|
|
JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "COM 230-1"
COURSE NAME: "Foundations of Digital Video Production"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Spring 2018
|
SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Brian Thomson
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
W 3:30-6:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
By appointment
|
|
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces students to the technical, conceptual, and aesthetic skills involved in video production through the single camera mode of production. Still the most dominant mode of film and video production, the single camera mode places an emphasis on using the camera to fullest capacity of artistic expression. In addition to the multiple skills and concepts involved with the camera, the course also introduces students to the principles and technologies of lighting, audio recording and mixing, and non-linear digital video editing. Special focus is given to producing content for successful web distribution.
|
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course will answer some of the most pressing questions repeatedly asked by first-time and amateur filmmakers:
- How do you effectively and efficiently transform an idea first into a story, then into a screenplay, next into a production schedule, and finally into moving images and sound that emotionally transport an audience?
- How do you operate a camera, record clean audio, and generally make your actors look like they’re in a Hollywood film?
- What can I do with Final Cut Studio that I can’t do with iMovie?
- Gee, I saw this great shot/camera move/effect in [The Godfather, Bowling for Columbine, The Matrix, etc.]—how’d they do that?
- What exactly does a [key grip, best boy, gaffer, etc.] do?
- I saw an awesome video on youTube. Why don’t my videos ever go viral and get a billion hits?
In short, this course will provide you with an intensive overview of the entire filmmaking process, from soup to nuts, as you work with a production unit to produce a short narrative or documentary film for DVD and web distribution.
As a matter of fact, the course is so intensive that I would urge you to start work on your first assignment NOW! Watch the video below for more details...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=R32xCGv4dbc
|
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this class, you will understand how a film is made from conception through distribution, and you will know how to develop a story for maximum audio-visual impact. You will gain hands-on experience of all stages of film production: from producing storyboards, operating a professional camera, and setting lights through designing a web site, crafting special effects (CGI and sound), and producing a polished DVD that will help your film reach as wide an audience as possible. In short, you should have all of the skills necessary to begin producing professional-level work for the media industry as well as a polished piece of work for your demo reel.
|
TEXTBOOK:
|
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
|
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Production Exercises | There will be four graded production exercises during the course designed to reinforce filmmaking skills. These will be partially carried out during class time and must be finished by the session indicated in the schedule. Exercises are assessed as a group project. | 20 |
| Take Control Exam | This computer-based exam will assess your knowledge of audio, video, and basic post-production procedures. | 15 |
| Story pitch | Present your idea for a film to be produced as the final project in the course. | 5 |
| Screenplay | Each group will move forward with one of the projects pitched during class. The screenplay should be approximately 10 pages and MUST conform to the standard screenplay format. (FadeIn screenwriting software is available at the Digital Media Lab and can also be downloaded as a free trial for Mac or PC.) Screenplays may be submitted as a group or as individuals but you must let the professor know how you intend to proceed when the assignment is handed out. | 20 |
| Sharpen Your Skills Exam | This computer-based exam will assess your knowledge of lighting, composition and movement, directing, color correction, and audio post-production. | 15 |
| Short film / BTS | The final project for the course is the short film you will produce from the script your group has agreed upon as well as a short "behind-the-scenes" video that details the challenges of making the film. | 25 |
-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
PLEASE READ!
This course requires an extraordinary amount of work to be completed outside of class hours. Students who expect to travel frequently during weekends are strongly advised against registering for this course.
|
|
|
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic
dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred.
In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment,
may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of
academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student
who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from
the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation
to the President, who will make the final decision.
|
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap.
Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning
of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
|
|
|
SCHEDULE
|
|
|
Schedule
Week One
Framing, composition, movement
FUN ASSIGNMENT: Scavenger Hunt
Week Two
Video 411 and camera operation
GRADED EXERCISE: In-Camera Editing
Week Three
DUE: In-Camera Editing Exercise
Editing in FCPX
FUN ASSIGNMENT: Showdown Commercial
Week Four
Audio 411 and recorder operation
GRADED EXERCISE: Spy vs Guy Foley
Week Five
Audio post, pitching
COMPLETE/DUE: Spy vs Guy Foley
GRADED ASSIGNMENT: Story Pitches
*** DUE: Take Control Exam - COM230X ***
Week Six
DUE: Story Pitches
Storytelling for video
GRADED ASSIGNMENT: Screenplays
Week Seven
Introduction to lighting
GRADED EXERCISE: TBD
Plan/Shoot the in-class exercise
Week Eight
COMPLETE/DUE: TBD Exercise (5%)
Week Nine
Motion Graphics (Titles)
DUE: Screenplays
Week Ten
Motion Graphics (VFX)
Week Eleven
Slow motion
GRADED EXERCISE: Free Run
Week Twelve
Color correction
CONTINUE EXERCISE: Free Run
*** DUE: Sharpen Your Skills Exam (COM230X) ***
Week Thirteen
DUE: Free Run Exercise
Workshop
Week Fourteen
Workshop
Final Exam
DUE: Short Films and BTS
|
|
|