Elementary School: Filmmaking
ART-90089
Unleash your storytelling prowess through filmmaking—from theory to production magic.
Filmmaking is a powerful vehicle for making sense of our lives and sharing the stories we want to tell. Learn the skills you need, from scripting and storyboarding to editing and audio, to express your point of view through creation of short films.
We will start with an introduction to film theory and move on to the basics of video production, including composition, editing and audio. Students will consider the role stories play in our everyday lives and think about the stories they want to tell. Then, working in groups, students will storyboard, script, film and edit their own short films. Group members will switch roles throughout the week to gain exposure to various facets of filmmaking. We will watch rough cuts of each other’s work and offer constructive critiques. In addition to producing their own videos, students will watch and discuss a variety of short films.
What you'll learn
- Learn the fundamentals of storytelling, including creating characters, developing plots, and crafting engaging narratives that capture the audience's imagination.
- Explore the art of scriptwriting and learn how to translate ideas into written form, including dialogue, action descriptions, and scene transitions.
- Gain hands-on experience with basic camera operation, including framing shots, adjusting focus, camera movement and capturing footage effectively.
- Explore different genres and styles of filmmaking, allowing students to express their creativity and develop their own unique cinematic voice.
- Discover the role of the director in bringing a script to life, including working with actors, blocking scenes, and conveying emotions through visual storytelling.
- Learn the basics of video editing using simple editing software, including cutting footage, adding transitions, and incorporating sound effects and music to enhance the storytelling experience.
- Work collaboratively with peers to plan, shoot, and edit short films, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
- Encounter challenges throughout the filmmaking process and learn to problem-solve creatively to overcome obstacles and bring their vision to life.
- Develop an appreciation for the art of filmmaking by studying and analyzing films from various genres and time periods, gaining insight into the techniques used by master filmmakers.
Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
All class meetings held in-person according to published location, dates and times. Students may be expected to engage with course content online during the published course dates.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
Schedule:
| Date | Day | Start | End | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/21/2025 | Mon | 9:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. | UCSD Division of Extended Studies University City Center, 6256 Greenwich Drive, San Diego |
| 7/22/2025 | Tue | 9:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. | UCSD Division of Extended Studies University City Center, 6256 Greenwich Drive, San Diego |
| 7/23/2025 | Wed | 9:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. | UCSD Division of Extended Studies University City Center, 6256 Greenwich Drive, San Diego |
| 7/24/2025 | Thu | 9:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. | UCSD Division of Extended Studies University City Center, 6256 Greenwich Drive, San Diego |
| 7/25/2025 | Fri | 9:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. | UCSD Division of Extended Studies University City Center, 6256 Greenwich Drive, San Diego |
Instructor:
Camille Campion
