Video Production
COEM 232
DR. CAMERON PACE, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
FALL 2006
http://www.doctorpace.net

Course Description

This course combines classroom lecture and discussion with lab experience as it pertains to television production. Students will attend class lectures that reinforce the text materials, and will work in lab sessions at the TV studio, which will provide actual experience with production tools.

Course Objectives

1. To provide a strong background in television theory and its corresponding principles of TV production with emphasis on the student's ability to apply these principles in a studio setting.
2. To give the student opportunities to express creativity through producing, directing, and writing television programs during lab sessions.
3. To introduce new skills to the student that are needed in the production process.
4. To familiarize the student with all aspects of studio production through both classroom and studio lab experiences.

Required Text & Materials

Zettl, Herbert. (2005). Television production handbook, 9th ed.  Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth Publishing Company,

1 blank VHS tape for editing assignments

1 blank mini-DV tape for recording camera footage

1 blank DVD-R disc

Course Requirements

1. Students are required to attend class lectures and bring text and syllabus with them. Due to the short time period given to summer school classes, students are advised to not take unnecessary absences and to avoid tardiness.

2. Students are required to complete text readings and class assignments as given by the instructor.

3. Students are required to attend all lab sessions fulfilling whatever role is assigned to them during that period. A schedule of crew assignments will be given in the lab sessions. Students are also required to complete the lab homework sheet as assigned in class.

4. Each student will prepare two short programs for studio production according to the lab schedule. A script of video and audio information will be required for these shows.

A. Show #1 - The Interview Program. Each student will produce a 5-minute interview with a person of his/her choice. The student producer is required to be the host of this program and prepare a script with introduction, questions, and final comments. These shows will use the same sets, lights, and graphics. Other students will act as the production crew. Student directors will be evaluated during these shows.

B. Show #2 - It's up to you. Students will produce a show using their own ideas and concepts. This show will use individual sets, lights, and graphics.

1. Producers of each show should reserve time in the TV Studio just before his/her production. This is necessary to put together a set, prepare lighting, and prepare graphics. It is also advised that the producer meets with the director of his/her program and discuss all pertinent details. Other lab students will act as the production crew as in Show #1.

2. A complete script will be required for producer, director, and audio operator, and other crewmembers should receive a rundown or shot list of the show. A complete script is comprised of a set/lighting plot, complete audio script with video instructions on the left side, a rundown sheet, and a shot sheet. Make sure that a copy is turned in to the lab instructor. The producer is responsible for helping remove props and scenery used during his/her show.

5. Four tests (one being the final) will be given during the course as listed in the course outline.

6. Editing Exercise #1 - Each student will edit a scene on videotape using "The Holdup" editing exercise. Using the raw footage provided by the TV Studio, students will arrange shots and scenes in a logical sequence. Many variations of the scene are possible. Music should be added for mood or effect. Students need a VHS videotape of their own for this exercise.

7. Editing Exercise #2 – Students will work with a partner to produce a news report on the non-linear editing systems in the TV Studio. Students will choose a story from those given by the professor, shoot video together, then edit sequences, add soundtrack, and finish with a recorded standup individually. The partnership ends when the video is ready to edit.  The completed story segment should be 1 and a 1/2 minutes in length. Each student will turn in their final product on DVD-R disc.

8. DVD-ROM Exercises - Each student will complete assigned exercises on the multimedia DVD-ROM "Zettl's Video Lab 3.0" over the course of the session. An assignment sheet will be given listing each area assigned with due dates.

Course Outline

9/6 - Intro to course/syllabus – discuss assignments

9/11 – How video and television work - Read Zettl chap. 1
9/13 – Analog vs. Digital television systems - Read Zettl chap. 2

9/18 - Video Cameras - Read Zettl chap. 3
9/20 – Lens and camera mounts – Read Zettl chaps. 4 & 5

9/25 - The Video Image - using the camera - Read Zettl chap.6
9/27 – Camera aesthetics and creative videography - notes

10/2 - EXAM #1 over Zettl chaps. 1 - 6 & notes (DVD-ROM checkup)
10/4 – Lighting instruments and equipment – Discuss Editing Exercise #1 Read Zettl chap. 7

10/7 - Communication Dept. Fall Party at Pace-Miller's house.

