COM 4710 – COM 4710 Special Topics

Advanced Media Production

SPRING 2014

Dr. Elliot Gaines, Office: 411 Millett

email: [email protected]

Meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30 am - 4:50 pm

Room: Library 058

Course Description

This is a project oriented video production class.  Students will work in groups.   Each group will propose projects such as creative, PR, or information-based short video programs for web or DVD applications.  The course will provide guidance in planning, pre-production, and the post-production phases of making video.

Attendance and participation are required.

Pre-production, planning, field production, and post-production will require significant time working independently and with a group outside of class.

There are many editing software technologies. Class instruction will focus on communication and production strategies, production technique, and styles; students will be responsible for choosing editing software and mastering technical aspects necessary to complete their projects.

COM 4710 Grading:

Short video assignment #1 = 15 points

Short video assignment #2= 15 points

Short video assignment #3= 20 points

Treatment/production rundown = 3 points

Storyboarding = 3 points

Journals= 12 points. Several journals will be assigned. Each student must write a journal describing their production experience, how they prepared for the assignment, and how they intend to prepare for the next assignment.

All assignments must be completed and turned in on time.

Attendance, quizzes, participation = 20 points

THE CRITERIA FOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATION INCLUDE:

� Good, clear script, well-written (meeting the assignment criteria)

� Performance completed within the designated time

� Correct pronunciation of words and names

� Enunciation/diction

� Vocal projection

� Control of unnecessary body movements

� Fluid speaking performance (indicating thorough preparation)

� Making eye contact with the camera

*Other criteria may apply.

Criteria for Video:

• Light: balanced, effective directional light, avoiding backlighting glare
• Sound: natural, added background, live speech, and voice-over
• Composition: still framing, motion, variety, and tripod control
• Story: complete narrative including interviews
• Editing: inserts, interviews, integrated motion, composition, depth of field

General Grading Criteria

• Preparation
• Improvement and professionalism
• Self-reflectivity
• Attention to detail

Unprofessional behaviors that provoke disturbances may result in a student being dismissed from the class.

CELL PHONE, COMPUTERS, AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES CANNOT BE USED DURING CLASS UNLESS DR. GAINES HAS GIVEN PERMISSION.

Cell phone ringing, disturbances, or other unprofessional acts may also result in points deducted.

STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ACCESS THEIR WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY EMAIL ACCOUNT AND COURSE STUDIO TO RECEIVE UPDATED INFORMATION FROM THE INSTRUCTOR.

THIS SYLABUS MAY BE MODIFIED AS THE TERM PROGRESSES.

*Attendance is required. During the first week of classes, course syllabus, policies, procedures, grade and performance criteria, and studio protocol will be covered in-depth. These introductory sessions are essential, and will not be repeated. Students not attending the first week of the course will be dropped.

COM 4710 Schedule, SPRING 2014

(Subject to change as the term progresses).

DATE Activity

Week 1. Jan. 14. Syllabus Introduction to the class

Jan 16. Screenings, concepts of visual narrative;

Assignment given: short video (1:30 max) demonstrating visual and audio continuity.

Week 2. Jan. 21. (Dr. Jenny Nelson visit) More screenings/concepts. Basics: putting theory into practice.

Jan. 23. Short video assignment. Discussion of applied narrative and visual storytelling. Pre-production Storyboarding. Storyboards due Feb. 4.

Week 3. Jan. 28. Editing basics. Audio for video criteria discussed. Storyboards.

Jan. 30. Treatments and production plans must be submitted.

Week 4. Feb. 4. Video #1 STORYBOARDS DUE.

Feb. 6. Project development Video #1 Classroom support/ editing

Week 5. Feb. 11. Video #1 Classroom support/ editing

Feb. 13 Video #1 Classroom support/ editing

Week 6. Feb. 18. Video #1 Classroom support/ editing

Feb. 20. . Video assignment #1 DUE; Screening. Video #2 assigned.

Week 7. Feb. 25. Project development

Feb. 27 Video #2 treatments and production plans must be submitted

** * SPRING BREAK: MARCH 3 - MARCH 7, 2014

Week 8. March 11. Video #2 Storyboard DUE.

March 13.. Video #2 Classroom support/ editing

Week 9. March 18. Video #2 Classroom support/ editing

March 20. Video #2 Classroom support/ editing

Week 10. March 25. Video #2 Due. Screening Video #3 assigned

March 27. Project development

Week 11. April 1. Video #3 treatments and production plans submitted

April 3. Video #3 Storyboard DUE.

Week 12. April 8. Video #3 Classroom support/ editing

April 10 Video #3 Classroom support/ editing

Week 13. April 15. Video #3 Classroom support/ editing

April 17. Video #3 DUE Screening.

Week 14. April 22. Screening

April 24. Screening

Week 15 April 29 Final Exam period 2:45-4:45