Directing Strategies: From Paper to Screen In this course we will examine the creative processes involved in directing dramatic material for the screen, with emphasis on the specificity of our medium. Through rigorous analysis of existing media, we will understand the dramatic and interpretative choices made by film writers, directors, and editors. Through hands-on exercises, we will develop scene analysis techniques, rehearsal methodologies, and pre-visualization strategies. Students will apply these skills to the directing of dramatic scenes. (Not open to students who have taken FMMC 0320) (FMMC 0101, or FMMC 0105, or FMMC 0106 or approval) 3 hrs. Lect.

Writing for the Screen I In this course we will examine the fundamental elements of dramatic narrative as they relate to visual storytelling. We will emphasize the process of generating original story material and learning the craft of screenwriting, including topics such as story, outline, scene structure, subtext, character objectives, formatting standards, and narrative strategies. Weekly writing assignments will emphasize visual storytelling techniques, tone and atmosphere, character relationships, and dialogue. Students will be required to complete two short screenplays. Required readings will inform and accompany close study of selected screenplays and films. (FMMC 0101 OR CRWR 0170 or approval of instructor)

Screenwriting In this course we will examine the fundamental elements of dramatic narrative as they relate to visual storytelling. We will emphasize the process of generating original story material and learning the craft of screenwriting, including topics such as story, outline, scene structure, subtext, character objectives, formatting standards, and narrative strategies. Weekly writing assignments will emphasize visual storytelling techniques, tone and atmosphere, character relationships, and dialogue. Students will be required to complete one short screenplay. Required readings will inform and accompany close study of selected screenplays and short films. This class will require some streaming of video material. (FMMC 0101 OR CRWR 0170 or approval of instructor)

Advanced Filmmaking In this course students will work in teams to produce several short films, having the opportunity to take turns at fulfilling all the essential crew positions: director, producer, cinematographer, production sound mixer, editor, and sound designer. We will emphasize thorough pre-production planning, scene design, cinematography, working with actors, and post production —including color correction and sound mixing. The critical dialogue established in FMMC 0200 Filmmaking will be extended and augmented with readings and screenings of outstanding independently produced work.

Filmmaking In this course students will gain a theoretical understanding of the ways moving images and sounds communicate, as well as practical experience creating time-based work. We will study examples of moving images as we use cameras, sound recorders, and non-linear editing software to produce our own series of short works. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the possibilities of the medium through experimentation, analysis, and detailed feedback while exploring different facets of cinematic communication.

Media Curation and Exhibition While digital technology has increased accessibility and affordability of media creation, bringing media to the audience is an increasingly difficult challenge. In this course we will survey the current landscape of American independent and international media exhibition and curation, focusing on institutions and practices relevant to students interested in the media industries. Topics of the course include festivals as launching venues; development programs and their importance as curators; competitions, awards and grants that support independent filmmaking; film series and other curated modes of exhibition. About half of the work in the course will consist of hands-on work on the Hirschfield Screening Series, including research, screener viewing, title selection, liaising with distribution companies, organizing screenings and guest visits.

Writing for the Screen II Building on the skills acquired in Writing for the Screen I, students will complete the first drafts of their feature-length screenplay. Class discussion will focus on feature screenplay structure and theme development using feature films and screenplays. Each participant in the class will practice pitching, writing coverage, and outlining, culminating in a draft of a feature length script.

Advanced Screenwriting Building on the skills acquired in Screenwriting, students will complete the first drafts of their feature-length screenplay, or TV pilot and Bible. Class discussion will focus on feature screenplay structure and theme development using feature films and screenplays. Each participant in the class will practice pitching, writing coverage, and outlining, culminating in a draft of a feature length script or TV pilot and Bible.

Acting and Directing for the Camera In this advanced workshop we will focus on the relationship between actors and directors in the context of live action media production (film, television, advertising, web series). Students will gain practical knowledge of actor-director engagement and insight into both facets of this process. Students will also analyze produced screenplays, practice actor-director communication, and direct and perform for the camera. All students will take turns fulfilling the roles of director and performer, culminating in recording and editing workshopped scenes.

Collaborative Video Projects In this course students will learn to work collaboratively either as crew members on the senior thesis films produced for FMMC 0701 or on original projects, depending on availability of resources. Students will receive credit for performing in key creative positions, including Producer, Assistant Director, Cinematographer, Art director, Sound Designer, and Editor. In this class students will learn advanced set operations, while workshopping projects from pre-production to main photography to editorial, post-production and the final screening. Students must do significant pre-production before January.

Aesthetics, Theories and Practice of Film Editing* The editing of film and television content is often compared to screenwriting – and referred to as a “third writing”. In this class we will examine the history, aesthetic and theory of film editing, discuss editing techniques and apply them in several take-home exercises. The class focuses on editing’s importance in storytelling and on the strategies that editors use to create tension, relationships, emotion and meaning. We will also explore filmmaking techniques that conceptually relate to editing such as long takes, staging, lighting design, camera movement. Some of the films we will study: The Conversation, Do the right thing, Stories we tell, The Nile Hilton incident.  While the class is only marginally touching on technology,  access to a computer with certain technical capabilities and to editing software is necessary; if you are on campus, they are provided to you by the department (software also provided remotely). For class screenings, you also need access to an internet connection with video streaming capability. Familiarity with Adobe Premiere editing software recommended.

Ioana Uricaru

Reviews and ratings for Ioana Uricaru at Middlebury College.Ioana Uricaru teaches Directing for the Screen, Screenwriting, Advanced Filmmaking and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Ioana Uricaru good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This was such a fun class to take! Prof Uricaru was great, and extremely engaging with us. The class structure is essentially workshopping your final script throughout the entire semester with each other. It was a writers room style class. I would take this class again if I could! 

Prof. Uricaru is a super fun and nice person; she definitely has a lot of experience. However, it really seems like she has no plan for this course. She spends the first week teaching you the most basics of screenwriting. For the rest of the time, people are basically just writing parts of their final 15 page script. We pick around 2 people per class, read through it, and share feedback. Most of time, people are zoned out. We really don't learn much, so I guess that means there is not much work and you basically get an A if you submit everything, attend class, and participate once in a while. I wish we did more readings of famous screenplays, analyzed them, and had more targeted exercises

This course was so incredibly project intensive. The professor has you create a short film every single week and that becomes very taxing as they take a lot of time to film. Additionally, these short films require a lot of participation from people not in your class, and that requires a lot of favors.