Media Technology 2
Course Description
Media Technology 2 is designed as a continuation of instruction of the prerequisite course, (MT1) to a more advanced and sophisticated level. It is a production-oriented course where students implement with increasing ease and sophistication advanced techniques of digital video production. Media Technology 2 students will produce monthly segments for “The Wildcat Report.” This news and magazine format show is broadcasted to the community through social media outlets. The students will handle all aspects of the production both technically and artistically. Media Technology 2 students will be provided with the opportunity to produce music videos, sports highlights films, PSAs, commercials, contest, and various school and community-based projects. The Media Technology 2 course will concentrate on the three phases of the production process, the use of equipment (sound, lighting, video, editing) and procedures utilized in the digital video industry.
Video: Digital Communication & Production is a comprehensive textbook designed as a complete introductory course in video. The third edition has been updated to include the most up-to-date digital equipment and processes prevalent in the video industry. This text addresses all major video production topics, including an overview of the video production process, video composition, program development, the operation of video camera systems, lighting equipment and techniques, audio equipment and recording, directing, editing principles, and digital software basics. Video: Digital Communication & Production provides students with systematic, hands-on coverage of the entry-level work skills expected in the video industry.
Through the use of lectures, demonstrations, guided practice, tutorials, group, and individual projects, students will learn the terminology and process used in the creation of digital video production. This course is intended to be both an academic and hands-on class with “Real Life’ practical experiences. This course focuses on giving the students the opportunity personally and professionally to develop leadership skills and emphasizes teamwork throughout the production process. Students will be given a chance to acquire additional capabilities such as researching a topic, keyboarding, writing, editing, collaboration, and public speaking.
DUE TO THE NATURE OF EQUIPMENT AND ACTIVITIES, ANY INFRACTIONS OF SAFETY OR CLASSROOM RULES MAY RESULT IN IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM THE CLASS. It may have alterations as to sequence, additions or deletions through the semester dependent on time, equipment or the abilities of the students.
The Production Work Flow
Expectations
What is expected?
Interesting Filmmaking - General public not bored by your movie. Density of audio and video keep audience challenged/surprised mentally.
Preproduction - Student follows the storyboard, script and synopsis that were originally submitted.
Shooting - Student considers and addresses details listed above.
Editing - Students rough-cut, trim and then cut to music. Students experiment with creative editing or follow a conventional style.
Audio - Audio compliments the visual aspects of the movie. Student attempts to find proper balance between spoken words and music.
Titles - Titles are concise, appropriate length, readable, and fall within title safe and broadcast safe zones.
Export - Exported to teacher drop box (AirDrop) as self-contained (large / 720p format) QuickTime movie by the announced deadline.
Grade Notes - Meeting the project requirements in the above manner will result in a C as your final grade. Better than average effort and execution will result in a B. An A is reserved for exceptional, demonstrated development, application, innovation, effort and an in-depth understanding of process. Failure to complete any of the required components with an average or better effort will result in a D or an F as your project grade.
N4BS - Any video that attains a N4BS will automatically result in an F as your project grade. Revision will result in a D as you project grade. No exceptions!
Required Written Self Assessment & Reflection (by email) - What grade did you earn? Why?
Video Project Rubric
Crew Work Schedule
Music Video
Read and review the following link and pdf to prepare for making your music video.
In groups no more than three, create the best music video ever. Your music video lyrics must be printed out for pre-approval. Use the Celtx script writing program that can be found in the dock in you preproduction process. If you need to finish writing your script you can download a free version at http://celtx.com/ for Mac or PC.
Making a Music Video - Four EZ Steps
Step One: Find Your Starting Point With a Music Video you have a greater amount of flexibility in terms of content. Remember that a Music Video doesn’t rely on storytelling for meaning as much as it does on the overall mood conveyed by the images and music working together. Visual vs. Musical Inspiration How do you choose the Music? Who is your audience? Is it a personal project? Will the Music become dated?
Step Two: Get Your Footage (Original Footage) What is the story behind my music? Let the music be your guide. Is it fast or slow, upbeat or sad? Can I use pictures and still frames? What’s my sequence? Do I need official clearances to shoot in a place? Do I need a release from people?
Step Three: Edit to the Music Get organized Understand the lyrics Match clips to the songs structure Adjust the length of your clip Match the action to the beat. Add effects and transitions.Expectations and the Video Project Rubric listed in the TOC.
Step Four: Add the Credits Music Video Credits Music Video
Requirements
Develop a clear concept.
Complete a storyboard / script (Celtx).
