Digital Media I: Basic Video Production
Digital Media I: Basic Film Production
Syllabus
Instructor
Mrs. Nicki Yokota
Phone (949)
661-0108 ext. 287
Email:
nicki.yokota@smes.org
Class
Website:
http://angel.smes.org/angel/frames.aspx
Courses Description
Digital Media I teaches students the basics of filmmaking. This semester-long course is comprised of two parts. The first part is dedicated to the craft of good filmmaking: Learning to view films with a critical eye; learning the specialized vocabulary of digital filmmaking; identifying production roles; learning what equipment is necessary for both filming and post production; and learning how to use field equipment and editing software. The second part of the class is hands-on. Students apply what they’ve learned to assigned projects. This will include critical review of TV shows, ads and movies; brainstorming sessions, script writing, storyboarding, filming, post-production, and peer review of a finished product. Students will be involved in both individual and group projects. Successful completion of this course will result in Saddleback Valley College credit for Communication Arts 133.
Course Goals and/or Major Student Outcomes
- Know the importance of teamwork
- Know the importance of good communication skills
- Understand the steps of the production process which are development, writing, pre-production, production and post-production
- Be able to write scripts
- Know how to use field equipment including cameras, lights and microphones
- Understand the basic concepts of lighting design and application
- Understand the basic concepts of audio production
- Know the basics of editing
Expectations
This is a fast-paced course that covers a lot of material, both instructional and hands-on. Regular attendance is critical to avoid falling behind. Due to the nature of filmmaking, students may have to work outside of the classroom at times in order to meet deadlines.
Students are expected to come to class prepared and with any materials needed. Good attitudes, the ability to work in a cooperative group environment, a willingness to follow SMES rules and guidelines, self-initiative, active participation and proper care of borrowed equipment is taken into consideration for how well a student can expect to do in this class. Full credit will be given to assignment turned in on time; credit will be deducted for late assignments.
Instructional Methods and/or Strategies
This is a project-based class. Much of the work will involve group work. Disseminating information will be primarily lecture coupled with reading assignments. Classroom material will be reinforced by viewing commercials, TV shows and movies. Students will be involved in thoughtful dialogue and critique. These processes will continue as students move towards creating their own video projects. They are expected to incorporate material presented in the first weeks of the semester into their project. When material is showcased towards the end of the semester, groups of students will offer critique and evaluation of the presentation.
School Equipment and Software
Ø
Sony digital camerasSony digital camcorders
Ø
Adobe PhotoShop Elements photo editing software
Ø
Adobe Premiere Elements video editing software
Ø
Adobe Premiere Pro collection software
Ø
(Premiere Pro, Encore DVD, After Effects, Audition, PhotoShop
CS)
Course Outline
Week 1 (9/3-7): Introduction to Course
Class interactive webpage
Equipment Loan Agreement
Brief History of Films & Filmmaking
Video image basics
Terminology
Exercise: Point and shoot
Assignment: Read Chapters 1-3
Blog an introduction of yourself and your expectations for this class
Week 2: (9/10-14) Due: signed Equipment
Loan Agreement
Turn in Chapters 1-3 worksheets
Composition and Framing
Point and Shoot (continued)
Exercise: Critique photos
Introduce PhotoStory software
Blog a critique of photos using terminology
Assignment: Read Chapters 4-6
Create a PhotoStory using photos
Week 3: (9/17-21) Back to School Night on
9/20
Turn in Chapters 4-6 worksheets
Basic shooting (video)
Video Camera: Parts, Menu, Features
Review Chapters 1-6
Exercise: Camera Treasure Hunt
Project 1: MOS shot sequence (establishing a place)
Week 4: (9/24-9/28 View MOS raw footage
Lighting (video)
Lighting safety
One-pt, 3-pt lighting techniques
Quiz on Chapters
1- 6 including vocabulary
Assignment: Read Chapters 12 - 13
Blog critique of MOS projects
Week 5: (10/1-5) Turn in Chapters
12 - 13
worksheets
Audio (video)
Finding the Story
Assignment: Read Chapters 7, 14
Project 2: 30 sec PSA
Week 6: (10/8-12) Project 2
Writing the Script
Planning the Shoot
Storyboarding
Location, Props, Equipment
Quiz on Chapters
7, 14 and 12-13 (including vocabulary)
Assignment: Read Chapters 15, 16
Week 7: (10/15-19) Planning the Shoot
(continue)
Shoot Video
Editing software
Assignment: Read Chapters 17, 18 & 20
Week 8: (10/22-26) Shoot Video (continue)
Editing software
Post Production
Assignment: Write
commentary on chapters 17, 18, 20
Week 9: (10/29-11/2) Project Two due
View & critique videos
Assignment: Write
reaction paper to your video using terminology
and knowledge gained at this point
Nov. 1 1st Quarter Ends
Week 10: (11/5-9) Review first project
Project 3: Multimedia
Script, storyboard
Gather materials
Week 11: (11/12-16) Gather materials
Combine materials
Week 12: (11/19-23) Combine materials
Thanksgiving Recess
Week 13: (11/26-30) Project 4: Tribute
Script, storyboard
Production
Week 14: (12/3-7) Production
Week 15: (12/10-14) Production
Week 16: (12/17-21) Production
No school on Friday
Week 17: (12/24-28) Christmas Recess
Week 18: (12/31-1/4) Christmas Recess
Week 19: (1/7-11) Finalize project
Projects due
Viewing
Write a critique of projects
Class evaluation
Week 20: (1/14-18) Finals begin on Thursday
Texts & Supplemental Instructional Materials
(classroom set will be available for student use)
Video Communication & Production, Stinson, Jim. The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. (Publisher)
Video Communication & Production Workbook
Key Assignments
Blogs
Critiques
Commentaries
Assessment Methods and/or Tools
v
2 Quizzes 10% each
5 completed worksheets = 1 quiz which can be used as a substitute for quiz)
v 2 Papers 10% each
v 4 Projects 25% each = 50% of grade
o Script
o Storyboarding
o Shooting a video
o Group Participation
v Attendance, class participation 10%
Rules To Live By
v Conduct yourself the way you expect to be treated.
v Treat all borrowed property as though you paid for and owned it.
v Be mindful at all times of SMES rules and policies, making sure your videos reflect this understanding.
v Be willing to help others because film production is a team process and your project’s success will depend upon others helping you.
Video Content Rules & Guidelines
In addition to SMES rules and policies, students must adhere to these specific rules pertaining to digital media creation:
v No swearing, vulgar, racist, derogatory or inappropriate language.
v No illegal activities
v No illegal substances or drug paraphernalia
v No inappropriate behavior
v No stunts
v No weaponry
All scripts must be approved by the instructor. Any deviation from an authorized script will result in disciplinary action.