A.F. 1111 English I (3 units)
This course aims to develop students’ general proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, and foster appropriate communicative strategies and greater effectiveness in the use of English in academic, professional, and social settings with a specific focus on film. It will utilize role-play and other techniques that will place the students in practical environments that students will encounter in an international setting of the film industry such as giving direction to actors and crew, receiving direction from superiors, problem-solving as well as discussion of films in general.
A.F. 1112 English II (3 units)
Considering that the film industry has become far less localized and increasingly international, this course aims to further develop appropriate communicative strategies from English I and improve students’ general level of proficiency in English through integrated language training, in speaking, listening, reading and writing with special emphasis on speaking. Additionally, it aims to develop specific language skills and structures in the film industry context which is appropriate to students’ needs and interests.
A.F. 1120 Art Appreciation (3 units)
The course is a 13-week journey of learning to see and appreciate art. The lectures cover theories of aesthetics, visual vocabulary, a selection of major art movements, styles and concepts. The subject also provides a platform for class discussions, art exercises and museum visit.
A.F. 1130 Film Appreciation I (World Film) (3 units)
The course serves as an introduction to the discipline of film studies. Emphasis will be placed on learning how to read contemporary films (content, form and style). As an introductory subject, this course helps students to understand cinema as an artistic, industrial, cultural and political entity.
A.F. 1140 Film History (3 units)
The course will introduce students to some of the key moments in the history of the cinema, and to a number of key issues relevant to a study of the subject. Topics covered will include the historical context of film production, major movements, stylistic trends, directors and films. As an introductory subject, this subject helps students to establish a general framework with which to understand the establishment of the film medium in various countries in the early 20th century.
A.F. 1150 Introduction to Film Production (3 units)
This subject aims to introduce the principles of film production arts and craft, including cinematic expression, aesthetics, style and technique. Skills and techniques related to producing, directing, camera, lighting and editing are examined through practical projects.
A.F. 1160 Selected Readings in Literature (3 units)
This course introduces fiction by Chinese authors of the 20th and 21st century. An emphasis will be placed on the role of Hong Kong literature in modern and contemporary Chinese literature while nourishing creative minds with the general concern of humanity. Through a careful analysis of literary works, and a detailed examination of film adaptation, the course establishes the knowledge base of the students for their future creative works and further reading of literature.
A.F. 1170 Digital Studio Production (3 units)
The course introduces the basic techniques of single and multi-camera production for streaming platforms. The equipment, the personnel, and their roles will be examined. Fundamental aesthetics of shot composition, and shot variation, shot arrangement, lighting, and use of sound and music, etc. will be discussed. Students will be involved in the entire production processes and participate in various roles of production.
A.F. 1180 Video Production (3 units)
This subject is designed to immerse students in all aspects of video production. Students will be divided into smaller groups to come up with ideas and develop them into shooting scripts. They will then learn to do pre-production work and execute the production using video as a form of expression. During production, students will learn the art of directing, acting, cinematography and lighting, audio recording and art direction from various faculty members or professional staff.
A.F. 1190 Fundamentals of Acting (6 units)
Through the introduction of origin and development of acting from early imitation to modern theatre and film acting, students will achieve an essential understanding of the different schools and styles of acting. The Stanislavski system will be taken as the main school of acting for the course. The second part will be a fundamental training in acting including: Analyzing the Text, Naming the Units of Action, The Magic ‘if’, Subtext-Inner Life, Physical Actions, Circles of Concentration, The Fourth Wall, Objectives and Super objectives, Emotional Memory, Thoughts-Who you are in Communication With, Personal Objects and Costume, The Unbroken Line of Life and Rhythm-tempo, etc.
A.F. 1210 Movement I (3 units)
Student actors’ physical strength, flexibility and coordination are the basic training of movement. Through a multitude of exercises, students will learn to explore their movement in a group context and to realize how movement is generated from emotion and reflects emotion. Continuous training in body control helps sustain performances. Then students learn how to relate movement with space, use their imagination to explore movement and to communicate. Eventually, it can help an actor prepare a role.