Exhibit teamwork and or individual initiative
Message is clearly communicated.
Technical aspects are aesthetically pleasing.
3 Seconds of black pre and post
Original music preferred
Excellent quality original video
Video relationship to the music
Transitions
Large QuickTime format
Approximate Project Duration - 3:00 minutes
Exported, labeled by period participant(s) and project name.
Project must be Air Dropped to your instructor's workstation.
Uploaded to your YouTube Channel
iLife Suite Integration Project
This course moved through lessons progressively increasing the complexity of the media you’re using.
You started by learning about audio alone, then move to managing still images, printing still images, turning still images into moving dynamic images, and exploring the possibilities of video. With digital content and the core iLife applications (iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, and GarageBand), you learned that you can create everything from a scrapbook photos to T-shirts, books, dynamic content for webpages and even a feature film ready for production. For your project, a 4-minute (minimum) presentation will be required. You're to demonstrate (in groups of 3 max) the integration of all core iLife programs in your project. The great part about this project is that you can pick topic of your choice! All topics must be pre-approved before commencement on projects. Please feel free to ask questions and make inquiries during your project...But make sure you meet the required deadline! Submitted & completed project storyboards and script (Celtx) will be required. All story boards / script must demonstrate the three Phases of the Production Process. Expectations and the Video Project Rubric listed in the TOC.
The Integration Project Must Include The Use of Following Programs
iTunes for importing, organizing, sharing music, videos and podcasts.
iPhoto for importing, organizing, editing and sharing photos and other images.
iMovie for combining video, sounds, pictures and text in digital movies.
GarageBand for creating and recording music, podcasts and other audio.
Exported, labeled by period participant(s) and project name.
Project must be Air Dropped to your instructor's workstation.
Uploaded to your YouTube Channel
Infomercial
It's important to understand what is a infomercial before getting involved in an infomercial marketing campaign. An infomercial is commonly referred to as a long form commercial. It is 28:30 in length. There are typically 3-4 segments in an infomercial. These segments usually include product demonstrations outlining the product's features and benefits, testimonials, and for some health and beauty and fitness type products, before and after photos. Each segment is followed by a call-to-action (CTA). The CTA is the key selling portion of the infomercial and is usually 2-3 minutes in length. The CTA includes a recap of the product features and benefits, the offer and the price, plus the 800 number and website address. Infomercial time slots are sold on national cable, satellite and local broadcast stations throughout the U.S.
Step 1: Getting an Idea for a Product
An infomercial advertises a product that the consumer must have! The product in an infomercial must:infomercial1.png
Be appealing and pointless at the same time
Be able to be talked about for hours
Be overpriced but sound cheap
Sound reasonable
Possible Products
Light Check: For only $19.95, this easy-to-use computer sees whether or not your lights are on.
Glasses in a Can: makes it easy to store and transport those cumbersome glasses for only $19.95!
Crocker's Micro Ice: is the best microwavable ice on the market.
Soda in a Bottle: is the patented new way for storing your soda.
Step 2: Layout of Your Infomercial
Walk into the room smiling and in a suit.
Ask the audience if they're tired of a certain problem(s). (Optional: A bunch of people say Yes.)
Say, "Well now your troubles are over, because you can have _!
Show "demonstrations" of it which are really cheesy clips you got from Star Trek, while ranting on about how it is "revolutionary" and "solves all your problems".
Make wild claims about its useless abilities, and how it is "completely essential".
Mislead and tell the audience that "untold numbers" of people have used it and loved it. Then show your grandma (to appeal to old people), your sister (to appeal to girls), and some eye candy (to appeal to men or women that provides entertainment between broadcasts), and pay them all 20 bucks to say that your product is great. (Optional: Dress up in a lab suit and adopt a funny accent. You are now Dr. Albert Schartzensmart, Ph.D, and you can tell the audience that this product was proved in scientific tests conducted by hamsters to be awesome.)
Say that it’s a $50 dollar value for only $19.95.
Exclaim "But wait, there's more!" and tell them that if you call in the next 20 minutes, you'll get a useless trinket for free.
Repeat over and over again about its cheapness, and show some random 1-800 number.
End by saying "Buy your _ today!" and grin creepily.
Use Key Catchphrases & Widely Used Pitches
Only $19.95!
If you call now, you can get a free pencil lead!
But wait: there's more!
Only $19.95!
Over 1 million people have bought the !
A $50 dollar value for only $19.95!
Only $19.95!
You'll never find a bargain like this again!
