Instructor - Ray Gephart         Email: rgephart@basd.net

Member of Television and Video Teachers Consortium of Western PA     http://www.nb.net/~schaefer/tvt.html

"Good Morning Bellefonte"

Video 101

Course Description

    Video 101 is a course designed for the student who wishes to learn about the art of video production elements : The Camera, Videotape Recorder, Composition, Types of Camera Shots and Movements, Shot Sequences, Camera Techniques, Sound Recording, Lighting, Editing, Story Board Creation, and Studio Development. All students must master these concepts and apply them in the preparation of a final project that will exhibit their knowledge in a creative and realistic manner.

Course Philosophy

    In the 21st Century, our students must be able to communicate in many new dimensions. The effective communicator will understand the practical methods necessary to deliver their thoughts and ideas in ways that will cause the intended audience (perhaps boss - perhaps client) to direct special attention at their product - whether visual, audio, written, video, interactive computer presentation, on the Internet, in person, by teleconference, or whatever means. The successful 21st century person will be rich in understanding the applications of effective and creative visual technology use. The use of video production skills, therefore, enhances the skillful person in assisting them to expand their communication skills in new directions and dimensions.

Course Outline

I. The Camera

Content:

Function of a lens

Different Types of Lenses

Understanding Field of Focus

White Color Balance

Basic Recording Controls

Activities:

Students shall be provided time to utilize the equipment for familiarity with these systems

Assessment:

Demonstration of all basic functions

II. The Videotape Recorder

Content:

VCR Inputs and Outputs

Understanding the Record, Edit, and Playback Head Restrictions

Videotape Formats: Pro and Con

Activities:

Identifying and locating the various parts of a functioning VCR

III. Production Considerations

Content:

Techniques for Developing A Steady Camera

Differences Between a Selective and Persuasive Camera

Activities:

Hands on Camera Activity in Cooperative Groups

Assessment:

First video Project that incorporates the use of a steady camera and the effective use of selective and persuasive camera techniques

IV. Composition

Content:

Rule of Thirds

Composition Balance

Balance with Size and/or Color

Camera Angles

Framing Techniques

Background Considerations

The Level of Action

Composition and Intestinal Fortitude

Activities:

Use of Inhouse Camera and Direct Monitor to Demonstrate each of the above techniques

Assessment:

Checkoff list of all required elements of camera operation involving compositional techniques

V. Camera Shots and Movements

Content:

Wide, Medium, Close-up Shots

Use of Macro Elements

Panning, Tilting, Trucking, Dollying, Zooming!

Making Camera Movements Connect Visually and Esthetically

Activities:

Field study: Applying an understanding of each of these techniques in a creative way (i.e.: Trucking - Placing the camera on a wheelchair and moving it level and parallel to subject)

Assessment:

Observation of students projects to develop their shots ... and the final product of their video production

VI. Creating Shot Sequences

Content:

Defining Shot Sequences

Creating A Shot Sequence

Applying Various Types of Shots in A Sequence

Cut On Action Technique

Nose Room

Entering and Exiting a Scene Cleanly

Activities:

Develop a three minute one camera series of shot sequences in an effective way by ...

creating a written outline or plan

identifying the technique to be used

scripting and rehearsing your cast

shooting

(One camera - no editing)

Assessment:

Class evaluation of final projects

VII. The 180 Degree Rule

Content:

Definition

How to use in Interviews

Crossing the Line

Moving the Line

Activities:

Oncamera demonstration of technique

Assessment:

Students in Pairs must go out and interview a member of the faculty or administration on a timely subject. Interview need be only :30 seconds to 1 minute in length. (Must be edited in camera)

VIII. Advanced Camera Techniques

Content:

Transitions

Creative Effects

Nonelectronic Effects

Activities:

Handson camera application of techniques

Assessment:

Observation and coaching of proper use of techniques

IX. The Special Effects Generator

Content:

Simple Cross Fades

Cross Fades with Audio

Input Selection

Use of Matte Colors and Changes

Differences between Fades and Wipes

Use of Picture in a Picture

Color Manipulation

Special Effects: Posteriorization, Mosaic, Negative

Downstream Keys

Activities:

Demonstration and Instructor Coaching with time for individual student experimentation with techniques

Assessment:

Teacher observation

X. Videonics Titler and Special Effects Editor

Content:

