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.