Digital Film Making Course: Making 2 Films Each Week

All set for Kana's short film which the rest jokingly called 'Untitled'

Since the launch of our Digital Film Making Course in June, we have already covered the Scriptwriting, Cinematography and Film/Video Editing modules. Our Digital Film Making Course has become more popular that I've decided to add camaraderie by integrating WolFang Digital's Digital Film Making course with my students in Saito Collge.

Kana and Nasrulhaq team up as Film Director and Videographer in this week's Digital Film Making Course

In college where I teach part-time, I have noticed some of my more hardworking students take a keen interest in film making. They are pursuing Videography and Digital Video Production and as they wish to learn more than what is offered by their syllabus, I have given them the opportunity to be part of the WolFang Digital's Digital Film Making course.

'In this scene, this is how you should be feeling', Kana refers to his script and talks to Dhurga

This is the focus of our Digital Film Making course: to give our students the best possible film making training so they can easily transition from a student into a professional film maker when they graduate.

-Baron, Film Director & Lecturer-

Nasrulhaq makes the adjustments as Kana briefs him, 'I want the camera to track here'.

These hand-picked students will be undertaking some of the tougher assignments meant for WolFang Digital's students. How are students chosen to join WolFang Digital's course? They are picked by both merit and passion. Students who participate actively in class, who ask intelligent questions, students who take the initiative to make their own films.

Ravi slaps the Clapperboard as Dhurga and Ramavijay prepre for another take

My students are split into 2 groups. To maximise the learning experience, students must rotate their roles for each film produced. So, a film director for one film may become a cinematographer for the next production. Each group has to produce a short film. They are given only 3 hours to shoot their film.

Nasrulhaq as videographer readies the video camera while Ramavijay and Dhurga rehearse their lines

Once shooting is completed, every student must edit each others' film. Video Editing is done with Grass Valley's Edius. They then compare the different versions. Each editor has different interpretations of the original director's story. By watching these interpretations, their learning deepens as they understand how each person sees the same story.

Ravi's turn at being the Film Director while Kana rotates as Videographer

Courtesy of WolFang Digital, students get the chance to use our professional equipment for their assignments. They have at their disposal, video cameras, HD DSLRs, high-quality tripods, lights, audio recorders, shotgun/boom microphones, clapperboard, reflectors and even dollies.

Dhurga readies the clapperboard for Ravi's short film titled 'Stalkers'

This means they can feel right at home when they find work after they graduate. This is the focus of our Digital Film Making course: to give our students the best possible film making training so they can easily transition from a student into a professional film maker when they graduate.

Dzul becomes the real action hero. He rehearses with S Dinesh while director Ravi looks on.

Two films were shot this week, the first was Kana's unrequited for love drama affectionately called 'Untitled' by is coursemates. The story tells the story of protagonist played by Ramavijay who confesses his love to Dhurga but is rejected. She claims here studies are her focus and love will have to wait, an accurate reflection of real life.

The production team shooting the film from a higher angle

While Kana's story is a sit-down dialog driven piece, Ravi's film is a stark contrast by being an action film. Titled 'Stalkers', it tells the story of a cop looking for his suspect. The cop played by Dzul finds his man (played by S. Dinesh) in a busy library and a suspenseful fight scene ensues.

Down low. Kana goes down for a dramatic angle of the Stalker played by Dzul

Both short films are different in terms of pacing and dialog.  My students will get to understand how to edit two very diverse genres. This challenge will help sharpen their storytelling skills while rotating their roles from Film Director to Videographer and Video Editor ensures that their comfort zones are constantly changing. Keep them on their toes, keep them sharp.

Ravi gets his hands dirty by showing Dzul and S. Dinesh how to finish the fight scene