Course Information
Course Name: Basic Principles of Directing
Course Code: BFS1106
Programme: Bachelor of Film making and Film Production
Academic Year: 2026
Course Lecturer: Aisha UMURUTA
Credits: 10
Level/Semester: Year I, Semester IÂ
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face with practical directing workshops and Moodle support
Welcome Message
Welcome to Basic Principles of Directing. This course introduces you to the essential concepts and practices of directing across film, television, theatre, and digital media. You will learn how directors transform scripts into visual stories while guiding actors, coordinating crews, and shaping creative productions.
Course Overview
The Basic Principles of Directing course introduces students to the fundamental concepts, techniques, and responsibilities of directing in media production. It covers script interpretation, visual storytelling, actor direction, shot composition, scene planning, rehearsal methods, and production coordination. Students combine theory with practical exercises by analyzing productions and directing short scenes, developing both creative vision and leadership skills in collaborative environments.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the role and responsibilities of a director in various media productions.
- Interpret scripts and transform written stories into visual narratives.
- Apply principles of visual storytelling through composition, blocking, and shot selection.
- Direct actors to achieve realistic and emotionally engaging performances.
- Plan rehearsals, storyboards, and production schedules effectively.
- Demonstrate leadership and communication skills during production.
- Collaborate professionally with production crew members.
- Analyze different directing styles in film, television, and theatre.
- Apply ethical and professional standards in directing.
- Produce and direct a short practical project using learned principles.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental principles and theories of directing.
- Describe the director’s role across pre-production, production, and post-production stages.
- Identify and compare different directing styles and techniques.
- Analyze scripts and develop a clear directorial vision.
- Create storyboards, shot lists, and production plans.
- Direct actors using appropriate rehearsal and performance techniques.
- Apply camera work, blocking, and staging to support storytelling.
- Coordinate production teams effectively during filming or stage performance.
- Solve creative and technical challenges during production.
Assessment
- Assignments
- Quizzes
- Practical directing exercises
- Mid-Term Examination
- Final Examination
Learning Resources
- Lecture notes
- Directing textbooks
- Film and theatre case studies
- Video tutorials and masterclasses
- Sample scripts and storyboards
- Online learning materials
- Moodle learning materials
- Discussion Forum
Course Duration
15 Weeks
- Teacher: Aisha UMURUTA
Course Information
Course Name: Production Techniques
Course Code: BFS1108
Programme: Bachelor of Film Making and Film Production
Academic Year: 2025
Course Lecturer: Yanick MURANGIRA
Credits: 10
Level/Semester: Year I, Trimester II
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face with practical studio and field production sessions
Welcome Message
Welcome to Production Techniques. This course introduces you to the essential skills and processes involved in creating professional audio-visual and multimedia content. You will gain hands-on experience in planning, shooting, recording, and basic post-production for film, television, and digital media.
Course Overview
Production Techniques is a practical media course that introduces students to the full production workflow, from pre-production planning to post-production basics. The course covers camera operation, lighting, sound recording, directing, and editing fundamentals. Students work in teams to produce media content in both studio and field environments using industry-standard tools and workflows. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, technical skills, and storytelling through audio-visual media production.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Understand the full media production process from concept to final output.
- Develop practical skills in camera operation, lighting, and sound recording.
- Apply production planning and scripting techniques.
- Work effectively in studio and field production environments.
- Understand basic editing and post-production workflows.
- Demonstrate teamwork and production coordination skills.
- Enhance creativity and technical proficiency in media storytelling.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Plan and organize a basic media production project.
- Operate cameras and basic studio equipment effectively.
- Apply lighting techniques in different production environments.
- Record and manage high-quality audio for media projects.
- Collaborate effectively within production teams.
- Produce short audio-visual content for broadcast or online platforms.
- Demonstrate understanding of basic post-production workflows.
