Production Design

PRODUCTION DESIGN

The Production Design course introduces students to the art and craft of creating the visual world of a film. It covers the conceptualization, planning, and execution of sets, locations, props, color schemes, and overall aesthetic style to support narrative themes and characters. Through theory and hands-on practice, students learn how production designers collaborate with directors, cinematographers, and other departments to shape the look and feel of a film.

Objectives

  • Understand the role and responsibilities of the production designer.
  • Analyze visual storytelling elements and how they support narrative themes.
  • Learn design processes including mood boards, concept sketches, and storyboarding.
  • Explore set construction, location design, prop selection, and color theory.
  • Collaborate in teams to develop and present production design plans.
Learning Outcomes

  • Interpret scripts to extract visual and spatial requirements.
  • Develop design concepts that align with story, tone, and character.
  • Create mood boards, sketches, and technical drawings for sets and environments.
  • Apply principles of color, texture, and layout in film design.
  • Communicate design ideas effectively to a production team and contribute to a cohesive visual style.

Film industry and Media law by Emmanuel

Course Summary/overview

This course introduces students to the legal frameworks, regulatory structures, and ethical principles that shape the film and media industries. It examines how law intersects with creativity, production, and distribution, providing a foundational understanding of the legal rights and responsibilities of filmmakers, producers, distributors, and media organizations.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:
  1. Understand the legal processes governing film production and distribution.
  2. Identify key areas of intellectual property law, including copyright, trademark, and moral rights as they apply to media content.
  3. Analyze contracts and agreements within the film industry (e.g., talent agreements, licensing deals, co-production contracts).
  4. Evaluate issues of censorship, freedom of expression, and defamation in media law.
  5. Discuss emerging challenges in digital media, streaming platforms, and global content distribution.

BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The Business and Entrepreneurship course introduces students to the principles of starting, managing, and growing a business. It covers key topics such as business planning, innovation, marketing, finance, operations, and leadership. Students learn how to develop entrepreneurial mindsets, identify opportunities, assess risks, and create viable business models. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical tools to prepare learners for real-world business environments or launching their own ventures.

Objectives

  • Understand fundamental concepts in business and entrepreneurship.

  • Develop and evaluate business ideas and models.

  • Apply basic marketing, finance, and operational strategies.

  • Create and present a business plan.

  • Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in entrepreneurial contexts.

Learning Outcomes

  • Define entrepreneurship and explain its role in economic development.

  • Analyze market needs and identify viable business opportunities.

  • Design a startup business model using tools like the Business Model Canvas.

  • Prepare and pitch a business plan with marketing, financial, and operational components.

  • Demonstrate entrepreneurial thinking in decision-making and innovation.

Course Code: BFS 2304

Credits: 10 

Academic Year 2024-2025

PRODUCTION DESIGN

The Production Design course introduces students to the art and craft of creating the visual world of a film. It covers the conceptualization, planning, and execution of sets, locations, props, color schemes, and overall aesthetic style to support narrative themes and characters. Through theory and hands-on practice, students learn how production designers collaborate with directors, cinematographers, and other departments to shape the look and feel of a film.

Objectives

  • Understand the role and responsibilities of the production designer.
  • Analyze visual storytelling elements and how they support narrative themes.
  • Learn design processes including mood boards, concept sketches, and storyboarding.
  • Explore set construction, location design, prop selection, and color theory.
  • Collaborate in teams to develop and present production design plans.
Learning Outcomes

  • Interpret scripts to extract visual and spatial requirements.
  • Develop design concepts that align with story, tone, and character.
  • Create mood boards, sketches, and technical drawings for sets and environments.
  • Apply principles of color, texture, and layout in film design.
  • Communicate design ideas effectively to a production team and contribute to a cohesive visual style.

Course Code: BFS 2302

Credits: 15

 Academic Year 2024-2025

Lecturer: Jacques RUTABINGWA

ADVANCED SOUND RECORDING FOR FILM

Description:

The Advanced Sound Recording for Film module provides in-depth training in the technical, creative, and problem-solving aspects of professional sound recording for film production. Building on foundational and intermediate skills, this course focuses on high-level recording techniques, complex multi-microphone setups, and advanced audio post-production workflows.

Learners will explore specialized recording environments, including studio, outdoor, and controlled soundstage setups, mastering the use of high-end microphones, digital audio recorders, boom operations, and wireless audio systems. The module also covers advanced synchronization techniques, such as timecode-based recording, ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), and Foley sound integration.

Additionally, students will learn to troubleshoot and mitigate complex audio challenges, including echo reduction, wind noise control, and frequency interference. Emphasis is placed on sound design, mixing, and mastering, ensuring a professional-quality audio experience that enhances storytelling.

By the end of this module, students will be equipped with the skills to plan, execute, and manage sophisticated sound recording setups for film, television, and digital media, preparing them for careers in sound engineering, production sound mixing, and post-production audio design.

