Course Syllabus

Instructor: Nick Manley     

Phone: 201 981 9898

Email: nick.j.manley@gmail.com

Office Hours: By Appointment

Course Description:

An introduction to single-camera video production. Through in-class demonstrations, lectures, readings and hands-on projects, this class offers students the opportunity to begin learning, or advance, skills and techniques of HD video field production and post-production. Students work on their own projects (individually and in groups) – producing, directing, shooting and editing three diverse projects. The class is highly collaborative, student centered and results driven.

Course Objectives:

• To extend students’ video production skills including writing, producing, directing, shooting and digital editing.
• To develop knowledge of established field video genres and techniques.
• To allow students to explore and refine their conceptual and aesthetic styles, as well as their practical and technical skills.
• To help students discover where their particular interests and abilities lie.
• To discuss learning and career paths.

Learning Objectives:

• To feel confident in the basics of creating and overseeing a field production (pre-production, production and direction).
• To master the basics of operating video field equipment (camera, audio, lighting).
• To be able to use digital editing and multiple video elements together (images, sound, interviews, music, archival footage) to convey a message, tell a story, and achieve communication goals.

Reading Handouts – available on Canvas or by professor.

Materials:

-1 Camera (manual controls) 1080p video quality minimum.

-1 Tripod

-1 Audio Recorder

- Lights not required but I will be discussing lighting techniques and will review low cost options

- 1 External Hard Drive – Instructor will review purchasing options

- USB Flash Drive

GRADING:

Due: 2/11 Analysis: 2/18

Due: 2/25 Analysis:3/3

Due: 3/24  Analysis: 3/31

Screening 4/28; 5/5

Attendance/Class Participation – 20%

PROJECTS:

There are three principal production assignments to be completed over the duration of the course. Read and think about these ahead of time.

PROJECT 1 – SHORT MONTAGE SEQUENCE (1 minutes)

This is a shooting and visualization exercise consisting of 15-25 shots assembled using CUTS ONLY, creating an aesthetically pleasing, thematic or story-oriented sequence. You may use SOUND ELEMENTS such as sound effects, ambient sound, or voice over, but NO LIP SYNC DIALOGUE, and NO MUSIC. Produced, directed and shot individually.

PROJECT 2 – DOCUMENTARY PROFILE (2-3 minutes)

For this short project you will shoot and edit an interview (or interviews) and supporting footage (verite/observational and/or b-roll) about a classmate or close associate. Interview must be on a tripod. You are encouraged to shoot B-Roll with a tripod. Observational/candid footage may be hand-held. Students must record separate audio and video components for this project.

 PROJECT 3 – FINAL PROJECT (4-5 minutes)

Produce a short video as your major semester project in any genre of your choice (drama, comedy, documentary, experimental). This project will also be graded on creativity and technical skills – lighting, shooting, audio and editing (including revision). 

Fiction Narrative Paperwork due before shooting:

1) Synopsis  

2) Treatment and Storyboard

3) Script

4) Full Production Plan/Schedule, Script Breakdown & Shot List

Documentary/Experimental Paperwork due before shooting:

1) Synopsis  

2) Research/Treatment

3) Full Production Plan/Schedule

CRITERIA FOR GRADING SELF-CRITIQUES

Each student in the class is expected to complete a self-critique of his/her final project, according to the following guidelines:

• Write a fair, concise analysis of the group dynamic and division of labor (what each of you did and how you all worked as a team).
• Demonstrate your ability to be objective about your own work and recognize your strengths and weaknesses.
• Discuss the work in the context of established genres (how would it be received in the “real world”).
• Evaluate the impact of revision (rough cut to final cut) on the final outcome of the project

CRITERIA FOR GRADING PROJECTS

The principal criteria are technical and aesthetic merit in each stage: pre-production, production and editing. You are expected to demonstrate skills in planning and storytelling, as well as correct lighting, smooth camera work, clean audio and solid editing. Other criteria are creativity, content, understanding of the form and genre, and turning work in on time. Active and reliable participation in all projects (whether individual or team efforts) is required. This includes posting feedback on Canvas.

SPECIAL NOTES

CLASS PARTICIPATION is a significant portion of your grade. Please be aware of opportunities to contribute in class or to assist your student colleagues with their work. Class members are expected to demonstrate positive and professional critiquing responses to other students’ work, as well as to make effective use of feedback (when appropriate) to their own work.

SAFETY: Safety is always a concern on any film or video set; safety training is also a requirement for employment in the production industry.

TURN IN PROJECTS ON TIME. Work turned in late without PRIOR permission will be marked down. Email the instructor whenever you encounter deadline difficulties.

PLAGIARISM: It is the responsibility of all students to know and adhere to the University’s policy on plagiarism. If you have any questions concerning the plagiarism policy or about documentation of sources in work you produce in this course, you should speak to the instructor.

Diversity Statement: Every student in this class will be honored and respected as an individual with distinct experiences, talents, and backgrounds. Students will be treated fairly regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identification, disability, socio-economic status, or national identity. Issues of diversity may be a part of class discussion, assigned material, and projects. The instructor will make every effort to ensure that an inclusive environment exists for all students.