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.