Theater Cinema and Film Production Semester 2

Required Materials:

 You will be required to own or have access to the standard editions of the three films used in this course:

• Casablanca (1942)

If you do not already have access to these movies, you may consider other sources such as your local library.

Note: Timestamps referenced throughout the course apply to standard editions of the applicable film and may not align with any extended/modified versions

Syllabus:

Unit 7: Plotting the Script

In this unit, you will learn about scripts in both film and theater as well as dramatic structures that are used in performances. Finally, you’ll learn about what makes some script performances controversial.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define plot and dramatic structure.
• Discuss how playwrights and screenwriters may be influenced by societal questions and issues.
• Describe the elements that can raise controversy for some performances.
• Name and describe two types of dramatic structures and apply them to plays you’ve read and movies you’ve seen.

Unit 8: Acting and Directing

In this lesson, you will learn about the areas of directing and acting in both film and theater contexts. You’ll learn about the characteristics and skills that good actors and directors possess and cultivate.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify and describe the responsibilities that actors and directors have in film and theater.
• Describe how directors and actors work together.

Unit 9: The Film Production Process

In this lesson, you will learn how all the different elements of theater and film—lighting, sound, costume and makeup, directing, and acting—all come together to become a production. You’ll learn the sequence of events in the production process of both film and theater. And you’ll apply your technical knowledge from previous units to the production process.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe how different elements are put together to create a production.
• Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of several different types of theatrical performance spaces.
• Name and describe the different types of rehearsals in theater.

Unit 10: Audiences and Economics

In this lesson, you will learn how an audience can affect film and theatrical productions in North America. You’ll look at the role and characteristics of theater audiences at a few specific moments in history. And you’ll consider the impact that film and theatrical productions can have on their local communities and economies.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Discuss the types of audiences present for ancient Greek and Elizabethan England performances.
• Analyze how an audience affects the type and content of film productions and dramatic performances.
• Determine the local economic impact of film and theatrical productions.

Unit 11: Film Genres

In this unit, you will learn about a variety of film genres as well as their hallmark characteristics. You’ll see how films can cross genres, and you’ll research a specific genre to learn how filmmakers work within it to tell stories.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Discuss the concept of genre as it relates to film.
• Name and describe different film genres.
• Use research to discuss how filmmakers balance historical accuracy and storytelling.

Unit 12: Theater Genres

Like film, theater also has genres of plays and performances. In this unit, you will learn about several theater genres and their defining characteristics. You’ll also see how the formation of these genres has been affected by social, cultural, and historical contexts.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Apply the concept of genre to theater performances.
• Name and describe different theater genres.
• Discuss how different genres have been influenced by historical, social, and cultural factors.