Assessment
- Assignments
- Practical production exercises
- Group projects
- Mid-Term Examination
- Final Examination
Learning Resources
- Lecture notes
- Production manuals and guides
- Camera and lighting equipment tutorials
- Sound recording guides
- Editing software tutorials (DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects)
- Film and TV case studies
- Moodle learning materials
- Discussion Forum
Course Duration
15 Weeks
- Teacher: Yannick MURANGIRA
Course Information
Course Name: Basic Principles of Directing
Course Code: BFS1106
Programme: Bachelor of Film Making and Film Production
Academic Year: 2025–2026
Course Lecturer: Aisha UMURUTA
Credits: 10
Level/Semester: Year I, Trimester II
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face with practical directing workshops and Moodle support
Welcome Message
Welcome to Basic Principles of Directing. This course introduces you to the creative and technical foundations of directing for film and television. You will learn how to interpret scripts, guide actors, and translate stories into compelling visual productions through effective planning and leadership.
Course Overview
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and techniques of directing for film and television. It covers script interpretation, visual storytelling, actor direction, scene planning, and leadership skills required to manage creative productions effectively. Through theoretical learning and practical directing exercises, students develop the confidence and skills needed to lead film productions.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Understand the role and responsibilities of a director.
- Interpret scripts and develop a directorial vision.
- Apply basic directing techniques for actors and scenes.
- Plan and coordinate film production activities.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the principles and practices of directing.
- Direct actors and manage scene production effectively.
- Apply visual storytelling techniques in film production.
- Demonstrate leadership and teamwork during production activities.
Assessment
- Assignments
- Quizzes
- Practical directing exercises
- Mid-Term Examination
- Final Examination
Learning Resources
- Lecture notes
- Directing textbooks
- Film scripts and storyboards
- Video tutorials and masterclasses
- Film case studies
- Moodle learning materials
- Discussion Forum
Course Duration
15 Weeks
- Teacher: Aisha UMURUTA
Course Information
Course Name: Basic Principles of Directing
Course Code: 1201
Programme: Bachelor of Film Making and Film Production
Academic Year: 2025–2026)
Course Lecturer: Aisha UMURUTA
Credits: 10
Level/Semester: Year I, Trimester IIÂ
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face with practical directing workshops and Moodle support
Welcome Message
Welcome to Basic Principles of Directing. This course introduces you to the creative role of the director and the techniques used to transform ideas into compelling visual stories. Through practical exercises and film analysis, you will develop your artistic identity, storytelling abilities, and leadership skills in film production.
Course Overview
This module introduces students to the role of the film director and equips them with the creative and technical skills required to bring stories from script to screen. Students explore visual storytelling, shot design, storyboarding, actor direction, non-verbal communication, and scene composition while analyzing inspiring films and participating in practical directing exercises. The course emphasizes developing each student's unique artistic vision and understanding of the director's role throughout the filmmaking process.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Understand the role and responsibilities of the director in film production.
- Develop a personal directorial vision for visual storytelling.
- Interpret scripts and translate them into visual narratives.
- Apply storyboarding and shot planning techniques.
- Explore non-verbal communication and visual expression in directing.
- Direct actors and coordinate scene performances.
- Analyze directing styles through selected film examples.
- Demonstrate creativity and leadership during production activities.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the director's role in creating visual stories through moving images.
- Direct at least one complete scene from a scripted story.
- Explain the director's responsibilities within the overall filmmaking process.
- Describe and discuss the stages of the directing process.
- Apply storyboarding, shot composition, and visual storytelling techniques.
- Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration during film production.
Assessment
- Assignments
- Practical directing exercises
- Quizzes
- Mid-Term Examination
- Final Practical/Examination
Learning Resources
- Lecture notes
- Directing textbooks
- Sample film scripts and storyboards
- Film analysis and case studies
- Video tutorials and masterclasses
- Moodle learning materials
- Discussion Forum
Course Duration
15 Weeks
- Teacher: Aisha UMURUTA
Course Information
Course Name: Production Techniques
Course Code: BFS1203
Programme: Bachelor of Film Making and Film Production
Academic Year: 2024–2025
Course Lecturer: Justine KATHAMBI
Credits: 15
Level/Semester: Year I, Trimester II
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face with practical workshops, project-based learning, and Moodle support
Welcome Message
Welcome to Production Techniques. This course equips you with the knowledge and practical skills required to plan, manage, and execute film production projects. Through hands-on activities and collaborative projects, you will gain experience in transforming creative ideas into completed film productions.
