Tuesday, September 8, 2009

SHOT COMPOSITION, FRAMING, AND CAMERA MOVEMENTS

SHOT COMPOSITION, FRAMING, AND CAMERA MOVEMENTS

 Objective View
 Subjective View
 Point of View (POV)


TYPES OF SHOTS

 WS – Wide Shot
 CU – Close Up
 MS- Medium Shot
 ECU- Extreme Close Up
 High Angle Shot
 Low Angle Shot

CAMERA MOVEMENTS

 Tilt Up
 Tilt Down
 Pan Left
 Pan Right
 Zoom in
 Zoom out

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

ALL PRODUCTION CLASSES -Pre-Production Solutions

Over and over I again I preach the importance of pre-production planning and time and time again I'm ignored. Now there's a solution. www.celtx.com is a great pre-production software for your productions. It's a great tool! I use it all the time! Pre-production is the foundation of your production!

Celtx is the first comprehensive software package designed for people who work in the Pre-Production of Film, TV, Theatre and New Media. It provides all of the tools you need under one application and works on all platforms.

Story Development Tools
Celtx includes Scene and Character Development tools that help spur creativity. Use the customizable forms to build out the story line of your project. Any information will be added to your project database and automatically pre-populate your script and reports.

Professional Script Writing
Import, write and edit movie scripts using industry standard formatting. Celtx uses intuitive writing and all the features expected in a professional application - like Spellchecking, Find and Replace, and auto completion of Character Names and Scene Headings.

Project Schedule
Keep track of all your project dates in a shareable calendar.

Media Rich Breakdowns
Celtx is the first application that allows creative people to perform media rich breakdowns in order to help pre-visualize and plan their project. Users can complete media rich breakdowns by associating sound files, video clips and digital pictures to their script all of which is auto-saved in a shareable database.

Customized Production Reports
Generate customizable Production Reports to help plan and organize your film project.

Collaboration
Collaborate with team members by securely sharing your project using the built in Celtx server.

Check it out here:

http://www.celtx.com

Monday, January 26, 2009

Telecom 390 - Television Production Workshop

Morgan State University
Department of Communication Studies
VIDEO PRODUCTION WORKSHOP – TELC 390-101 - Spring 2010
New Communications Center Room 356
Wednesday 4:30-7:15


Instructor: ERIC DODSON
Email: eric.dodson@morgan.edu
Office Location: New Communications Center Room 345
Office Hours: Tues: 9-10am & 3-4pm, Wed: 8-9pm, Thurs: 2-5pm


REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS

Television Production Handbook Zettl H. Wadsworth 10th edition;
Belmont, Ca.: Wadsworth Publishing Co., 2008. Helpful, but not required, the workbook.

Students are required to purchase Mini DV video cassettes manufactured by Panasonic, Fuji, or JVC.

Students are encouraged to purchase their own external 500 GB hard drive with FIREWIRE. Suggested drives include. Lacie, Maxtor, OWC.


DESCRIPTION

This course allows students the opportunity to pursue advanced productions in Communications Studies. Students are encouraged to develop projects for their professional resume tapes. Prerequisites: TELC 320,330,340.


COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course is designed to immerse students in both the technical craft and conceptual art of digital video production and post production through music video and film projects. Students are expected and required to edit professionally shot scenes gaining invaluable experience through in-depth exploration of story structure, style and content approaches.
Specific classes will be devoted to viewing several types and formatted television programs, film, and documentaries in attempt to identify shooting and editing choices and styles.


GOALS

1. To immerse students in both the technical craft and conceptual art of digital
video production including storyboarding and scene construction.
2. To enhance students’ skills in post-production aesthetics.
3. To expose students to the practical application of various film/video
methodologies and styles.

OBJECTIVES

1. To understand theoretical and practical applications of the various genres.
2. To learn the technical craft and conceptual art of digital video production and
post production through video and film projects.
3. To have a deeper understanding of various production approaches and styles.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Final grades will be averaged among all projects, quizzes, exams, and class participation. Because of the nature of the television industry all projects must be completed by the specified deadline. Failure to complete one of the requirements means you have failed to meet the requirements of the course and will receive an automatic “F” for the course.

Projects:

• Digital Storyboard
• “In Camera” Silent Story Telling Exercise
• Editing Exercise
• Music Video
• Final Film Adaptation Project


GETTING PROJECTS DONE ON TIME

In preparation for class assignments in this class the weakest excuse that can be made for the non-completion of the assignment on time is that there was no time to use the equipment. PLAN AHEAD!!! Do not wait until the last minute to do the work, as there may not be equipment available when you need it. There may be others using the equipment so plan ahead. This class is, among other things, an exercise in planning. Plan your work well in advance, and be prepared for problems! Build in extra time to solve problems that arise. LATE MATERIAL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

EVALUATION

Your grade will scored on the following scale.

