Sample Assignments

INTRO TO VIDEO PRODUCTION

ASSIGNMENT #1

A VIVID DREAM OR CHILDHOOD MEMORY

Using any standard photographic camera available to you, make a series of photographs, that when placed in sequence (reading left to right) will communicate your dream or memory. Process your photos at a “one hour” photo service, or print on a color printer, to obtain standard 4”x6” prints. Attach your photos in sequence to posterboard (or something like it) for presentation. Do NOT name or label your photos, title your project, or include writing of any kind on your presentation board, other than your name. You may use as few as 5 but no more than 10 photographs to communicate your dream or memory.

IMPORTANT: YOU MUST WORK ALONE IN SECRECY!

DO NOT TELL ANYONE FROM CLASS WHAT YOUR DREAM OR MEMORY IS!

During critique the rest of the class will be asked to guess what your meaning is from the sequence of your photographs. You will not be allowed to explain any verbal details until the group has finished discussing your work.

Points to consider when planning your project: This is not a technical assignment–it is an exercise concerning which images you choose to communicate your idea, and your ability to convey a concept using these images in a sequence. Plan out the images you will need to convey your idea before you photograph them. Consider leaving out images that are not absolutely necessary. What is essential for your sequence of photographs so that your viewers will understand? Are there things you wish you could photograph, but can’t get a shot of this quickly?–Solve your problems creatively. This is supposed to be a quick assignment. You may need to scale down your original ideas to their most basic essence. Your dream or memory does not have to have a beginning, middle and end–since most dreams or memories don’t always have these kind of clear-cut divisions. You may decide to tell only an interesting portion of a particular dream or memory. However, since you are placing them in a sequence, your photos should start somewhere and end somewhere in a manner that supports your idea. For example, if it is a nightmare, your photo sequence may begin with pleasant or neutral images which lead to a shocking or disturbing image. Consider the possibilities of suspense when arranging your photographs, or of each image building upon the former to convey an overall meaning within the sequence.

INTRO TO VIDEO PRODUCTION

ASSIGNMENT #2

MUSIC VIDEO

Create a one to three minute music video. You may choose any pre-recorded CD music you desire. You will be editing your images to this pre-recorded music. Therefore when you shoot, you will not need to play the music during shooting—attempting to “lip sync” should be avoided. Concentrate on telling a story with your images that relates to the music or enhances it in some way. You may talk and make noise during shooting, because you will be able to separate that sound track from your image and replace it with the music. No dialogue. Editing will be simple—straight cuts—no transitions (fades, wipes, etc.), and no titles or credits. You will only have one soundtrack—the music you choose from a pre-recorded CD.

Start pre-production immediately. Shoot next weekend. Editing begins in class the following week. You must have footage when you come to CLASS 7.

You will be working in assigned pairs. Each individual is responsible for completing a video. You must help each other and share one camera. You direct your video and your partner is your crew/helper and vice-versa. Schedule your time with your partner and check out one camera together to shoot both pieces.

DO NOT SHOOT IN THE RAIN/SNOW OR GET THE CAMERA WET. (You can always build a shelter for the camera, hold an umbrella over it, or otherwise get clever—USE COMMON SENSE.)

Try to tell a story with your video images. Think about how the images will relate to your chosen music. Plan your shooting. You may need to shoot more than one take for each set-up. A good rule of thumb is to shoot 3 takes of each shot—this way you have plenty of coverage to choose from when you edit.

OUTPUT YOUR PROJECT TO DVD FOR VIEWING IN CLASS ON THE DUE DATE

INTRO TO VIDEO PRODUCTION

ASSIGNMENT #3

CONVEY THE IMPOSSIBLE

Create a three to five minute video. You may interpret the impossible literally, or think of an idea to fit the assignment that is as abstract as you choose.

Keep in mind that you will be editing on a computer and you may use the transitions available in FINAL CUT PRO, but you will not have access to any other kind of special effects computer programs—therefore you will NOT be able to rely on the computer to show the impossible. HOWEVER, there may be some creative way of shooting, or juxtaposing your shots during editing that will allow you some sort of visual trick. Plan your shots ahead of time if you think this is the route you would like to choose.

You will be working in assigned pairs. Each individual is responsible for completing a video. You must help each other and share one camera. You direct your video and your partner is your crew/helper. Schedule your time with your partner and check out one camera together to shoot both pieces.

OUTPUT YOUR PROJECT TO DVD FOR VIEWING IN CLASS ON THE DUE DATE

INTRO TO VIDEO PRODUCTION

FINAL ASSIGNMENT 

SELF PORTRAIT

Create a three to five minute video. You may interpret self portrait literally, or think of an idea to fit the assignment that is as abstract as you choose. You may do what you like for this project—you may use or not use sound–in camera edits or editing with Final Cut Pro–use a lot of editing or use one long take—whatever fits your idea the best. You may choose your own partner for this project. Please sign up so I know who you are working with. Each individual is responsible for completing a video. You must help each other and share one camera. You direct your video and your partner is your crew/helper and vice-versa. Start immediately. If you are having problems coming up with an idea then talk to me during class work time. I am happy to share my experience with you.