A.F. 1220 Voice and Speech I (3 units)
This course trains students in the techniques of phonation. Exercises are designed to encourage student actors to acquire a sensitive use of the vocal mechanism, and to develop their vocal potential. Voice work includes an introduction to phonetic class including breathing, phonation, resonance, articulation, pronunciation, phrasing and projection. The second part will be focused on the singing technique and integrate the acting process with singing musical numbers or songs. More advanced study of speech in Cantonese opera will also be introduced.
A.F. 1230 Script Writing Workshop (3 units)
This subject helps students to explore their creative potential in script writing. The students work through, with classmates, the complete creative process: develop story ideas, construct the dramatic action, work out the dramatic structure, create the characters, write the first draft, and edit the finished copy. All aspects of drama and creative writing will be reviewed and utilized for the Final Project. The students learn to appreciate the dramatization of a story into dramatic action, characterization techniques, and dialogue writing.
A.F. 1240 Creative Writing I (3 units)
In this cross-genre course, we’ll focus on those elements that make for vivid, effective writing across genres, especially fiction and poetry. The most important aspect of the course is responsibility placed on students to improve their writings. This is not a conventional writing class that teaches students the rules of language through composition. On the contrary, creative writing is focused on the students’ self-expression and creativity with language. This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to write in a variety of genres, including poetry, prose, short story, memoir, etc. Students will write for the purposes of description, narration, exposition, and persuasion. The aim of the class is for students to produce multiple kinds of creative writing with the emphasis on revision and editing skills.
A.F. 1250 Basic Cinematography and Lighting Workshop (3 units)
Equip the students with the skills of running a cinematography unit and working within it through demonstration and hands-on exercises. Instruction in organization, cooperation and equipment will be provided in order to train the students to visualize a certain cinematic vision. The students will learn how to use cinematography skill for storytelling and provide great materials for picture editing.
A.F. 1260 Acting Workshop I (3 units)
Students will train their acting technique through solid exercise of their creative work in monologues, 2-character scenes, etc. Students will be given the opportunity and support to continuously improve their technique with close, individual feedback and guidance from the instructor.
A.F. 1270 Fundamentals of Film Production Management (3 units)
This course will lay the ground work with practical application for a basic yet detailed understanding of the principles and practices involved in planning and managing events in a range of genre film production, as well as various media projects. The importance of maintaining quality will be emphasized, along with an exploration of the tools of quality management, project planning, film post-production process and film marketing and distribution.
Issues of assessing and measuring quality in the planning and managing of productions will focus on artistic process and product as well as more general managerial aspects. Human Resource Management will examine best practices with regards to staff development, staff training, appointments, interviews, etc.
A.F. 1290 Professional Internship (0 units)
Students are encouraged to undertake an optional and zero-unit professional internship during their study. The aim is to help them discover their strengths and weaknesses, learn and apply working experience in a real-world industry setting, realize their responsibility as a team member and communicate with other people in a real working situation.
A.F. 2110 2D Digital Animation (3 units)
This subject is an introduction to the various elements of digital animation. Through individual and group assignments students will explore various tools and techniques while developing characters, scenes and story lines. This subject will experiment with the use of interactive text, vector and bitmap graphics, photography, sound, and video as it relates to 2D digital animation. The Adobe Creative Suite (Flash, After Effects, Photoshop and Illustrator) software packages will be used as an example, and to produce the projects.
The subject is organized to maximize hands-on experience and will include many in-class exercises, and therefore, attendance and participation in the weekly classes are extremely important and is considered in grading calculations.
