USC
University of Southern California
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Courses of Instruction

Production (CTPR)
205 Introduction to Filmic Design (4, Sp) The visual structure of film; basic components: space, line, color, contrast/affinity. Film and video projects. (Duplicates credit in former CTWR 205.) Prerequisite: CTWR 105.

235 Techniques in Motion Picture Production (2 or 4, max 4, Sm) Introduction to basic techniques used in films.

240x Practicum in Production (2 or 4, Sm) Basic production techniques: introduction to the cinematic elements, production techniques, and equipment; film and/or videotape production. Not available for major credit to CTPR majors.

241 Fundamentals of Cinema Technique (2, FaSp) Introduction to cinema production techniques and equipment including producing, directing, camera, lighting and editing. Open to Cinema-Television majors only. Concurrent enrollment: CTPR 290.

242 Fundamentals of Cinematic Sound (2, FaSp) Introduction to sound design, recording, editing, mixing and finishing. Lectures, demonstrations and exercises. Open to production majors only. Concurrent enrollment: CTPR 290.

280 Structure of the Moving Image (2, FaSp) Basic theory and application of the concepts of time, space, composition, movement, light and color in motion picture production. Open to production majors only.

288 Originating and Developing Ideas for Film (2, FaSp) Exercises in observation, imaginative association, visualization, etc., that deepen the creative process, leading to ideas, stories, characters and images for narrative, documentary and experimental films. Open to Cinema-Television majors only.

290 Cinematic Communication (4-6, FaSp) Introduction to filmmaking as related to cinematic expression, aesthetics, criticism, and ethics. Individual film projects. Open to Cinema-Television majors only. Prerequisite: completion of GEs; concurrent enrollment: CTPR 241, CTPR 242 (242 for production majors only), CTWR 413.

301 Creating the Non-Fiction Film (4, Sp) Research and writing challenges of non-fiction film (documentary, educational, industrial, political, etc.), from treatment to finished script. (Duplicates credit in former CTWR 301.)

310 Intermediate Film Production (4, FaSp) Basic principles of visual and audio communication; idea development using image, movement, pace, the spoken word and other sounds; action and sound relationships; individual projects. Prerequisite: CTPR 241, CTPR 242, CTPR 290, and CTWR 413; concurrent enrollment: CTPR 376.

318 Acting Experience for Writers (2, Fa) Basic acting theory and techniques to acquaint the writer with the needs and techniques of the performer. (Duplicates credit in former CTWR 318.)

319 Directing for Writers: Fundamentals (2, Sp) A workshop in which students will direct original scene material in a stage environment on class time. Director's role and responsibilities, the process of translating the written word into image and action; basics of camera, working with actors and staging; working with and in various crew roles in a production team; editing dialogue scenes. Open to B.F.A. Writing for Screen and Television students only. (Duplicates credit in former CTWR 319.)

324 Still Photography I (4, FaSpSm) History, storytelling, critical evaluation, technology with the still camera; communication, aesthetics, and composition; individual projects.

327 Motion Picture Camera (3, FaSpSm) Use of motion picture camera equipment; principles of black-and-white and color cinematography. Individual projects.

335 Motion Picture Editing (3, FaSp) Theory, techniques, and practices in picture editing; use of standard editing equipment; individual projects.

371 Directing for Television (4, FaSp) Preparation of director's preproduction blockout; study of direction for live, tape, and film production, for both dramatic and informational television. Prerequisite: departmental approval.

375 Functions of a Director (4, Sp) Theoretical considerations of the director in relationship to the multiple facets of film production. Prerequisite: departmental approval.

376 Intermediate Cinematography (4, FaSp) Intermediate cinematography workshop; practical problems and assignments. Prerequisite: CTPR 241, CTPR 242, CTPR 290 and CTWR 413; concurrent enrollment: CTPR 310.

380 Television Editing (4) Theory and practice of editing tape and film for television. Prerequisite: CTPR 310, CTPR 376.

382 Advanced Multi-Camera Television Comedy Pilot (4, FaSp) A hands-on course which allows students to experience all aspects of multi-camera television production by creating a pilot episode of a situation comedy. Recommended preparation: experience working at Trojanvision.

