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.