A.F. 2130 Film Appreciation II (Hong Kong Film) (3 units)
With narratives centered on the tension and connection between the past and the present, films produced in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong provide us with a rich source of Chinese history and culture. This course, with a focus on Hong Kong cinema, covers about 50 years of Hong Kong cinema history. It aims at introducing students to the historical development of Hong Kong cinema, which has always been intertwined with issues of Chinese history and cultural identities, covering a broad geographic and historical terrain from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, to overseas Chinese communities. We study Hong Kong cinema history through issues such as Chinese diaspora, the intellectuals and Shanghai handover, the Cold War influence on Asia, nationalism and the local identity etc. We will consider the crucial question as to how Hong Kong cinema history has been written, and whether film can be a means of telling stories as well as revealing the cultural identities about Hong Kong and Taiwan.
A.F. 2140 Advanced Editing (3 units)
This course provides an exploration and practical application of the traditional and contemporary experimental theories of video editing. The techniques of video editing and the latest techniques of electronic video post-production are expanded upon and refined.
A.F. 2150 Animation History (3 units)
In this course, the origins of animation as an art form and the golden age of animation are brought to life. The biographies of Windsor McCay, Otto Messmer, Disney, and the Fleischer brothers are explored as well as such studios as Warner, MGM and the Canadian National Film Board. The career of Mickey Mouse, Felix the Cat, Wallace and Gromit, etc., are examined. The range of sound and color, and the excitement of both American and Japanese animation is covered through extensive screenings of important films.
A.F. 2170 Art Direction and Costume Workshop (6 units)
This course emphasizes the importance of the production designer and costume designer as one of the key production team creators in materializing screenplays (realism, fantasies and illusions) into screen reality. Students are encouraged to incorporate visual concepts to translate and interpret a screenplay into their projects for production, students will therefore learn story telling through production and costume design. The course is organized to maximize hands-on experience and will include many in-class exercises; therefore, participations in the weekly classes are very important and will be considered in grading calculations.
A.F. 2180 Budget and Risk Management (3 units)
This subject deals with both financial and legal aspects, which are put together in the context of setting up and running a film production company. The finance section will explore issues of setting and monitoring budgets, and income profile. A variety of funding sources will be explored in both theory and practice, including earned income, grants from various sources, both public and private.
The legal section will begin with an overview of the principles of law, together with a detailed examination of Contract law, looking particularly at Show contracts and Employment law. Other topics will include Insurance, Health and Safety law, Equal Opportunities, Company law and Child Labour law.
A.F. 2190 Cinematography / Lighting Workshop (6 units)
Equip the students with the skills of running a cinematography unit and working within it through demonstration and hands-on exercises. Instruction in organization, cooperation and equipment will be provided in order to train the students to visualize a certain cinematic vision. The students will learn how to use cinematography for storytelling and provide great materials for picture editing.
A.F. 2200 Contemporary Production Design and Development (3 units)
The production design in film can be crucial to our enjoyment and understanding of the development of the story. In some cases the way a film is designed can alter our perception of the entire production. This course explores how contemporary production designers and directors have experimented with form to bring new ways of seeing to the screen. The subject will also analyze and discuss production design in films.
A.F. 2210 Creative Cinematography and Lighting (3 units)
This course aims to develop the student’s ability to translate original ideas into a visual creation through the use of camera and lighting design. Both the technical and aesthetic aspect of photographic creation are examined, as well as the various roles and procedures of working as the cinematography and lighting department of a production.
A.F. 2220 Creative Sound Dubbing (3 units)
This subject is an extension of the audio portion of the Post-Production Workshop for film and video productions. It is taken concurrently with Sound Design and focuses on practical application of the concepts taught in Sound Design. This hands-on recording workshop utilizes learning through projects to allow the student to implement procedures and techniques as used in the Motion Picture and Television industries. In this recording workshop, students will perform post-production techniques on video projects that are in the final production stages. It will also cover professional practices used in post-production throughout the subject.
