the phases of filmmaking & The Roles In Filmmaking
Black Feminist Film School draws from Black Feminist legacies to engage filmmaking as a tool for expanded awareness - spiritual practice. In 2020 we are gathering regularly around introducing the concept of Black feminism in and through every aspect of filmmaking.
The major purpose of this site is to invite you who have a sense of what we are doing to experience the Black Feminist Film School approach to filmmaking through our interactive practice space, online classes and workshops. In this practice space our multiple perspectives and levels of experience/eldership are a benefit to us all. From introductory content to advanced content we explore the 5 primary areas of filmmaking here - Development (Scriptwriting), Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production and Distribution (Screening). We are also planning two virtual production intensives where we do a production entirely within Black feminist context (in our remote locations).
ARCHIVED BLOG
If you want to engage our origin stories visit our archived blog at blackfeministfilmschool.wordpress.com .
Development
In this phase of the filmmaking process we have an idea or draft of a script and intend to develop it into an excellent script that can be made into a film. This comprehensive immersion into the bffs methodology deepens practice.
Pre-Production
We use the script as a roadmap to collectively journey into storytelling. The introduction AND deep dive for those interested in engaging the Black Feminist Film School methodology for film Pre-production is crucial ceremony prep.
Production
In Production the team uses the script and production plan to (re)create the story world and record the scenes of the film. This content is useful but no replacement for being on location. We make films in every class. Start here. Join us on set.
Post-Production
In post-production the team transforms the footage and audio into a cohesive story. Here, through introductory and more in-depth study we share tools for (re)constructing story, crafting characters and action dynamically …finessing all of the audio & video elements that come together to make a complete community accountable film.
Sound & Score
The Sound Design and Score represent the sonic and vibrational world of the film which must be considered from the beginning to the end of the filmmaking process. Though this is not one of the five main stages, it is such a complex area that we feature it prominently. In addition to aural meaning making, we explore music licensing & composition.
Distribution & Screening
In this phase we share the film. Not every film is for the festivals and the big theaters. Some of our creative work is medicine for us or a particular community. We introduce standard and non-traditional methods of distribution and hosting screenings, plus how to leverage your particular level of experience to make more work.
materials
The current iteration of these courses requires the following:
computer with internet browser
internet access
camera via mobile device or standalone camera (still or video)
headphones
great to have but not required:
web camera / mobile device camera for video conferencing
hardwired ethernet connection