Satisfaction Guaranteed, or your money back!
I'm practically giving this away!
Call now, and get for free!
If you call in the next five minutes, we will throw in:
A second infomercial productOnly $19.95!
If you call now, you can get a free pencil lead!
But wait: there's more!
Only $19.95!
Over 1 million people have bought the !
A $50 dollar value for only $19.95!
Only $19.95!
You'll never find a bargain like this again!
Satisfaction Guaranteed, or your money back!
I'm practically giving this away!
Call now, and get for free!
If you call in the next five minutes, we will throw in:
A second infomercial product
A coupon for SlimFast
An old Lillian Vernon Catalogue
A half eaten ham sandwich
A date with Helga
Five peppermints, two dimes, and three moths.
A membership in the jelly of the month club
“Would you pay..." (List large and outrageous amounts that quickly decline before the announcer rejects the past prices and hypes the lowest price possible)
"This product usually costs..." (show retail ad with very high price) "...but right now you won't pay that much...". (Note that it is not clear if the ads shown exhibit common retail prices or are ads placed once to establish the ability to state the high price.)
"A (amount) dollar value, absolutely free (if you call now/within the next (number) minutes)!"
"This revolutionary product..."/"Introducing the revolutionary (product)"/"It's truly revolutionary!"
"Ordinary (product type) (announcer lists faults), but (product)..."
"Oh, no/Uh oh! That..." (Announcer goes into exaggerated description of a problem that is solved by the product or service being advertised)
"Are you tired of..." (Announcer goes into list of faults of other similar products, which are avoided or solved by their product)
"But wait!", "But wait there's more!", or "But that's not all!" (After pitching one deal and before pitching another, better deal. For example: "But Wait! Call in now and we'll knock off one payment, and add (product)")
"For (number) easy payments/installments of (price), (product) can be yours!
"And if you aren't satisfied, you can try (product) risk free for (number) days"
"Not available in stores!"
"If you were to purchase all of these songs in (stores/digital retailers), you would pay (high dollar amount) and receive songs you don't want!" (used for pitching a music compilation collection)
"These are the original master recordings featuring the original artists." (for music compilations)
"If you call within the next few (this number) minutes, you'll also get..."
"If you call within the next few (number) minutes, we'll cut (amount) dollars off the price!"
"If you're one of the first (number) callers, you'll also get..."
"Supplies are limited, and this deal is available for only (number of minutes before end of program)..."
"I am so convinced that you'll love this product that I am offering..."/"We guarantee that if you don't lose up to (any number of) pounds in (any number of) days..."
"(Number) million sold, and why not get your own (product)?"
"Call (telephone number) toll-free. (Telephone number repeated) That's (telephone number). Call now!
Step 3: Getting a Channel to Broadcast It
Step 4: The Result
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Working in groups of 2 to 3 to create a Informercial that will make us all want to spend our money. Expectations and the Video Project Rubric listed in the TOC. Please use the Celtx script writing program the can be found on your work stations dock. If you need to finish writing your script you can download a free version for Mac or PC.
Requirements
Develop a clear concept.
Complete a storyboard / script.
Exhibit teamwork and or individual initiative
Message is clearly communicated.
Technical aspects are aesthetically pleasing.
3 Seconds of black pre and post
Original music preferred / SFX
Excellent quality original video
Transitions
Large QuickTime format
Approximate Project Duration - 2:00 minutes
Exported, labeled by period participant(s) and project name.
Project must be Air Dropped to your instructor's workstation.
Uploaded to your YouTube Channel
Public Service Announcement (PSA)
Creating a Public Service Announcement (PSA) - Tips on creating a successful PSA:
Pick a topic you are excited about. It’s much easier to come up with a good idea for your PSA if you are truly passionate about the message.
Do your research. The best PSAs have solid facts/statistics to go along with them. Read the Background Reading associated with your topic and take a look at our Research page for more information and a few places to start.
Be clear and concise; thirty seconds goes by quickly.
If you choose to use statistics, make them relevant by putting them in context. For example, stating, “1.1 billion people are affected by water scarcity” is not as impactful as “1 in 7 people are affected by water scarcity.”
“Less is more” is often a good rule of thumb to make the most effective point.
If you decide to have people talking in your PSA, be sure to speak slowly and clearly so that everyone can understand you. Make sure you articulate your words. Let other people screen your PSA before you turn it in to make sure that they can hear and understand your message.
Be creative. You can use video, skits, pictures, voice over, music, flip-books—the sky is the limit! Get your friends involved and collaborate to make an even better project.
