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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Directing for the Screen (Face-to-Face)

FILM 3200-01

Course: FILM 3200-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: ARTD
CRN: 32627

Course Description

Theory and practice of film directing, including script analysis, interpretation, conceptualization and visualization, subtext, directing the actors, and collaborating with the crew. (Fall) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): FILM 2200 and ENGL 2523 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: B- Registration Restriction(s): Filmmaking majors only

Required Texts

There are no required text books for this course 
  • Each student needs to purchase an SD memory card for the cameras: at least 32 or 64GB, Class 10 and an external hard drive. Minimum: External hard drive with Thunderbolt 2/3 and/or USB  3.1  connection,  7200  rpm  spin speed,  and  at  least  1TB  storage  capacity  for  editing. Recommended: 500GB-1TB External SSD Drive. Note: This card and hard drive will serve you throughout the Film program. Buying a better/faster/higher quality drive means it will serve you better and for longer. 
Recommended textbooks. 
Film Directing Shot By Shot: Visualizing From Concept to Screen, Steven D. Katz, 1991
Directing Actors: Creating Memorable Performances for Film & Television, Judith Westin. 1996.
On Film-making: An introduction to the craft of the Director, Alexander Mackendrick 

Learning Outcomes

MEDIA PRODUCTION: Effectively utilize Cinema Cameras, unidirectional sound devices, lighting, and non-linear editing to complete directing exercises and a short narrative film. 
 Activity/Assignment :Completion of directing video exercises and a short narrative film.   
Assessment Method Graded using rubrics for proper utilization Cinema Cameras, unidirectional sound devices, lighting, and non-linear editing to complete directing exercises and a short narrative film.
COMMUNICATION: Effective visual communication techniques. 
Activity/Assignment: Completion of directing exercises involving to communicate ideas derived from the interpretation of the scrip.
Assessment Method: Graded using rubrics for proper utilization of staging, camera placement and movement.
COMMUNICATION:Effective crew communication techniques
Activity/Assignment:Completion of rehearsals, staging of actors, communication of directors’ vision to film crew, pre-visualization through shooting script, shot lists and storyboards.   
Assessment Method:Graded using rubrics for proper utilization of rehearsals, staging of actors, communication of directors’ vision to film crew, pre-visualization through shooting script, shot lists and storyboards. 
CRITICAL THINKING:Effectively troubleshoot stages of directing process
Activity/Assignment:Completion of directing exercises utilizing cameras and actors, and utilizing script breakdowns, shooting script, shot lists and storyboards within production limits set by the instructor and budget.
Assessment Method: Graded using rubrics for completion of various stages of directing, including script breakdowns, shooting script, shot lists and storyboards.
CRITICAL THINKING:Effectively interpret scripts and subtext
Activity/Assignment:Completion of directing exercises involving rehearsals, staging of actors, placement of camera to communicate ideas derived from the Assessment Method: interpretation of the script | Graded using rubrics for structure, content and style.

Course Requirements

Each student needs to purchase an SD memory card for the cameras: at least 32 or 64GB, Class 10 and an external hard drive. Minimum: External hard drive with Thunderbolt 2/3 and/or USB  3.1  connection,  7200  rpm  spin speed,  and  at  least  1TB  storage  capacity  for  editing. Recommended: 500GB-1TB External SSD Drive. Note: This card and hard drive will serve you throughout the Film program. Buying a better/faster/higher quality drive means it will serve you better and for longer. 

Assignments:
Script and Character Analysis
Objective: The objective of this assignment is to develop students' skills in script writing and character analysis. Students will have the opportunity write a detailed analysis of an original script or analyze a script assigned to them.
Director's Statement & Lookbook

Objective: to create a visually compelling look book that effectively communicates the overall mood, feel, and visual style of a film.
 a. Create a look book that captures the essence of the film's mood, atmosphere, and visual style. The look book should consist of a collage of images, colors, textures, and other visual elements that evoke the desired emotions and convey the intended mood of the film. Your Look book should include: similar films that capture the mood and tone you are going for, color design choices, location inspiration, wardrobe and set design choices.
Pay attention to the overall composition and visual coherence of your look book. Ensure that the images and elements chosen align with the intended mood and atmosphere of the film. Provide brief captions or descriptions for each image or element on the mood board, explaining their significance and how they contribute to the overall mood and visual style of the film.

Previsualization of film project

Objective: The objective of this assignment is to develop students' skills in pre-visualizing a film project by collaborating with a cinematographer. Students will work together to create a shot list, storyboard, and floor plan, which will help them plan and communicate their visual ideas effectively.

   a. Each student in the film directing class will be paired up with a cinematographer
   b.  Collaborate with your cinematographer to create a shot list for the selected film project. Identify and describe each shot, including camera angles, movements, and any specific technical requirements. Consider the storytelling and emotional impact of each shot, as well as the overall visual flow of the film. Organize the shot list in a clear and logical manner, such as by scene or sequence.
   c. Create a storyboard that visually represents each shot in the shot list. Use sketches, illustrations, or photographs to depict the composition, framing, and camera movements of each shot. Include brief descriptions or notes for each shot to provide additional context or instructions. Ensure that the storyboard accurately reflects the visual style and narrative of the film project.
  d.  Develop a floor plan or a basic diagram of the film set or location. Indicate the placement of key elements, such as actors, props, and camera positions. Consider the spatial relationships and blocking of the characters within the frame Include any relevant measurements or notes that will assist in the production process.
Final Film Fine cut.

