Welcome, Phoenix! In Media Arts & Film, we will explore this question as we produce a series of short films. For each of our films, we will follow a four step production cycle:

1. Pre-production - During this step filmmakers plan their films, working in teams to brainstorm and research ideas, draft screenplays and scripts, and visualize their production using storyboards. Filmmakers also make business arrangements, including budgeting, and legal arrangements, like obtaining permission to film on a site or to use

2. Production - During production, a filmmakers primary role is shooting their film. Filmmakers work with a crew to ensure their film has a high production value giving attention to lighting, sound, scenery and props. Filmmakers also direct their talent's on-camera performance.

3. Post- Production - Once shot, a film's footage must be edited. An editor's work is both technical and artistic. They work to build the story through image and sound, always considering how each decision they make while editing will impact how the final cut will be perceived by the audience.

4. Distribution and critique - Films are meant to be seen! During this final stage, films are brought to the public. We will explore who to advertise and publicize our films. In this class, your films will be distributing in one of two ways: (1) posted to this website, or (2) published to the Discovery Media Studios YouTube Channel. Your final film of the semester will be shown at the Discovery High School Film Festival at the end of the term.