Course code: BFS 2301

Course credit: 10

Pre-requisites: None

Academic year: 2024-2025

Lecturer: Fiston Kevin Ntwali

Course Objectives:

By the end of this module, learners should be able to:

  1. Master advanced sound recording techniques for professional film production.
  2. Operate high-end sound recording equipment, including digital audio recorders, shotgun microphones, lavaliers, boom poles, and wireless audio systems.
  3. Design and implement complex multi-microphone setups for dialogue, ambient sound, and Foley recording.
  4. Apply advanced techniques for reducing background noise, wind interference, echo, and frequency interference in various recording environments.
  5. Synchronize audio with video using timecode-based recording, clapperboards, and digital sync tools.
  6. Execute ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) and Foley recording techniques for enhancing post-production sound quality.
  7. Troubleshoot and solve complex audio issues encountered during on-location and studio recording.
  8. Understand and apply sound design principles to enhance the emotional and narrative impact of a film.
  9. Collaborate effectively with film directors, cinematographers, and post-production teams to achieve a cohesive audio-visual experience.
  10. Prepare, edit, and mix recorded audio files for final production, ensuring industry-standard sound quality and clarity.

This module equips students with expert-level skills in sound recording, production mixing, and post-production sound design, preparing them for advanced roles in film sound engineering and professional audio production.

Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this module, learners will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate expert-level proficiency in sound recording techniques for film production.
  2. Select and operate advanced sound recording equipment, including high-end microphones, digital audio recorders, and wireless audio systems.
  3. Set up and manage complex multi-microphone recording environments for dialogue, ambient sound, and Foley effects.
  4. Effectively reduce and control unwanted noise, including wind interference, echo, and frequency disruptions, in various recording environments.
  5. Synchronize audio with video using timecode-based workflows, clapperboards, and digital editing tools.
  6. Apply ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) and Foley techniques to enhance post-production sound quality.
  7. Identify and resolve advanced audio issues in real-time recording scenarios.
  8. Integrate sound design principles to enhance the narrative, mood, and emotional impact of a film.
  9. Work collaboratively with cinematographers, directors, and post-production teams to ensure high-quality audio production.
  10. Prepare, edit, mix, and master recorded audio files to meet professional industry standards.

This module prepares learners for expert roles in film sound recording, production sound mixing, and post-production audio engineering, equipping them with the skills necessary for high-quality professional audio production.


Advanced Cinematography

INTRODUCTION

The Advanced Cinematography module is designed for students and professionals seeking to refine their technical expertise and artistic vision in film production. This course delves into the principles and techniques used in high-level cinematography, emphasizing lighting, camera movement, composition, and visual storytelling.

Through practical exercises, students will explore the use of professional-grade cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment, mastering how to create visually compelling images that enhance narrative impact. Additionally, the module covers advanced cinematographic concepts such as color grading, shot design, and digital workflow, preparing students for real-world film and media production.

By the end of this module, participants will have a deeper understanding of cinematographic aesthetics, the ability to execute complex shots, and the skills necessary to work on professional film sets with confidence.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME

By the end of the Advanced Cinematography module, students will be able to:

  1. Master Cinematic Camera Techniques

    • Demonstrate proficiency in operating professional-grade cameras and lenses to achieve desired visual aesthetics.

  2. Apply Advanced Lighting Techniques

    • Utilize various lighting setups, including three-point lighting, natural lighting, and high-dynamic-range (HDR) techniques, to enhance mood and storytelling.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The Advanced Cinematography module aims to equip students with the technical expertise, creative vision, and professional skills necessary for high-quality visual storytelling. Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

  1. Develop Technical Mastery in Cinematography

    • Gain proficiency in using professional cameras, lenses, and accessories to achieve precise visual compositions.

  2. Apply Advanced Lighting Techniques

    • Utilize various lighting setups, including natural, artificial, and mixed lighting, to enhance mood, depth, and texture in visual storytelling.

  3. Understand and Implement Camera Movement Strategies

    • Execute complex camera movements using dollies, cranes, stabilizers, and drones to create dynamic and visually engaging shots.

Academic Year 2025-2026
Lecturer: Franklyne Manono


Film Industry & Media Law

INTRODUCTION

The Film Industry & Media Law course provides an in-depth understanding of the legal frameworks governing the film and media sectors. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, legal considerations play a crucial role in protecting intellectual property, ensuring fair business practices, and maintaining ethical standards.

This course explores key legal topics such as copyright law, contract negotiations, distribution rights, censorship regulations, privacy laws, and the impact of digital media on legal frameworks. It also examines case studies on media-related lawsuits, ethical dilemmas, and the evolving landscape of global media policies.

By the end of the course, students will gain essential knowledge of how legal principles apply to the film industry, enabling them to navigate contracts, protect creative works, and understand regulatory compliance in various media platforms.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Understand Legal Frameworks – Explain the key legal principles and regulations governing the film and media industry.
  2. Apply Intellectual Property Laws – Identify and apply copyright, trademark, and patent laws related to film production and distribution.
  3. Analyze Contracts & Agreements – Interpret and evaluate contracts, licensing agreements, and distribution deals in the film industry.
COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course aims to:

  1. Introduce Legal Frameworks – Provide an overview of the legal structures governing the film and media industry.
  2. Explore Intellectual Property Rights – Examine copyright, trademark, and patent laws relevant to film production and distribution.
  3. Analyze Contracts & Agreements – Equip students with the skills to interpret and draft film-related contracts, including licensing and distribution agreements.