The subject is organized for hands-on experience through various workshops and feedback sessions. Therefore, attendance at and participation in the classes are extremely important and will be considered in grade calculations.
A.F. 2230 Graduation Project (3 units)
A graduation project is proposed and designed by students. They will receive regular reviews of their progress on their projects from their supervisors. This course provides an opportunity for students to prove they are capable of completing the project and graduating from the programme.
This is a professional programme. Graduates should be able to master the technicalities of production and motivate the creative process of film with respect to their specialties. Therefore our students are required to present a final project showing professional competence in a specific area of work guided by their respective supervisors and programme director.
A.F. 2240 Creative Writing II (3 units)
This is the continuation of Creative Writing I. Through different workshops the students continue their explorations in diversified and flexible forms of writing. There will be numerous in-class exercises and students also learn to share and articulate their experiences in finding their own voices in writing. In this semester, while prose is still the general form, some techniques in writing other forms will be introduced. Works in various creative forms will be appreciated and reviewed in class for discussions on idea, style, rhetoric, aesthetics and culture.
A.F. 2260 Directing Project (3 units)
This course is designed primarily for film production management students to go through the process of directing a short film so that they know how to communicate with directors. However, students from other areas, including directing major, can also benefit from this subject. The subject emphasis is on the creative planning and the creative idea’s relationship with production and management. Similar to the ‘Directing Workshop’ subject, the class will share stories and ideas to generate projects to be realized subsequently. Research on styles, themes, film languages of different directors, as well as creative research on every student director’s potential subject matter will be conducted individually and in groups. There will be discussion of all the projects from idea to script in relation to production. The students learn how to employ all the cinematic tools, mise-en-scene, shot arrangement, camera movement, and production knowledge in order to realize the project.
A.F. 2270 Directing Workshop (6 units)
This course provides the environment for every student to experience the creative process of a director. The class will share stories and ideas to generate projects to be subsequently realized. Research on styles, themes, film languages of different directors, as well as creative research on every student director’s potential subject matter will be conducted individually and in groups. There will be discussion of all the projects from idea to script. There will also be basic acting training so that the students experience the creative process of the actor and learn how to communicate with the actor in professional language. The students also learn the way to employ all the cinematic tools, mise-en-scene, shot arrangement, camera movement, and production knowledge to realize the project.
A.F. 2280 3D Digital Drawing for Set Design (3 units)
This course provides an exploration and practical application of the fundamental techniques of 3D digital drawing for set and scene. The up-to-date corresponding software will be used to illustrate the principles and techniques and to produce the projects. By moving through the software, students will hit upon basic concepts while learning how to turn measured numbers into objects, troubleshoot problematic areas, and create a set with software.
The subject is organized to maximize hands-on experience and will include many in-class exercises, and therefore attendance and participation in the weekly classes are very important and will be considered in grading calculations.
A.F. 2300 Advanced Animation (Special Effects) (3 units)
This course will concentrate on special effects using 3D computer animation software. Students will learn the technical and artistic skill necessary to create spectacular effects such as fire, smoke, water, explosions, soft and rigid bodies, and complex morphing that have become popular in the film industry. Students will also learn rendering techniques to create realistic hair, fur, vegetation, and photo-realistic lighting. Technical issues such as layered rendering, project management, use of Z depth and alpha channel in compositing will also be covered. The Autodesk Maya software package will be used as an example and to produce the projects.
The subject is organized to maximize hands-on experience and will include many in-class exercises, therefore, attendance and participation in the weekly classes are very important and will be considered in grading calculations.
A.F. 2310 Film Exploration (3 units)
his subject covers some of the important and essential films in world film history. It selected various categories of films such as women in cinema, youth and society, non-fiction/ documentary, war and horror. Some categories of films are optional to be covered, such as film noir, romance, science fiction, musical & opera films, silent films, alternative fiction and historical epics. These selections provide multi-perspective examples and possibilities of film making and creation. This subject also provides a platform for discussion, appreciation and criticism of film development and exploration. Besides philosophy of basic main-stream films, students can understand the alternative knowledge and creation in film making and film genres.
