Cinema Course Descriptions
Included on this page:
Cinema 1 Introduction To Motion Picture Production
Cinema 2 Beginning Motion Picture Workshop
Cinema 3 - The History Of Motion Pictures
Cinema 4 - History Of The Documentary Film
Cinema 5 - Introduction To Screenwriting
Cinema 6 - Motion Picture Photography
Cinema 7 - Advanced Cinematography And Creative Techniques
Cinema 9 - Motion Picture And TV Sound
Cinema 10 - Introduction To Film Directing
Cinema 15 - Motion Picture Workshop
Cinema 20 - Business Of Motion Picture Production
Cinema 22 - Digital Audio Post- Production
Cinema 25 - Producing Digital Video Features
Cinema 32 - Editing Fundamentals
Cinema 33 - Digital Video Production Workshop I
Cinema 34 - Motion Picture Soundstage Production Practicum
Cinema 35 - Non-Linear Editing with Final Cut Pro
Cinema 38 - The Motion Picture Grip
Cinema 60 - Entertainment Industry Careers Below-the-line Production Skills
Cooperative Education and Work Experience
Law 33 - Law and the Media
CINEMA 1-INTRODUCTION TO MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION (3 UNITS)
(4 hours per week during Fall and Spring Semesters)
A comprehensive introduction to basic film and video production techniques and equipment. Proper procedures are explained for the use of digital and film cameras, lenses, filters, film stocks, lights, microphones, audio recorders, editing systems, and other motion picture equipment. Attention is also given to production planning and post-production as well. Cinema 2 should be taken concurrently. Required of all Cinema majors; open to all others.
Cinema 1,2,3, and 4 are prerequisites for most of the LACC cinema classes. We recommend that you take them the first semester
This class leads to several certificates
This class is offered both day and evening each semester. More information on Cinema 1 
Required textbook: The Filmmaker's Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide in the Digital Age by Ascher and Pincus ( August 28, 2007) (List Price $25) ISBN 9780452286788
Other materials required: Paper for notetaking and scantron forms.
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CINEMA 2 - BEGINNING MOTION PICTURE WORKSHOP (3 UNITS)
(5 hours per week during Fall and Spring Semesters)
Introductory workshop in practical filmmaking. A lecture and laboratory workshop including script, storyboard, direction, cinematography, sound and editing techniques. Each student will be responsible for the making of short films. Required of all cinema majors. Open to all others. We suggest taking Cinema 1 concurrently since much of the technical information will be taught in this class.
Cinema 1,2,3, and 4 are prerequisites for most of the other LACC Cinema classes. We recommend that you take them all the first semester so you may continue seamlessly through the program.
This class leads to several certificates
During the semester, you'll write, direct and produce three films on digital video. While the school has equipment for student use, the inventory is not large. We have a limited number of cameras (Canon ZR's) and tripods (Bogens) which you can check-out but we suggest you consider purchasing your own for convenience. We have 40 editing stations (eMac G-4's with iMovie 6) so if you don't have your own editing system, we have enough stations for everyone to complete their projects. There's no need to buy expensive equipment for this class; any digital camcorder and and recent computer (PC or Mac) will generally be just fine although there may be some technical limitations. Consult with your instructor. This equipment can be used in subsequent classes as well. To get more information on pricing and features of digital camcorders and digital editing systems, go to "MiniDV Camcorders" and "Digital Video" on our Hotlinks page. We suggest that you not buy any equipment for this class until you attend the class to get more information. (Please note: While we can give full technical support for our equipment, there may be limitations with support for your particular system). Cinema 2 is offered both day and night each semester.
For your convenience, there are five sections of this class each Fall and six sections during the Spring.
Required textbook if you are editing in our lab: iMOVIE 6 & iDVD by David Pogue (list $34.99) ISBN: 0596527268
Required materials: Paper for notetaking, 5 miniDV cassettes (approx $5.00 each) minimum if you use our cameras or another miniDV digital video camer. You may incur other expenses when producing your projects but costs vary depending upon a number of cirucumstances.. If you purchase your own digital video camera, camera tripod, and computer with software. costs will be considerably higher depending upon the equipment you choose. See our Hotlinks page for more information about digital filmmaking.
