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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "COM 230-1"
COURSE NAME: "Foundations of Digital Video Production"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2022
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Brian Thomson
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: T12:30 PM 3:15 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:

COM230 will help you get up to speed with the art and craft of video production and will empower you to present yourself to your world the way that you intend. The course explores a broad swath of the techniques that filmmakers have used to create moving images, from hand animation and traditional cameras through phones and computer-generated imagery, and throughout emphasizes how you can use these techniques to add power and polish to your digital presence.

COM230 starts hands-on and stays hands-on as we dig into the principles of traditional animation and use them to create compelling graphics for content ranging from video essays to YouTube listicles. We harness the power of open-source software to set up livestreams using multiple audio and video sources, as well as learn how to unleash the potential of whatever camera we have on hand through lighting and composition. We hone our editing and audio production skills on an action movie before diving into a story development and screenwriting bootcamp. At the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to showcase your skills through a scripted short film.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of the class, you should be able to:

  • take charge of how you present yourself on any number of platforms (e.g., YouTube, Instagram, Zoom, Teams, etc.)
  • optimize your phone for video production, and use battle-tested techniques to compensate for its limitations
  • capture clean dialogue, craft unique sound effects, and use freely available tools to improve the quality of your audio
  • conceptualize, develop, produce, and deliver a short project
  • limit DMCA takedowns and third-party monetization through an understanding of the legal frameworks informing the distribution of audio and video
  • deploy your knowledge of production techniques and methodologies in the critical analysis of media artefacts
  • determine where you fit (or would like to fit) in the matrix of video production, and use the skills you developed in the class as a foundation to build upon
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
AnimationAn animated GIF making use of the 12 principles of animation12.5
Desktop VideoAn OBS-produced video reaction12.5
StreamingYouTube Livestream with multiple scenes and sources12.5
Camera OperationEditing scavenger hunt (a short production/editing hybrid exercise)12.5
EditingEditing project (narrative short)12.5
ScreenwritingShort film screenplay12.5
Audio productionAn audio version of the screenplay12.5
Short filmA short narrative film based on the screenplay you turned in.12.5

-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

Week One – Animation

Week Two – Motion Graphics

Week Three – Kinetic Typoograhy

Week Four – Introducing OBS

Week Five – Key concepts for video production

Week Six – Streaming with OBS

Week Seven – Student livestreams

Week Eight—Intro to Video Editing

Week Nine—Special Techniques and Audio Production

Week Ten—Story development and pre-production

Week Eleven—Character, Conflict and Change

Week Twelve—Audio Storytelling (Voice-over, dialogue, music, foley and effects)

Week Thirteen—Visual storytelling

Week Fourteen—Workshop

Short films are due on the day of the final exam