Time + Location:
Arts 207-01 42196
Saturdays 1:00 – 4:50 pm | IB 212
Course Description:
This class explores cinematic storytelling through digital film making. Through a variety of in class and homework assignments, this course introduces participants to a variety of video making techniques, vocabulary and tools while learning the basics of concept development, video capture and editing with Adobe Premiere. Students will learn the fundamentals of recording and editing, lighting, sound, camera work and other pre and post production methods.
Professor Info:
Sofia Paraskeva | sofia.paraskeva@qc.cuny.edu | copperbluemedia.com
Office Hours by request
Course Requirements:
Students are expected to participate in class: contributing positively to class discussions, arriving on time having thoughtfully completed the reading, technical and creative assignments. Computers and mobile devices must be silenced and not glowing during critique, class discussion and student presentations.
It is your responsibility to turn in work on time, to make up any missed assignments, and to catch up with the class in the event of an absence. Late work is unacceptable; however, this work can be turned in for partial credit. If you know you are going to be absent, contact the professor by email in advance. For the most up-to-date information (including what is due next class) visit the class website: introvideo-f19.copperbluemedia.com.
Drawing skills are not necessary for this class, however, students are required to keep a sketchbook, and bring it to class every week. Each student should sketch, storyboard or write in their sketchbook daily. Students should bring an external storage device with them to class every week.
Course Materials:
Sketchbook/Notebook Bring to every class to take notes and document your ideas
External Storage Drive – 4gb or larger thumbdrive to transfer digital files
Tumblr blog to document your work weekly
Vimeo account to upload your videos
FreeSound account for sound effects
Digital SLR w/ Video or Video Camera (optional)
SD Cards
Your Mobile Device
Headphones for listening to video tutorials and working in class
Required Reading:
There are no specific textbooks but students will have weekly reading assignments from a variety of sources linked on the class site. Students are encouraged to get their own copies of these texts and read them in their entirety, but it is not a requirement.
Suggested Reading:
In the Blink of An Eye — Walter Murch
The Filmmaker’s Eye — Gustavo Mercado
The Technique of Film and Video Editing — Ken Dancyger
Ways of Seeing — John Berger
The Language of New Media — Lev Manovich
Assignments:
Every week students will be asked to read, watch and share a variety of media experiences as well as share the work they create. Based on class discussion and critique students will be asked to share their weekly progress on projects and in class and homework assignments. Please pay close attention to the syllabus online as these may change throughout the semester.
Course Outline (this is likely to change):
Week 1 — Class Overview & Intro to Film Histories
Week 2 — Visual Narrative, the Storyboard and Sequencing
Week 3 — Camera basics, Exposure, Camera Lenses
Week 4 — Project 1 Due | The Cut, Sound and Vision
Week 5 — Cinematography, Editing Basics | Project studio
Week 6 — Trim Mode Editing | Project studio
Week 7 — Project 2 Due | Documentary vs Narrative Practices
Week 8 — Narrative Scene Editing in Premiere Pro
Week 9 —Film + Video + the Web as Self-Portraiture
Week 10 — Video Art + New Media
Week 11 — Video Effects + Color Correction + Titles | Project Studio
Week 12 — Video Effects: Chromakey, Masks, Audio | Project studio
Week 13 — The Web & New Media VR/AR – Project studio
Week 14 —Final Project Presentations
Grading:
Attendance:
Two (unexcused) absences result in grade drop and four absences result in a failing grade. Late or early departure from class (15 minutes) is the equivalent of half an absence.
Participation 20%
Regular Assignments 20%
Project One: Stills 10%
Project Two: Group Project 20%
Project Three: Self Portrait, Portrait or Narrative 10%
Final Project 20%