Week One

Welcome everyone to the Intro To Special Effects in Cinema class! Great turn out. From the looks of things we have a very diverse crew. Just about every production experience level is enrolled for this semester. If your background thus far does not include production experience and would like a starter textbook to get you up to speed on production techniques I recommend "The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video" by Tom Schroeppel. You should be able to get this from the campus bookstore. If not you could try Larry Edmunds Book Store in Hollywood (ISBN 0-9603718-1-8). And remember to sign up for the "before class" workshops in cinematography for those who want to review the basics. Starting Week three at 6:00 P.M. on Lloyd stage. Bring your gear and questions.

If you were not in attendance for the “Lloyd Stage Safety Check-out” you will need to meet with me and arrange the check out prior to working on the stage.

Things to remember from the Safety Check Out:

Wear protective clothing when working on the stage. No cutoffs or open toe shoes permitted.

Do not go on to the catwalk without Instructors permission.

Do not operate the large door without Instructor present.

Do not plug in or remove plugs from outlets when cable is under load (turned on).

If an emergency arises use the telephone on the wall to dial 9-911.

In case of fire evacuate the stage. If smoke is present get down on floor and crawl to lighted exits.

Do not attempt to extinguish any fire larger than waste can size.

Keep cables dressed and uncoiled when in use.

Return everything to its home position when finished.

Do not use the wall plugs on the stage for equipment.

Use the buddy system when utilizing ladders or raising or lowering light stands.

Purchase safety goggles and leather gloves for use on the sets.

Return all sets to the set bins when finished.

PRACTICE SAFE CINEMA SLOW DOWN AND DON’T GET HURT

In this first meeting you were introduced to several of the “legends in special effects” and some of the bodies of their works. The history of special effects including some milestone in effects production techniques was covered. Various techniques, including, In-the-camera effects, Mattes, Stop motion animation, Rear projection, Miniatures, Make-up effects, Atmosphere effects and Pyrotechnic Effects were introduced and examples were noted in the DVD presentation. Safety was paramount in the production of these effects. Costs and time and equipment were also considerations discussed by the speakers on screen.

The assignment for next meeting, create a treatment of at least one paragraph in length containing five or more special effects to overcome some production problem.

Thanks for the good turn out and the positive attitude.