Assignments and Other Class Documents
Assignments
Assignment 1: "Biological/Processes"
(learning camera, no edits)
Download <“Assignment 1” document> for details and technical instructions.
The aim of this assignment is to get you comfortable using the camera, to think about the act of looking, and to explore video as a time-based medium. To that end, spend some time thoughtfully observing a natural process, indoors or outdoors, and record it for 2 minutes.
No edits are allowed, not even turning the camera off and back on.
Commit to a decision to either a) follow the action with the camera, or b) to be still and allow the action to unfold in front of a stationary camera.
DUE AUG 31, 2012.
Assignment 2: "Montage & Meaning"
(lighting, constructing meaning, simple edits)
Download <“Assignment 2” document> for details and technical instructions.
As per the montage videos we watched, create a “Kuleshov Effect” video of your own.
Include 1 shot of a face with neutral or minimal emotion, illuminated with 3-point lighting.
Include 3 other shots, lit as ou choose. 1 can be a still shot (but does not have to be). Cut between the face and other shots. The face shot must repeat, but others might or might not—your choice.
Be conscious of how you light and shoot.
Be mindful of how sequence, relationship, composition, shot type, framing, and lighting create meaning.
Sound or no sound is your choice, but be aware of how choices effect interpretation.
Keep it simple.
Length: 45-90 seconds.
FOOTAGE DUE IN CLASS SEPT 17, 2012; COMPLETED ASSIGNMENT DUE FOR CRITIQUE SEPT 21, 2012.
Reminder resource videos for 3 point lighting:
(basic, which you are responsible for demonstrating in the face shots)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzvHEBm6VZs&feature=fvwrel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcMX1RcNRYA
(advanced, which you are not responsible for, but you may try for the other shots if you wish)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkUqBJoxZ-I&feature=fvwrel
Assigntment 3: "Witnessing" -- Interview or Narrated Tour
(lighting, audio, story, edits)
Download <“Assignment 3” document> for details and technical instructions.
Using the Panasonic 80-10 camera and the Advanced Audio Kit, film a ~3-minute interview-style video or a narrated tour.
The subject matter is yours to decide on, but some suggestions as to approach are:
• an oral history style interview with a family member or community member
• a journalistic-type interview
• a “mockumentary” style interview
• a “tour guide” narration about a place
• content for “Health Care Heros Media” (interviews with people who overcame, or are courageously dealing with, a health issue, or an interview with an inspiring health care provider/healer)
FOOTAGE DUE IN CLASS BY OCTOBER 22, 2012
PROJECT DUE & CRITS ON OCTOBER 29, 2012
Assignment 4: "Memory"
(Final Project--demonstrate cumulative skills + more advanced edits)
Download <“Assignment 4” document> for details and technical instructions.
Create a 3.5 to 4.5 minute (including titles & credits—so 3-4 minutes if the piece is intended for an installation) documentary or narrative about a personal or community memory.
Use all the technical and conceptual skills we have learned, polished to the next level.
Focus on lighting, sound, composition, construction of meaning, and solid visual communication/storytelling.
You may help each other with production, but everyone should have her or his own video at the end.
FOOTAGE DUE TO EDIT BY NOV 26 (at the latest), COMPLETED PIECE FOR GROUP CRITIQUE DUE FINALS WEEK, Dec 10, 7:30 am - 10:30 am.
Due in drop box prior to group critique.
HOWEVER-- in order to have your work considered for the end of the semester showcase, please get your final piece to me via the drop box by 6 pm on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5.
Helpful Documents
These documents to download should prove to be useful in doing your assignments and as general reference:
How to Export H264 Files for this Class
Sound Capture Guide (from Documentary Filmmaking, a Contemporary Field Guide, but John Hewitt & Gustavo Vazquez)
Preproduction Guide (from University of California Santa Cruz)