TVR 11500 Introduction to Field Production

 Syllabus
 
 

Final Projects

Learning objectives/grading rubric:

• This is your chance to show me what you have learned.  Go for it.  Know that special effects using FCP will not boost your grade. Great story telling with evidence of thoughtful preproduction planning, solid videography skills and evidence that you understand the post production process.
• You will be assessed on how you demonstrate your competencies in the course learning objectives. To review, I will be looking for evidence that you:
• understand the conceptual process of effective communication via video technology
• can competently operate audio/visual equipment neccessary to communication a visual message
• you understand and can demonstrate the basic techniques (conceptual and applied) associated with shooting a well-framed, properly focused, effectively communicated visual message.
• you can effectively use digital editing technology to actualize creative goals
• understand the basic production norms associated with narrative and nonfiction genres.
• you recognize and can successfully navigate the complexities, creative opportunities and organizational challenges associated with the teamwork (if your final project involves a team) that is typical in these kinds of professional creative endeavors.
• Some specific examples of technigues I will look for:
  • using a minimum of 2 audio tracks with proper levels and faded and crossfaded properly. 
  • Using sequences, split edits, and other editing techniques appropriate to the style of your final project. 
  • Unless you can justify the reasons not to do so, I will expect use of a tripod.  Shaky video will be penalized as will improper use of zooms and pans (or poor technique). 
  • properly lighting (unless aesthetics demand otherwise), properly focus and effective use of depth of field.

The Assignment:

• The subject matter and format of this piece is open; commercials, PSAs, news features, scripted scenes, experimental pieces are all fine... in principle. 
• Prepare a typed treatment that explains the project.The more detailed and focued your treatment, the less likely you will need to revise it before approval.  Include in this particular treatment any problems you foresee in shooting or editing, and how you intend to address those problems. 
• You will need final approval my approval to do the project.  We will do this in class meetings. If you are working on a group final project, all members of the group must be present at the meeting. These meeting are intended to insure the treatment is sufficiently developed, potential pitfalls are anticipated and addressed, the final project is manageable, and is of an appropriate challenge for a final piece of work.
• Have clear in your mind things like weather, lighting, challenges of location, etc. If your work will include special access to places, permission to do certain things, interviews with people, you will have to have all those clearances for project approval. I don’t want to hear after the fact that you couldn’t get an interview, or couldn’t get access to something you needed. Once you have approval for a project, you are committed. There will need to be compelling reasons to change it.  So be sure this is what you want to do. 
• You and/or your team must:
  • Shoot all new video (any archival images must be cleared with me as part of the treatment process).
  • Shoot video yourself.
  • Edit all you own work.
• Your FCP folder (titled FINAL-your names) with the project and all supporting media files and a QT version of the story should be placed in the class folder on the instructor's computer before class on the due date. A DVD version of the assignment should be turned at the beginning of class on the due date.  The DVD should be have the assignment name, students' names 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.

Format and length of piece:

• 5 sec. black with names/date//assignment graphic
• countdown
• 15 second of black at the end
• Length 4-6 minute for an individual project, proportionately longer for group work (length will be negotiated as part of the treatment process)

Paperwork:

• Treatment (will be reviewed in class on March 26th, with subsequent drafts due each class untill project is approved.
• If required, storyboards and/or scripts will be due April 7th
• Final project with original paperwork is due April 28th and includes:
  • Professional folder
  • Cover page with project title, names, date and run time
  • Treatment - all versions with my comments
  • Storyboard/script - all versions (if required as part of your particular project) and including any comments)
  • Shot log with my comments
  • Edit log
  • Talent release forms (unless a news story)
  • Self-evaluation
  • Group evaluation (if a group project).

• Keep in mind that this assignment is worth 30% of your grade.  Plan invest your effort accordingly.
• Depending on the type of project you choose, the requirements of the assignment will shift.  For example, if you do a series of public service announcements or commercials, timing, fast, precise editing and music are key. 
• If you do an extended news feature, interviews, SOT, VO, good use of B roll, etc., are key. 
• If you script a theatrical scene, evidence of the master shot technique is important as well as appropriate use of cut-ins, cutaways, match cuts, etc. 
• Talk to me if you are not getting the idea. 
• Again, this is your final opportunity to show me what you have learned in the class and how your technical and aesthetic skills have developed.  I won't be impressed with FCP bells and whistles.  I will be impressed with great storytelling, good scripts, excellent videography and a solid editing technique.