COMM297: Audio/Video Production II
Spring 2011 – Christopher Johnson – HH243, 344-7742, cjohnson@blc.edu
OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to (Communication Major Learning Goals):
Discuss and perform the components of the media production field including pre-production, production and post-production (understand communication processes)
Identify with Communication theory and appropriate applications for media production (can think about problems clearly)
Demonstrate professional level proficiency in media production skills (are familiar with the technology so important to communication today)
Think and plan creatively
Explain and perform concepts including camera operation, shot framing and composition, lighting aesthetics, digital production, and working with film (are familiar with the technology so important to communication today)
Create a demo reel of the production work completed to include as part of your professional resume (are knowledgeable about the communication field and its associated industries)
Produce your own film or live show from start to finish (understand communication processes)
Specifically the student should be able to:
Use the effect-to-cause production model to generate a production idea
Operate a video camera with effective framing, picture depth and object motion
Light a production set with proper use of shadows and additive and subtractive color mixing
Properly setup and record audio for various production environments
Prepare talent and provide basic acting and performance instruction
Perform basic editing techniques using Avid Media Composer/Final Cut Pro and ProTools to polish video and audio productions
Present in a professional manner ideas and production work
Programs and equipment you will be required to perform learning objectives with:
Sony EX-3/PMW EX-350 XDCAM EX HD Cameras
Dynamic, condenser, vacuum tube and shotgun microphones
Avid Media Composer and Final Cut Pro
Studio and field lighting systems
Proper green screen/cyc wall use and virtual sets
DVD Studio Pro and Compressor DVD/Blu-ray creation and Adobe Encore
ProTools audio mixing and recording software
TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS:
Keeping up with readings is vital to you success in this course. Readings will be manageable as there will not be a tremendous amount of reading outside the textbook. I urge everyone to own their own textbook and keep up with readings.
Required textbook:
Instructor provided texts using Campus Web
Recommended textbooks:
Video Basics 5, by Herbert Zettl – ISBN: 0-534-61246-6
The Television Production Handbook, by Herbert Zettl - ISBN: 0-534-56379-1
Film Production Technique, by Bruce Mamer - ISBN: 0-534-56477-1
Required materials:
Each student will be required to provide their own media for creating DVDs and Blu-ray high definition recordings.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Audio/Video production is designed to offer students an intermediate level of production experience. The course will focus primarily on good camera, audio and lighting theory that will be applied in various projects and examples. It will also help the student develop good critical thinking skills as they tackle situations that require collaboration and working under pressure. Listening skills will also be enhanced as students complete projects to meet a client’s exact specifications.
The course will be taught using a variety of methods. Through the use of lecture, readings, demonstrations, facility tours and hands-on studio exercises the student will engage in the process of audio and video production, with a lesser emphasis placed on specific technical skills. The student will work as a camera operator, writer, lighting designer, audio engineer and talent. Additionally, the student will work in the roles of a producer and a director.
COURSE CONTENT:
This course is survey course on audio and video production. We will move through topics quickly. Attendance is critical! Many class periods will include demonstrations and hands-on exercises that a book cannot replace. Plan to be in class everyday and be ready to learn.
MASTER SESSIONS:
Throughout the semester special evening master sessions will be offered for more, in-depth exploration of a course topic. Attendance is not required, but encouraged. Master Sessions will give you a jump start into areas not normally covered in this course. The sessions are open to anyone, but priority is given to COMMM297 class members. Some sessions have a limit of 10 participants so sign-up early.
Other master sessions may be added and will be announced in class. If there is a topic you wish to explore further, please suggest that it become a master session.
ASSIGNMENTS:
The student will be assigned readings, quizzes, tests and exercises to enhance the understanding of communication topics covered and to develop skills in production, teamwork, listening and performance. The instructor will present and explain the processes and theories involved but it is the student’s responsibility to learn the material and demonstrate proficiency in subject matter. You will be graded based upon your achievements relative to completing assignments through process and professionalism. Your grade will be based on the following factors:
Quizzes/Take Home Exams (20%): There will be occasional quizzes. The quiz will most often cover readings assigned but may contain questions from lectures. Students who read the assignments and pay attention in class should do well on these quizzes.
Midterm Exam (10%): The midterm exam will take place on March 5, 2011. It will be a closed-book test. A review sheet will be provided and review time will be spent in class.
Take-Home Exam (10%): A take-home exam is due to be turned in on April 13, 2011.
(10% Class participation and professionalism): Attendance is expected. Excessive absences may affect your grade. More important is active class participation. The manner you carry out production assignments will affect your grade as will the type of projects you work on. This includes teamwork, willingness to help others, and engaging in discussions.
Productions (50%): Production work will be graded based on the roles filled, quality of the product related to its difficulty and its presentation. Presentation includes how the production appears including its promotion, packaging and delivery method. Additionally, demonstration of the process will affect production grading. Showing good production practice means including a treatment, storyboard, shot log, budget worksheet, credit list, as well as production notes. You will be required to turn in these materials with your productions. Even the finest production will not get a good score if the process has not been carried out and documented.
Extra Credit: At times special projects and assignments will arise. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in as many productions as possible. When extra projects are taken on the instructor reserves the right to award certain extra credit points for participation.
PRODUCTIONS:
Each student will complete several production assignments during the course. Some productions assignments will be carried out individually others will be completed in production teams. For assignments completed in teams, your grade will be calculated based on the production roles you assume and the quality of work performed in those roles. Group productions will be assigned a producer that will keep track of and report production tasks that have been completed.
Commercial: Each student will produce a 60 second commercial spot o two 30 seconds commercials spots. Students will use other members of class as production crew, but each student will produce their own commerical. A commercial is designed to promote, inform and/or entice the viewers to some action.
Radio drama, radio show or musical performance recording: Each student will produce their own audio recording. The audio recording may be a radio show, drama, musical recording or radio program.
The Infomercial: The students will be assigned a production crew of four to complete the live production of an infomercial. The infomercial will be for a fictitious product that everyone needs to buy! The infomercial must include taped testimonials and a live product demonstration. Each group will be charge of production and can assign anyone else in the class to perform certain production duties.
Student Film or Show: students will produce a show or short film. The show may be original or based off of a written script. Ideas for the project include a newscast, sit-com, drama, talk show, debate, radio drama or short film. The show concept will be created by each student or student group. Time limit of the production is 10-20 minutes.
Practice assignments: At times short production assignments will be given. These will be used for the student to demonstrate and practice concepts discussed in class.
The instructor expects the productions to contain valuable content. Material that contains profanity implied sexual content or other meaning that does not fit within the mission of Bethany Lutheran College will not be accepted unless approved by the instructor before work begins. The instructor reserves the right to refuse production topics and programs for any reason.
INSTRUCTOR AVAILIABILTY:
I am here to assist you in anyway I can. If you have questions, please stop by my office or send me an e-mail. You can reach me by e-mailing cjohnson@blc.edu or by phone in my office at 344-7742 or in the studio at 344-7743. There is also a message board outside my office or you may leave messages with the communication division secretary. I hold office hours Monday-Friday from 10:30am-noon and 3:30-5pm unless I am away on a production. You are feel to contact me 24/7 with course related questions.
SUPPLIES:
It is the student’s responsibility to provide all necessary supplies for video and audio productions. This includes, but is not limited to, videotapes, CDs and props.
STUDIO HOURS:
Sunday: 1pm-midnight
Monday – Thursday: 7:30am-midnight
Friday: 7:30am-5pm
Saturday: 1pm-5pm