Final Project: Short Film (5-7 minutes)
Objective: The objective of this final project is to showcase the students' skills and creativity as film directors. Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and techniques learned throughout the course to create a compelling and well-executed short film.

Instructions:

   a. Execute the production of your short film according to your pre-production plans. Direct the actors, collaborate with the cinematographer to capture the desired shots, and oversee the overall production process. Ensure that all necessary technical aspects, such as lighting, sound recording, and camera work, are executed effectively. 

   b. You may use an editor or edit your short film using professional editing software. Incorporate sound design, music, and any necessary visual effects or post-production enhancements. Ensure that the pacing, rhythm, and overall flow of the film align with your creative vision.

   c. Submit the Roughcut of your film for class discussion and then a final edited version of your short film.


Course Outline

MODULE 1: SCRIPT INTERPRETATION
8/27 | Lecture: Syllabus and Expectations, Introduction to Directing, Introduction to directing concepts and terminology |
| Handout: Character/Script Analysis Sheet
9/01 | Labor Day- No Class  
9/03 Lecture: Script Breakdowns and Interpretation.Script readings | Assignment: | Due: Watch Blue

9/08 | Script Reading Workshop/Character Analysis  |
9/10 | Script reading workshop/Character Analysis |

MODULE 2: DIRECTING THE ACTOR
9/15 | Script Workshop/Character Analysis
9/17 | Lecture: Working with Actors, DIRECTING ACTORS  | Assignment:  | Due: Final Script, Script/CharacterAnalysisSides for Casting CallHandout: Director’s statement and lookbook
9/22 | LAB: Working With Actors, Directing Actors |
9/24 | CASTING SESSION  | Assignment | Due: Reading on canvas Prepare for Rehearsals with Actors choose a scene and sign up for a time to rehearse.
9/29 | Lab: watch and critique lookbooks Assignment:  | Due: Director’s Statement and lookbook
10/01 | Lab: Rehearsing with Actors  |
10/06 | Lab: Rehearsing with Actors  |
10/08 | Lab: Rehearsing with Actors  |
 
MODULE 3: DIRECTING THE CAMERA
10/13 No Class- Fall Break  |
10/15 | Directing the Camera  | Assignment:  | Handout: Shot list, diagrams & storyboards
10/20 | Lab: Directing the Camera |
10/22 | Camera Rehearsals  | Assignment: | Due: Shot list, diagrams & storyboards
10/27 | Lab: Camera rehearsal with Actors |
10/29 | Shoot & Edit Workshop | Assignment | Shoot Final Project
11/03| Shoot & Edit Workshop |
11/05| Shoot & Edit Workshop |
11/10 | Shoot & Edit Workshop  |
11/12| Shoot & Edit Workshop |
11/17 | Watch & Critique Roughcuts | Assignment: | Due: Rough cuts
11/19 | Watch Rough Cuts Lecture: Film Score |
11/24-11/26   | No Class-Thanksgiving Break  | Assignment:       | Finalize Edit, Color correction/sound final Film
12/01  | Watch: Final Cut of Film | Due: | Final Film
12/03 | Watch: Final Cut of Film 

   Note: Additional articles may be assigned for reading. Also, although unlikely, additional production exercises may be assigned to the groups.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

ASSESSMENT

 students will be assessed based on their understanding of the technologies and concepts covered in class & how that understanding is reflected in their creative work.  Final grade will largely reflect the quality and sincerity of students' effort in this class. 

CLASS POLICY

  • No use of cell phones in class. No disruptive behavior. No chitchatting & raise hand when wishing to address the class.
  • Unexcused late work will not be accepted.
  • An incomplete will not be given in this class except for extreme, verifiable emergencies as approved by the instructor.
  • Instructor reserves the right to alter the course outline at any time during the semester. 

Attendance Policy

Studio courses are experiential in nature and rely heavily on in-class instruction, collaboration, and critique. As such, attendance is mandatory.

A student who misses more than 25% of scheduled class time (including unexcused absences and tardiness) will receive a final grade no higher than a “C–”, and may fail the course, regardless of performance on assignments.

Excused absences—such as those due to documented illness, university-sponsored activities, or other legitimate circumstances—may be made up with appropriate documentation (e.g., a doctor's note or official university communication). It is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor before the absence when possible and to make arrangements to complete missed work promptly.

Consistent attendance and active participation are essential to your success in this course and in your development as an artist/designer.

Course Fees

FILM courses have a $50 per credit fee.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.