Dear Student,
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you into The USC School of Cinematic Arts Summer Program. As I’m sure you know, USC has a great tradition of nurturing generations of talented filmmakers and you are about to be part of this country’s oldest and most venerable film school.
The course you have enrolled in: USC-Universal Producing and Directing Workshop has been taught for many years at USC. We take great pride in this hands-on production intensive course and write this to let you know what to expect and what will be expected of you.
During the six-week class you will produce, write, direct, shoot and edit 2 digital projects of no more than six minutes in length. You will also produce, write, direct shoot and edit a 16mm group project, to be shot on the Universal Studios Lot. This film will be of no more than 4 minutes in length. Special emphasis is given to visual storytelling. We encourage experimentation with genre and form. Over the years students have made narrative, and experimental films. You may want to begin to formulate stories and ideas that can fit into this short, non - dialogue form before you arrive.
Your class will meet Mondays through Thursdays, with Labs running in the afternoons. Instruction will include theory and practical exercises in all aspects of the medium: producing, directing, camera, lighting, non-linear editing, sound and directing actors. You are expected to attend and participate in all class sessions and labs. While viewing the films of your classmates we encourage critical thinking and the articulate communication of your feelings and reactions to each other’s work.
This is a very rigorous program aimed at students who wish to immerse themselves in cinematic grammar and production. Although the class is very demanding, it is always a lot of fun. Sleep now because you won’t sleep much while you are here.
As a working filmmaker for over thirty years and as the Director and professor of this program for over twenty five years, I personally want to welcome you to the class of 2007 USC/Universal Studios Producing and Directing Workshop.
My assistants and I are diligently at work preparing for what I know will be an exciting and professionally rewarding experience. I look forward to sharing these and many other experiences with you this summer. I very much look forward to getting to know you this summer and welcome you to the family of the USC/Universal Producing/Directing workshop. I know that when you leave us your filmic perspectives will never be the same.
Warm regards and best wishes,
Don Zirpola
Director
USC/Universal Production Workshop