A.F. 2320 Foundation in Computer Graphics (3 units)
This subject is designed to explore the concepts, issues and techniques of 2-D computer graphics from both an academic and studio perspective. Both technical and aesthetic issues will be addressed. Aesthetic issues will encompass concepts, composition and historical context. Technical topics will include raster and vector imaging, scanning, image manipulation, retouching, printing, motion graphics, and other related topics. The Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and After Effect software packages will be used to illustrate the principles and techniques and to produce the projects.
The subject is organized to maximize hands-on experience and will include in-class critiques, exercises, and work sessions. The critiques will be run as seminar-style discussions, with everyone participating in the critiques and discussions of each student’s work. Due to the way the classes are run, attendance and active participation in the weekly classes are very important and will be considered in grade calculations.
A.F. 2330 Fundamentals of Directing (3 units)
This subject covers the fundamental, practical elements for directing dramatic film and television productions in the studio and on location. The director’s role and the working relationships among actors, producer, art designer, cameraman, editors and music director, etc., are explored. Opportunity to experiment with the creative use of camera movement as well as mise-en-scene is provided.
A.F. 2350 Great Works in Drama (3 units)
Through an in-depth reading of selected works, students study important expressions of the drama in human history, and learn to appreciate the value of drama. The issues the great works bring out will be discussed, in order to nourish creative minds. The subject establishes the knowledge base for the students for their future creation and further understanding of drama in any media.
A.F. 2360 Introduction to Editing (3 units)
This course provides an exploration and practical application of the traditional and contemporary experimental theories of editing. The fundamental techniques of video editing and the latest techniques of electronic video post-production are introduced.
A.F. 2370 Introduction to Film Production (A.D. and Continuity) (3 units)
This subject aims to introduce the professional knowledge and craft of assistant directing and continuity in the context of film production. Basic principles of film production arts and craft, including cinematic expression, aesthetics, style and technique will be considered. Skills and techniques related to producing, directing, camera, lighting and editing are examined through practical projects.
Through general understanding of film production and the roles of professionals within the industry, the subject will demonstrate how an assistant director and continuity person are involved in maintaining a high standard of film production.
A.F. 2380 Introduction to Film Production (Sound Recording and Mixing) (3 units)
The goal of this subject is to train the students in all the basic elements and stages of audio production as they relate to film/video production. During this subject, demonstrations, hands-on workshops, in-class exercises and projects will be employed to enable students to learn the concepts, skills and techniques of audio equipment in film and video production.
A.F. 2400 Photography (3 units)
This subject enables students to experience and appreciate photography forms and concepts through a practical, analytical and critical approach. Students will develop their photographic skills and fluencies in using photographic medium as a communicative language.
A.F. 2420 Principles in Production Design (3 units)
The course introduces the students to the principles of film production design. Through an in-depth study and analysis of professional samples from different media, students are allowed to reach an understanding, interpretation and appreciation of principles of production design.
A.F. 2430 Production and Media Management (3 units)
This subject has two parts. Part one examines the roles and skills of a film and television producer, and analyzes the proper procedures for production management from project initiation to completion. Part two focuses on how media organizations are managed and on what media managers think about. It will be conducted in seminar form. Guests will be invited to share their dynamic experiences of media management.
A.F. 2440 Research and Storytelling (3 units)
This subject focuses on the method of material and idea research for story development as well as the creative process of story making. The different methods of narration, as well as narrative elements such as events, plot, characterization, point of view, time, space, style and voice will be systematically studied.
A.F. 2460 Script Analysis (3 units)
This subject introduces the students to the elements of drama. Through an in-depth reading of scripts, the students learn the six elements of drama, e.g., plot, character, thought, diction, melody, and spectacle. Different scripts from different media, genres will be closely analyzed in class. The students learn to appreciate the dramatization of a story into dramatic action, the characterization techniques, and dialogue writing.