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CINEMA 3 - THE HISTORY OF MOTION PICTURES (3 UNITS)
(4 hours per week during Fall and Spring Semesters)
History of the development of motion pictures, with examples, from their beginnings to the present day. Emphasis is placed on the American feature film. Required of all first semester cinema majors; open to all students.
Cinema 1,2,3, and 4 are prerequisites for many of the other LACC Cinema classes. We recommend that you take them the first semester
This class leads to several certificates
In addition to lectures on film history, fiction films from the silent era to the modern day will be screened weekly and discussed in our theater. Students will write papers and/or take tests. This class is offered both day and evening each semester.
Required textbook: A History of the Narrative Film by David A. Cook - 4th Edition (list price $78.10) ISBN: 0393978680
Other materials required: Paper for notetaking. Some instructors will require scantron forms.
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CINEMA 4 - HISTORY OF THE DOCUMENTARY FILM (3 UNITS)
(4 hours per week per week during Fall and Spring Semesters)
The development of films dealing with the truth. Film types seen and discussed include: historical, animated, propaganda, educational, commercial, cinema verite and direct cinema. Students will develop critical standards for judging documentary films. Required of all first semester cinema majors. Open to all others.
Cinema 1,2,3, and 4 are prerequisites for many of the other LACC Cinema classes. We recommend that you take them the first semester.
This class leads to several certificates
Held in our theater, you will view a variety of documentary films. You will write papers and/or take tests. This class is offered both day and night each semester.
Beginning Winter 2008 the Required textbook is: A New History of the Documentary Film by Jack C. Ellis and Betsy McLane (List $24.95) . ISBN 0-8264-1751-5
Other materials required: Paper for notetaking. Some instructors will require scantron forms.
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CINEMA 5 - INTRODUCTION TO SCREENWRITING (3 UNITS)
(4 hours per week per week during Fall and Spring Semesters)
Course work consists of writing screenplays. Cinema majors will write scripts for the films they will make in Cinema 15 and/or Cinema 33.
Note: Enrolled students will be dropped and non-enrolled students may not add if not present at the first class session.
Prerequisite: Cinema 1, 2, 3, 4 with satisfactory grades or better.
This class leads to several certificates
You'll write scripts for short films that you may produce in Cinema 15, 16, and 17. You'll pitch your proposals to the class, prepare treatments, and then write and revise complete scripts. Offered day and night each semester.
No Textbook Required.
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CINEMA 6 - MOTION PICTURE PHOTOGRAPHY (3 UNITS)
(4 hours per week per week during Fall and Spring Semesters)
Introduction to cinematography, including optics, photo emulsions, camera operation, lighting, laboratory procedures, terminology and aesthetics. Students will do individual and group projects using digital video camera equipment
Note: Enrolled students will be dropped and non-enrolled students may not add if not present at the first class session.
Prerequisite: Cinema 1, 2, 3, 4 with satisfactory grades or better.
This class leads to several certificates
The class will study the basics of composition and lighting. During the first half of the semester, each student will shoot slides which will be viewed by the class and graded by the instructor. In the second half, each student will shoot digital video cinematography exercises. Costs (other than textbook) vary between $50-100 depending upon scope of projects. The school supplies miniDV camera (the student may use his/her own camera if so desired) and lighting equipment. The student is expected to furnish his/her own camera for the 35mm slides. The class is held in Sound Stage C
ISBN: 0074326438XRecommended: Lighting for Film and Electronic Photography, by Dave Viera (2nd edition)(approx. $58) ISBN: 0-534-26498-0
Required textbook for Digital section: Digital Cinematography by Paul Wheeler List Price $36.95 (Focal press, 2002) ISBN: 0240516141
Recommended: Lighting for Film and Electronic Photography.
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CINEMA 7 - ADVANCED CINEMATOGRAPHY AND CREATIVE TECHNIQUES (3 UNITS)
(4 hours per week - Tentatively Scheduled Fall 2010)
An advanced course in creative cinematography covering professional equipment and techniques used in the motion picture industry. Emphasis is placed on lighting and current industry standards.
Note: Enrolled students will be dropped and non-enrolled students may not add if not present at the first class session.
Prerequisite: Cinema 6 with satisfactory grade or better.
