TVR11500:Introduction to Field Production

Syllabus
 
 

The Golden Doorknob

Learning objectives/grading rubric:

• Show improvement in basic camera skills (focus, steady movment, tripod use)
• Show growing sophistication of basic shooting rules: rule of thirds, 180 degree rule
• Demonstrate basic understanding of editing for continuity, matched action and understanding
• Demonstrate a developing competency in the techniques and aesthetics of editing in FCP
• Demonstrate creativity in scriptwriting and the ability to prepare a script in proper format
• Successfully navigate the organizational and interpersonal complexities of group work
• Speculate creatively on what you might do with the $500 Parkie 100 award.

The Assignment:

This is an annual contest in which students in 100 level production classes may not compete in a separate category.  It is competitive and will require lots of creativity and effort.  There is a public screening of the winners.  Your course grade, however, is based on the above rubric and the degree to which you follow the assignment requirements with regard to length, required elements and proper paperwork.  Winning or not winning the Parkie 100 Award will have no bearing on the assignment grade (outside the likely correlation that a winning project is probably well done).  In fact you could do extremely well on the assignment and not do well at all in the contest.  Likewise, you could win the contest and get a lower grade because your submission did not meet the assignment requirements, or you missed the deadline, or the paperwork was incomplete or poorly done.  You get the idea.

Information on the submission rules for the contest is availabe at The Golden Doorknob web site.  Last year's winners and archival examples of past submissions are available on the web site.

"Films must be on the subject of how one might encounter death involving a doorknob. An expansive interpretation is encouraged--the fatal moment might be delivered by knob or door directly or indirectly and could also be an open door that tells of death in the future. Let your imagination run wild! The films are narrative (tell a story) and must have a beginning, middle and end but must not exceed 5 minutes in length. There is no minimal length." (Golden Doorknob web site)

"Each filmmaker must submit approved clearance forms for actors or copyrighted material appearing in the film." (Golden Doorknob web site)

Some specifics:

• This is a group assignment because it will require significant creative energy to be successful.
• You will form a production team, given yourself a name and as time goes on, you will in consultation with me, determine key preproduction production and post postproduction positions.
• The actual shooting will occur outside of class time.  Most editing will be done outside of class.
• This assignment will require a treatment, script, storyboard, shot log, edit log, first cut and final edit as well as self and group evals.
• Clearance and permissions, including music releases/licensing and talent release forms are needed.
• You will have a copy of the first cut loaded on the "class instructor" computer for group viewing.
• You will submit your final cut several ways:
  • First, you will copy your entire FCP folder (titled "GDK-your names") with the project plus all supporting media files and a QT version of your finished video into the class folder (I will show you where it is) on the instructor's computer before class on the due date.
  • Second, you will create a DVD version of the assignment and turn it at the beginning of class on the due date.  The DVD should be have the assignment name, students' names, movie title and the run time written on it with permanent marker. The paperwork accompanying the DVD needs to be complete, neat, in proper order and in a folder that includes a cover page with assignment information, student's names date and run-time. There will be one copy of final paperwork submitted for each editing team. You can submit a copy of the script and shot log for each editing team and then submit, obviously, your editing team's own version of the edit log.  Each person submits a self evaluation with their editing team's paperwork and each person will submit two group evaluations: on for classmate involved in the shoot and one for the classmates involved in post production.
  • Third, you will create 3 DVDs for submission to the contest.

Format and length of piece: 

• 5 sec. black with name, date and GDK
• Countdown
• Five minute maximum length (NO EXCEPTIONS)
• 15 seconds of black at the end of the scene

Deadlines: (check for last minute updates in the syllabus)

• Treatment due March 3rd
• First draft script due March 8th
• Storyboard/Final draft of script/Production Schedule due March 10th
• First Cuts due Mar. 29th. 
• Final submission due April 12th (put in order below and submit with in a folder or binder, with coversheet).
  • All versions of treatments with my comments
  • All versions of script with my comments
  • Copy of final storyboard with my comments
  • Production Schedule
  • Shot log with my comments
  • Final edit log
  • Talent release forms
  • Self-evaluation
  • Peer evaluation
  • 4 DVDs total

Contact:Dr. C.
URL- http://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/ncornwell/115/115GoldenDoorKnobAssignment.html
Revised-Jan 1, 2010