INTRODUCTION TO VIDEO PRODUCTION

FALL 2011

 

PROFESSOR LEO ARISTIMUÑO

Department of Arts, Culture, & Media
Bradley Hall, 417/320  ·  110 Warren Street  ·  Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973.535.1184  ·   E-Mail: aristim@andromeda.rutgers.edu
Web Site:  andromeda.rutgers.edu/~aristim

Office Hours: Tu 1:00 p.m. –2:00 p.m. by appointment

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

This class is an introduction to the craft of video production.

 

This course teaches video production from two complementary approaches:

(1) as an introduction to the basic aesthetic concepts of cinematic and multi-media storytelling – including shot composition, the aesthetics of lighting, the use of audio to advance stories, and editing techniques commonly used in film and television production.

(2) as an introduction to the technical aspects of video production, including proficiency in the use of HD video cameras, portable lighting equipment, professional microphones, and digital editing software (Final Cut Pro).

 

Learning Outcomes:

In this course, students will learn how to operate cameras, lighting, audio, and editing equipment. They will learn the “fundamentals” 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. They will also learn how to analyze films, television, and video from a director’s point of view. 

The tools, techniques, and conventions learned in this class will apply to many forms of media production – whether Hollywood filmmaking, wedding videography, television broadcasting, or media-rich web sites. Students will explore the many uses of media in today’s fast-changing visual culture.

Methodology:

Lectures&Labs is where we’ll 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.

Projectswill be where you’ll get the chance to put it all together and to practice your craft.

Screenings of your workwill 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.

GENERAL FORMAT

Note to students:

This course s packed with information. Each class builds on skill sets explored in previous classes. It is fundamental that you attend all classes and follow along as we progress to more advanced topics and techniques.

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 yourresponsibility to make arrangements to meet and to work together. It’s 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. 

 

EVALUATION

 

CLASS PARTICIPATION GRADEis 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.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Because the course is so packed with information, you are REQUIRED to attend EVERY CLASS.

·        I will take attendance at the beginning of class If you are not in the room at this time, you will be marked absent REGARDLESS OF WHEN YOU COME IN. 

·        More than TWO unexcused absences will result in an automatic  “0” for your participation grade, which is the same as a letter grade drop for the course.  

·        If you MISS MORE THAN 3 CLASSES, you’ll get a “0 “for participation, will be advised to WITHDRAW, and will not receive a grade higher than a C.

·        You must provide official documentationfor your absence to avoid penalty. Please do not put me in the uncomfortable position of having to ask for documentation to prove your illness, deaths, car problems, etc.All documentation must be in writing and not by e-mail.

 

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.

* MY TARDINESS POLICY :   2 unexcused late arrivals = 1 absence *

 

 

QUIZZES

There will be 3 quizzes in this course. They will cover information from all the lectures, readings, and screenings.

 

 

ASSIGNMENTS/PROJECTS

 

A POINT SYSTEMhas 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 gradeaccording to the quality of the work accomplished by the group.

 

Class Participation	10
Quizzes	30
Project 1	5
Project 2	5
Project 3	10
Project 4	10
Project 5	10
Final Project	20
TOTAL	100
Conversion to Letter Grades 90-100 =A 87-89    =B+ 80-86    =B 76-79    =C + 70-75    =C 60-69    =D         BELOW 60 =F = 0

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES

·        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.

·        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)

·        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. 

·        *** LATE PROJECTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED ***

 

 

COURSE MATERIALS

COURSE WEB SITE: http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~aristim/VIDEO

REQUIRED READINGS are assigned in the Weekly Syllabus Outline.

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. Reading Materials will come from the web site above & from “PRODUCTION 101” at http://video101course.com/

 

PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT

 

• We have a limited number of cameras, lighting equipment, microphones, and tripods available for you. The equipment is managed through the Resource Center by Michael Stachiw.
• The Resource Center has a set of policies which you must read and agree to BEFORE using any of its equipment.
• You are responsible for the safekeeping of any equipment you check out of the Resource Center. This means you are financially responsible if it gets stolen, lost, or broken b/c of neglect.
• You are responsible for reserving, checking out, and returning equipment in a timely manner. You’ll be fined and your borrowing privileges revoked if you return items late. 
• Reserve as early as possible, as equipment tends to get heavily booked at the end of the semester. 
• When checking out equipment, make sure you check that it all works and that you have all the appropriate pieces needed and requested.  You alone are responsible for making sure the equipment is working when you check it out.  CHECK EQUIPMENT BEFORE YOU LEAVE
• You will be editing your work on Apple G5 systems, using assigned LaCie Hard Drives. Full instructions on how to do this will be provided in a series of workshops.
• Because improper use of the computers or the hard drives can result in the loss of your entire project, it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with (1) Apple Computers, (2) Final Cut Editing Program, and (3) specific instructions for using the portable Hard Drives.