Film/Video 36ab ~ Editing

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Film/Video 236ab

Editing

Department of Film/Video

El Camino College

Fall 2016 Syllabus

3 Units

INSTRUCTOR:Laura Almo

OFFICE HOURS:M: 11:45a-1:00p; Tues: 11:45-12:30p; Wed: 12:00p-1:00p

Music 136, or in classroom

CONTACT INFO:(310) 660-3593 x TBA office phone and voice mail

The BEST way to reach me is via email

In subject field of email put: from (your name) Film 235 (topic)

Example: from Laura Almo Film 236 absence 9.6.16

CLASS SCHEDULE:T: 9:30a-11:45a; TH: 9:30a-12:00p

Class meets in Music 1 and Music 2

REQUIRED TEXT:In the Blink of an Eye by Walter Murch

REQUIREDTEXT:Film Editing: Great Cuts Every Filmmaker and Movie Lover Must Know by Gael Chandler

RECOMMENDED:The Invisible Cut by Bobbie O’Steen

Cut by Cut – Editing Your Film or Video

by Gael Chandler

The Technique of Film Editing

by Karel Reisz and Gavin Miller

On Film Editing

by Edward Dmytryk

First Cut; First Cut 2 – Conversations with Film Editors

by Gabriella Oldham

Final Cut Pro X

by Diana Weynand

REQUIRED SUPPLIES:A LIGHT PEN OR PEN LIGHT, available at ECC bookstore

USB Flashdrive

Note: If you are new to non-linear editing and have never used FCP, iMovie or any editing software, please let the instructor know right away.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is an intermediate level course that builds upon skills students have developed in the

prerequisite courses. Advanced editing concepts such as pace, rhythm, and tempo will be

explored through screenings, lectures, and student made projects.

It is expected that all students participate in class discussions, labs, and project critiques.

IMPORTANT DATES

Last day to ADD: Friday, September 9, 2016

Last day to drop without notation on record: Friday, September 9, 2016

Last day to drop with a “W”: Friday, November 18, 2016

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY: November 24-27, 2016

Some Course Objectives:

  1. Operate basic nonlinear digital video editing systems and software.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to edit both fictional and non-fictional material in keeping with classical standards of continuity editing.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to edit nontraditional material organized around structural models that differ from traditional Hollywood methods.
  4. Design and edit a variety of soundtracks, including music, sound effects, and voice-overs to accompany the picture track.
  5. Utilize a variety of editing styles, including montage and master scene technique.
  6. Evaluate and critique a given scene for different approaches to editing.

Course SLO

  1. At the end of this course, students will be able to plan, shoot, and edit footage that demonstrates the principle of putting two unrelated shots together to create a new meaning (juxtaposition).
  2. At the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate how to edit a scene that employs the principles of the invisible style of editing.
  3. At the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate how to import, edit, and export picture and soundtracks utilizing advanced editing software such as Final Cut Pro.

GRADING:

Your course grade will be determined by the following

Editing Assignments/Labs:30%(60 points)

Journal/Writing/Analysis:20%(40 points)

Exams:40%(80 points)

Attendance/Participation10%(20 points)

Total100%(200 points)

In general, the following percentage points will determine your grade

90% - 100% = A

80% - 89% = B

70% - 79% = C

60% - 69% = D

Below 60% = Fail

Editing and Writing Assignments: Each student is expected to complete all Editing and writing assignments. Handouts detailing specific parameters and due dates for these assignments will be distributed separately. YOU MUST BE IN CLASS TO WORK ON PROJECTS – NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED UNLESS YOU HAVE MADE PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE INSTRUCTOR. When accepted, you will receive partial credit on late assignments.

Please turn in hard copies of all assignments. Digital assignments will not be accepted.

Plan ahead as printer problems (including running out of ink) is not an acceptable excuse.

ROUGH CUT REVIEWS AND CLASS DISCUSSION ARE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF YOUR GRADE.

