MDIA 2328 - Australian Stories: Fast Track Video Production

North Terrace Campus - Summer - 2014

This course in video production will enable you to tell your own Australian story on video. Taught by an Adelaide film-maker and television producer, this course covers all aspects of practical video production processes and the technical operation of equipment. Working in the production studio and through fieldwork, students will develop the basic production skills to create short narrative projects based on their own experience of Australian culture. You will work on your own major video project as well as acting as a member of the production crew on others' projects.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MDIA 2328
    Course Australian Stories: Fast Track Video Production
    Coordinating Unit Media
    Term Summer
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 6 hours per week
    Prerequisites 12 units of Level I Humanities/Social Sciences
    Incompatible MDIA 2107
    Quota A quota will apply
    Course Description This course in video production will enable you to tell your own Australian story on video. Taught by an Adelaide film-maker and television producer, this course covers all aspects of practical video production processes and the technical operation of equipment. Working in the production studio and through fieldwork, students will develop the basic production skills to create short narrative projects based on their own experience of Australian culture. You will work on your own major video project as well as acting as a member of the production crew on others' projects.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Michael Wilmore

    Mr Philip Elms, Course Coordinator and Lecturer (philip@sadirect.com.au)
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    Classes are held on Monday and Tuesday from 9am to 3pm during the teaching period.
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Understand basic techniques for story telling through film.
    2. Understand theory behind operation of video cameras.
    3. Use video cameras to shot footage in a variety of styles and under different lighting conditions.
    4. Use audio recording equipment to capture varying sound forms.
    5. Use digital editing software to produce a video film.
    6. Capable of effective file management during video production using a variety of digital storage formats.
    7. Understand different roles required for film making and the necessary organisational skills required to put these into operation.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. a
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. f
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. b
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. a
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. c-f
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. a
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. g
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. g
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Students are required to supply their own headphones for class use. Supplementary course notes will be supplied.
    Recommended Resources
    A personal Flash drive or portable hard disc drive is highly recommended for storage of work. Blank DV tapes, blank DVD-R discs or SD Card may also be needed for project work.
    Online Learning
    This course makes use of the Media Lab, Schulz 408, and students may use online resources throughout the course.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Primary teaching is through intensive workshop teaching with in-class practical activities. Students complete independent film making activities in groups or individually outside of scheduled class time for completion of assignments.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
    • 12 hours of workshop classes per week (over 3 weeks).
    • Approximately 30 hours ofindependent work per week (over 4 weeks) for completion of film-making assignments.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Session 1 Monday 9am –3pm
    a. Camera Operation basics –introduction to HDV/DV camera technologies and applications including:
    i. Focus (auto v manual)
    ii. Exposure (auto v manual), Gain control
    iii. Colour balance (auto v manual)
    iv. Shutter Speed
    v. Audio adjustments (auto v manual)
    vi. Format selection
    vii. Aspect ratios
    b. Camera technique including framing and composition, camera movement, shot duration, logistics and style.
    c. Preparing footage and shooting for the edit.
    d. Outline First project and Journal requirements.
    e. Consultation with lecturer

    Session 2 Tuesday 9am –3pm
    a. Types of Productions –Short Film narrative, corporate promotion, music
    video, TV program, TV Commercial, video for the internet, other digital
    delivery platforms.
    b. Stages of Production (Pre, Prod, Post) and examination of concepts from scripting, shotlisting, storyboarding, etc.
    c. Explanation of crew roles and responsibilities.
    d. Demonstration onthe use of associated video equipment (ie tripod, reflectors, clapper, etc)
    e. Introduction to Non-linear Editing.
    f. File management and set up of project editing parameters.
    g. Digitising into Premiere Pro.
    h. Outline of the editing components (timeline, clip bins, browser, viewer, audio metering, effects, etc).
    i. Differences in creating projects for alternate/specific delivery platforms (ie. Web, tape, DVD, mobile phones, data projection, cross platform, television, etc).
    j. Consultation with lecturer