This class leads to a Cinematography Certificate
The student again will shoot a variety of slide projects but differing greatly from those in Cinema 6. The class will practice lighting in all types of conditions and locales (exterior and interior), from a variety of different light sources. Each student will additionally complete a 16mm cinematography exercise using a school supplied Canon Scoopic (or the student may use his/her own 16mm camera). The project is then to be transferred to miniDV. Costs vary between $100 to $500 depending upon scope of projects. This class is very challenging. Offered during the evening only. The class is held in Sound Stage C.
Required Textbooks: Cinematography: Theory and Practice by Blain Brown, ($44.95) ISBN # 0-240-80500-3 - Focal Press
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CINEMA 9 - MOTION PICTURE AND TV SOUND (3 UNITS)
(4 hours per week per week during Fall and Spring Semesters)
Students learn the basics of motion pciture production and post-productionj sound. Students use digital audio recorders, microphones and booms and learn how to properly record sound. Students learn to loop and mix sound using a digital audio program ..
Note: Enrolled students will be dropped and non-enrolled students may not add if not present at the first class session.
Prerequisite: Cinema 1, 2, 3, 4 with satisfactory grades or better.
This class leads to several certificates
The student will learn the basics of production and post-production motion picture sound. Each will master the operation of various digital recorders as well as microphone placement and booming. Post-production techniques will be studied and each students will be introduced to Pro Tools. Total cost of materials for class is approximately $100. Offered Saturdays.
Required textbooks: Audio in Media (8th Edition) by Stanley Alten (List $111.95) ISBN: 0495095680
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CINEMA 10 - INTRODUCTION TO FILM DIRECTING (3 UNITS)
(4 hours per week per week during Fall and Spring Semesters)
The student is introduced to the crafts of acting and directing for the film medium.
Note: Enrolled students will be dropped and non-enrolled students may not add if not present at the first class session.
Prerequisite: Cinema 1,2,3, 4 with satisfactory grades or better.
This class leads to several certificates
You'll be required to direct one or two scenes with actors. Each week new scenes will be presented which the class and the instructor will evaluate. Offered during day and night Spring and Fall semesters.
Required textbook for Mr. Desmarais' section: Total Directing by Tom Kingdon, Silman-James Press and Siles Press ISBN:1-879505-71-1
Required textbook for Bruce Cook's section: Directing Actors by Judith Weston (approx. $26.95), ISBN: 0-941188-24-8 and Film Directing Shot by Shot by Stephen Katz (List $27.95) ISBN: 0-941188-10-8
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CINEMA 15 - MOTION PICTURE WORKSHOP I (4 UNITS)
(5 hours per week - Tentatively Scheduled Fall 2010)
Advanced students perform practical work in film or digital video production. This lecture and laboratory workshop emphasizes the creative use of the camera, editing, sound and production activities in relation to the fiction or documentary film format. Each student will be responsible for making a short film.
Prerequisite: Cinema 5 ,6 ,9, 10 ,11, 20 with satisfactory grades or better.
With professional motion picture equipment or digital video you'lll make short films. For the first project, you can make narrative films (10 minutes or less), music videos, sketches, essays, documentaries, commercials, or PSA's. Subsequent projects can be up to 30 minutes. All projects are generally filmed on location.. Other students enrolled in the class will work on the crew. Selected films will be shown to the entire department at the end of the semester. While the school will provide much of the needed equipment and provide liability insurance for obtaining student filming permits, you must bear all other costs. Student directors spend $1,000 - $15,000 , depending upon the scope of the project.
Required Textbook: On Directing Film by David Mamet (List $14) ISBN: 0-14-012722-4
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CINEMA 20 - BUSINESS OF MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION (3 UNITS)
(3 hours per week per week during Fall and Spring Semesters)
Survey of business practices including financing, production and distribution.
Note: Enrolled students will be dropped and non-enrolled students may not add if not present at the first class session.
Prerequisite: Cinema 1, 2, 3, 4, with satisfactory grades or better.
This class leads to a Cinema Production Certificate
Many business aspects of film production are covered in this very comprehensive and challenging class. The instructor will emphasize the budgeting and scheduling of a motion picture using professional production forms and methods. You will be required to purchase budgeting forms. Approximate material cost is $60 in addition to textbooks. Offered during the day in the spring semester, evening during the fall.