384 The Cinematic Structure of a Scene (4, Sm) Writing and directing scenes as the basis for study of their cinematic structure emphasizing tension, construction, camera placement, editorial structure, and contribution of sound and color. Prerequisite: departmental approval.

385 Colloquium: Motion Picture Production Techniques (4, FaSpSm) Basic procedures and techniques applicable to production of all types of films; demonstration by production of a short film from conception to completion.

386 Art and Industry of the Theatrical Film (4, FaSp) Detailed analysis of one theatrical film from conception through critical reception to develop an understanding of motion pictures as art, craft, and industry.

405 Filmic Expression (4, Irregular) Creative aspects of film production; analysis of audio and visual forces that make the film an expressive means of communication; individual projects. Lecture-demonstration. Prerequisite: CTPR 310, CTPR 376.

409 Practicum in Television Production (2 or 4, FaSp) Television production laboratory course for students with a major production commitment with Trojan Vision. Requires station management and Chair of Production approval.

410 The Movie Business: From Story Concept to Exhibition (2, FaSp) Examination of the industry from story ideas through script development, production and exhibition; evaluation of roles played by writers, agents, studio executives, marketing and publicity.

419 Directing for Writers: Intermediate (2, Fa) Advanced directing considerations and techniques applied through the directing of 2-3 scenes each outside of class on-location. Emphasis on considerations of art direction, cinematography, and staging techniques; editing concerns are explored in greater depth. Open to B.F.A. Writing for Screen and Television students only. Prerequisite: CTPR 241, CTPR 290; recommended preparation: CTPR 318, CTPR 319.

421 Intermediate Motion Picture Editing (3, FaSp) Intermediate motion picture editing workshop; practical problems and assignments encompassing film, video, and non-linear editing techniques. Intermediate editing class for undergraduates. Open to CNTV Production students only. Prerequisite: CTPR 310.

422 Makeup for Motion Pictures (2, FaSp) Lecture-laboratory in makeup relating it to mood of the story and emulsion of the camera stock.

423 Introduction to Special Effects in Cinema (2, FaSp) Introductory workshop in the aesthetics and practices of special effects, embracing both the classical and contemporary modes.

424 Practicum in Cinematography (4, FaSp) Camera and lighting workshop in color. In-class exercises working in professional film crew positions that rotate each week. Class starts with 35mm still photography and moves into motion picture in 16mm and digital formats. Prerequisite: CTPR 327 or CTPR 376.

425 Production Planning (2, FaSp) Theory, discussion, and practical application of production planning during preproduction and production of a film.

426 The Production Experience (2, FaSp) To provide students with basic working knowledge of both the skills of the motion picture set and production operations through classroom lectures and hands-on experience.

428 Summer Production Workshop (2-4, max 8, Sm) To investigate disciplines of Cinema-TV with emphasis on one of the following areas: writing, directing, editing, camera, sound, editing, producing, interactive, computer animation or digital.

436 Editing for Writers (2, FaSp) Principles, techniques, practices and theories of editorial construction of film and television to help develop storytelling skills. Lectures and laboratory. Open to B.F.A. Writing for Screen and Television students only. Prerequisite: CTPR 241, CTPR 290; recommended preparation: CTPR 318, CTPR 319.

439 Seminar in Computer Editing (2, Sp) Examines the differences between linear and non-linear editing systems through practical exercises, lecture, and demonstrations.

440 LightWorks Editing (2, Fa) Theory and practice of LightWorks computerized editing. Students will study editing, input, output, and file management. Prerequisite: CTPR 310 or CTPR 508; recommended preparation: computer literacy.

442 Advanced Still Photography (4, FaSpSm) A seminar and workshop on still photography and photographic technique. Individual projects and technical critique, studio and darkroom demonstrations. Prerequisite: CTPR 324 or departmental approval.

444 Color Photography (4, FaSm) A study of color still photography including color printing, processing, quality control and the aesthetics and history of the medium. Darkroom demonstrations and individual projects.