A.F. 2480 Seminar on Producing (3 units)
This is a seminar-based subject which invites various guests to instruct and explain every step of film production. The guests include producers, production managers, film distributors, directors, script writers, cinematographers, editors, art directors, special effect consultants…etc. Various examples will be introduced in the class. Students will have valuable chances to have in-depth discussion with film professionals.
A.F. 2490 Set and Scene Design (3 units)
This subject aims to investigate and undertake studies within an appropriate professional environment of set and scene design in film. It involves in-depth analysis of the professional roles and responsibilities of the set and scene designer. It enables the students to grasp fully the artistic processes of specific steps of set and scene design in filmmaking.
A.F. 2500 Sound Design (3 units)
This subject is an extension of the audio portion of the Post-Production Workshop for film and video productions. It is taken concurrently with Creative Sound Dubbing and focuses on the principles, language, creative considerations and the practical application of sound design as used in the Motion Picture and Television industries. This subject emphasizes the value and techniques for developing Sound as equal to the Visual in a project. It will also cover professional practices used in post-production throughout the subject.
The subject is organized to investigate the principles behind practical applications while allowing for hands-on experience through various workshops and feedback sessions. Therefore, attendance and participation in the classes are extremely important and will be considered in grade calculations.
A.F. 2510 Special Effect in Cinematography and Lighting (3 units)
This subject aims to develop the student’s ability to create not only a realistic cinematic world, but also to create an imaginative visual style, using different special effects in cinematography and lighting. Students will explore different styles of special camera and lighting effects from a professional perspective, using proper procedures and techniques.
A.F. 2520 Computer Graphics for Art Direction (3 units)
This course introduces to the principles and practices of computer graphics, with the use of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Interpretation of concepts such as vector and raster images, masking, tracing image, colouring, and photo retouching. The course explores the world of 2D computer graphic vocabulary and technique in the creation of both personal and professional expression.
The subject is organized to maximize hands-on experience and will include many in-class exercises, therefore, attendance and participation in the weekly classes are extremely important and is considered in grading calculations.
A.F. 2540 Theory and Aesthetics of Film (3 units)
The subject starts with a survey of the major concept of aesthetics followed by a focus on film. The subject will start with the aesthetic elements in moving image production: frame, perspective, composition, camera movement, plan-sequence, montage, lighting, color, sound, and acting. It then proceeds to see how these elements join together to create different aesthetic forms of audio-visual works. A large amount of audio-visual material will be presented in the classroom to acquaint students with different significant cinematic styles in film history. In the latter part of the subject, aside from formal aspects, emphasis will be placed on experimental aspects and philosophical questions concerning the essence of film will be addressed.
A.F. 2550 Television Programming and Concepts (3 units)
This subject explores TV programming strategies, practice, sources, and services at local (Hong Kong), national (China) and international levels; students will learn network operations, market operations, audience research and programme schedule development. Programme idea, programme planning and format writings are also discussed.
A.F. 2560 Visual Expression (3 units)
This is a practical subject exploring various basic tools and solutions used by professional production designers and art directors in motion pictures and television. Through a series of practical projects and study of principles, emphasis is placed on the process and development of all components of film design including storyboard and text interpretation, scenery for studio, location, space and colour concepts as well as how the designer works with the director. This subject prepares students to progress from theme-related concepts through 2D renderings to final construction of sets for student productions. They will begin to build their portfolio.
The subject is organized to maximize hands-on experience through various workshops and feedback sessions. Therefore, attendance and participation in the classes is very important and will be considered in grade calculations.
A.F. 2570 Acting in front of the Camera I (3 units)
Students learn the theoretical understanding and practical techniques of acting for TV studio with attention to imagination and reaction in front of chroma-key. By the end of the course, students articulate the process of TV acting in theory and in practical work and perform various roles of emotional complexity in front of multi cameras especially in the TV studio.
