SHORT FILM PRODUCTION (PRACTICAL)

UNIT 1 – Story Development, Script Writing & Pre-Production

Theory Module

1. Introduction to short film production
2. Understanding film concepts and genres
3. Idea development and story structure
4. Logline, synopsis and treatment
5. Character development
6. Scene development and screenplay format
7. Shot division and visual storytelling
8. Production planning
9. Location, cast and crew planning
10. Budget and production schedule

Practical Module – Step by Step

1. Select a short film concept
2. Develop the story idea
3. Create a logline
4. Write the synopsis
5. Develop characters
6. Write the screenplay
7. Prepare scene breakdown
8. Create storyboard/shot list
9. Select locations and actors
10. Prepare shooting schedule and production plan

UNIT 2 – Camera Operation, Cinematography & Lighting

Theory Module

1. Camera and smartphone/cinema camera fundamentals
2. Camera settings and exposure
3. ISO, aperture and shutter speed
4. Frame rates and resolution
5. Lens selection and focal length
6. Shot sizes and camera angles
7. Composition and framing
8. Camera movement
9. Natural and artificial lighting
10. Cinematic visual storytelling

Practical Module – Step by Step

1. Set up the camera
2. Adjust exposure settings
3. Select suitable lenses
4. Practice wide, medium and close-up shots
5. Practice camera angles
6. Set up basic lighting
7. Shoot indoor and outdoor scenes
8. Practice tripod and handheld shooting
9. Record camera movements
10. Shoot a cinematic scene using planned shots

UNIT 3 – Acting Direction, Sound & Production Techniques

Theory Module

1. Fundamentals of film acting
2. Character preparation and direction
3. Blocking and rehearsal
4. Dialogue delivery
5. Directing actors for camera
6. Production sound fundamentals
7. Microphones and audio recording
8. Ambient sound and room tone
9. Continuity and on-set coordination
10. Production safety and professional etiquette

Practical Module – Step by Step

1. Conduct actor rehearsals
2. Explain character objectives
3. Plan actor movement and blocking
4. Direct dialogue delivery
5. Set up microphone/audio recorder
6. Record dialogue and ambient sound
7. Capture room tone
8. Practice multiple takes
9. Maintain continuity between shots
10. Complete a short scene recording

UNIT 4 – Film Editing, Sound Design & Colour Correction

Theory Module

1. Introduction to post-production
2. Video editing workflow
3. Organizing and managing footage
4. Cutting and sequencing
5. Continuity editing
6. Pacing and storytelling through editing
7. Dialogue and sound editing
8. Music and sound effects
9. Basic colour correction and grading
10. Titles, credits and final output

Practical Module – Step by Step

1. Transfer and organize footage
2. Create a project and timeline
3. Review and select the best takes
4. Arrange scenes in sequence
5. Trim and cut footage
6. Synchronize dialogue and audio
7. Add music and sound effects
8. Apply basic colour correction
9. Add titles and end credits
10. Export and review the completed film

UNIT 5 – Short Film Production Project & Final Screening

Theory Module

1. Complete short film production workflow
2. Director's role and production coordination
3. Crew responsibilities
4. Scene-to-scene continuity
5. Managing production challenges
6. Editing and post-production workflow
7. Quality control and final review
8. Film export and screening formats
9. Film promotion and presentation
10. Portfolio and career opportunities in filmmaking

Practical Module – Step by Step

Pre-Production

1. Finalize story and screenplay
2. Finalize cast and crew
3. Confirm locations
4. Prepare storyboard and shot list
5. Prepare production schedule

Production

6. Set up camera and lighting

7. Conduct rehearsals

8. Shoot scenes according to the shot list

9. Record dialogue and production sound

10. Capture additional B-roll/cutaways

11. Maintain continuity and production records

Post-Production

12. Organize footage

13. Edit the complete film

14. Synchronize and edit sound

15. Add music and sound effects

16. Apply colour correction

17. Add titles and credits

18. Export the final film

Final Presentation

19. Conduct quality check

20. Prepare the final screening copy

21. Present the short film

22. Receive feedback and make revisions

23. Prepare a film portfolio/showreel

FINAL PROJECT

Short Film Production Project

Students will produce a complete 5–10 minute short film, including:

• Original story concept
• Logline and synopsis
• Screenplay
• Character development
• Storyboard/shot list
• Production schedule
• Location planning
• Camera and lighting setup
• Actor direction
• Production sound recording
• Film editing
• Sound design
• Colour correction
• Titles and credits
• Final film screening
• Behind-the-scenes documentation