Exams: Two exams are scheduled for the semester. Exams may be a combination of the following: short answer, critical essay, vocabulary, definitions, multiple choice and True/False questions or performance based. Hands on proficiency tests may also constitute part of an exam. Be advised that handouts INCLUDING THIS SYLLABUS, assigned reading, films and class discussion are fair game for an exam whether or not the specific topic was discussed in class. If you do not understand something, PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS.

Though the exams are weighted equally, failure to take all exams may result in a failing grade for the course regardless of performance on any exams taken.

There will be no make-up exams unless you can document that severe medical or personal hardship was involved. Medical documentation must be provided the next instructional day after the exam. OTHER EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES MUST BE DISCUSSED WITH INSTRUCTOR PRIOR TO EXAM

If you need to make arrangements to take exam at the Learning Resources Center please speak with instructor individually.

Exams will start promptly at the assigned hour. Suffice to say that any violation of the College’s policies on academic integrity will result in an F grade and dismissal from the class. Please bring a Scantron (green form #882) a blue book and a #2 pencil for each of the exams.

Class Participation and Professional Conduct: Your attendance, punctuality turning in assignments, willingness to participate, and overall conduct. NO CELL PHONES, PAGERS, iPODS, iPADS, ETC. PERMITTED IN CLASS. FAILURE TO TURN OFF ELECTRONIC DEVICES OR USING THEM IN CLASS OR LEAVING DURING CLASS TO USE THEM WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND/OR BEING DROPPED FROM THE CLASS. **EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE FOR EDITING PURPOSES ONLY. THIS MUST BE CLEARED WITH THE INSTRUCTOR.

**EXCEPTIONS REGARDING THE USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN CLASS WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY INSTRUCTOR AND BASED ON CLASS ACTIVITY. UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED BY INSTRUCTOR, PLEASE RESPECT THIS POLICY.

•TARDIES:

•Please come to class on time and ready to get to work. This class involves a lot of student participation and coming late is disruptive to the learning process.

Please note two tardies will equal one absence. Make it a priority to arrive to class on time.

If you must be absent you are still responsible for the materials covered in the lecture. FIND TWO CLASSMATES AND EXCHANGE INFORMATION.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS:

Attendance/Roll: Roll is taken promptly at 9:30am when class begins. Students that come in after roll is taken mayl be marked absent. There are no tardies given.

Unexcused absences/tardies may result in a lower grade.

Drop Policy: Unexcused absences totaling three or more may result in a student being dropped without notice. Consistently arriving late to class or other disruptive behavior may also result in a student being dropped without notice. If an illness or other extenuating circumstances may preclude you from attending, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor to determine if it is feasible for the student to continue with the course. If a student decides not to attend, the student MUST complete the proper drop paperwork through the registrar’s office or online. As per college regulations, a student may also be dropped when the number of absences equals the units of the course.

Unexcused absences totaling three (over 10% of class meetings) may result in a student being dropped without notice. Consistently arriving late to class or other disruptive behavior may also result in a student being dropped. In an illness or other extenuating circumstances may preclude you from attending, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor to determine if it is feasible for the student to continue with the course. If a student decides not to attend, he/she must complete the proper paperwork through the registrar’s office.

Professionalism: Editing 236 is designed for those students who wish to pursue film/video studies beyond this course, either through additional film/video classes or by working in the real-world industry. Thus, an important portion of the grade is determined not only by the projects and exams, but by your professionalism and willingness to participate in group activities, and assist your fellow students.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

El Camino College places a high value on the integrity of its student scholars. When an instructor determines that there is evidence of dishonesty in any academic work (including, but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, or theft of exam materials), disciplinary action appropriate to the misconduct as defined in BP 5500 may be taken. A failing grade on an assignment in which academic dishonesty has occurred and suspension from class are among the disciplinary actions for academic dishonesty (AP 5520). Students with any questions about the Academic Honesty or discipline policies are encouraged to speak with their instructor in advance.

Plagiarism Policy

This policy applies to all forms of dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism or knowingly furnishing false information to the college.

