Film Production Course *
Week First Quarter
1 – Film Terms – slide show – smart phone* Ethics and Filming SCAVENGER HUNT
2 – Editing Basics – Character design/development (iMovie)
3 – Documentary terms and equipment usage DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FALCON
4 - Documentary editing and timing SELF PORTRAIT (3 minutes)
5 – Sound and Light studies/Formats and storage
6 – Film Genre and story boarding
7 – Black and White Silent film - Narrative Slide Show - Lyrics/Poem
8 – Editing, Fonts, and Transitions (5 minutes)
9 – Commercial – emotion and story arch
10 – End first quarter with commercial editing
Week Second Quarter
11 – Animation, Stop Frame – design/storyboarding
12 – Studio time for animation editing
13 – Special Fx and green screen
14 – Location considerations/editing
15 – Genre montage – short film
16 – Genre montage editing
17 – Poem/lyrics
18 – Editing of poem footage
19 – Voice over and sounds/Publishing Video
20 – Final Viewings and Film opportunities
* Student's that do not have access to smart phones will be provided with a camera for assignments.
* Course subjects are subject to change throughout the class based on class progress and current topics or technology considerations.
In general Monday we begin with the week/assignment overview. This is followed by demonstration, vocabulary and software/tool use. Tuesday-Thursday will be allocated to studio (class time to work on the assignment). The first 5 minutes of each class will provide a daily objective, due date reminder, clarification of content covered. The last 5 minutes of class will be used for clean up and clarification of objectives. Friday we evaluate assignments, enter grades, reflect on progress/understanding. Specific course objectives/medium will change this schedule.
Video Production I
Carlson Frontier Art Department
Teacher: Mr. David Carlson
Location: Room 307
Email: dcarlson@frontiercsd.org
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr2GzHgiLCaKCloA2xY8NPQ/
https://sites.google.com/frontiercsd.org/carlsonart/home
Course Description
Pre-production
Production
Post-production
These three subcategories include all aspects of video production, from the moment an idea pops into your head to the moment the film is released to the public. In this article, we will attempt to provide you with the clear definition of video production by explaining the entire process of video production.
The 3 Main Stages of Video Production
1. Pre-production
This is the planning stage. There will be no recording during this process, just preparation.
An idea is formed
The script is written
The cast is selected
The audio and video crew members are chosen
Everything is organized in preparation for the recording process. Scene locations are selected, the script is edited and revised if necessary, and an outline of the entire recording process is created.
There are many additional factors that must be reviewed as well. Proper lighting for each scene is critical. Sunlight and artificial lighting do not often mix well, so the time of day, weather conditions, and location for each scene must be carefully chosen.
2. Production
Once all the cast and crew have been hired, and the script has been edited and approved, the actual production process can begin. Crew and cast members all travel to each location, and each scene is shot until it is satisfactory. Then everyone will move to the next scene. This process repeats until every scene in the film has been shot. Once each scene has been properly shot, it's time to move on to the next stage of post-production.
3. Post-production
Post-production covers all actions that are performed after the actual shooting of the film has been completed. This includes merging each scene, syncing audio and video, editing audio and video, and adding special effects.
Professional Video Production
There are many businesses that offer video production as a service. This allows companies and individuals that do not have any filmmaking experience to create marketing videos or other business-related videos to enhance their company image, and showcase their products and services.
For video production to be successful, there has to be much more behind it than just a guy with a camera. The video must be targeted and distributed correctly, or the video will only reach a small number of potential customers. A video describing a general overview of your products and/or services is great if you have a stand-out niche, but if you have competition, your video must show the potential customer why they should choose your company over your competitor's company. For this reason, you may achieve better results by creating several short videos, each targeted at a specific demographic. The videos can then be distributed through the correct platforms to reach the maximum number of people who may be interested in your company's services.
This is a projects-based class where students are expected to build a portfolio demonstrating technical competence and versatility, clear visual storytelling, creative polish, and robust application of filmmaking methods and principles. In addition, students will be introduced to, as well as encouraged to explore, various career opportunities in media industries.
Video Production aims to simulate a real-world media production environment. Over the course of the semester, students hold a variety of jobs on different film crews. Each project contains different requirements, creative considerations, and schedules; as in the real world, students must use strategic preparation, collaboration, and organization to fulfill the needs of the client.
Topics in this course include, but are not limited to: Storyboarding and shot lists; using the DSLR; in-camera exposure settings; multiple camera setup; external audio recording and editing; post-production work via Adobe Premiere, Audition, and After Effects; continuity/discontinuity editing; three-point and atmospheric lighting; film history and appreciation; professionalization; ethics and culture.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
· Build a portfolio of six (6) video projects spotlighting different skills, approaches, and objectives.
· Correctly and safely utilize production equipment and post-production software as well as understand their major operations.
· Simulate a real-world studio environment of meeting client needs, creating high-quality products, and working within protocols and deadlines.
· Understand the significance of video and film within cultural, technological, and historical contexts.
Google Classroom
This class strives to be paperless. This means that the majority (but not all) of coursework will be completed and submitted online through Google Classroom. You will also be able to find a copy of this syllabus and course schedule. You can access Google Classroom at school and home any time as long as you are using your Gmail account given to you by the district.
There are no required materials for this class; however, if you are truly passionate about filmmaking, I highly recommend purchasing an SD card or external hard drive of your own.
Classroom Policies
This class adheres to Lawrence High School’s Expectation Matrix (ROAR):
· RESPECT
o Respect others’ viewpoints, backgrounds, personal space, and belongings. Everyone should feel safe in our classroom.
o Respect equipment: Use it safely and maturely.
· OUR BEST EFFORT
o Keep track of project deadlines, exam dates, and schedules.
o Arrive in class on time. Use the bathroom and drinking fountain before class.
o Participate in classroom discussions and activities.
· ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
o Do your best to give 100% toward your work every day.
o Turn in work when it is due.
o Be creative and bold in your approach to designing projects.
· RESPONSIBILITY
o Don’t lose personal items (notebook, pencils) as well as equipment (SD cards, USB sticks, external hard drives, etc.)
o Computers are for classwork only – no Facebook, YouTube, or web browsing.
o If you are using music or images in a project, they must be appropriate for everyone to watch/hear (if you are unsure about this, consult Mr. Saltz).
o Cell phones should be turned off, unless permission is given.
· I understand that I am expected to devote time to completing assignments and production work for my class. This means that A/V projects may require of out-of-class time to complete. I commit to planning for these projects ahead of time and with preparation and diligence.
· I understand the importance of media equipment and supplies. I understand that if I lose or damage equipment outside of class, I am responsible for repairing or replacing that equipment. Therefore, I will treat equipment in the respectful and proper way the instructor has demonstrated, and will follow equipment checkout procedure.
· I agree to be prompt with my equipment usage and return it no more than 24 hours after it has been checked out. If 24 hours is not enough, I can ask the instructor to renew the equipment for an additional day.
· I agree to work with peers to create videos and broadcasts that serve the needs and interests of a diverse student body. In order to do this, I will listen to others and accept occasionally stepping outside my normal comfort zone.
· Whether or not I plan on being a filmmaker in the future, I am a filmmaker today. I will meet deadlines for assignments, rewrites, and other production-related projects. I am responsible for my actions at all times. Unethical, inappropriate or destructive behavior will not be tolerated. Repeated failure to act maturely and responsibly can be grounds for dismissal from this class.