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Summer 2008
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University of Central Oklahoma Department of Mass Communication
Basic Television Production Syllabus – Summer 2008
Instructor: Dr. Keith Swezey, Professor, Mass Communication Office: 129 B Communication Building Phone: 974-2792 FAX: 974-3837 email: kswezey@ucok.edu Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 – 11 am, and by appointment
Course Schedule: COMM 2443 – 11:00 am – 12:14 pm Monday through Thursday COMM 2443L – 12:15 – 1:30 pm Monday or Wednesday
Course Description: A study of basic principles and techniques for writing, producing and directing television studio and field programs. Emphasis is on shooting and editing video, and the director’s, producer’s and editor’s responsibilities in the overall planning and execution of programs both in the studio and in the field.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Students must take MCOM 2443L concurrently with MCOM 2443.
Course Goals: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. work as part of a team in a studio production 2. perform various essential jobs as members of a production team 3. be able to use equipment normally incorporated in a television program, including cameras, switcher, audio equipment, character generator, intercoms, VTRs, editing stations, timers, and so forth 4. direct a television program 5. summarize what is involved in television field production 6. demonstrate basic video camera shots and movements 7. demonstrate the editing of a video to create a meaningful final product 8. know the producer's, director's, talent's, and editor's responsibilities in the overall planning and execution of a program in the studio and/or in the field
Instruction Process: Lecture, discussion, and application of theory and practice through script writing, shooting video, editing exercises, and studio production
Materials Needed: Textbook – required: Zettl, Herbert. (2007). Video Basics 5. Belmont, California: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning. Tapes –You will be given two (2) mini-DV tapes at the beginning of the course. It is suggested that you purchase at least two more. Each student must purchase at least three (3) standard VHS tapes. Posterboard – Students will also need at least one (1) sheet of posterboard for the first studio project.
Course Requirements: Given the nature of this course, and the abbreviated summer semester, it is necessary to have a strict policy regarding absences. Therefore: 1. Absences will only be excused if you have a legitimate, verifiable reason for missing class. You will provide this reason, in writing, to the instructor at least one week before the absence is to occur.
2. Emergencies do occur, but again you must have a legitimate, verifiable reason for missing class. You will make every effort to communicate with me before the absence occurs in person, on the phone, by email or by leaving a message with the Mass Communication office administrative assistants. Do not leave voice messages! Only your demise should prevent this message from reaching me beforehand (and I mean several days in advance if possible, not hours or minutes).
3. Attendance and class participation can affect your final grade. Be certain that you are familiar with this policy, because ignorance of it does not affect its application to your final grade. You cannot pass the class unless you are present to take part in discussion and do your job. Roll will be taken at the beginning of each class and each lab. Unexcused absences will be counted in this way: Unexcused absences #1- 4 – 5% off of the final grade for each occurrence Unexcused absence #5 – ? 10% off of the final grade for each occurrence (You will be encouraged to drop the course after the 5th absence)
4. An unexcused absence on a day when an assignment is due or when you are expected to help crew in the field or in the studio will result in a “zero” for that assignment. If you don’t show up, someone else must take your place. Unless you let me know well in advance that there is a reason you can’t be in class, there is no negotiation on the grade!
5. Do not leave during a class or lab session without informing the professor. If you are working on a studio project, or waiting on the studio, or working in the field, you are still in class. We don’t have time to go find people while working on projects and you’ll be marked absent if not in the studio or with the crew when needed. Once again, a “zero” will be assigned for that project.