445ab The Filmmaker and the Motion Picture Laboratory (2-2) Laboratory equipment and procedures; color theory and application; photographic solutions and controls; sensitometry; photographic aspects of sound; film/video post-production. Lectures, demonstrations, field trips. Prerequisite: CTPR 310 or CTPR 508; recommended preparation: CTPR 480 or CTPR 546.

451 Guerrilla Television (2, Fa) A history of TV made outside the mainstream, from the "guerrilla television" movement of the '70s to the best Independent TV of the '90s. This course is taught from the producer's/creator's point of view.

452 Independent Video Production (2, FaSp) Documentary production course specifically designed to explore the non-traditional uses of digital video. Prerequisite: CTPR 451.

453 Personal Voice: Documentary/Experimental Production (4) A production workshop that trains students to use personal experience as the basis for their story material and video products in the tradition of diaristic literature, solo theatrical performance and personal voice media. Prerequisite: THTR 479.

454 Acting for Film and Television (4, FaSp) Intensive examination of skills and techniques necessary for successful performances in film and television. Practical application through in-class exercises and assigned projects.

455 Introduction to Production Design (2, FaSp) Structure of the filmic art department, fundamentals and application of design principles to film and television, including script breakdown, design concepts and storyboarding.

456 Introduction to Art Direction (2, FaSp) Introduction to computer drafting, set design, rendering and model-making for students with diverse abilities. Guest lectures, group discussions and hands-on workshop.

458 Organizing Creativity: Entertainment Industry Decision Making (2, FaSp) Analysis of the unique structures in the entertainment industry for organizing and managing creativity. Students research and chart pathways to leadership. Open to Cinema-Television production majors only. Prerequisite: CTPR 310.

460 Film Business Procedures and Distribution (2 or 4, max 8, FaSpSm) Financing, budgeting, management as applied to films; problems of distribution, including merchandising, cataloging, evaluation, and film library management.

461 TV Station Management (2, FaSp) Station organization and management of locally produced programs. Topics include program development, financing and distribution, network relations and program acquisition issues.

463 Production for Non-Profit Organizations (2-4) Write, direct or produce a public service commercial for television broadcast or a short video for a non-profit community service organization. Creation from concept through completed production. Prerequisite: CTPR 310 or CTPR 508 or departmental approval.

467 Television Programming (2, Sp) Exploration of programming strategies, practices, sources, and services at local and national levels; network, public, and independent broadcast and cable operations; audience research; schedule development.

468 The Film Makers (4, FaSp) To define the roles and goals of production designers, cinematographers, editors, and directors by meeting and discussing with them their responsibilities in the filmmaking process. Prerequisite: CTPR 290.

470 Practicum in On-screen Direction of Actors (4, FaSp) Concentration on the basic skills in working with actors from a director's point of view.

472 Non-Theatrical Aspects of Film and TV Producing (2, max 4, FaSpSm) Basic film and TV business procedures: financing, production design, planning, management, and marketing of non-theatrical film and television products.

473 Directing the Composer (2, Sp) Acquaints aspiring filmmakers (who have no musical background) with the fundamental concepts of film music from theoretical, creative, and pragmatic standpoints. Open to Cinema-Television majors only.

474 Television Documentary Production (4, FaSp) Production of short community-based documentaries for telecast. Collaborative research, writing, producing, directing, shooting, and editing. Emphasizes personal story telling. Class study of major documentaries.

475 Directing: Mise-en-Scene (4, FaSpSm) Through a semester-long collaboration, directors and actors learn how to work and communicate with each other while shooting two scenes on camera per director. Prerequisite: CTPR 310, CTPR 376.

476 Ethnographic Film Production (4, Irregular) Problems, requirements, and methods necessary to meaningful recording of societies and cultures for anthropological study; film as a research tool.

477 Special Problems in Directing (2 or 4, max 8, FaSp) Detailed investigation and analysis of problems in directing. Individual projects. Prerequisite: CTPR 310 and CTPR 376.