Course Overview
Production Techniques provides students with foundational and advanced knowledge of production processes used in film and media industries. The course covers production planning, budgeting, scheduling, script development, legal considerations, financing, publicity, distribution, and production management. Through practical exercises, case studies, and project-based learning, students develop the technical, organizational, and collaborative skills required to produce professional film projects.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Understand the key stages of production planning and execution.
- Develop practical skills in the use of production equipment, tools, and software.
- Apply industry-standard production workflows and best practices.
- Analyze and solve production-related challenges effectively.
- Work collaboratively in film production teams.
- Understand budgeting, financing, and legal aspects of film production.
- Prepare production plans for professional film projects.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the principles of film production planning and management.
- Demonstrate understanding of scripting, budgeting, financing, and legal issues in film production.
- Describe the role of publicity, distribution, and film festivals in the film industry.
- Apply production management techniques throughout the filmmaking process.
- Collaborate effectively in planning and executing film productions.
- Transform a script into a completed film project using professional production workflows.
Assessment
- Assignments
- Quizzes
- Practical production projects
- Mid-Term Examination
- Final Examination
Learning Resources
- Lecture notes
- Film production textbooks
- Production planning templates
- Budgeting and scheduling guides
- Industry case studies
- Online tutorials and videos
- Moodle learning materials
- Discussion Forum
Course Duration
15 Weeks
- Teacher: content creator
Course Information
Course Name: Basic Principles of Directing
Course Code: BFS1106Â
Programme: Bachelor of Film Making and Film Production
Academic Year: 2024–2025
Course Lecturer: Jacques RUTABINGWA
Credits: (Specify if applicable)
Level/Semester: Year I, Trimester II
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face with practical directing workshops and project-based learning
Welcome Message
Welcome to Basic Principles of Directing. This course introduces you to the essential role of the director in film, television, and theatre production. You will learn how to transform scripts into powerful visual and emotional stories while developing leadership, creativity, and collaboration skills.
Course Overview
Basic Principles of Directing introduces students to the foundational concepts, techniques, and responsibilities of directing in media production. The course explores how directors interpret scripts, visualize scenes, guide actors, and collaborate with key departments such as cinematography, production design, and editing. Students learn to translate written material into compelling visual storytelling while maintaining narrative coherence, emotional impact, and artistic vision. Emphasis is placed on leadership, communication, and creative problem-solving in professional directing practice.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Understand the core responsibilities of a director throughout the production process.
- Interpret scripts and translate them into visual and emotional storytelling.
- Develop a clear artistic vision and communicate it effectively to cast and crew.
- Explore different directing styles and techniques used in film, television, and theatre.
- Analyze the role of collaboration in directing across production departments.
- Practice directing scenes with attention to pacing, performance, composition, and tone.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of directing principles and their practical application.
- Analyze scripts and break down scenes for performance and visual planning.
- Apply directing techniques to guide actors and shape performances.
- Design shot lists and blocking plans that reflect narrative goals.
- Collaborate effectively with production departments to achieve cohesive storytelling.
- Evaluate and refine directorial decisions based on feedback and rehearsal outcomes.
- Present and defend a directorial vision in written and verbal formats.
Assessment
- Assignments
- Quizzes
- Practical directing exercises
- Mid-Term Examination
- Final Examination
Learning Resources
- Lecture notes
- Directing textbooks and manuals
- Film and theatre scripts
- Case studies of professional directors
- Video tutorials and masterclasses
- Moodle learning materials
- Discussion Forum
Course Duration
15 Weeks
- Teacher: content creator
