TSOA Special Programs (SPEC-UT)

This course provides an introductory framework for understanding the dynamics of entering the entertainment and media industry within New York and Hollywood. Through live, synchronous, online meetings with industry professionals in Film, Television, Music, Theatre, Dramatic Writing, Games and Interactive Media and Casting, you will learn expectations, industry standards, and professional practices to apply when transitioning from student to a creative professional. You will also understand the specific job functions that are required to effectively and efficiently complete productions. The course aims to build a body of knowledge and information through understanding the various roles and professions that cut across all the competencies required for the industry professional to effectively function as a key member and in most cases, the leader of the creative and business team, assembled to complete a project.

The personal voice is the cornerstone of all great art. First Person Narrative is a filmmaking based production class that is focused on the art and craft of the personal video essay. Students will be encouraged to identify, research and explore subject matter that has some actual core basis in her/his/their lives. Story content can range from an actual event, family story or myth, political or social perspective on the world that reflects and asserts the filmmakers unique point of view. This class will support and foster work that is made with courage, conviction and pride. Students will learn a variety of foundational skills in story development, podcasting, animation, archival based acquisition, portrait photography and videography. The First Person form is a compelling, exciting and emerging domain for creative filmmakers. (Open to freshmen students for core production credit.)

Introduction to Virtual Production is a class composed of lectures, discussions, screenings, exercises, group critiques and presentations. The course is designed to expose students to the fundamental principles of storytelling through Virtual Production including writing, directing, cinematography, performance, editing, art direction, and technical direction. The course will explore emerging techniques utilizing software and technology. How do you tell a story in this new form of collaboration? How can students apply what is learned to their own creative work? History and theory of Virtual Production will be studied and used to inspire personal and creative work in order to better understand how story through Virtual Production can successfully be expressed and most effectively reach its audience.

This online workshop introduces students to the theory and techniques of developing and producing short films that are shot and edited digitally. As most students enter the program with little or no experience in film or video, early assignments familiarize them with equipment as well as documentary, experimental, and narrative approaches. Working in online crews, students will collaborate to develop their directing, shooting, and editing skills as they produce music videos and short films (three to five minutes in length). Special emphasis is placed on storytelling through visual language. Students learn the basics of screenwriting through writing exercises, reading assignments, viewing online media examples. as well as the script development and research of their short films. Through streaming lectures and video meetings this online workshop will highlight the fundamentals of story structure, character development, communication of thematic statements, and visual storytelling, among other topics. In addition, the course includes screenings of significant works, master classes, and discussions with industry professionals/Tisch faculty. Students are required to supply their own technology – camera, sound, and editing – for this class. Students can shoot with their own prosumer camera, DSLR or cell phone that can shoot high quality footage.