Required Textbooks: Film Scheduling, 2nd Edition by Ralph Singleton (List $22.95) IISBN: 0943728398; Rebel without a Crew by Robert Rodriquez (List $15) ISBN 0-452-27187-8. Optional Textbooks: Creating by Robert Fritz (List $19) ISBN 0-449-90801-1; How to Read a Book by Mortimer Jerome Adler (List $14) ISBN 0-671-21209-5.
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CINEMA 22 - PRO TOOLS DIGITAL AUDIO POST- PRODUCTION (3 UNITS)
(4 hours per week - Tentatively Scheduled Fall 2010)
Advanced television and cinema students are introduced to digital audio editing, multi-track mixing and other digital audio post-production techniques using Pro Tools.
Note: Enrolled students will be dropped and non-enrolled students may not add if not present at the first class session.
Prerequisite: Cinema 9 or Cinema 32 or Television 52 with a satisfactory grade or better.
This class leads to Cinema Post-Production Certificate
You will work with Mac platforms to learn basic digital audio post-production methods using Pro Tools 7.3.
Required Textbook: Protools 7 for MacIntosh and Windows by Steven Roback (list $29.99) ISBN 0-321-34898-2.
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CINEMA 25 - PRODUCING DIGITAL VIDEO FEATURES (3 UNITS)
(3 hours per week - Tentatively Scheduled Fall 2010)
Digital video (DV and HD) is transforming traditional feature film production and broadening distribution possibilities for independent productions.. Students explore this new frontier and its requirements for intellectural property, financing, contracts, production, formats, marketing and alternative distribution outlets including internet websites and downloads.
Note: Enrolled students will be dropped and non-enrolled students may not add if not present at the first class session.
No Prerequisites required. Textbook will be announced in class.
Business aspects of digital feature production are covered in this informative class. The instructor will present the various challenges along with solutions in producing digital features. You will be asked to prepare a pre-production package along with other assigments. The class will be comprised of lectures, discussions and student presentations. There will be no video production. (See Cinema 2 for opportunities to make short digital films).
Required Textbook: The Movie Business by Jason E. Squire (List $16.00) ISBN 0-671-75095-X.
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CINEMA 32 - EDITING FUNDAMENTALS (3 UNITS)
(5 hours per week per week during Fall and Spring Semesters)
Intermediate students develop editing skills using basic non-linear digital equipment.
Note: Enrolled students will be dropped and non-enrolled students may not add if not present at the first class session.
Prerequisite: Cinema 1, 2, 3, 4, with satisfactory grades or better.
This class leads to several certificates
You'll work with 16MM flatbeds and Apple Mac platforms using Final Cut Express to learn editing techniques. The class emphasis will be on improving aesthetic editing skills, not software or assistant editing procedures. Projects will include cutting rushes from various films and TV shows which will be graded for editing fundamentals. All digital projects must be edited during class time in the department computer lab. Scenes from feature films will be analyzed and basic editing techniques discussed. One of the projects will be cut on film, using a 16mm flatbed . ( Class Material Costs: $70 for project plus $25 for supplies.
No Required Textbook.
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CINEMA 33 - DIGITAL VIDEO PRODUCTION WORKSHOP I (3 UNITS)
(5 hours per week per week during Fall and Spring Semesters)
Intermediate film and television students will produce short video projects using digital video cameras and editing systems.
Note: Enrolled students will be dropped and non-enrolled students may not add if not present at the first class session.
Prerequisites: Cinema 1,2,3,4 with satisfactory grades or better.
This class leads to a Cinema Production Certificate
You'll shoot and edit two projects using a digitial video camera (the school provides Canon HD units) and Final Cut Express software on Mac computers under the supervision of the instructor. (You may use your own camera or editing equipment if so desired). Click here for more information on Cinema 33/Television 55.
Textbook: iMOVIE 6 & iDVD by David Pogue (list $34.99) ISBN: 0596527268.
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CINEMA 34 - MOTION PICTURE SOUNDSTAGE PRODUCTION PRACTICUM (3 UNITS)
(5 hours per week per week - Tentatively Scheduled Fall 2010)
Designed for students to gain practical experience in a specific area of motion picture soundstage production in order to develop the necessary skills needed in that field of the industry. Included are screenwriting, directing, production management, lighting, cinematography, sound recording and editing.
