Motion Picture Arts
| MOPA 100 | Technical Directing | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| This course introduces students to the role and responsibilities of the director and the director's team. Context and examples are supported through short films and an introduction to cinematic language. Guest speakers and mandatory workshops, in addition to weekly classes, support classroom work. | ||
| MOPA 102 | Cinematography Foundation | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| This course is designed to familiarize students with the operational theory and practical application of the basic camera, lighting, and grip procedures of film and video production. | ||
| MOPA 103 | Basics of Production Design | |
| 1.50 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 08 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 15 MOPA 100-level credits | ||
| This course is designed to familiarize the students with the processes involved in the design, planning, and construction of dramatic motion picture sets. | ||
| MOPA 104 | Introduction to Producing | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| This course is designed to introduce students to current digital video and film post-production processes and techniques. It features an analysis of each phase of creative post-production to enhance the students' understanding of post-production work flow. | ||
| MOPA 106 | Story and Screenplay | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| This course presents the fundamentals of the three-act story structure and the screenplay, including the development process from concept to completion, the internal and external structure, and the concepts of story and character arc. Analysis of scripts and short films develops students' skills to recognize the mechanics of story as they apply to narrative conventions. Short scripts developed in this course will be produced in the fall and spring projects. | ||
| MOPA 108 | Introduction to Post-Production | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| This course is designed to introduce students to current digital video and film post-production processes and techniques. It features an analysis of each phase of creative post-production to enhance the students' understanding of post-production work flow. | ||
| MOPA 110 | MOPA Project #1 | |
| 2.00 credits | (3,0,25) hrs | 03 wks |
| Prerequisite: 15 MOPA 100-level credits | ||
| The first major supervised project includes development, pre-production, production, and post-production. Mentorship and supervision focus on professionalism and technical competency. | ||
| MOPA 115 | Professional Development I | |
| 1.50 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 08 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 15 MOPA 100-level credits | ||
| This course is designed to introduce students to communication, protocol, and entry-level job skills to begin a career in the motion picture industry. Through weekly guest lectures and classes, students are introduced to film industry professionals working in a variety of film crafts. Practical assignments are practical opportunities for students to develop networking skills in the film community for the purposes of employment. Through an applied focus, this course provides students with an understanding of the set etiquette, crew protocol, problem solving, and communication techniques required in the film and television industry. | ||
| MOPA 118 | Production and Post-Production | |
| 3.00 credits | (8,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 15 MOPA 100-level credits | ||
| This course builds upon and reinforces the knowledge and skills acquired in Technical Directing, Cinematography Foundation and Post-Production in the first semester. The classroom becomes a production office, set, and post-production house, so that students can apply industry standard procedures and protocols for running a successful production from the distribution of a script through delivery. Students collaborate in groups under the direct supervision of instructors to make a two-minute film that follows professional standards and practices; instruction will emphasize the following: scheduling, location scouting, technical surveys, production meetings, blocking, lighting, rehearsing, shooting, post-production workflow, post-production supervision, and production management. | ||
| MOPA 120 | MOPA Project #2 | |
| 2.00 credits | (3,0,18) hrs | 04 wks |
| Prerequisite: 15 MOPA 100-level credits | ||
| The second major supervised project includes development, prep, production, and post-production. Students shoot off campus for the first time. Mentorship and supervision focus on professionalism and technical competency. | ||
| MOPA 201 | The Director's Craft | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 25 MOPA 100-level credits | ||
| This course is designed to explore the director's role in the professional world of film and television production. Special emphasis is placed on technical direction as well as the working relationship with actors, cinematographers, and production designers. | ||
| MOPA 202 | History of Cinema I | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 17.5 MOPA 200-level credits | ||
| This course is designed to explore the historical significance of the American and Canadian cinema's creative and technical processes, including the historical precedents that contributed to the evolutionary process of film production from the silent era to the present day. This includes spotlighting a variety of distinctive filmmakers and their individual production methodologies and how their contributions reflect the historical, social, and political contexts that came to define the cinematic culture. | ||
| MOPA 204 | Producing | |
| 2.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 10 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 25 MOPA 100-level credits | ||
