MEA 180 - Filmmaking 1 - Ron Mita
| Course: | Filmmaking 1 |
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| Professor: | Ron Mita |
| Email: | ron.mita@canyons.edu |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
Ron Mita graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a Master’s degree in screenwriting. After working at a variety of jobs in the film and television industry, he sold his first screenplay to Columbia Pictures in 1993 and has working professionally since that time as screenwriter with projects at Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Tri-Star Pictures, HBO, TNT, Warner Brothers, Screen Gems, Dreamworks and CBS.
Ron has four produced films, the Animated feature film ROBOTS, at 20th Century Fox, S.W.A.T, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Ferrall at Columbia Pictures, and SNIPER II starring Tom Berenger at Tri-Star and 24 HOURS TO LIVE, starring Ethan Hawke which just left Netflix and can be seen on Amazon Prime.
Ron's films have earned in excess of $500,000 worldwide. In addition to screenwriting, Ron has taught writing and filmmaking at College of the Canyons since 2002.
Course Description
Welcome to MEA 180 Film 1. Whether you are a future filmmaker, an online content creator or just a person looking for a fun medium to tell their story, then Film 1 is the class for you.
In this introduction to filmmaking, we will spend the majority of our time making films. We will first visit the basics of film production and review material taught in other COC classes (editing, cinematography, sound) but in this class, our main focus will be on creative content. As filmmaker the most important goal is to tell a story that commands the attention of the audience. To do that you need to understand the basics of storytelling as well avoiding the pitfalls and cliches common to student filmmaking. This class teaches based on positive reinforcement. Each filmmaking experience often comes with both good and bad experiences and our goal is to help you learn from both.
The class meets once a week for 5 hours. Don’t panic, only a small portion of the time is lecture, the rest is applying the premise of the lectures on film. COC’s facilities are outstanding as is our inventory of state-of-the-art equipment. Unlike other schools who “say look but don’t touch”, we expect you to hold, use and create with our cameras, computers and facilities. Film 1 is a creative sandbox where you can take your ideas from mind to paper and then to the screen.
If filmmaking is new to you, don’t panic. This class is a melting pot of experience levels and no matter what your skills or level of technical confidence, anyone, the first timer to the experienced filmmaker, will find the class informative, educational and most of all fun.
What to Expect in this Course
Each week will begin with a lecture including viewing short films and discussing a specific topic. The second part of the class will be spent working on one of several fun prompts with student teams. The prompts are designed to force you to think outside the box and try to create something unique. In addition to in-class projects, there are some group projects and individual projects done outside of the classroom.
We are aware of your workload, so each assignment comes with a generous deadline allowing you to properly plan and execute each task.
Types of Assessments
Assessments will be in the form of filmmaking projects including group work and individual work.
Textbook Information
There is no textbook for this class. Everything you need is either in class or online.
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 05/26/2022 Sub#: 1179