Cinema33 /Television 55 :Digital Video Production Workshop I

For More Information on Cinema Department & Other Related Classes: Department Web Page

  Return to Joni Varner's Main Page

Required Text:Steven Ascher & Edward Pincus: The Filmmaker's Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age 2008 edition - ISBN: 978-0-452-28678-8 (Note: This is the same book as for Cinema 1 class) [Covers: Chapter 1 (pp.1-43), Chapter 2 (pp. 59-108) Chapter 3 (pp. 109-140) & Chapter 5 (pp. 177-229)]

Also Useful: David Pogue: iMovie6 & iDVD : The Missing Manual 2006 ISBN: 0-596-52726-8

• The prerequisites for Cinema students are Cinema 1,2,3,4 with a grade of "C" or better. The prerequisites for Television students are Cinema 1&2 & Television 4&9 with a grade of "C" or better. These courses cannot be taken concurrently with Cinema 33/55. You may be asked for written proof of your prerequisites or a successful prerequisite challenge the first class meeting. Verbal proof is not adequate and seats will not be held. This is a "hands-on" class - similar to our Cinema 2 class but allowing for more sophisticated production values. Editing equipment is for use only in the lab.All equipment will be provided or students can use privately owned equipment (digital only) subject to instructor approval. Editing equipment is for use only in the lab.This class leads to certificates in cinema and television production.
  
     
• In the event of serious illness or other circumstances beyond a student's control a student must notify the instructor by em ail or telephone to keep from being dropped. According to LACC procedure a student can be excluded after 2 unexcused absences from this class. It the student's responsibility to sign the roll sheet for each class meeting - if you do not sign, you will be counted absent. If a student stops attending a class it is the student's responsibility to officially drop the class to not to receive a failing grade at the end of the semester (can be done through the STEP telephone system). Consult the current Calendar for its information concerning Holidays, Drop Dates, etc. It is the student's responsibility to follow those dates.
  
• Students are required to attend all 5 hours of class time the first three class meetings (15 hours total) After that, four hours are optional lab time and one hour is MANDATORY each week, each section for all students and counts toward the final grade. That hour will be announced. Lab time will only be during class periods. We have no provisions for capturing student footage or editing outside of those hours although the cinema 2 lab maybe used on certain days. The lab will not be open outside of class time.
• Students will be required to produce two completed projects. Additional projects will be considered after the first two are completed. Subject matter may be fictional, documentary or experimental but all subject matter is subject to instructor approval. Storyboards must be submitted AND approved by instructor before any equipment is checked out. This first one is to be no longer than three minutes in length and the second one is to be no longer than five minutes in length (both audio and video). Every second over the maximum length will result in the loss of 1 point from the students' raw grade for that project. (Up to one minute under time is OK-less time will result in reduced grade points). You can switch story ideas - but the first project must be the three minute. Each week the project is past the deadline will result in the loss of one letter grade for the project. Each week the storyboard is late will result in the loss of 5 points from the raw grade. One letter grade will be lost for the project if the correct storyboard is not submitted or resubmitted after a change of order or subject.
• Students must make a pitch of their storyboard in front of the class.
• Students must complete 3 assignments during class time: a tutorial, a dramatic scene and a quiz. These are graded pass/fail. Failure to complete any of the three will result in the reduction of the overall grade by 25 points.
• No revisions are permitted. Once a project is turned into the teacher - no more changes are permitted. The copy you turn in is screened and graded. DV tape is the preferred format - See teacher for options.

  These elements are required in each production:

  • 1. Approved storyboard (additional storyboards required if subject matter changes)
  • 2. Pitched to class with discussion
  • 3. Finished, edited production put on video tape/disk (not played off of hard drive) two raw footage shots to be included
  • 4. Title and Filmmaker Credits & Sound track will be part of the overall grade (sync sound is permitted)
  • 5. On or under required length without manipulation
  • 6. Material not originated on DV may be used (such as Super 8mm film or VHS), but more than 50% of the material must be originated in the DV format and must be original for this class. Two letter grades will be subtracted for either. If post production processes such as Digieffects Cinelook™ are used - original raw footage must also be submitted or grade credit will be reduced.
  • 7. All projects are to be submitted on a separate DV tape - with the project cued up and at the head of the tape
  • 8. All projects are to be shown during class time. If the filmmaker is not present during the screening of his/her project- grade points will be subtracted.
  • 9.The production must be submitted by the last class in order to qualify for a passing grade in the course. No production submitted after the last class meeting will be accepted. NO INCOMPLETE WILL BE GIVEN UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.)

• Other important information:
• 1. Student use of film equipment and facilities is a privilege. All such use depends on availability and requires instructor's permission. Students must strictly observe equipment checkout and use rules. Permission to use school equipment can be withdrawn at any time and students can be dropped from class for violations or disruptive behavior. Please report all damaged or missing equipment immediately. The final grade will not be given until all equipment has been returned and repaired.
  2. Students will be provided with cameras, tripods & editing equipment. No other equipment is provided. Students are responsible for their own videotapes, lighting, and external audio equipment, props, artwork, actors, permits, and all other financial responsibilities. Students must also provide their own lightweight stereo headphones (mini plug-1/8") while editing in the lab. No other media is required. Students must return all materials at the end of each lab period.
  3. No food/drink is allowed in the lab. Students are responsible for capturing to individual FireWire drives. The drives will be handed out at the beginning and returned at the end of lab time.
  4. Remote equipment may be kept for one week only. (Four weeks maximum unless shared). It must be returned during the checkout hour on the following Tuesday / Thursday to room #119. (No Check-Outs At Other Times During The Week- Or During The Other Class)
  5. Any student returning equipment late or missing equipment - will lose equipment checkout privileges for a minimum of 3 weeks. No Exceptions ! Lost camera manuals requires a $3.00 fee.
  6. The instructor reserves the right to give the student the equipment they deem appropriate. Students do not get to choose the particular camera or tripod.
  7. This class is NOT for posting material for other classes or commercial projects.
  8. A note about safety: In all activities connected with this class, the student is cautioned to act safely and legally. Please consult with your instructor if you have any questions abut the safety and legality of your shooting plans. Always make sure you have secured proper permits before shooting. Never attempt anything that you do not know to be safe and legal. The City of Los Angeles requires that you obtain a permit if shooting on public property. If you use a weapon (real or simulated) in any public area, you are required to hire a police officer.
  9. Remember: safety first at all times. No stunts. All action that may be dangerous must be avoided.
  

  Return to Joni Varner's Main Page