| This course is designed to explore the producer's role in the world of professional film production. Practical examples will highlight financing independent and international films, including co-productions and project development, and distribution for ancillary film platforms. | ||
| MOPA 206 | Screenwriting | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 25 MOPA 100-level credits | ||
| In this course, students explore the development of narrative ideas, the practical and creative aspects of writing the screenplay, the ability to give and receive criticism, and the ability to articulate an individual artistic identity. | ||
| MOPA 207 | Technical Motion Picture Arts | |
| 5.00 credits | (8,0,0) hrs | 13 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 25 MOPA 100-level credits | ||
| This mentored interdisciplinary course allows students to practice the application of key technical and creative crafts. Mentored workshops allow students to integrate and apply technical skills into workflow. Prep, production and post-production are determined by students but are closely supervised by faculty. Students are evaluated on individual professionalism, technical competency, and control over aesthetics and content. | ||
| MOPA 209 | Advanced Digital Editing | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 25 MOPA 100-level credits | ||
| This course builds upon and reinforces the foundation of editing skills and knowledge acquired in the first year of the Bachelor of Motion Picture Arts program. | ||
| MOPA 210 | MOPA Project #3 | |
| 6.00 credits | (8,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 16 MOPA 200-level credits | ||
| The emphasis on the projects in second year reflects industry standards, in terms of protocol and workflow during pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution. Students are expected to apply industry protocol fluently in the following disciplines: writing, directing, producing, production management, location management, editing, cinematography, sound mixing, publicity, and sound design. Several student narrative and documentary projects will be selected by a faculty panel to be produced and delivered by students. Adherence to story structure and comprehensible visual narrative conventions are expected. Students are expected to work collaboratively, effectively, and to a disciplined deadline. Students will be evaluated on individual professionalism, technical competency, and control over aesthetics and content. | ||
| MOPA 211 | American Cinema | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: 15 post-secondary credits at the 100-level or higher | ||
| This course is designed to familiarize the students with the historical significance of the cinema's creative and technical processes and their relevance to contemporary film production. The emphasis will be placed on the Hollywood cinema and its filmmakers' contributions to narrative cinema. | ||
| MOPA 215 | Professional Development II | |
| 1.00 credit | (4,0,0) hrs | 05 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 16 MOPA 200-level credits | ||
| This course focuses on set etiquette, crew protocol, problem-solving, and communication techniques required in the film and television industry. | ||
| MOPA 217 | Sound Design for Film and Video | |
| 1.50 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 08 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 16 MOPA 200-level credits | ||
| This course is designed to build upon the foundation of sound editing and sound recording knowledge acquired in the first year and first semester of the second year of the program. The purpose of this course is to teach the foundation of the principles of sound aesthetics, creating sound, and applying them to the sound edit of a film or video. | ||
| MOPA 219 | Entrepreneurship in the Motion Picture Industry | |
| 1.50 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 08 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 16 MOPA 200-level credits | ||
| This course is designed to provide students with insight into the subject of entrepreneurship: owning and operating a business associated with the motion picture and television industries. The course focuses on the tasks required to develop a business plan, including marketing research, financing, accounting, marketing, and human resource management. | ||
| MOPA 302 | World Cinema | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: 45 post-secondary credits at the 100-level or higher | ||
| Students explore world film culture through a broad spectrum of countries and regions, reflecting on their unique contributions to the world's film culture. This includes a focus on distinctive artists within the international film community and an exploration of the context in which various historical, political, religious, philosophical, and cultural forces shaped their distinctive contributions to their own film culture, as well as their subsequent influence on Western film culture, which in turn allows an understanding and perspective of global film culture. | ||
| MOPA 303 | Aesthetics of Filmmaking | |
| 9.00 credits | (12,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 29 MOPA 200-level credits | ||
| This course is designed to provide practical opportunities for students to explore and develop fluency, aesthetic judgment, and an authentic cinematic voice. Small groups of students make several short films, mentored by the instructor from story conception to delivery. Students are expected to integrate content with an articulate visual language. Projects may be narrative or documentary. Students write and direct their own films and contribute to all other projects in their group. | ||
| MOPA 310 | MOPA Project #4 | |
| 6.00 credits | (8,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 13 MOPA 300-level credits | ||
