need two additional actors, this also will require TWO proposals, one for each character explaining why they are necessary.


SOME TIP FOR WRITING YOUR PROPOSALS:
Including information about additional crew that you will be taking on is a great way to get your proposal approved. The best way to assure me that you personally won't be worrying about the extra flourishes of your production is to clue me in to the extra crew members you will be using.

For example, in a proposal for the use of atmosphere actors, I will be looking to see that you will be hiring a 2nd AD to be in charge of the atmosphere, as well as crew to cover the extra catering & craft service, wardrobe, etc. I'll want know that your location can support atmosphere and how you'll be casting them.

If you are unsure your proposal will be accepted - be on the safe side and send it to me before the first day of class. I'll let you know what is needed (if anything).


ADDITIONAL COURSE UPDATES:
- The "Production Books" tab has been added to the blog. This is to give you all a heads-up on what will be required in your production notebooks. I will explain these requirements more fully during the semester.

- I have created a section on Webcourses2 for this class, so you can keep up-to-date with your grades. It will become available to you Aug.19th and will include a comprehensive breakdown of what you'll be graded on this semester.

-Speaking of grades, I am in the process of changing my original plan for grade breakdowns. You'll be happy to know this no longer includes a final exam and distributes the weight of assignments more evenly. Stay tuned for the full grade break down in the course syllabus (coming soon)!

That's all for now! Thanks for being patient with me while I get all these materials online and organized for you!

Course Schedule/Google Calendar

Hi Everyone!

I recently invited you all to view the google calendar I have created for this course. It includes all of the deadlines and assignments as well as a few details about what we will be doing in class. You can also find a version of the calendar embedded on this blog.

If you have a gmail account that you'd like me to share the calendar with, please let me know!
We will also be using google drive to store production and assignment documents in the future.

Below is a text version of the course schedule. This schedule is subject to change, pending the schedules of the actors that will be coming in. I anticipate that all due dates for assignments and productions will remain the same.

There will be 5 groups with 6 films each. Each group with have their own due dates and production schedule. Please look this over and get an idea of what group works best for your film. Try to have a top 3. Not everyone will get their first pick.

ALSO PLEASE NOTE: attending the casting call on Saturday, Sept. 7th is mandatory. Please make sure your personal schedule is clear!

Details about each assignment are coming soon!

CURRENT D2 COURSE SCHEDULE:

Key:

* - graded or grade impacting

[ ] - indicates what is due that day

bold - a guest speaker or visiting actors

Aug. 21 - [Scripts due*] Review syllabus, Sign vow and acknowledgment contract*, guest speaker: Jesse Wolfe, Short response #1*, After-class screening: The Five Obstructions

Aug. 28 - Table readings, Individual meetings*, HW: Changing Directions, pp. 75-99, revise scripts

Sept. 4 - Casting lecture, Improv script workshop, guest speaker: Jon Bowen, HW: Write character descriptions

SEPT. 7 - UCF GENERAL CASTING CALL - REQUIRED ATTENDANCE*

Sept. 11 - [Character descriptions due*] Production paperwork review, Directing workshop, HW: Changing Directions, pp. 101-137

SEPT. 14 - UCF MEET & GREET - Attendance is extra credit!

Sept. 18 - [Group A notebooks due*, everyone should have DP and Producer by now] Rehearsal review, Result-based direction lecture, Short response #2*, screen: FFF submissions, HW: Digital Filmmaking, pp. 95-109

Sept. 25 - [Group A pickup (9/26), Group B notebooks due*] Set procedure lecture, screen: Michael Caine on Acting for Film, Short response #3*

Oct. 2 - [Group A return*, Group B pickup (10/3), Group C notebooks due*] Group A de-briefing, Class exercise: blank scenes

Oct. 9 - [Group B return*, Group C pickup (10/10), Group D notebooks due*]

Group B de-briefing, screen: FFF submissions

Oct. 16 - [Group C return*, Group D pickup (10/17), Group E notebooks due*] 

Group C de-briefing, Group A screens*

Oct. 23 - [Group D return*, Group E pickup (10/24)] 

Group D de-briefing, Group B screens*

Oct. 30 - [Group E return*] 

Group E de-briefing, Group C screens*

Nov. 6 -  Group D screens*, TBD

Nov. 13 - Group E screens*, discuss final and what’s due

Nov. 20 - [Picture Lock films due*, Audience survey*] screen films

Nov. 27 - No Class - Thanksgiving Holiday 

Dec. 4 - [Final films due*, Production Notebooks due*]