6. Do not schedule appointments or "have to go to work" during this class. These are not excused absences.
Production Assignments: You will complete several studio and field video projects in this class. The projects will require that you apply the concepts we discuss in class. The projects will increase in complexity and allow you to show accumulative knowledge of the subject. Two of the projects will be done in teams and all studio projects will require that students participate in various studio crew positions. You will be graded on your completed projects as well as your participation in other class member’s project crews. Studio Projects: There will be three (3) studio projects completed during lab time during the semester. Each student will receive a grade for producing one (1) and directing one (1) project. The third project will be a group project with students allowed to select the position they will work. Missing the group project cannot be made up and will earn that student a "zero" on the project. Anyone directing a group project will receive 10 extra credit points. Students will have an opportunity to work at all of the positions in the control room and on the floor. You will rotate through these job assignments during the semester. Television is a team sport. Much of production work requires patiently waiting for shots to be set and talent to get ready. The producer of each assignment will be graded on how well prepared they are but you must be patient and ready to fulfill your responsibilities. Preparing studio assignments: You should meet with your director before class to go over your script. Directors need to know the script and have it marked before they enter the control room. A minimum of two scripts will be needed for each production. If you want one for yourself, print three. Your original script will be given the instructor before taping starts. The director’s script with proper marking will be turned in to the instructor after taping is completed. If you don’t show up with a script, you can’t do your production. That nets a “zero” for that assignment – so plan ahead! Scripts must be done on the Communication Lab broadcasting computer system, so plan time for that. The computer system will accept word processor files from other software – but not video instructions. If you plan to upload scripts, add the video instructions in the Communication Lab. The computers are available any time the building is open. Students who miss a class will miss the chance to work in the position they were assigned that day. We will make up positions if time permits (and it usually doesn't in summer). You can earn extra credit by participating in the "last chance productions" on the final day of class. Missing studio assignments: If you must miss class the day you are assigned to be talent or to direct a project, you must let the instructor know in advance (see "Course Requirements" section). Unexcused absences will result in "zero" points for that project. Late studio assignments: A minimum of five (5) points will be deducted if you are not in the studio at the time scheduled ready to go or are not prepared at the assigned time. Come to class with your assignment ready on the day of your scheduled shoot. If the first person is not ready, we will move on to the second.
Electronic Field Production Projects: You will complete three (3) EFP projects over the semester. You will have two weeks to complete each of the first two projects, and three weeks to complete the third. You will be given some class time to work on the EFP projects, but do not depend on it for completing them. Bring your mini-DV field tapes and VHS tapes to each class so you can log and edit projects if time is made available. Help other students complete EFP projects by serving as on-camera talent. However, do not shoot or edit their project for them! We live and die by deadlines in broadcasting. Learn to meet them! You will lose five (5) points for each class day the EFP project is turned in after the deadline.
Tape Labeling: Tapes turned in for assignments must be labeled with the student’s name, class and assignment title on the spine of the tape (not on the box) and the tape should be in a box. The tape should be labeled as follows:
STUDENT’S NAME BASIC TV PRODUCTION SUMMER 2008 (Studio/Field) PROJECT #____
Tapes not properly labeled will be returned, un-graded, and are subject to late penalties.
Equipment and Editor Reservations: Because the cameras, editors and other equipment are used by several other classes, it is necessary to reserve time to use them well in advance. You may do so at the Academic Broadcasting Services reception desk. Time is limited to one hour per day on editors and two hours per day for a camera. Plan carefully! If you are not able to keep a reserved time, please let the ABS secretary know so that time can be opened up for another student. People who consistently reserve cameras or editors and don’t show up will incur the wrath of the ABS secretary, your instructor and other students (not a pleasant thing!). If you have reserved a camera or editor and don’t show up within 15 minutes of your reserved time, the slot may be re-assigned to another student.
Studio Etiquette: Students are expected to arrive on time and help set up the studio and control room for that day’s production. You will remain until everything is put away. If you are using a piece of equipment you are responsible for putting it away, turning it off, winding it up, or whatever is needed to complete the shutdown. For field production, students are expected to arrive on time and help check out equipment and transport it to the production location. You will help return equipment and see that it is properly checked in. No food, tobacco or drinks in studio or control room – ever!
Quizzes: There will be a total of four quizzes for the course. Quizzes will be about every two weeks. They will cover the material indicated in the syllabus. Review your notes, reading assignments and any handouts for the quiz. Format will be multiple choice, matching and short answer.
Final: The final consists of two parts: the script and finished production for the commercial and the script and completed production of the talk show. These give you a chance to demonstrate both your writing skills, production skills and direction skills.
Grades: Grades are assigned based on the timely completion of the following assignments. There is a five-point penalty for each day an assignment is late without a valid reason submitted in writing. Assignments more than one week late will not be accepted without some kind of valid reason. Summer schedules move very quickly – don’t get behind!
3 – Field production assignments -Basic video shots 50 -Music video editing 75 -EFP commercial/post production (final) 100 (plus 50 individual points-crew member) 50 3 – Studio production assignments -Flat visuals 50 -Commercial – 3D visuals 75 -Interview show (final) 100 3 – Crew member (25 points x 3 shows) 75 4 – Quizzes @ 35 points 140 Total points possible 715
Equipment checkout: For your field projects there are cameras, tripods, microphones and peripherals can be checked out through the Academic Broadcasting equipment room. If you have not been assigned an ABS barcode strip for your student ID card, get one immediately from the ABS secretary. You may not check out equipment without a valid UCO ID card! No exceptions! Any student enrolled at UCO may get an ID card, at no charge, in the University Center. We will go over checkout procedures as part of the class orientation. You may use your own camera for EFP projects with three requirements: 1. You must have a tripod for the camera – no exceptions. 2. The camera must be a DVCAM or mini-DV tape format 3. The camera must have an external microphone input. The instructor will be happy to look over personal cameras and determine if they can be used for projects.
