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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "COM 230-3"
COURSE NAME: "Foundations of Digital Video Production"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2016
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Kwame Phillips
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: T 12:30PM 3:15PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: T/TH 3:30-4:30 PM or 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?

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 web distribution.

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 and all 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:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
QuizzesThere will be brief quizzes at the beginning of some classes.10
ParticipationParticipation is not simply a question of attendance and raising your hand in class. In order to receive your fifteen points, you must attend class and ask questions AND you must contribute significantly to group members' productions. To get credit, the director/producer of the project must turn in a call sheet with your signature. 15
Preproduction and production packageThis will be the collection of the in class exercises during the weeks of preproduction and production. 15
Documentary projectStudents will be required to work in small groups to produce a 5-10 minute documentary of a topic of their choosing. 20
Final projectStudents will be required to work in small groups to produce a 5-10 minute narrative film based on their own scripts. This project will include a trailer no longer than 1 minute. 30
Final screeningThere will be no final exam, but there will be a screening where student films are shown. Attendance will be mandatory. 10

-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:
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

Pre-production

Week 01: Introduction to storytelling

Week 02: Creative writing

Week 03: Photography and Storyboarding // Homework: Scriptnotes 57 What is a movie idea?

Production

Week 04: Narrative vs Non-narrative film forms // Homework: Scriptnotes 201 How would this be a movie

Week 05: Shooting and Framing // Homework: Scriptnotes 73 Raiders of the Lost Ark

Week 06: Lighting and Sound // Homework: Scriptnotes 179 The conflict episode

Post-production

Week 07: Composition and editing // Homework: Scriptnotes 206 Everything but the dialogue

Week 08: Documentary project workshop // Homework: Scriptnotes 89 Writing effective transitions

Week 09: Documentary project workshop // Homework: Scriptnotes 37 Let’s talk about dialogue

Week 10: TBD (Make up day, Friday 28th) // Homework: Scriptnotes 92 The Little Mermaid

Week 11: Documentary review

Week 12: Rushes review

Week 13: Final project workshop (work on trailer)

Week 14: Final project Workshop

Final exam: Screening