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Curriculum Planning and Review Committee Meeting: 3/17/2004

03/17/04

9:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Ahmanson Room, Mayer Library

MINUTES

Attending: Barbara Bloom, Neil Canton, Bill Dill, Sam Grogg,  jj Jackman, Phil Linson, Bob MacDonald, Peter Markham, Lynn Mazzucchi, Larry Paull, Joe Petricca, Betsy Pollock, Leonard Schrader,  Caroline Sisneros, Sheila Sullivan, Brenda Weiermair, Graeme Clifford, Rob Spera

Absent:  Gill Dennis, Carl Smith

I.      Announcements and Calendar

Sam Grogg stated that mid-term progress reports are due this week. 

Grogg reported that he had met with discipline heads regarding the faculty evaluations.  The department heads are currently visiting classes in their respective disciplines.

Grogg distributed two calendars: a revision of the Conservatory Calendar from February through August, 2004 and The AFI Conservatory Calendar for 2004-2005.  (See attachment.)

II.     Administrative Matters and Updates

A.   Registrar Report

Lynn Mazzucchi  reported that things are going well in the Registrar’s office.  They are waiting for the new class to be selected.  

B.   Admissions Report

J.J. Jackman reported that the interview process is proceeding smoothly.  Letters of acceptance will be sent on April 15th.

Peter Markham requested that there be more Directing faculty input in the director selection process.

C.   Library Report

Caroline Sisneros distributed the “List of Required Reading” and the “List of Required Viewing” which is sent to all incoming Fellows.  (See attachment.)  She asked all present to review the lists, initial titles which should stay on the list, and make suggestions regarding additions.

D.   Conservatory Programs Report

Sheila Sullivan reminded the discipline heads that this is the week to write up any Fellow about whom there is concern regarding their performance.

E.    Faculty Affairs and HLMS Update

Barbara Bloom distributed a list of upcoming Harold Lloyd Master Seminars.  (See attachment.)  A few guests have yet to confirm but the seminars remaining for the term are all blocked out.

Bloom also mentioned that a few faculty members are still having problems receiving their faculty e-mail.  She is looking into the matter.

F.  Production and Post Production Matters

Betsy Pollock stated that the loss and damage situation has improved.

Pollock asked all present to look over the Production Handbook and let her know of any suggested changes or updates.

Phil Linson reported that the SVC was trying out a new system for HD.  Hopefully it will become a permanent system for the Fellows.

G.   General Administrative Matters

Joe Petricca reported that he is currently working on  next year’s budget.  He asked to be notified of any budgetary requests.

Petricca also reported that the Conservatory had received a donation for video storage in the library.

III.    Fellow Survey Development Follow-Up

Sam Grogg distributed the “Survey of Fellow Engagement, Draft 3/15/04.”  (See attachment.)  He asked that changes or comments be given to him as soon as possible in order to finalize the draft.

IV.    Curriculum Focus: Directing
 

Peter Markham distributed a packet of material entitled “Focus on Directing.”  (See attachment.)  He invited everyone to follow along as he read through the sheets entitled “Summary of Work.”

Rob Spera commented on the difference between directing film and directing theater and how this impacts on how directors work with actors. 

Sheila Sullivan asked about casting and when the process was taught.  Graeme Clifford responded that he taught the subject in his 2nd Year Directing class.  Sullivan suggested that perhaps it should be gone into in the 1st Year as well.

Graeme Clifford indicated that much of what Spera does regarding working with actors is continued by Clifford in the 2nd Year.  Clifford pointed out the importance for directors to think about the actors first and the geography second.

Peter Markham described the development of thesis projects.

Bill Dill asked about an instance when a 1st Year Director locked the Cinematographer and the camera crew off the set of a cycle project and shot a “sensitive scene” himself.  Both Graeme Clifford and Sheila Sullivan said they knew nothing of the incident and indicated that it was extremely important that they be notified immediately as soon as something like that happened.

Peter Markham spoke of Fellows’ expectations when they come into the Directing program.  Markham said the Directors feel they have to know many technical aspects of filmmaking which may not actually be necessary.  Graeme Clifford added that many incoming Directors think they have to do everything on the film.  Sam Grogg pointed out how the Directors need to understand the importance of story and story telling in addition to technical and logistical concerns.

Rob Spera spoke of the high quality of the directing which the Screenwriters had done as exercises in his class.  He said it pointed out the need to understand story in order to be a good director.

Sam Grogg asked about needs which the Directing faculty might have.  Rob Spera responded that there was a need in each discipline for a class which would show how everything comes together in that discipline.  Graeme Clifford stated a need for a discipline office where Fellows can meet with faculty.  Clifford went on to say there was a need for professionalism and accountability on the Fellows’ part.  Peter Markham indicated a need for a better video projector in WB102.  Sam Grogg commented that it was necessary to get the Directors helping one another on projects in the same way that the Producers and the Cinematographers do.

V.      Fellows Matters

Brenda Weiermair indicated that the 1st Year Fellows are feeling overwhelmed because of the upcoming thesis submission.  She also pointed that out the Fellows sometimes get overwhelmed with the variety of responsibilities they face such as classes, meetings and crewing.  Sam Grogg responded that there is a need to look at a matrix or grid of the various places the Fellows have to be and the variety of things they have to do.  Such a grid would help the Fellows better coordinate their various activities.

Grogg thanked everyone for coming.  The meeting was adjourned.

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