Note: Enrolled students will be dropped and non-enrolled students may not add if not present at the first class session.
Prerequisite: Cinema 5 or 6 or 7 or 9 or 10 or 35 with a satisfactory grade or better.
Students work in crews on the soundstage and produce digital video projects every 2 weeks. Each student specializes in his or her area of expertise and interest. The class is held in Sound Stage C.
Required textbook: None
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CINEMA 35 - NON-LINEAR EDITING WITH FINAL CUT PRO 5.0 (3 UNITS)
(4 hours per week per week - Tentatively Scheduled Fall 2010)
Advanced film students are introduced to Macintosh Final Cut Pro non-linear software and are given lectures on film-to-video and other post-production procedures.
Note: Enrolled students will be dropped and non-enrolled students may not add if not present at the first class session.
Prerequisite: Cinema 11 or Cinema 32 with a satisfactory grade or better.
This class leads to a Cinema Post-Production Certificate
Advanced film students are introduced fo Final Cut Pro non-linear software and the skills and decoumentation required to work in an industry standing editing environment. . Students using the software, edit a number of excercises in news, documentary and narrative formats using supplied footage. The emphasis is placed on learning the software, not aesthetic editing skills which are covered in Cinema 32. Fall Semester: Evening only.
Please note: If you do not have the prerequisite courses but wish to take a Final Cut Pro class go to Los Angeles City College Community Services for information on short term classes (not affiliated with the LACC Cinema-TV Department).
Recommended: Focal Easy Guide to Final Cut Pro 5 by Rick Young (list $24.95) ISBN:978-0-240-52015-5.
OR Recommended: Focal Easy Guide to Final Cut Pro 6 by Rick Young (list $26.95) ISBN (10/13): 0240810090 / 9780240810096.
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CINEMA 38 - THE MOTION PICTURE GRIP (3 UNITS)
(4 hours per week per week during Fall and Spring Semesters)
In this hands-on course, students learn basic grip skills and operate grip equipment and tools used in motion pciture stages, television studios and on location during film and television production.
No Prerequisites
Using the LACC soundstage and television studios, you will be trained and then work on student projects as grips using professional grip equipment. You will become familiar with tools, expendables, knots, mounts, filters and gels, camera dollies and other specialized devices.
Required textbooks: Uva's Basic Grip Book by Michael Uva (List $28.95) ISBN 0-240-80485-6
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CINEMA 60 - ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY CAREERS BELOW-THE-LINE PRODUCTION SKILLS (3 UNITS)
(4 hours per week. Tentatively Scheduled Fall 2010)
Introductory course to the skills needed to obtain and keep a position in the motion picture or television industries. Skills taught include working with production managers, first assistant directors, production designers, and script supervisors, with a focus on basic safety issues in each department.
No Prerequisites
Guest experts give detailed information about the various below-the-line jobs and duties in the motion picture and television industries. Included are detailed breakdowns of film production, safety rules, budgeting and job positions including the production manager, production designer, first assistant director, script supervisor and many more.
Required textbook: Hollywood Drive: What it Takes to Break in, Hang in, & Make it in the Entertainment Industry by Eve Light Honthaner published by Focal Press ISBN 0-240-80668-9 List $22.95.
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COOPERATIVE EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE (1 TO 4 UNITS)
Film and Television students receive credit for acceptable internships in the industry under the direction of supervising Cooperative Education director. Students meet occasionally with the director and keep a diary of their work. Internship opportunities are made available to the Cinema-Television Department but it is the responsibility of the student to secure one. This course is offered every semester, and is repeatable - no textbook. The student must be enrolled in seven or more units at LACC (which may include up to four Co-op Ed units). Contact the Vaughn Obern at (323) 953-4000 ext. 2627 or obernvg@lacitycollege.edu.
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LAW 33 - LAW AND THE MEDIA ( 3 UNITS)
(3 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semesters)
An overview of the legal aspects of the entertainment industry. The student will be exposed to legal aspects of contractual agreements; copyright requirements; privacy; regulations of the Federal Communications Commission; libel and slander; freedom of speech and press; publishing rights; trademarks; unions; and related concerns.
Advisory: English 28 with a grade or better.
This lecture class is offered by the Law Department and is an option for the Cinema Production Certificate.