Tutoring: Tutoring sessions will be scheduled on use of cameras and editors Monday and Wednesday afternoon after lab. Sign up for tutoring on Monday for that week. People usually need help editing and shooting field production projects. That's normal and you should take advantage of this help from other students. However, the more advanced student will not edit or shoot your project for you. It's your grade and they already know how to shoot and edit video.
CLASS SCHEDULE – SUMMER 2008 Week 1 Mon – June 2 Course Overview / The Production Process (Reading: Chap. 1) Lab #1 – The Video Camera – an Overview (Reading: Chap. 4) Tues – June 3 The Production Team (Reading: Chap. 2) Handout - Field Project #1 Wed - June 4 Image Formation and Digital Video (Reading: Chap. 3) Lab #2 – The Video Camera – an Overview (Reading: Chap. 4) Thur - June 5 Operating the Camera (Reading: Chap. 5 & 6) Field Project #1 – Shooting
Week 2 Mon – June 9 Editing Introduction – Linear and nonlinear (Reading: Chap. 12) Quiz #1 – Chap. 1 - 6 (Lab #1 – Editing Practice & Logging Video Project #1) Tue – June 10 Editing Principles – (Reading: Chap. 13) Field Project #2 - Handout - Begin shooting outside class Wed – June 11 Light, Color and Lighting (Reading: Chap. 8) Field Project #1 –begin logging, editing & continue shooting (Lab #2 – Editing Practice & Logging Video Project #1) Thur – June 12 Field Project #1 – Continue editing
Week 3 Mon – June 16 Image Creation - Audio & Sound Control (Reading: Chap. 7) Lab #1 - Turn in Field Project #1 / Log & edit Field Project #2 Tue – June 17 Studio Production / Intro to the Studio (Reading: Chap. 10) Outside class – continue editing Field Project #2 Wed – June 18 Studio Production – Video Recording (Reading: Chap. 11) Handout - Studio Project #1 Lab #2 – Turn in Field project #1 / Log & edit Field Project #2) Thur – June 19 Studio Project #1 – (Flat visuals) – Begin rehearsals
Week 4 Mon – June 23 Production Environment: The Studio (Reading: Chap. 14) Quiz #2 – Chap. 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13 Lab #1 – Studio Project #1 – (Flat visuals) – Begin taping Tue – June 24 Studio Project #1 – (Flat visuals) – Continue taping Turn in Field Project #2 Wed – June 25 Production Environment: Field & Computer-generated (Reading: Chap. 15) Lab #2 – Studio Project #1 – (Flat visuals) – Continue taping Thur – June 26 Graphics & Effects (Reading: Chap. 9)
Turn in Studio Project #1 Week 5 Mon – June 30 Talent, Clothing, Makeup (Reading: Chap. 16) Handout – Studio Project #2 – 3D Visuals (Lab #1 – Prepare Studio Project #2) Tues – July 1 Directing (Reading: Chap. 17) Wed – July 2 Prepare Studio Project #2 (Lab #1 – Prepare Studio Project #2) Thur – July 3 Studio Project #2 – begin taping (3-D visuals)
Week 6 Mon – July 7 Quiz #3 – Chap. 9, 14 -17 Studio Project #2 – continue taping (Lab #1 - Studio Project #2 – continue taping) Tue – July 8 Handout – Field Project #3 – begin scripting & planning Wed – July 9 Field Project #3 – scripting & planning – review scripts (Lab #2 - Field Proj. #3 – scripting & planning) Thur – July 10 Field Project #3 – rehearsals, begin shooting
Week 7 Mon – July 14 Handout – Studio Project #3 ( Interview-talk show) Continue shooting - Field Project #3 (Lab #1 – begin logging, editing Field Project #3) Tue – July 15 Continue logging, editing - Field Project #3 (Commercial) Wed – July 16 Studio Project #3 – scripting, blocking (Lab #2 – begin logging, editing Field Project #3) Thur – July 17 Studio Project #3 – script review, rehearsals Field Project #3 due
Week 8 Mon – July 21 Quiz #4 – all Chapters Studio Project #3 – taping (Lab #1 - Studio Project #3 – taping) Tue – July 22 Studio Project #3 – taping Wed – July 23 Studio Project #3 – taping (Lab #1 - Studio Project #3 – taping) Thur – July 24 Studio Project #3 – last chance taping (get extra credit helping fellow students)
Schedule is tentative – subject to change with a little notice.