A.F. 2580 Acting in front of the Camera II (3 units)
Following on from Acting in front of the Camera I, Students continue to learn the theoretical understanding and practical techniques of acting for film production with attention to imagination and reaction to chroma-key. By the end of the course, students articulate the process of film acting in theory and in practical work and perform various roles of emotional complexity in front of single camera especially on field location.
A.F. 2630 Movement II (3 units)
Following on from the Movement I, students are further trained to gain a better understanding of the essential inter-relatedness of expression and movement, step by step, allowing students to better sustain character and narration through movement. In the second part, students are trained to explore body movement by reacting to sound, music, and colours. They also learn to use movement to express images and emotions, both real and abstract. Various physical skills such as “period” movement and stage combat are taught and practised in order to enable students to physicalize creatively, a range of different characters.
A.F. 2640 Voice and Speech II (3 units)
Following on from Voice and Speech I, students are trained to develop vocal performance skills, such as, public speech, anchor person, dramatic text, documentary narration, announcing, advertising and dubbing. In Voice and Speech II, special training will be given in speech and dubbing in Cantonese and Mandarin.
A.F. 2650 Post-Production Workshop (Audio Effect and Music Dubbing) (3 units)
The subject covers the following areas: analogue and digital sound recording; methods of sound synthesis and associated software. The subject will also provide a detailed introduction to the techniques of digital signal processing as applicable to music, and the post-production process. The subject will include extensive practical studio project work.
A.F. 2670 Fundamentals in Audio Production (3 units)
The goal of this subject is to train the students in all the basic elements and stages of audio production as they relate to film/video production. During this subject, demonstrations, equipment tutorials, hands-on workshops, in-class exercises and projects will be employed to enable students to learn the concepts, skills and techniques of audio equipment in film and video production.
A.F. 2680 Hong Kong Television (3 units)
This subject focuses on the study of the Hong Kong television industry and system. The role of TV in the formation and maintenance of HK cultural identities, and its impact on other media and on the Asian Community is explored. The subject explores the Hong Kong TV industry in its socio-historical context, and also explores televisual discourses, and audience reception.
A.F. 2690 Script Writing (3 units)
The subject introduces the creative processes of script writing to students not in the script-writing track. Students are taught how to generate an idea and write a screenplay. Focus is on the art, craft, and business of film and television writing. The basic elements of story, plot, character, action, continuity, rhythm and dialogue will be discussed.
A.F. 2700 Screenwriters on Screenwriting (6 units)
Screenwriters from the industry will be invited to share their creative knowledge, professional journeys, and valuable experiences with the students. Issues including work ethics, creative block, style, genre, originality and copyright will be explored. Through face-to-face contact, the students learn the professional process and the way of communication in the creative industry. Some guests may also conduct creative workshops for the students to get hands-on experiences of relevant issues in script writing.
A.F. 2720 Acting Workshop II (3 units)
Following on from the Acting Workshop I, Acting Workshop II aims to provide a deeper practice of acting. At the end of the course, students are required to perform 2-5 character scene work and short scene work through creativity from practice.
A.F.2740 / A.F.2750 Independent Study (3 units)
Students may enroll in independent projects/papers/assignments/workshops/ other learning experience/research/field trip/capstone study experience/ to experiment on the humanity literacy of film arts and culture, or creative use of special visual and sound, or any project/subjects that is not covered by an existing course (e.g., Film Culture and Art, Introduction of Micro Film Production, Online Radio Channel, Studies on French Cinema, Studies on Germany Cinema, etc.) in the program. Working with a faculty member, students develop a plan of study that outlines the project, the schedule, and the number of contact hours with the faculty (at least one meeting every two weeks is required). The course can be repeated once with a different topic and different perspective.