    Session 3 Monday 9am –3pm
    a. Play assignments #1 in class from tapes and discuss.
    b. Understanding the importance of good sound quality and how to acquire it on location.
    c. Demonstration of different microphones, cables, boom poles and other sound equipment.
    d. Display of microphone techniques and placement.
    e. Connecting microphones and other devices to the camera.
    f. Adjusting audio recording levels in the camera and monitoring sound.
    g. Differences between microphone sound and other audio inputs (Mic vs Line feeds)
    h. Overcoming practical obstacles and avoiding them prior to shooting.
    i. Introduction to DVD creation software
    j. Creating a basic DVD menu and burning a disc.
    k. Consultation with lecturer

    Session 4 Tuesday 9am –3pm
    a. Basic lighting principles including understanding the following and how they are used:
    i. key light
    ii. fill light
    iii. back light
    iv. reflected and diffused light
    v. natural vs incandescent light
    vi. fluros
    vii. balancing different light sources
    viii. effects lighting/ coloured gels
    b. Use of camera equipment to see the different lightingset ups on screen.
    c. Practically set up for a basic three light interview scenario.
    d. Consultation with lecturer

    Session 5 Monday 9am –3pm
    a. Editing principles using Premiere Pro
    b. Constructing a sequence in the timeline.
    c. Trimming clips for edit, keyboard shortcuts, audio adjustments
    d. Creating video titles.
    e. Use of transitions and effects
    f. Basic Colour Correction and filters
    g. Some class time to work on major project edits
    h. Consultation with lecturer

    Session 6 Tuesday 9am –3pm
    a. Play and discuss major projects #3 in class
    b. Advanced editing techniques, including audio nodes, incorporating logos and artwork, rendering options, etc.
    c. Discussion on directing talent, project paperwork requirements (ie. Agreements, releases, call sheets, etc)
    d. Consultation with lecturer
    Specific Course Requirements
    None.
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Video production necessarily involves students in small group collaboration as part of a film 'crew'. Students work in small groups in class and independently to produce their finished video.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assignment 1 (20%), Assignment 2 (20%), Major Assignment (50%), Journal (10%).
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Attendance at all classes is necessary in order to achieve the technical proficiency required to complete all assignments successfully.
    Assessment Detail
    Project for assessment #1:
    Shoot footage based on a theme (TBC) demonstrating camera operation skills and aesthetics.  Projects need not be edited, footage will be played from tape in class.
    • Assessment Criteria: Projects will be assessed on technical competencies, style and understanding of basic shot acquisition. Editing capabilities are not assessed.
    • Value: 20%
    • Due Date: commencement of Session 3
    Journals for assessment
    • Assessment Criteria: Journals should contain information relating to each of the assessed projects. This includes aspects of each production, planning, pitfalls, crew relationships and viability, thought processes that lead to decisions and achievements. Journals are a “behind the scenes” insight into the entire production process to inform and enhance the assessor’s understanding of each of the student’s projects. Journals should be updated repeatedly throughout the course, rather than retrospectively. They should not contain notes taken during classes.
    • Value: 10%
    • Due Date: commencement of Session 6
    Project for assessment #2:
    Shoot a one minute interview which adheres to the theme of “what does Australia mean to you?”, demonstrating camera operation skills and aesthetics and location audio acquisition. Basic editing may be used to present the project.
    • Assessment Criteria: Projects will be assessed on technical competencies; style and understanding of audio acquisition. Projects may be delivered on DVD or played from the edit suite.
    • Value: 20%
    • Due Date: commencement of Session 4
    Major Project for assessment #3:
    Using part or all of the interview previously shot, create a two to three minute news-style story by shooting overlay footage, further interviews or voice over to tell your uniquely Australian story. Students may be paired for this exercise, with each fulfilling specific roles and providing equal input to the completed project. Completed projects should also be burned to DVD with a menu.
    • Assessment Criteria: Projects will be assessed individually on technical competencies, style and understanding of lighting requirements and audio acquisition and basic editing principles using transitions, corrections and titles to enhance. Total marks achieved will be awarded to both participants equally.
    • Value: 50%
    • Due Date: commencement of Session 6
    Submission
    All assignments will be submitted directly to the lecturer in class.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

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