Department of Mass
Communication Policies – Summer 2008 UCO Student Code of Conduct 2007-2008: Students are responsible for all information in the UCO Student Code of Conduct 2007-2008. This can be accessed at http://www.ucok.edu/ssvp/conduct/New%20Conduct%20Documents/CSC(2007-2008).htm.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND PLAGIARISM: The UCO Student Code of Conduct describes Academic Dishonesty and outlines the steps for disciplinary action in the Guidelines for Alleged Academic Dishonesty. This information can be found in Section III, C, 3 & 4. Access this information at http://www.ucok.edu/ssvp/conduct/New%20Conduct%20Documents/CSC(2007-2008).htm.
Academic dishonesty: Includes but is not limited to the “giving” and “taking” of improper assistance in examinations and assignments; not adhering to correct procedures for identification of sources in reports and essays and all creative endeavors; intentional misrepresentation; cheating; plagiarism; and unauthorized possession of examinations. The UCO Student Code of Conduct provides further details. Additionally, any work submitted as an assignment for one class may not be submitted for credit in another class, without prior permission of the professor. Any work so submitted will receive an automatic "0."
Plagiarism: When a student submits any assignment for a course (written, oral, videotape, audiotape, photograph or Web Site), the student will submit entirely original work or will properly cite all sources utilized in the preparation of the assignment. Without proper citation, the student is guilty of plagiarism, which is not tolerated at UCO.
As a student, you are responsible for understanding what constitutes plagiarism. You should talk to your professor to ensure that you can recognize and avoid all types of plagiarism. Plagiarism occurs in two primary ways: 1. Word-for-word copying, without acknowledgement, of the language or creative work of another person. Having another person complete all or part of your assignment is plagiarism and is clearly forbidden. But, in addition, the student should include NO written, video, audio, or photographic material from an existing source, no matter how brief, without acknowledging the source. When using the written words of an existing source in your assignment, either place the borrowed words in quotation marks or set the quotation aside as a block quotation. Additionally, you must include the citation for the material in your assignment. This applies to even the briefest of phrases if they are truly distinctive. 2. The unacknowledged paraphrasing of an author’s ideas. The student should no more take credit for another person’s thoughts than for another person’s words. Any distinctive, original idea taken from another writer should be credited to its author. If you are not sure whether or not an author’s idea is distinctive, you should assume that it is: no fault attaches to over-acknowledgement, but under-acknowledgement is plagiarism. Most style manuals (e.g., Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association) provide information concerning how to paraphrase and cite the ideas and writings of existing sources.
Students may be dismissed from the university for plagiarism. University guidelines provide a range of disciplinary action dependent upon the severity of the offense including but not limited to: requiring a substitute assignment, awarding a reduced grade, awarding a failing grade for the assignment, awarding a failing grade for the course, or expelling the student from the university. Acknowledging that instances of plagiarism may range from minor to severe, the Department of Mass Communication allows the course professor to determine the severity and the disciplinary action for the first instance of plagiarism committed by a student in the professor’s course. However, if that student commits plagiarism a second time in the course, departmental policy requires that the student receive both a failing grade (“F”) for the course and a referral to the UCO Student Conduct Officer. Students should make sure they understand professor expectations for sources and content to be cited.
College of Liberal Arts Policies
Tobacco products are prohibited from the classroom. All personal communication devices are to be turned off or put on silent mode in the classroom. This includes pagers, cell phones, etc.
University Policies
ADA Statement Regarding Special Accommodations: The University of Central Oklahoma complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Students with disabilities who need special accommodations must contact the assistant director of Disability Support Services, Kim Fields, in room 309 of the Nigh University Center, (405) 974-2549. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor as soon as possible after the DSS has verified the need for accommodations to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.
Additional policies for this course are included in the
Summer 2008 UCO Student Information Sheet and Syllabus Attachment
which can be accessed at
http://www.ucok.edu/academicaffairs/FORMS/Student%20Information%20SheetSPR08.pdf |