TFI Fundamentals of Production Design for Filmmaking – Course Outline

1) Definition of the basic position in film production. Definition of creative  position in film production.  Examples using video tapes to demonstrate creative choices made.
Discussion of examples.                                                          
Assignments: none

2) Continued discussion of definition of  production design. Using examples of problems of practical execution. Discussion of understanding of the approach to the problems and personnel needed.  Discussion of communication skills.                                                                     
Assignments: Choose a movie to demonstrate examples.

1) Students display and explain Examples in movies of their choosing. Discussion and critique.
Assignment: Choose a script to analyze from a script chosen by the Instructor.

2) Discussion of analysis of the script. The use of color. Determining size of constructed sets.
Assignments: Each chooses a script to analyze from a library provided by the instructor.

3) Present analysis of the script chosen. Discussion and critique.
Assignment: Choose a specific set to design.

4) Continue presentation of analysis of chosen script.
Assignment: none.

5) Choose a specific set to design. Present first  impression of the set to design. Discussion of the set design and the tools to use in the process to design.
Assignment: Choose a script to begin a production book to present the complete design of a film.

7) Introduce the tools of design, research, sketching, drafting and research photos (book illustrations and magazines.) Begin to sketch and draft. If the talents of the student are not developed enough in talent then they continue analyzing for the production book.
Assignments: Collect research photos and illustrations.

8) A discussion of personnel, materials and choice of scenic painting work to accomplish the realization of the set.  Present research elements. Present changes made by research done.
Assignments: continue collection of research materials and continue working on the production book.
10) The use of color and texture throughout the class script used before. What are the concepts to unify the color schemes of the film? The use of lighting designs to help the cinematographer light the set. The instructor offers examples and discussion follows.
Assignments: Continue work on production books

11) Present examples of set lighting in the finished set from videotapes.
Assignments: Complete production book.

12) Present Production book to class (A chosen selection of students to make presentation. Discussion, a review by students of what they have learned.