Video Production

Video Production I: Grades 9-12 – 0.5 credit (520)

This course provides an overview of the skills and concepts needed to create compelling and informative video. Students become familiar with all of the basic aspects of video production in its three stages: pre-production, production and post-production. Working both individually and in groups, students will complete various projects while gaining an understanding of the Macintosh computer, digital cameras and cinematography. Students will also critique film in an effort to understand this powerful media. This course serves as the foundation for all other video courses and is an excellent introduction to media literacy.

Video Production II: Grades 9-12 – 1 credit (521)

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Video Production I or Broadcast Journalism I

This course continues the study of video production. Students will continue to hone their understanding of concept creation, storyboarding, camera techniques such as pull focus, tracking and pov, and advanced editing skills using Final Cut Pro and introducing After Effects. Comprehensive analysis and study of movie clips and short film will help students in their creations. Students will work individually and in groups to create a variety of projects based on societal issues and student interests. Students must be able to work independently and outside of class.

Video Production III: Grades 10-12 – 1 credit (522)

Prerequisite: Video Production II

Students will create video focusing on the skills of storytelling using special effects, music, natural sound and editing techniques. Individual choice in projects will help students narrow their area of interest and develop the tools needed to get people to invest in their ideas. In depth analysis of the work of other filmmakers will help budding directors and cinematographers gain ideas and hone their craft. Students will produce pieces by working through each stage of production including; concept formation, screenwriting, casting, filming, editing, and distribution. Students must be able to work independently and outside of class.

Video Production IV: Grades 10-12 – 1 credit (523)

Prerequisite: Video Production III

This is the culminating course in the study of video production. Students will be asked to design their own projects and lead the production team in producing them. They will also create a portfolio of work to illustrate proficiency in the field. This is a necessary element for film school and for the job market. Students must be able to work independently and outside of class.

Broadcast Journalism I & II: Grades 9-12 – 1 credit each (524, 525)

These courses are both an introduction to the field of broadcasting and a production class that creates a daily live news program for Twin Valley. Part of the class will consist of analyzing the television news media including the history, ethics, style, and composition of a news program. Students will then learn hands on as they create projects to share with the student body. The second goal of the program encompasses mastering every aspect of production from working the cameras to news gathering to lighting and sound requirements. In these first two classes students will learn the basics of equipment and content creation using a host of media creation programs.

Broadcast Journalism III & IV: Grades 10-12 – 1 credit (526, 527)

Prerequisite: Broadcast Journalism II

In these upper level courses, students will build on the concepts learned in level one and two and learn how to produce and direct a news program, design a show and direct the crew. Student must demonstrate understanding of all the skills necessary for video production and studio production before they proceed. Students will also learn leadership and communication skills needed in the workplace. As a capstone project, level 4 students will create a portfolio of their work.

Film Criticism and Appreciation: Grades 10-12 – 1 credit (519)

This course will focus on developing an understanding of the language of film. Students will analyze the media and our culture by looking through that lens in terms of story design and structure, character development, shot choices and camera angles as well as the components of sound production. The focus will be on how the media in advertising, documentary and narrative film elicits an emotional response by combining the elements of pictures, dialogue and sound. This course serves as an excellent companion study for students in video production classes.

Animation and Graphic Design I: Grades 9-12 – 0.5 credit (528)

This class is designed to give you an introduction to learning how to put art in motion. Throughout the course we’ll explore the evolution of animation from flipbooks to computer generated animation. Combining techniques that are both traditional and cutting edge, the class will look at creating frame-by-frame animations that result from the study of movement, storytelling, and lighting. We will also begin to look at Photoshop and Wacom tablets as a method for combining images and/or words to create visual representations of ideas.

Animation and Graphic Design II: Grades 9-12 – 0.5 credit (531)

This class is designed to build on your experiences from Animation and Graphic Design Part I. Throughout this course we will continue to focus on bringing art to life. We will continue to utilize and expand on traditional techniques such as stop-motion, but also experiment with creating computer generated animations using programs such as Flash, Photoshop, and After Effects.