DC 271 Introduction to Television Production
Summary
We will be working on developing technical and aesthetic abilities in order to produce audiovisual messages for Television. Whether is a single-camera or a multi-camera show, we will discuss and practice diverse production models as well as directing strategies to achieve this goal. There will be also a small technical exploration of cinematography and editing to complement the student's knowledge in these fields. Ultimately the goal will be to understand and practice the creation of entertainment programs for television.
Texts
Required: Zettl, Herbert (2009) VIDEO BASICS 6; Wadsworth Publishing
Recommended: Gross, Lyne S. / Foust, James C. (2008) VIDEO PRODUCTION: DISCIPLINES AND TECHNIQUES; Holcomb Hathaway Publishers
Zettl, Herbert (2004) VIDEOLAB 3.0; Wadsworth Publishing
Compesi, Ronald J. (2006) VIDEO FIELD PRODUCTION AND EDITING; Allyn & Bacon
Grading
Final grades will be based on participation, two directing/producing exercises, a partial and a final production, as well as class participation and attitude. Because it is has to present shows on time every hour of every day, television is one of the most demanding in the industries. This responsibility carries over to those who are preparing for it, which is why missed deadlines will result in assignment failure (0 Grade). Details on all assignments will be given as the semester progresses.
Production Exercises - 40%: You will be asked to perform two directing/producing exercises in teams of two. Both are designed to help improve your producing and directing skills. The first exercise (Directing to a Climax - 1 min. Chase) pretends to teach you about logically constructing a scene and directing actors to reach an emotional "climax". The second (Directing Actors - 4 min. One on One) is a scene with several characters all played by the same actor, by preparing your directing techniques you will make the scene work fluently. Full requirements will be given on a later session.
Partial Production 20%: You will be required to produce a 10 min. Single Camera - Drama. It will have locations and stage shots as well as all requirements of a TV production, and it will be constructed with dramatic pauses (for commercial breaks) as to simulate the structure of a Broadcast TV show. Full requirements will be discussed on a later session.
Final Assignment 40%: This assignment will consist on a complete Live Television production made in the TV studio at the University. It will have to include at least two anchors and at least one live performance (details on this will be discussed later). None of the students in the class could take part of the show as anchors or camera personalities. This is a course on production, not acting or anchoring. Full requirements will be discussed on a later session.
Prerequisites
None
Other Grading Considerations
Participation: Some classes I am going to be addressing personal questions based on the readings assigned the class before. There will be a systematic, yet random choice of students for these sessions. Since every question will take us into one of the subjects at hand we will continuously deviate from this procedure to explain specific points. We then will return to the Q&A.
Attendance: It does not constitute a specific part of your grade, but perfect attendance is required. Most of the information you need to complete your assignments will be discussed in-class; also there I will be giving examples of what you have to do. I have no plans to be repeating myself outside of the programmed sessions. This makes attendance critical, and thus not an issue to be negotiated. However if you have to miss a class or a deadline, make sure to plan ahead, and let me know in advance. Calling in advance does not automatically excuse an absence or a missed deadline, but it is the only way to present your case. If you fail to communicate before the next class period to explain an absence or a missed deadline, they will not be excused. Please note that work, non-emergency medical and dental appointments, hangovers, intramural games, visitors from out of town, fixing your roommate's computer, fraternity/sorority events, arguments with boyfriends or girlfriends and studying for other classes do not constitute excused absences or missed assignments.
If you have to miss class due to religious holiday, please see me as far in advance as possible.
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
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content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
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have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
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To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
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