EXAMPLES OF CHEATING OR PLAGIARISM

  1. Representing the words, ideas or work of another as one’s own in any academic exercise (plagiarism), including the use of commercial term paper companies;
  2. Copying or allowing another student to copy from one’s paper or answer sheet during an examination;
  3. Allowing another individual to assume one’s identity for the purpose of enhancing one’s grade in any of the following: testing, field trips or attendance;
  4. Falsifying or attempting to falsify attendance records and/or grade rosters;
  5. Changing answers on a previously scored test, assignment or experiment with the intent to defraud;
  6. Inventing data for the purpose of completing a laboratory experiment or case study analysis with the intent to defraud;
  7. Giving and/or taking information during an examination by any means such as sign language, hand signals or secret codes;
  8. Obtaining copies of notes, exams or exam questions by any means other than distribution from the instructor. (This includes copying and removing exam questions from the classroom for any purpose.);
  9. Using study aids such as calculators, tape recorders or notes that have been specifically prohibited by the instructor.

Consequences for cheating or plagiarism

Given alleged violation of the Standards of Conduct, any or all of the following actions may be imposed:

  1. When there is evidence of cheating or plagiarism in classroom work, students may receive an F for that piece of work or may be suspended from all classes for that term and the following term if deemed appropriate.
  2. The instructor may assign a failing grade to the examination or assignment in which the alleged cheating or plagiarism occurred. This action is based on information that the instructor had.
  3. The instructor may dismiss the student from the class or activity for the present and/or following class session(s)
  4. The instructor may recommend suspension or expulsion of the student from the college as stipulated in BP5138, Section IIB6 and 8. This recommendation must be in accordance with El Camino College’s Due Process and Disciplinary Procedures.
  5. The instructor will complete the Academic Dishonesty Report Form and submit it to the Academic Affairs Office.

Learning Resources: There are numerous resources on campus designed to ensure student success at all levels. Students are encouraged to research and utilize these services; see the section “Student Services” in the El Camino College Catalog for specific information.

Additionally, students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Special Resource Center on campus as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. Please contact me privately to discuss your specific needs. The ECC Special Resource Center can be reached at 310.660.3295

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:

Students will be notified ahead of time when and if any changes are made to course requirements or policies.

COURSE CALENDAR

&

READING ASSIGNMENTS

Part 1: Weeks 1-5

Course requirements, syllabus, grading

What do Editors Do?

Why Do Editors Cut?

Continuity Cutting

Montage

Basic Cuts

Please read In the Blink of an Eye as soon as possible. We will be discussing this book throughout the semester.

Part 2: Weeks 6-9

Cutting for Pace, Rhythm and Time

Advanced Cuts

Real World Approaches to Editing

The Director/Editor Relationship

Student Presentations

Part 3: Weeks 10-13

Post-production

Visual Effects

Sound

Foley

Music

Student Presentations

Part 4: Weeks 14-16

Editing Labs

Student Presentations

Wrap-up

Final Exam

1. Please stay up on the reading assignments and ask questions if you do not understand any of the reading material. Handouts and supplementary reading material may be assigned throughout the semester. It is your responsibility to make sure you have all reading material.

2. I reserve the right to adjust the calendar as determined by class needs-- dates are projected and are subject to change, as are topics. Ample notice is always given for exam dates.

3. The primary texts for this class are films screened in class, the assigned text and additional handouts/articles posted online. It is the student’s responsibility to make up any missed screenings on their own; the instructor does not loan out videos or DVDs.

4. Useful website: Lauraalmofilms.com – please use this website to access the course syllabus, additional handouts, and to screen assigned films/excerpts from films

FINAL NOTE: The structure of this class is designed around lectures and discussions that occur before/after screenings and during lab time. We will use the textbooks, handouts, supplemental reading, comments made by me along with comments from students to launch the film screenings, which in turn are the catalysts for discussions.

The lab portion of the class is where you get hands-on experience and valuable feedback from the instructor and your fellow students. If you are not in class you will miss valuable material that you will be tested on, or you need to know in order to successfully complete editing exercises.

To reiterate, the most important factors that will determine your success in the class will be attendance, participation in the discussions and labs, and asking questions when ideas/concepts are unclear.