479 Single Camera Television Dramatic Pilot (2, Fa) Collaborative writing, preproduction and shooting of a pilot act for an original episodic television drama, shot on stage sets built for the show.

480 Production Workshop I (4, max 12, FaSp) Intermediate practical work in film production; creative use of camera, sound, editing, and production planning. Open to Cinema-Television majors only. Prerequisite: CTPR 310, CTPR 376.

481abL Cinema Workshop (2-2, FaSpSm) Practical experience in motion picture production. (Duplicates credit in CMPP 541abL.)

484 Advanced Multi-Camera Television Workshop (4, max 8, FaSp) Exercises and practical application for writing and producing a multi-camera television project. Special attention to the development of the sitcom. Recommended preparation: CTPR 371 required for students who wish to direct a sitcom.

485 Production Workshop II (4, Irregular) Intermediate experience in group filmmaking affording expanded areas of responsibilities. Take directorial responsibility or two areas different from those taken in CTPR 480. Lecture and laboratory workshop in conjunction with CTPR 480. Prerequisite: CTPR 480.

486 Single Camera Television Dramatic Series (4, Sp) Collaborative production and post-production of three acts of an original episodic drama, 44 minutes in length. Shot on original sets on stage. Prerequisite: CTPR 479.

487 The Recording Studio in Film and Video Production (2) Exploration of the role of the recording studio in professional film and video productions. Emphasis on technical and hardware considerations. Prerequisite: departmental approval.

489 Television Docudrama Production (4) Research, planning, and production of the docudrama.

493 Senior Television Seminar (2 or 4, max 4, FaSp) Detailed investigation and discussion of various aspects of television.

495 Internship in Cinema/Television (1, 2 or 4, FaSpSm) On-the-job film, television and interactive industry experience in the areas of interest of the individual student. Open only to upper division undergraduate and graduate students. Requires departmental approval.

496 The Film Industry: Career Challenges and Choices for Women (2, FaSp) This class discusses women's roles in the entertainment industry and career opportunities available for women in the business, corporate and creative sectors.

497 Music Video Production (2, FaSp) Writing the concept, budgeting, shooting, editing and directing a music video. Also covered: getting the job, dealing with the band, working with the record company. Prerequisite: CTPR 241, CTPR 290, CTPR 310.

499 Special Topics (2-4, max 8, FaSpSm) Detailed investigation of new or emerging aspects of cinema and/or television; special subjects offered by visiting faculty; experimental subjects.

506 Visual Expression (2, FaSp) Definition, analysis, and structure of the visual components that make film an expressive medium; theory and practical application; individual projects and lecture/demonstration. To be taken in the second year. Prerequisite: CTPR 508 and CTAN 547.

507 Production I (4, FaSp) A practical exploration of the fundamental technical and aesthetic principles of motion picture production. Involves individual and group projects. Graded CR/NC.

508 Production II (6, FaSp) Practicum in group production, emphasizing the collaborative process and the expressive use of sound and image. Open to graduate students only. Prerequisite: CTPR 507, CTPR 510, CTWR 528; concurrent enrollment: CTWR 529.

510 Concepts of Cinematic Production (2, FaSp) Overview of the process of making media. Introduces fundamental thinking typical of each craft. Presents realities of careers and ethical issues in the media. Corequisite: CTPR 507.

512 Television Management (2, Fa) Problems of station and network management; prerogatives and responsibilities in entertainment programming.

519x Introduction to Cinema Technique (2, Fa) Fundamentals of cinema production techniques and equipment, including producing, directing, camera, lighting, sound and editing. Not available for credit to production majors. Concurrent enrollment: CTPR 521x.

521x Filmic Communication (2, Fa) A hands-on introduction to the fundamental process and aesthetic principles of motion picture production, including filmic expression, criticism and ethics. Individual and group projects. Not available for credit to production majors.

525 Independent Feature Workshop (2, FaSp) A practical examination of the independent and low-budget feature film, including development of individual projects and discussions with industry professionals. Open only to Cinema-Television majors. Prerequisite: CTWR 414 or CTWR 514 or CTWR 529.