10/9 - Light, Color, and Lighting - Read Zettl chap. 8
10/11 - Audio for Video - Sound Reproduction in Television - Read Zettl chap. 9 & 10

10/16 – Switching, transitions, and live TV - Read Zettl chap 11 (DVD-ROM checkup)
10/18 - EXAM #2 over chaps. 7- 11 & notes

10/23 - FALL BREAK - NO CLASS
10/25 - Videotape Recording Process & Systems - Read Zettl Chap. 12

10/30 - Post-Production Techniques - Read Zettl Chap. 13
11/1 – Editing and digital effects - Read Zettl chap. 14

11/6 - Demonstration of field cameras & video editing – meet in Lab 315
11/8 - Demonstration of Desktop Computer Video Systems - meet in Lab 315 – (DVD-ROM checkup)

11/13 - EDITING EXERCISE #1 DUE - BRING TAPE TO CLASS - class discussion
11/15 - EXAM #3 over chaps. 12- 14 & notes

11/20 – Television graphics and design – Read Zettl chap 15
11/22 – NO CLASS - Happy Thanksgiving

11/27 – TV Personnel - Talent, Clothing, & Makeup - Read Zettl chap. 16
11/29 – Producing and writing for television – read Zettl chap. 17

12/4 - Directing television – pre-production - Read Zettl 18
12/6 – Directing television – Field Production - Read Zettl chap. 19 - 20

12/11 - EDITING EXERCISE #2 DUE - BRING TAPE TO CLASS - class discussion
12/13 - Legal and ethical issues in video production – notes

12/15 – Friday, 12:30 PM - FINAL EXAM – 1/3 semester review, 2/3 from Zettl chaps. 15 – 20 & notes

Grading

Students will be assessed a grade based on the following scales:

Test #1   10%
Test #2   15%
Test #3   15%
Editing Exers.   20%
Lab work   25%
Final exam   15%
Total   100%

90 - 100% = A
  80 - 89% = B
  70 - 79% = C
  60 - 69% = D
    0 - 59% = F


ATTENDANCE

Absences are not recommended. Material is covered quickly and no time is available for repetition of lessons. Make up work from "excused" absences will be allowed. Should a student be absent for more than 25% of the class meetings, he/she will be dropped from the course. Using the schedule above, this is interpreted as missing seven times. On the eighth absence, a student will be dropped with an F. This in no way means there is no penalty for the first six. Missing lectures will show on test scores. It is not possible for making up lab periods, therefore a student receives a 0 for that period if absent from a lab.


THE LAB EXPERIENCE

Many students feel the lab experience in this course is very beneficial to quickly learning the production process. It is essential for students to be present during each lab session in order to receive this benefit. The first two weeks of lab introduce the student to the production equipment and demonstrate its use. These labs cover the material quickly. Students are encouraged to spend time outside of class in the TV Studio practicing equipment operation. This is especially helpful in using the switcher and Video Toaster.

SCRIPTWRITING

Student producers are required to create scripts for each of their shows according to the requirements listed above. Examples of script formats can be found in the text's producing chapter and/or will be given out in class. As noted previously, divide the script page into two columns, video on the left and audio on the right. On the video side, give brief descriptions of what screen images are needed in accordance with the corresponding audio. The audio section should contain all scripted dialog, music cues, sound efx cues, tone, lyrics, and descriptions of audio portions that are unscripted.

BROADCAST RIGHTS

As with all productions, student or otherwise, produced at ECTV, your show may be selected to be aired over the ECTV cable access channels in whole or in part. Each show is to be considered an ECTV Presentation with copyrights belonging to ECTV.

VHS COPIES - Copies of shows are available for a fee from the TV Studio.

DVD-ROM EXERCISE
A worksheet indicating assignments and deadlines will be given in class.  Keep this sheet in a secure place as assignment verifications accumulate.  Technical difficulties with the CD-ROM may not be used as an excuse for late assignments.  Make sure to work out computer difficulties well in advance of the due dates of assignments.

EDITING EXERCISES & LAB ASSIGNMENTS
These projects are completed using the equipment at the TV Studio.  Start working on these assignments early to avoid the rush which occurs just before the deadline.  Equipment non-availability is not an excuse for late assignments.  Equipment breakdown is also not an excuse for late work.  Start early, practice your skills, and pay attention to assignment details – these will help you to be successful.

POLICY ON INCOMPLETE WORK
All assignments given during this course must be completed by the end of the course.  Once the semester ends, a student will receive an F if any major assignment is missing.  Assignments due on Final Exam day will not be accepted more than two days late.  All late assignments may be penalized up to 20% off the grade the assignment has earned.  Students receiving an F due to incomplete work should repeat the course. Extended illness and other legitimate reasons for late work will be considered on an individual basis.

TESTS
Students who are absent the day of a test may only be excused because of sickness (with doctor or nurse signature), family emergency, or administrative permission.  Unexcused absences during tests will require the student to take a similar test at the first opportunity.  A late penalty up to 20% off the grade earned may be applied.

PACE’S ACAMANIA WEB SITE
This Web site is a place to find help for Dr. Pace’s classes by providing syllabi, forms, handouts, and assignments anytime, 24/7.  Any computer with Internet access can connect to it.  Type in the browser address window the following URL:

http://www.doctorpace.net

To email Dr. Pace:   Work – pacec@evangel.edu     Home – askme@doctorpace.net