Mid-Term Exam – 100 pts
Projects / Exercises (4) 400 pts
Final Project 200 pts

Total 700 pts

Final grades will be awarded based upon the following points:
Grade A = 700 - 641 points
Grade B = 640 - 586 points
Grade C = 585 - 431 points
Grade D = 430 - 331 points
Grade F = below 331 points

Additional descriptive materials will be distributed prior to the
specific assignments

GRADING PHILOSOPHY

When watching television, viewers expect everything to be presented in a fashion that does not draw attention to the production process. To accomplish this, the production process must conform to accepted production practices and standards. The process of information presentation should be largely transparent. Accordingly, evaluation of student projects will be done on a point basis. When mistakes draw attention to themselves, points will be taken off of the total number of points available. In keeping with this philosophy, evaluation sheets will be distributed which detail mistakes that are often made and the number of points to be deducted. The student should strive to produce flawless television productions to reduce the number of mistakes while still delivering interesting/compelling television content.

THE DISCIPLINE OF TELEVISION PRODUCTION

The success of a television production is dependent not only on the producer or director, but also on the production team (crew) that supports him/her. As a member of the production team you are expected to perform in a professional and competent manner.

GROUP PARTICIPATION

Time will be spent in class discussing the projects among the group with the instructor present. It is at this time that the planning and scheduling for the projects will be completed. It is imperative that all group members be present so that appropriate Meeting times can be arranged. The projects will be evaluated as a group but if one of the group members is not at the planning Meetings points will be deducted from that student’s project grade.

ABSENCES

Attendance is required to insure all class members a full educational
experience. You are granted (one) “free” absence. Three (3) unexcused
absences will lower your grade one letter grade. Three (3) “lates” count as
one absence.

Telecom 340 - Video Directing

Morgan State University
Department of Communication Studies
VIDEO DIRECTING – TELC 340 - Spring 2010
New Communications Center Room 356
Tuesday 1:00 – 2:50
Thursday 1:00-1:50



Instructor: ERIC DODSON
Email: eric.dodson@morgan.edu
Office Location: New Communications Center Room 345
Office Hours: Tues: 9-10am & 3-5pm, Thurs: 2-5pm


REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS

Television Production Handbook Zettl H. Wadsworth 9th edition;
Belmont, Ca.: Wadsworth Publishing Co., 2006. Helpful, but not required, the workbook.

Students are required to purchase Mini DV video cassettes manufactured by SONY (Premium ONLY) Panasonic, Fuji, or JVC.

Students are encouraged to purchase their own external 250 GB hard drive with FIREWIRE. Suggested drives include. Lacie, Maxtor, OWC.


DESCRIPTION

This course examines the role of the director as a technician, an artist and a producer. It examines the necessary steps in the organization, planning, scripting, editing, and polishing of a television or film production. Emphasis will be given to preparation, timing, visualization, rehearsal, and the relationship with talent and crew. The primary activity in the course will be the production of television and film projects both in the studio and in the field. The background material for the course is presented in the texts and the student is expected to master the necessary information therein on their own time. Classroom lectures/discussions will not necessarily duplicate- all of the text material. However, text material will be included in the examinations
Telecommunications 340 is a junior-level course for majors in Telecommunications. All enrollees must have taken Telecommunications 201 and 202. Additionally, TELC 320/330 must have been previously completed.

GOALS

1. To understand the role of the director as a technician, an artist and a producer.
2. To examine the necessary steps in the organization, planning, scripting, editing,
and polishing of a television or film production.
3. To understand the importance of preparation, timing, visualization, rehearsal, and
the relationship with talent and crew.
4. To impart basic producing and directing skills through basic video production
projects.

OBJECTIVES

1. To examine the role of the director as a technician, artist, producer and director.
2. To introduce the fundamentals of directing.
3. To continue to develop and demonstrate the discipline of television and video
production.
4. To understand the importance of integrating artistic elements of production with
the technical.
5. To coordinate and interact successfully with other class members in production
situation.


EVALUATION

Grades will be given in the point format for the various assignments.
The assignments will be weighted as follows:

Producing Exercise 100 points
Studio Project 100 points
Camera Exercise 50 points
Edit Exercise 1 50 points
ENG Project 1 100 points
ENG Project 2 100 points
Magazine Show 200 points

TOTAL: 700 points


Final grades will be awarded based upon the following points:
Grade A = 700 - 641 points
Grade B = 640 - 586 points
Grade C = 585 - 431 points
Grade D = 430 - 331 points
Grade F = below 530 points

Additional descriptive materials will be distributed prior to the
specific assignments

GRADING PHILOSOPHY

When watching television, viewers expect everything to be presented in a fashion that does not draw attention to the production process. To accomplish this, the production process must conform to accepted production practices and standards. The process of information presentation should be largely transparent. Accordingly, evaluation of student projects will be done on a point basis. When mistakes draw attention to themselves, points will be taken off of the total number of points available. In keeping with this philosophy, evaluation sheets will be distributed which detail mistakes that are often made and the number of points to be deducted. The student should strive to produce flawless television productions to reduce the number of mistakes while still delivering interesting/compelling television content.

THE DISCIPLINE OF TELEVISION PRODUCTION

The success of a television production is dependent not only on the producer or director, but also on the production team (crew) that supports him/her. As a member of the production team you are expected to perform in a professional and competent manner.