527 Special Effects in Cinema (2 or 4, max 4, Irregular) Lecture, discussion, and exercises in optical and/or mechanical special effects. Prerequisite: CTPR 241 and CTPR 290.

530 Producing for Independent Films (2, FaSp) Producing film, television and multi-media productions. Focuses on business procedures, production design, planning, budgeting, management, marketing, financing, and the structures and practices of the industry.

531 Planning the Production (2, max 6, FaSp) A preproduction workshop in which students complete the research and planning of an intermediate project to be executed in CTPR 546L . Prerequisite: CTPR 508.

532 Intermediate Directing (2, FaSp) Practical experience in staging dramatic narrative scenes, emphasizing directing actors, rehearsal techniques and camera blocking. Prerequisite: CTPR 508.

533 Directing Techniques (2, FaSp) Practicum in more complex directing issues concentrating both on performance and exploration of shaping scenes visually through blocking of action and placement of camera. Prerequisite: CTPR 532 or CTPR 546L.

534 Intermediate Production Design (2, Irregular) Exercises in production design concentrating on practical and aesthetic approaches to designing for film, television and commercials. Prerequisite: CTPR 508.

535 Intermediate Editing (2, FaSp) Editorial construction of film sequences to analyze the interrelationships of the various film elements, both visual and aural. Prerequisite: CTPR 508 or CTAN 547.

536 Editing for Scriptwriters (2, FaSp) Principles, techniques, practices and theories of editorial construction of film and TV scenes and sequences. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 1 hour. (Duplicates credit in former CTWR 536.) Open to M.F.A. Writing for Screen and Television students only.

537 Intermediate Cinematography (2, FaSp) Close study through practical exercises of the technical and aesthetic principles of cinematography. Prerequisite: CTPR 508 or CTAN 547.

538 Intermediate Producing (2, FaSp) Definition, examination and practical experience in the role of the line producer as it relates to preproduction, production and post production. Prerequisite: CTPR 508.

539 Intermediate Graphics (2, Irregular) An investigation into the nature and meaning of graphic concepts relative to their use in film and video. Prerequisite: CTPR 508.

540 Intermediate Sound (2, FaSp) Practical and aesthetic considerations relating to recording, editing and sound design. Prerequisite: CTPR 508 or CTAN 547.

542 Intermediate Electronic Imaging (2, Irregular) Technical and creative aspects of electronic imaging such as high definition television, multi-media, and digital television. Emphasis on understanding potential and limitations of state-of-the-art technologies. Prerequisite: CTPR 508.

543 Editing the Advanced Project (2, Irregular) Utilitarian seminar focused on editing advanced projects. Open to Cinema-Television production students only. Corequisite: CTPR 481a , 581a , 586a or 587a.

545 Intermediate Multi-Camera Television Workshop (4, FaSp) Practicum in the creative usage of multi-camera and single camera electronic production techniques. Students will complete an 8-12 minute video piece using three camera production procedures. Open to production majors only. Prerequisite: CTPR 508.

546L Production III (6, max 12, FaSp) An intensive workshop experience in which students, crewing in their area of specialization, complete the shooting and postproduction of projects up to 30 minutes in length. Prerequisite: CTPR 508.

551 Planning the Advanced Production (2, FaSp) An advanced preproduction workshop in which students complete the planning of an advanced project to be executed in CTPR 587ab , CTPR 581ab , CTPR 583, or CTIN 584. Prerequisite: CTPR 546L.

552 Advanced Directing (2, FaSp) An advanced production class in directing. Encounters with experienced directors; and individual student production of a short. Prerequisite: CTPR 532 or CTPR 546L.

554 Advanced Sound (2, FaSp) Study of the technical and aesthetic elements of sound design at the professional level. Intended for those contemplating a career in the field of audio. Prerequisite: CTPR 540 or CTPR 545 or CTPR 546L.

555 Advanced Production Design (2, Irregular) Execution of a complete production design including script breakdown, storyboards, production sketches, plans, elevations and a color model. Prerequisite: CTPR 534.

556 Advanced Editing (2, FaSp) Advanced editorial theory and practice intended for those specializing in film and electronic editing. Prerequisite: CTPR 535 or CTPR 546L or CTPR 545.