Pick a tone for your PSA. If you want a funny PSA, use witty, clever puns to get your point across. Choose appropriate music to help guide your audience into the right mood.
Try to keep it positive, as too much negativity can turn your audience off to the real message.
Make sure you tell the audience what you want them to DO with the information you are providing. PSAs are all about making people act. Whether you want people to conserve water or stop smoking, make sure you tell them how they can act to fix the problem.
Pick an audience. Are you trying to reach children? Students your age? Adults or policymakers? Choose an audience and make your PSA relevant to them.
Make sure you follow all of the Rules and Guidelines, including length, content, and copyrighting. Also, check to make sure you’ve turned in all of the necessary forms.
Have fun! This is a great way to learn more about the issues regarding world population, and it should be a fun project for you and your friends.
30 / 60 / 90 / PSA Project
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?”
A Public Service Announcement, or PSA, is a 30, 60 or 90 second video that holds your interest, it is based on facts and uses and cites data from reliable sources. PSAs do not rely on rumors or unsupported opinions and has a clear and realistic message. Its goal is to persuade an audience to take a specific action or adopt a particular viewpoint on a cause or social issue. These PSAs must convey a compelling message to the audience, urging changes, large or small, that will positively impact our community. The goal of this project is to expand your awareness outside school walls.
"Not all of us are going to be Dr. MLK, Jr. or Gandhi, but we can all be Rosa Parks." It only takes one person, doing a simple act, to effect a change.
Requirements: Pick a important topic that impacts a high school aged audience. In a maximum group of 3, create two versions of your groups approved PSA topic in either a 30, 60 or 90 sec duration. Please use the Celtx script writing program the can be found on your work stations dock for you preproduction planning. If you need to finish writing your script you can download a free version for Mac or PC. Expectation and the Video Project Rubric listed in the TOC.
Your project must include:
pre approved group & topic
detailed celtx script
3 sec pre / post black
30 sec color bars / tone
20 sec title slate
10 sec count down
duration choices - 30, 60, or 90 sec PSA
shot in HD
exported in 720p
labeled by period, name, project name
airdropped to teachers workstation
Uploaded to your YouTube Channel
Continuity Project
Continuity is a film term that suggests that a series of shots should be physically continuous, as if the camera simply changed angles in the course of a single event. For instance, if in one shot a water glass is empty, it should not be full in the next shot. Live coverage of a sporting event would be an example of footage that is very continuous. Since the live operators are cutting from one live feed to another, the physical action of the shots matches very closely. Many people regard inconsistencies in continuity as mistakes, and often the editor is blamed. In film, however, continuity is very nearly last on a film editor's list of important things to maintain. Check out this youtube video:
Technically, continuity is the responsibility of the script supervisor and film director, who are together responsible for preserving continuity and preventing errors from take to take and shot to shot. The script supervisor, who sits next to the director during shooting, keeps the physical continuity of the edit in mind as shots are set up. He is the editor's watchman. If shots are taken out of sequence, as is often the case, he will be alert to make sure that that beer glass is in the appropriate state. The editor utilizes the script supervisor's notes during post-production to log and keep track of the vast amounts of footage and takes that a director might shoot. Expectation and the Video Project Rubric listed in the TOC. Your project must include:
Create a video that shows 5 continuity errors.
Don't make them obvious to find.
See if you can trick your classmates.
Groups of 2 or 3
Must list or show errors at the conclusion of your video
pre approved group & topic
3 sec pre / post black
shot in HD
exported in 720p
labeled by period, name, project name
airdropped to teachers workstation
Uploaded to your YouTube Channel
Event Trailers
Once you’ve created a short film and put all your hard work into it, you need to build anticipation for your blockbuster. After all, it’s a well-established tradition to create one (or more) trailers to lead the way for your film… although no one’s ever truly explained why they’re called trailers—aren’t trailers supposed to trail, not lead?
In any case, creating a trailer is an art in itself. You have to pick the right music, select the appropriate clips, and not show too much (otherwise, there’s no reason to see the actual movie), but reveal enough to make people look forward to it and get excited about the story. You’ll be pleased to know that you don’t actually need to think too much about this: iMovie comes with its own trailer-making factory. Just add the clips in place, type in some information, and you’re good to go.
A lot of the technology behind creating trailers in iMovie centers on the program’s ability to recognize if and how many people are in each shot. Without this facility, making such projects wouldn’t be as fun, or as fast—as you’ll see…
How to Create a iMovie Trailer
Sample Trailer