A.F. 2770 Post-Production Workshop on Visual Effect (6 units)
This course will train students about the advanced level of post-production on visual effects in workshop mode. The course is divided into 3 phases: video effects and digital intermediate; sound implementation and mixing; and the final stage of moviemaking output into different channels and formats.
A.F. 2780 Color Grading Workshop (3 units)
This subject is designed to explore the concepts, issues and techniques of basics of color grading video footage from studio perspective. It is organized to maximize hands-on experience and will include in-class critiques, exercises, and work sessions. The up-to-date corresponding software will be used to illustrate the principles and techniques and to produce the projects. By moving through the software, students will hit upon basic color theory and concepts while learning how to analyze footage, troubleshoot problematic areas, and create a consistent grade throughout the pieces. In addition, some on demand and timed role-play operation sections will let the students to have a taste of real-life in section with director of photography (DP) and directors.
A.F. 2790 Location Sound Recording Workshop (3 units)
This course aims to equip the students with the skills of recording sound on location within it through demonstration and hands-on exercises. Instruction in organization, cooperation and equipment will be provided in order to train the students to control sound acquisition for field recording and live action camera shooting.
A.F. 2800 Digital Media Production in Advertising (3 units)
This subject has two parts. Part one examines the roles and skills of the advertising industry in its current state as well as the evolution of the business from the “Mad Men” days in New York to the digital era of the KOL contents.
Part two focuses on the production and creative strategy and development behind every form of advertising and marketing video project and how it works with the overall campaigns for the clients.
It will be conducted in seminar form where students will get hands-on experience in developing creative campaigns. Guests will be invited to share their dynamic experiences in the advertising industry.
A.F. 3110 Animation Appreciation (3 units)
The aim of the course is to provide a historical perspective of and encourage debates on the development of animation, animation genres, styles, and viewing practices. It also encourages students to appreciate the work of those who have significantly contributed to the development of the subject. The students can then stand on the shoulders of these masters in order to see further and use what they see to inform and develop their own work
A.F. 3120 Great Works in Film (3 units)
The great works of famous filmmakers will be studied in depth. The choice of director and work to be studied varies from year to year. Selection is determined by the directors’ artistic and cultural importance in the cinema. Great works in films are also great works of humanity. By reading and discussing those works, students can develop their own concerns and reflections on life and humanity.
A.F. 3130 Hong Kong Television Marketing and Management (3 units)
This subject introduces the history of Hong Kong Television and its marketing strategies. From public broadcast to cable television, students will explore the structure of different Hong Kong Television stations and their corresponding management skills, and strategies.
A.F. 3140 Introduction to Music (3 units)
This subject will introduce basic knowledge of music to enable students to approach the music discipline in an individual and fulfilling way. The subject will provide students with an understanding of basic materials and structures of diverse music styles. Through discussion and critique, students will recognize the role of creativity in the discovery and appreciation of musical instruments and other sound sources.
A.F. 3150 Novel and Adaptation (3 units)
This subject introduces the students to the creative problem of adaptation from novel into film. The nature of both media will be discussed. The students compare concrete examples of adapted films to the original novels, and discuss adaptation strategies of selected works. In the last section of the course, the students will learn through practice.
A.F. 3170 Studies on Screen Acting I (3 units)
Building on the work of Introductory Acting, this course will examine the components of a screen performance, explores students own potentials, creativity, senses through theatre games, ensemble exercises and role playing through workshops and presentations. Students will be evaluated both written and performance assignments. Students are required to meet with presentation partners for preparations outside of scheduled class times.
A.F. 3180 Studies on Screen Acting II (3 units)
Following Studies on Screen Acting I, this course will put more emphasis on the aesthetic and cultural issues related to film acting. First, students will study acting in different film genres. Then cultural issues and concepts like visual pleasure, stardom, identity, gender, and virtuality will be introduced. The final section of the course will focus on the studies of individual actors in the East and West.