INTRODUCTION
TO VIDEO PRODUCTION
Spring 2010 [
Rutgers-Newark # 21-965-204: 02 ]
Department of
Arts, Culture, & Media
Bradley Hall,
417/320 á 110 Warren Street á
Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973.535.1184 á E-Mail: aristim@andromeda.rutgers.edu
Web Site: andromeda.rutgers.edu/~aristim
Office Hours:
Thu 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or by appointment
INTRODUCTION
This class
is an introduction to the craft of video production. I will approach this
course from two perspectives: (1) as an introduction to the basic concepts of
cinematic and multi-media storytelling and (2) as an introduction to the
technical aspects of video production.
In this
course, you will get hands on experience with cameras, lighting, audio, and
editing. You will learn the ÒfundamentalsÓ of how to compose shots, how to tell
stories, how to direct actors, how to light for video, how to record sound, and
how to connect shots together to structure scenes. You will also learn how to
analyze films, television, and video from a directorÕs point of view.
The tools, techniques, and
conventions you will learn in this class will apply to all forms of media
production. You will learn the differences between the various forms of
live-action media, including dramatic narrative, documentary, and experimental
film and video. You will explore the many uses of media in todayÕs
fast-changing visual culture. This course is packed. Every minute counts, and
every piece of information fits together with the whole complex process of
production.
Here are the basic
components of the class:
Lectures & Labs is where weÕll explore both the
technical aspects of video making and the artistic craft of cinematic
storytelling.
Screenings will demonstrate the concepts
as we learn about them.
Projects will be where youÕll get the chance
to put it all together and to practice your craft.
Screenings
of your work will
give you the chance to learn from your mistakes and your successes as a
community of artists.
Technical
Exam will test your
knowledge of all things learned in class.
While much of the first half
of the term is based on lectures, screenings, and demonstrations, my
overall aim, specially in the second half of the term, is to create a workshop
atmosphere.
For some of you this might
be the only class you take in film and video, others want to make a career in
the field. Regardless of where you plan to take all this information, I ask
that for this term you learn, experiment, explore, and create as artists. Learn the fundamentals, learn the
conventions, learn the techniques, and then adapt them to create your own
unique work and to express yourself even within the guidelines of the
exercises.
Much of the work you will do
in the class is structured. I will give out specific parameters for exercises
which must be followed. These parameters are designed to help you perfect
specific skills and to become comfortable with specific conventions. You will
find that within these parameters lies a broad space for personal expression.
As is done in the media
industry, much of the work you will do will be in groups. It is always your responsibility to make arrangements
to meet and to work together. ItÕs your responsibility to breakdown the work so
that everyone shares in the creation process while also delegating specific
roles to group members.
Freedom of expression will
be very much respected. Everyone should feel comfortable in the process of
expressing their vision(s). Malicious or disrespectful comments or actions
directed at fellow students will not be allowed - as they will inevitably only
stifle the creative process which is the aim of this class.
GRADING
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Because the
course is so packed with information, you are REQUIRED to attend EVERY
CLASS.
.
You
are required to be ON TIME. It is my experience that students who are habitually late
do poorly in class. Moreover, students who arrive late are a disturbance to the
professor and to other students.
CLASS
PARTICIPATION GRADE
is based on your contribution to discussions, screenings, and workshops. It is
NOT based solely on your attendance. In other words, perfect attendance does
not guarantee 100% on participation. You will start with an automatic 7/10 in
class participation. Engagement in class will earn you the extra 3 points.
EXAMS
There will
be one exam in this course. It will cover information from all the lectures,
readings, and screenings. Exam will be held Week 11.
ASSIGNMENTS/PROJECTS
A POINT SYSTEM has been established giving each assignment a specific
point value.
For
individual items (such as exams, and final project), each student will receive
points according to his/her work. For group projects all group members will
receive the same grade according to
the quality of the work accomplished by the group.
|
Class Participation |
10 |
|
Exam |
15 |
|
10 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
15 |
|
|
Project
5 Chess Game |
15 |
|
Project
6 FINAL |
25 |
|
TOTAL |
100 |
|
|
|
|
IN ORDER TO PASS THE COURSE, you must pass the final exam. IN GENERAL, THIS IS HOW
I CONVERT PERCENTAGES TO LETTER GRADES: 90-100
=A 87-89
=B+ 80-86 =B 76-79
=C + 70-75
=C 60-69
=D BELOW
60 =F |
|
á
You
(and your partners) must shoot all footage for projects (unless otherwise
stated). You may not use film/video footage from other sources. NEVER USE MUSIC
TO TELL YOUR STORY.
á
Please follow
specific directions for each project. They are designed and assigned for
specific reasons and you must follow the project guidelines in order to get the
most out of them and to get credit for them. (These projects will leave much to
your creativity, the guidelines will be few, but they are important)
á
In
general, we will screen projects on the dates the projects are due. Therefore,
you must submit your projects at the BEGINNING of class on the due date.
á
*** LATE PROJECTS MAY
NOT BE SCREENED *** LATE PROJECTS WILL BE DEDUCTED 1 LETTER GRADE FOR
EVERY CLASS LATE
COURSE MATERIALS
COURSE
WEB SITE: http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~aristim/VIDEO
In
this web site, you will find a detailed explanation of many of the concepts you
need to learn in this class. Each
topic page will contain a list of all the things you need to know about that
topic. Each topic page also
contains corresponding references to other reference materials to read.
***You are expected to
know all the materials on the web site. You will be tested on these concepts
(on the exam) and you will be expected to apply all of these concepts in your
productions***
The course web site is an electronic version of my class notes. It is provided to students as a
courtesy and by no means is it all inclusive or to be used as the only
source of information. Supplemental information will be made available through
links to on-line resources on video production.
There are many books that teach the various aspects of video
production. Most of them cover the same concepts I'm teaching. Nowadays, there are also MANY web sites
that teach video production. You may use any of them as supplemental reference
points. Some terminology may vary slightly from resource to resource. When
in doubt, ask me. And go by the web site as the primary source.
For in-depth coverage
of materials & concepts explained in course, you must follow the video
production course web site. You should also refer to this site for supplemental
information.