Basic Typing Operation

Use of Color

Illegal Colors

Edges

Fades and Dissolves

Paging

Titling for a complete program

Activities:

Demonstration and coaching of students

Assessment:

A recorded videotape of a series of titles using all techniques of the Videonics Editor

XI. The "Rolling" Editor

Content:

Manipulation of VCR Resources (Source and Record)

Insert Edit Function

Assemble Edit

Cueing

Reviewing

Activities:

Demonstration and coaching of students

Assessment:

Individually edited tape using assemble edit and insert edit functions

XII. Recording Sound

Content:

Understanding the Copyright Law

Importance of Sound

Audios Functions

Microphones and Microphone Technique

In Camera Audio Editing

Control Room Channel 2 Audio Editing

Activities:

Using microphones, sound on sound, and sound editing

Assessment:

A completed audio tape with all techniques demonstrated

XIII. Lighting

Content:

The Importance of Light

Differences in the Use of Light in Video

Working with Interior Lighting

Bounce Lighting

Onboard Lights

Activities:

Demonstration of lighting effects on an inanimate object and then a real person

Assessment:

A video demo by each student of the different types of lighting

XIV. Editing

Content:

Reasons for editing

The Editing Process Defined

Graphics

Activities:

Demonstration of editing techniques in the control room and coaching of students as they continue to develop their editing skills

XV. Electronic News Gathering

Content:

Technique Application

Activities:

Students will develop a series of interviews - while working in pairs - first one doing the interview and then switching to camera

Assessment:

Student and instructor peer review ... identifying what works and what doesn’t

XVI. Production and Production Team

Content:

Storyboards

Log Sheets

Edit Decision List

Producer (Log Journal)

Director (Editor)

Camera Operators

Sound Engineer

Gaffer (Sets-Props-etc)

Consultant (Instructor)

Activity:

Two teams will create a storyboard on an appropriate subject and develop the production, shoot it. and edit it

Assessment:

All storyboards, logs, decision edit scripts, production notes, and individual journalsof production notes will be turned in with final tape for assessment

Common Goals

Self Worth

Information and Thinking Skills

Listening independently and collaboratively

Adaptability to change

Ethical judgement

Honesty, responsibility and tolerance

Text Book

Video 101, by Raymond S. Adams. Published byA.G. Halladin Publishing Co., Indiana, PA. Copyright 1992.

(Please Note: The book can be ordered from: Raymond S. Adams, 13470 Saint Clair Drive, North Huntingdon, PA 15642 ... at a cost of $20.00 per book)

Equipment List

(All equipment is on hand in the TV Control Room and Studio)

2 - Panasonic AG-456MU S-VHS Camcorders with Tripod and Dolly

2 - Shoe Mount Citizen Camera Monitors

2 - Oncamera KoolLux 25w Lights with No Memory Battery Pack

1 - Videonics Titlemaker and Editor

1 - Panasonic WJK-MX30 Digital AV Mixer and Special Effects Generator

1 - Panasonic AG-A96 Multi Event Edit Controller

2 - Panasonic AG-1970 S-VHS Editing VCR’s

3 - Panasonic CT-1384Y 13" Color Monitors

1 - Lowell VI-90 Two Light Kit

2 - Shure 1411c Handheld Microphones

4 - Maxxon SX49C Communication Headsets

1 - Tascam Four Channel Cassette Recorder and Microphone Mixer

1 - JVC CD Programmable Player

Miscellaneous Cables and Connectors

Supplies

2 Doz. S-VHS Video Tapes

2 Doz. VHS Videotapes

2 Doz. Notebook Covers

1 Doz. Audio Tapes 90 Minute

In the 21st Century, our students must be able to communicate in many new dimensions. The effective communicator will understand the practical methods necessary to deliver their thoughts and ideas in ways that will cause the intended audience (perhaps boss - perhaps client) to direct special attention at their product - whether visual, audio, written, video, interactive computer presentation, on the Internet, in person, by teleconference, or whatever means. The successful 21st century person will be rich in understanding the applications of effective and creative visual technology use. The use of video production skills, therefore, enhances the skillful person in assisting them to expand their communication skills in new directions and dimensions.

Camera/Video deck systems

Camcorder units

Camera start/stop times

Camera Angles

Studio equipment

Audio production

Scripting techniques

Floor and light plans

Directing