The following is the basic course outline for Film & Video Production I (one semester). Originally designed as a CTE course providing practical application and skills building activities, this outline and schedule is built around the core production concepts.
Theory and Practice
In addition to the practical exploration of technical applications, each unit of study also includes significant theory, analysis and criticism components. Specifically, each class period is kicked off with an overview and discussion of core theoretical concepts related to our course trajectory. This theory, analysis and criticism forms the baseline of several of the update posts on this website (with content derived directly from our course Google Classroom).
Outline
UNIT 1: HISTORY OF FILM, MUSIC VIDEO & AD PRODUCTION (apx. 1 week)
- Identify key technical and style milestones in film, music video, television ads and streaming history
- Demonstrate knowledge of key figures and industry challenges
- Outline personal goals in pursuing film and video production
- Demonstrate an analytical/critical approach to personal viewing
- Analyze the film and video production industry and career landscape
- Differentiate and list various film and video delivery formats
UNIT 2: STORYTELLING AND SCRIPT WRITING (apx. 1 week)
- Identify story structure and character development strategies
- Explore the theory behind storytelling narrative in filmmaking and promotional media
- Analyze script writing and script treatments
- Explore the evolution of scripting technique and strategy as it relates to the changing media landscape
- Develop linear storytelling through storyboards
UNIT 3: BASIC PRODUCTION AND PROJECT CONCEPTS (apx. 1 week)
- Identify and navigate the three phases of video production: pre production, production and postproduction
- Pitch a production idea through the proper use of treatments and proposals
- Plan a video production using storyboards and shot lists
- Identify a target audience/market for a particular piece by analyzing demographics, psychographics and sociodemographics
- Financing and funding in artistic and promotional work
UNIT 4: CINEMATOGRAPHY, LIGHTING AND AUDIO (apx. 2 weeks)
- Experience field recording using portable video equipment
- Explore on-camera performance techniques necessary in video production
- Explore interior lighting options and exterior lighting considerations
- Identify and utilize core cinematography concepts: camera angles, camera movements, shot variety and pacing, shot composition and beginning of directing
- Explore audio recording theories and practical options
UNIT 5: PRODUCING AND DIRECTING (apx. 1 week)
- Operate within the rigid time constraints implicit in video production
- Operate and care for in-studio and portable equipment, e.g. cameras, editors, audio and lighting equipment, etc.
- Arrange equipment and materials in studio and in the field
- Explore roles while functioning as a contributing member of a production crew including: Director, Lighting Engineer, Audio Recording Engineer, Visual Director/Cinematographer, Talent, and Best Boy
- Develop complete, directable promotional scripts including video directions, audio directions, direction to talent, times (elapsed and/or remaining), notes, etc.
- Identify related careers and occupations
UNIT 6: POST PRODUCTION & EDITING (apx. 2 weeks)
- Understand and leverage the difference between linear/nonlinear editing
- Identify strategies and methods used in post-production activities
- Produce a video designed to influence the viewer toward a specific idea
- Learn and implement Adobe Premiere Pro editing software
- Apply audio and video effects and transitions
- Add and manipulate text, titles and graphics in Adobe After Effects
- Mix and balance audio sources
- Share and distribute video productions
- Explore and create productions using a variety of advanced camera and editing techniques
UNIT 7: COMMERCIALS/PSAS (apx. 3 weeks)
- Develop an understanding of the role of video advertising
- Identify and apply means of hooking the attention of a target audience
- Create a production that clearly communicates a message
- Identify examples of product placement and co-promotion in the media
- Working with a real client, plan and produce a marketing promotional project for a specific target audience
- Optional final project includes creating a secondary promotional advertisement for a local business
UNIT 8: MOVIE TRAILERS (apx. 3 weeks)
- Explore different editing styles that enable and elicit an emotional reaction within an audience
- Apply advanced techniques to a graphic titles using Adobe After Effects
- Experiment with advanced editing options within Adobe Premiere Pro
- Optional final project includes creating a trailer for an imaginary motion picture of television/streaming program
UNIT 9: MUSIC VIDEO (apx. 3 weeks)
- Explore and apply advanced audio / video sync techniques
- Optional final project includes creating a video production that clearly communicates a message that directly corresponds to the emotion of an existing song
- Continue to develop strong cinematography
- Continue learning/utilizing advanced techniques in Adobe After Effects
- Continue learning/utilizing advanced techniques in Adobe Premiere Pro
FINAL SHOWCASE
- Finalize all projects and submit for possible student project festival