Practicum in Television Production

CTPR 409

Instructor: Joel Parker

CTPR 409,Practicum in Television Production, is designed both for students who intend to pursue a career in the television industry and those who wish to gain an understanding of how television programs are produced, providing lifelong insight into the real-world experiencein the making of television shows. It is a practical course- real television shows are created and broadcast on a real television station.CTPR 409 is a student-taught class, in coordination with Trojan Vision, USC’s student-run television station.

PRE-REQUISITES: There are no pre-requisites; it is assumed that students enrolling in CTPR 409 have no television production experience and all of the skills needed to successfully complete the course will be taught. About half the students enrolled in CTPR 409 each semester come from outside the School of Cinematic Arts, and all are welcome.

CLASS SCHEDULE:

Instruction is given in virtually all aspects of television production, with emphasis on practical skills. Each skill, as described below, is practiced during live television broadcasts until mastered. A typical learning module would look like this:

Week 1-3: Camera training

Week 4-5: Audio and sound coordination

Week 6-8: Graphics and effects mastery

Week 9-11: Technical Directing

Week 12-14: Technical Operations

Week 15: Floor Managing

Students are also invited, but not required, to direct live Trojan Vision shows. Those interested will be trained in how to do this.

In addition to the equipment training and experience, CTPR 409 students are each assigned to a Trojan Vision showas an associate producer, as a semester long project, for the purpose of introducing them to, and developing their producing skills. It is assumed that CTPR 409 students, when enrolling, have no television producing experience and training is provided for all activities. Students may select when they wish to crew and produce from a large menu of available times. In addition, an effort is made to match the students Trojan Vision producing assignment to theirindividual interest. Among the skills that are are:

  • Producing
  • Directing
  • Editing
  • Hosting
  • Promotions
  • Programming
  • Publicity
  • Developing and pitching new shows

The opportunity to create an original show for the station is available for advanced students who wish to take advantage of the Trojan Vision’s creative environment.

COURSE OF INSTRUCTION: In-studio production assignments for CTPR 409 are scheduled in consultation with the instructor. Each students is assigned to a production team that will meet once-a-week, either 9-11:30AM, 12:30-3PM or 4:30-7PM, according to their availability. Additional class participation will be required, as described below.

In addition to production, CTPR 409 students will be given a producing assignment. In this assignment, each student will join the production team of a Trojan Vision show to help organize and produce the show. Everything will be taught.Students may choose which show they prefer to produce, including scripted comedy, unscripted comedy, and variety shows, also shows devoted to the Los Angeles indie music scene, game shows, health and fitness, sports analysis, current affairs and politics, the world of video gaming, cooking and food, and popular culture.Specific producing skills that will be developed vary, depending on the nature of the show to which the student is assigned, but may include host preparations, talent relations, talent booking, program research, location scouting, casting, script preparation, creating rundowns, editing, and graphics. No prior experience is required; everything will be taught.

Students may request their specific Trojan Vision program to join, or may choose to be assigned to one in consultation with the instructor.

CREDITS: CTPR 409 may be taken for 2 or 4 hours. The class may be repeated, up to 4 times.

GRADING POLICY: Grades for CTPR 409 will be based on the student’s performance in the studio, and their participation producing their Trojan Vision show. Evaluations will be conducted by the instructor and Trojan Vision Managers, Broadcast Producers, Executive Producers, Key Assistants, Managers and Directors.

TEXTBOOKS REQUIRED: There are no textbooks or reading assignments.CTPR 409 is a lab course- no exams, papers, homework assignments, or lectures.

In unique situations students may coordinate with the instructor to create an individualized program of class participation or develop special skills relating to television production.

Trojan Vision is a student operated television station, located at the Robert Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts. Established in 1998, Trojan Vision is a member of the Open Student Television Network (OSTN), which televises student programming throughout the United States. Trojan Vision broadcasts 24/7 and is seen on campus on Channel 8.1, and throughout Los Angeles on channel 36. Trojan Vision also streams programming online through its website.

Instructor contact information:

Joel Parker

818-990-2252

Office Hours: Zemeckis Center, Studio B

Mondays: 4:30-7PM and by appointment

STUDENTS WITH DIABILITIES: Any student requesting academic accommodations based on a disability is required to register with Disability Services and Programs (DSP) each semester. A letter of verification for approved accommodations can be obtained from DSP. Please be sure that the letter is delivered to the Professor as early in the semester as possible. DSP is located in STU 301 and is open 8:30-5, Monday through Friday (213-740-0776).