557 Advanced Cinematography (2, FaSp) Advanced camera and lighting techniques for those considering a professional career in cinematography. Prerequisite: CTPR 537 or CTPR 546L or CTPR 545.

558 Advanced Producing (2, Irregular) Defines and examines the role of the Executive/Feature Producer through the preproduction, production and post production phases. Prerequisite: CTPR 538 or CTPR 546L or CTPR 545.

559 Advanced Graphics (2, Irregular) Advanced study in graphic film/video production including writing, graphic arts, camera, editing and sound. Prerequisite: CTPR 539.

560 Seminar in Motion Picture Distribution, Budgeting, and Management (2 or 4, max 8, FaSp) Problems of location production, foreign release, and packaging.

561 Publicity for Cinema and Television (4, Sp) Analysis and preparation of advertising and publicity campaigns for entertainment films and television.

562 Seminar in Motion Picture Business (2 or 4, max 8, FaSp) Problems of studio operation, production, distribution, exhibition, or legal procedures relating to the motion picture.

563 The Business of Representation (4, FaSp) Various roles an agent, manager, attorney or publicist play in representing talent, producers and writers. Taught by professionals who are at the forefront of the entertainment industry.

566 Developing and Selling Your Film and TV Projects (2, FaSp) Developing, pitching, and selling your feature motion picture and TV projects. Open to undergraduate seniors and third-year graduate cinema majors only.

568 Advanced Electronic Imaging (2, Irregular) Electronic imaging in high definition television, interactive multi-media, and computer animation. Emphasis on creative use of the technologies for new forms of expression and communication. Prerequisite: CTPR 542.

570 Studies in the Functions of a Director (2, Fa) Analysis of the director's relationship to the multiple facets of film production.

571 Personal Expression through Video Art (2) Examines innovative format and techniques in television and video art; facilitates development of a personal voice and point-of-view. Open only to CTPR majors. Prerequisite: CTPR 508.

575 Directing for Scriptwriters (2, Sp) Practical experience in directing for screen; special attention to framing, staging and use of camera. Group projects in video or film. (Duplicates credit in former CTWR 575.) Open to M.F.A. Writing for Screen and Television students only. Prerequisite: CTWR 572.

580abL Graduate Production Workshop (4-4, FaSp) Group film production. Prerequisite: CTPR 480.

581abcz Individual Production Workshop (4-2-2-0, FaSpSm) Individual experimental projects involving the creative use of visuals (live-action or animated) and sound. Open to Production majors only. Prerequisite: CTPR 532, CTPR 546L, CTPR 551. Graded IP/Letter Grade.

582abz Advanced Production Seminar (2-2-0, FaSpSm) Advanced individual film or video projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor, without benefit of university equipment or resources. Open to production majors only. Graded IP/Letter Grade. Prerequisite: CTPR 546L, CTPR 551.

583 Graduate Television Production (6, FaSp) Advanced television group production workshop for students who want to produce an advanced multi-camera project. Open to production majors only. Prerequisite: directing and producing positions: CTPR 532, CTPR 551 and CTPR 546L or CTPR 545; other positions: CTPR 546L or CTPR 545.

586ab Production IV (6-0, FaSpSm) Advanced group production workshop for students who have successfully completed Production III. Prerequisite: directing position: CTPR 532, CTPR 546L , CTPR 551; non-directing positions: CTPR 546L and related intermediate seminar.

587abcz Group Production Workshop (4-2-2-0, FaSpSm) Advanced group project involving the creative use of visuals (live action or animated) and sound. Minimum enrollment: Director and Producer. Open to production majors only. Graded IP/Letter Grade. Prerequisite: for directing position: CTPR 532, CTPR 551; for producing position: CTPR 551.

594abz Master's Thesis (2-2-0) Credit on acceptance of thesis. Graded IP/CR/NC.

599 Special Topics (2-4, max 8, Irregular) Detailed investigation of new or emerging aspects of cinema; special subjects offered by visiting faculty; experimental subjects.