COMT209 Acting for the Camera
Department of Arts and Communication: Performance Arts
- I. Course Number and Title
- COMT209 Acting for the Camera Course No Longer Offered
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 2250
- IV. Prerequisites
- COMT103 (C or better)
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
- Requires rehearsal and recording outside of class. Students are responsible for providing recording material.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This course provides the actor with an understanding of the special nature of performing before a camera. Students are given the opportunity to learn and practice skills and techniques necessary to compete in the film/video industry.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will be able to
- develop an understanding of the techniques necessary to facilitate successful on-camera storytelling;
- increase their awareness of the roles and relationship of actor/director in on-camera production;
- observe and critique peer ensemble work; and
- prepare and evaluate a professional environment.
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
The semester will be devoted to understanding and building believable characters. Again, class lectures and readings will be supplemented by in-class exercises and analysis of film clips. Each group will shoot its scene a second time, this time concentrating on the elements of the script and the character. Again, these scenes will be critiqued in class by the other students and the instructor for these elements and the growth of performance style. The final third of the semester will be devoted to understanding the use of the camera. This will include motivated movement of the camera, the psychology of camera angle, and movement of the actors for the purpose of best telling the story. Work will be done on relating to the camera, close-ups, working to an off-camera actor, and all other elements necessary to creating restrained believability in front of the camera. The same techniques of lectures, readings, in-class exercises, and viewing of film clips will be employed. Each group will then-shoot-their-scene for a third and final time concentrating on the elements of the script and the character and the concerns of the camera. This will serve as a final project. -
Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
- Self- and peer evaluation of work
- Contribution on final project
- Written analysis of materials presented in class
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Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
See course syllabus.
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Review/Approval Date - 3/94; Revised 11/09; New Core 8/2015