Film/Video 122
Production I
Department of Film/Video
El Camino College
Fall 2016 Syllabus
Section 4916-3 Units
INSTRUCTOR:Professor 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 x3714 office phone and voice mail
EMAIL:
The BEST way to reach me is via email
In subject field of email put: from (your name) Film 122 (topic)
Example: from Laura Almo Film 122 absence 9.7.16
WEBSITE:lauraalmofilms.com
CLASS SCHEDULE:M: 9:30a-11:45a; W: 9:30a-12:00p
Class meets in Music 1 and Music 2
REQUIRED TEXT:The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video
by Tom Schroeppel (Third Edition)
Publisher: Allworth Press 2015 (ISBN 978-1-62153-526-3)
Articles and handouts distributed via class or website
REQUIRED SUPPLIES:A LIGHT PEN OR PEN LIGHT, available at ECC bookstore
USB Flashdrive
PREREQUISITE:Film/Video 20/120 Introduction to Film/Video Production
with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Film/Video 122 is an introduction to the basic concepts and techniques of single-camera film/video production. The course will survey the entire production process and validate this learning by working “hands-on” with production equipment and by producing student-made scripts and videos.
GOALS:
The goals of Film/Video 122 are twofold. First, provide the student with the basic skills necessary to produce a short film/video project. Second, and equally important, class time will be devoted to investigating the aesthetics of motion pictures and videos. Time providing, we will explore what makes film and video unique mediums of communication and how the student can incorporate this knowledge into their ideas when developing writing and production projects for this and future Film/Video courses.
Students must be prepared to take responsibility for their role in a collaborative classroom environment and engage actively and directly with their fellow classmates
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. Identify the basic components of a film/video system designed for location production.
2. Demonstrate competence in using strategies and techniques for solving common production problems.
3. Demonstrate the proper techniques for the operation and the utilization of basic film/video production and postproduction equipment.
4. Demonstrate the ability to work within a film/video production crew by taking and/or giving directions.
5. Demonstrate the ability to conceptualize, write, and produce a short film or video from the initial idea to the finished product.
COURSE LEVEL SLO (Student Learning Outcome):
Using single-camera production technique, students will be able to plan and shoot a 2-4 minute video lab assignment on location using a digital video camera and tripod
GRADING:
Your course grade is broken down by approximately the following percentages/points:
1. Labs:15% (30 points)
2. Films:20% (40 points)
4. Exams40% (80 points)
5. Attendance15% (30 points)
6. Crew work10% (20 points)
Depending on the size and skill set of the class, these points may be adjusted at the discretion of the instructor. For example, with a class that learns the basics of exposure taught in the first labs may only shoot two labs for a total of 20 points. The other 10 points could be added to the film category or to an exam.
Grade Scale: 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
Your course grade will be determined by the percentage of points earned divided by 200 (see grading breakdown above).
ASSIGNMENTS:
Exams: 2 exams (including the final) are scheduled throughout the semester. Tests may be a combination of short answer, critical essay, vocabulary, definitions, and multiple choice and True/False questions or performance based. Hands-on equipment proficiency tests may also constitute part of an exam. Each exam is weighted equally (20% each) and will be administered at the midpoint and at the end of the semester. Be advised that the outside reading assignments are fair game for an exam question 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. Getting stuck in freeway traffic might be irritating but does not constitute severe personal hardship.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 Resource Center please speak with the 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) and a #2 pencil and a blue book written responses for each of the exams.
Projects: Each student is expected to complete all production assignments. These will be a combination of PLANNING AND SHOOTING short video productions and editing/camera exercises. By design, each project can be completed during our class lab time. Handouts detailing specific parameters and due dates for these assignments will be distributed separately. It is expected that each student assist on in-class shoots of others’ projects.
Crew Work: Your work ethic, professionalism, punctuality turning in assignments, and overall conduct. NO CELL PHONES, iPODS, etc., PERMITTED IN CLASS-NO EXCEPTIONS. FAILURE TO TURN OF 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.
ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS:
•If you are going to be absent please communicate via email as soon as possible to let me know. Not only does this show your responsibility and commitment to the class, but also this is good practice for the professional world. If you were not able to email me before absence, please email me as soon as possible afterward.
•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.
ECC Drop Policy:Regular attendance is expected of every student. A student may be dropped from class when absences from class exceed the number of units assigned to the course. This rule also applies to excessive absences due to illness or medical treatment. The student who has been absent due to illness or medical appointment must explain the absence directly to the instructor. The student who has been absent due to a communicable disease or quarantine must report directly to the Health Center for clearance before returning to classes.
Professionalism: Film/Video 122 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 on your professionalism and willingness to participate in group activities and assist your fellow students.
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 most recent 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.
Course Calendar
The following is our projected timeline for this semester. I reserve the right to make amendments to the topics and due dates based on the progress of the class or other unforeseen circumstances. Please read textbook completely as soon as possible. Individual chapter assignments for testing and lectures will be given in class.
Week 1Adds/Drops/Registration needs
Course Overview; Syllabus
Screening: documentary on the production process
Week 2Topic: preproduction process; film/video forms;
developing the shooting script for first video
Week 3Topic: equipment basics; production responsibilities; safety;
video project #1
Week 4finish video #1 and screen
Week 5production problems and strategies; image making
Week 6preparing for video #2
Week 7shoot video #2;
Week 8shoot/Edit Video #2
review for exam #1 scheduled for week 9
Week 9Exam #1
screen project #2
Week 10prepare for video #3
Week 11shoot/edit video #3
Week 12finish and screen video #3
Week 13prepare for video #4
Week 14shoot video #4
Week 15finish and screen video #4; review for final; postproduction
Week 16Exam #2
Grades/Advising/Portfolios
CALENDAR NOTES:
1. Please stay up on the reading assignments and ask questions if you do not understand any of the reading material. The course readings are designed to supplement the in-class lectures, screenings, and discussions.
2. At least one week notice will be given prior to exams.
3. No late work accepted nor any handwritten writing exercises.
4. It is the responsibility of the student to make-up any missed film screenings on their own; the instructor does not loan out videos or DVDs.
5. All handouts/syllabus and announcements will be posted on my website:
Film/Video 122 Production I
Almo
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