GETTING PROJECTS DONE ON TIME

In preparation for class assignments in this class the weakest excuse that can be made for the non-completion of the assignment on time is that there was no time to use the equipment. PLAN AHEAD!!! Do not wait until the last minute to do the work, as there may not be equipment available when you need it. There may be others using the equipment so plan ahead. This class is, among other things, an exercise in planning. Plan your work well in advance, and be prepared for problems! Build in extra time to solve problems that arise.
LATE MATERIAL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. If a test is missed for an EXCUSED absence, it MUST be made-up before the next class period. Check with the instructor. If no arrangement to makeup the test is made by the student before the next class period, it is assumed that the student will receive a 0 for the test grade.


GROUP PARTICIPATION

Time will be spent in class discussing the projects among the group with the instructor present. It is at this time that the planning and scheduling for the projects will be completed. It is imperative that all group members be present so that appropriate Meeting times can be arranged. The projects will be evaluated as a group but if one of the group members is not at the planning Meetings points will be deducted from that student’s project grade.

ABSENCES

Attendance is required to insure all class members a full educational
experience. You are granted (one) “free” absence. Three (3) unexcused
absences will lower your grade one letter grade. Three (3) late days count as
one absence.

Telecom 330 - Television Studio Operations

Morgan State University
Department of Communication Studies
TELEVISION STUDIO OPERATIONS – TELC 330- Spring 2010
New Communications Center Room 356
Tuesday 10:00 – 10:50
Thursday 9:00-10:50

Instructor: ERIC DODSON
Email: eric.dodson@morgan.edu
Office Location: New Communications Center Room 345
Office Hours: Tues: 9-10am & 3-4pm, Wed: 8-9pm, Thurs: 2-5pm

REQUIRED TEXT: ZETTL, HERBERT, Television Production Handbook, 10th Edition BELMONT, CA: WADSWORTH, 2007.

DESCRIPTION

The course is designed to familiarize the student with the basic operation of a television studio. Both practical and theoretical aspects of television production are examined. Emphasis is on the smooth operation and coordination of television personnel and equipment. Telecommunications 330 is a junior level course, required of all Telecomm majors in the television concentration.


GOALS

1. To familiarize students with the basic operation of a television studio and
equipment.
2. To introduce students to the practical and theoretical aspects of television
production.
3. To expose students to the smooth operation and coordination of television
personnel.


COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. To understand the television system.
2. To become well versed in the major production elements.
3. To learn the key production personnel and their duties.
4. To put into practice and become thoroughly familiar with those
systems, elements and duties in a studio production.

EVALUATION

A. Four (4) examinations, as indicated. 400 pts.
B. Newscast (10 minutes) 100 pts.
C. Interview 100 pts.
D. Infomercial or demonstration. 100 pts.

Total Possible 700 pts.


GRADING A 700-650; B 649-600; C 599-549; D 548-498; F 497-below

Additional descriptions will be provided prior to each specific
assignment.

ALL PROGRAMS MUST BE PRODUCED DURING THE
SCHEDULED WEEK. LATE PROJECTS WILL ONLY BE
ACCEPTED WITH A VALID DOCUMENTED EXCUSE.

GRADING PHILOSOPHY

When watching television, viewers expect everything to be presented in a fashion that does not draw attention to the production process. To accomplish this, the production process must conform to accepted production practices and standards. The process of information presentation should be largely transparent. Accordingly, evaluation of student projects will be done on a point basis. When mistakes draw attention to themselves, points will be taken off of the total number of points available. In keeping with this philosophy, evaluation sheets will be distributed which detail mistakes that are often made and the number of points to be deducted. The student should strive to produce flawless television productions to reduce the number of mistakes while still delivering interesting/compelling television content.

THE DISCIPLINE OF TELEVISION PRODUCTION

The success of a television production is dependent not only on the producer or director, but also on the production team (crew) that supports him/her. As a member of the production team you are expected to perform in a professional and competent manner.

GETTING PROJECTS DONE ON TIME

In preparation for class assignments in this class the weakest excuse that can be made for the non-completion of the assignment on time is that there was no time to use the equipment. PLAN AHEAD!!! Do not wait until the last minute to do the work, as there may not be equipment available when you need it. There may be others using the equipment so plan ahead. This class is, among other things, an exercise in planning. Plan your work well in advance, and be prepared for problems! Build in extra time to solve problems that arise.
LATE MATERIAL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. If a test is missed for an EXCUSED absence, it MUST be made-up before the next class period. Check with the instructor. If no arrangement to makeup the test is made by the student before the next class period, it is assumed that the student will receive a 0 for the test grade.


GROUP PARTICIPATION

Time will be spent in class discussing the projects among the group with the instructor present. It is at this time that the planning and scheduling for the projects will be completed. It is imperative that all group members be present so that appropriate Meeting times can be arranged. The projects will be evaluated as a group but if one of the group members is not at the planning Meetings points will be deducted from that student’s project grade.


ABSENCES:

Attendance is required to insure all class members a full educational
experience. You are granted (one) “free” absence. Three (3) unexcused
absences will lower your grade one letter grade. Three (3) “lates” count as
one absence. Since this class meets one day a week for three hours. One
un-excused absence counts as (3) absences.