| Students are creatively involved in a minimum of three short projects. Students are required to take on two key creative leadership roles related to their concentration: one of producer, writer or director, and one of either cinematographer or editor. Students are evaluated individually on their professionalism, technical competency, aesthetics and content. | ||
| MOPA 311 | Motion Graphics | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 13 MOPA 300-level credits | ||
| While continuing to improve the editing skills of students, this course teaches additional computer based editing programs used in postproduction. This course enhances skills learned in the lower levels, focusing on motion graphics through use of key framing in current software applications. With the help of tutorials, students create personal projects that demonstrate their understanding of animated graphic motion. Classroom lectures and discussion encourage analysis of the use of motion picture graphics in films for high definition and internet delivery. | ||
| MOPA 312 | Canadian Cinema | |
| 3.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: 45 post-secondary credits at the 100-level or higher | ||
| This course is designed to explore the historical significance of the Canadian film industry and its relevance to contemporary film production and the global film community. | ||
| MOPA 315 | Professional Development III | |
| 1.00 credit | (4,0,0) hrs | 05 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 13 MOPA 300-level credits | ||
| This course focuses on leadership, meeting skills, and appropriate networking skills. Course work, guest speakers, instruction, lectures, and group work are designed to develop problem solving, conflict resolution, critical thinking, self-evaluation, and team skills. | ||
| MOPA 320 | Development Project I | |
| 1.00 credit | (4,0,0) hrs | 05 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 29 MOPA 200-level credits | ||
| This course is designed to allow students to develop projects for production in the Canadian and international film communities. Students bring creative project ideas for group and individual development work. Students develop a film project and a viable production plan. | ||
| MOPA 322 | Development Project II | |
| 1.00 credit | (4,0,0) hrs | 05 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 13 MOPA 300-level credits | ||
| Master classes in creative producing and story editing give students an opportunity to explore the range of skills necessary for story development. Students write treatments and outlines, and they create visual content to support their projects. | ||
| MOPA 409 | Visual Theory and Practice | |
| 6.00 credits | (8,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 27 MOPA 300-level credits | ||
| This is an integrated seminar and project-based course. This course explores visual, cultural theory and gives students an overview the evolution of language, critical theory, and ideas. Each week students lead a seminar based on a reading. The presentation concepts are integrated with practical assignments and a research paper. The intention of this course is to integrate students' understanding of ideas with their interest in themes and their emerging voices as filmmakers. Originality, authenticity, and individual voice will be encouraged in both the short projects and the research papers. | ||
| MOPA 410 | MOPA Project #5 | |
| 6.00 credits | (8,0,0) hrs | 15 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 9 MOPA 400-level credits | ||
| Although there is faculty supervision on all projects, students are expected to develop, and produce work independently. Students produce a short film, presentation piece or "teaser" in support of their development projects. Depending on the nature of the project, students may work independently or collaboratively with a creative team. | ||
| MOPA 415 | Professional Development IV | |
| 1.00 credit | (4,0,0) hrs | 05 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 27 MOPA 300-level credits | ||
| Preparing for the interview, preparing for the practicum and pitching are the focus of this course. Students also are required to attend networking and industry events. | ||
| MOPA 420 | Development Project III | |
| 2.00 credits | (4,0,0) hrs | 10 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 27 MOPA 300-level credits | ||
| Students continue to work independently and with mentorship by faculty to prepare individual projects based on their personal interests and vision. | ||
| MOPA 422 | Development Project IV | |
| 1.00 credit | (4,0,0) hrs | 05 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 9 MOPA 400-level credits | ||
| During the final stage of the development project, students are completing the preparation of a production package for their independent film, television, or web- based project. Meetings with industry professionals and guidance from key faculty across specializations throughout the development project provide students with essential story and business skills for future project development and a fully developed project upon graduation. | ||
| MOPA 430 | Practicum | |
| 2.00 credits | (0,0,35) hrs | 02 wks |
| Prerequisite: Completion of 9 MOPA 400-level credits | ||
| In their fourth year, students are assigned an practicum in the film and television industry. Every effort is made to align practicum assignments with students' creative or technical concentrations. Student interns are required to meet with a faculty supervisor for consultation to determine an appropriate placement, to determine the terms of the placement, and to establish the evaluation criteria. Students are required to write a detailed summary of their practicum and receive written evaluation from their host company or organization and faculty supervisor at the end of the practicum. | ||