NOTICE THERE IS VERY LITTLE TIME LEFT IN THE SEMESTER–BUDGET YOUR TIME ACCORDINGLY

A. Plan your project

B. Shoot your project as soon as possible

C. Start editing on your own time in the lab during posted hours

OUTPUT YOUR PROJECT TO DVD FOR VIEWING IN CLASS ON THE DUE DATE

INTRO TO VIDEO PRODUCTION

FINAL ASSIGNMENT (alternate)

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT (PSA)

Create a 30 to 60 second Public Service Announcement (PSA). You may use a real non-profit organization or make up one of your own. You will not interact with real clients: you do not have time left in the semester to do so. This is a mock PSA. You may choose your own partner. Please sign up so I know who you are working with. Each individual is responsible for completing a video. You must help each other and share one camera. You direct your video and your partner is your crew/helper and vice-versa. Start immediately. If you are having problems coming up with an idea then talk to me during class work time. I am happy to share my experience with you.

NOTICE THERE IS VERY LITTLE TIME LEFT IN THE SEMESTER–BUDGET YOUR TIME ACCORDINGLY

A. Plan your project

B. Shoot your project as soon as possible

C. Start editing on your own time in the lab during posted hours

OUTPUT YOUR PROJECT TO DVD FOR VIEWING IN CLASS ON THE DUE DATE

FILM THEORY & CRITICISM

ASSIGNMENT #1

FILM THEORIST PRESENTATION

You and your partner are required to give a 30 minute presentation in front of the class using PowerPoint (or similar program) to explain what you have discovered during your research and any original thoughts you may have concerning the information you have uncovered. You must fill at least 20 minutes to receive minimum grading consideration, but you may not go longer than 30 minutes. Each partner must speak/present for at least 10 minutes of the total presentation time. Good presentations will provide biographical information to introduce a theorist as well as explain major points of his/her thinking and scholarship. Excellent presentations will go further by 1) placing the theorist in a historical context; and 2) applying said theories to unique examples by showing one or more film clips. Do not waste space in your 30 minutes by showing irrelevant or overly long film clips. If you choose to show film clips make certain that you practice and only show what is necessary, as opposed to letting your clips run long simply because you love the movie. A proper Bibliography using MLA or Chicago Manual of Style format is required–due at the time of the presentation.

You will be assigned your partner and DUE DATE based upon lottery (chance) and the chronological order of your theorist in history.

MY PARTNER IS:

MY PARTNER’S PHONE NUMBER:

MY PARTNER’S EMAIL:

OUR THEORIST IS:

OUR DUE DATE IS:

It is a good idea to practice your presentation at the teacher station prior to your scheduled due date.

FILM THEORY & CRITICISM

FINAL ASSIGNMENT

WRITTEN ESSAY

Write a 5 page research paper combining your assigned film theorist plus one film screened in this class.

You have already researched a film theorist and you have a bibliography. Now you must choose one film that has been assigned this semester and write a paper combining the two. You may create a thesis in which you illustrate your theorist’s ideas using a film, or perhaps you will decide to use one film as an example to refute your theorist. The argument you make is up to you. PLEASE REMEMBER to turn your opinions into positions by using specific examples from the text(s) to support your argument. An “A” paper will connect your original thoughts with the research you have done to back up any claims you might like to make about your topic.

Start immediately. If you are having problems coming up with an idea for your thesis statement, please make an appointment to meet with me outside of class time. I am happy to share my experience with you.

STANDARDS:

• Minimum 5 pages, typed, double spaced, 10-12 point font

• Must contain Thesis Statement

• Must have an Introduction, Body, and Conclusion

• Must include Bibliography in MLA or Chicago Manual of Style format

• Must properly cite all references

• Must be turned in ON PAPER on the due date (I will not accept essays via email)

Final Note: The written essay is officially due on the last day of class. However, if you feel that you are finished with the paper earlier than the deadline you may turn it in to me at any time for early grading. Please allow at least one week for turnaround. This can be very useful to you if you feel you need more guidance. If you turn the paper in at least 2 weeks early and it does not merit an A, I can return the paper to you for revisions so that you might improve your grade. That’s 2 weeks: 1 week for me to grade it, and 1 week for you to fix it.

READ THIS BEFORE WRITING YOUR PAPER

Make a clear thesis statement then back it up with logical reasons and examples from the film(s) and reading(s). Assume that your professor has seen the same films you have and has read the same articles provided in class. Don’t waste time or space explaining plot or story details unnecessary to your thesis. The assignment is NOT a “plot segmentation.”

Don’t write using the first person. The use of “I think,” or “in my opinion,” is not acceptable. Obviously you “think” what you are writing–you are the one writing it! If you start to write a sentence this way, stop. Change it into a bold statement and use examples to prove that it is true.

Don’t Plagiarize. If you can find it on the Internet so can your professor.

PLEASE REMEMBER: Whether you like or dislike a particular film is irrelevant. You must provide reasons that refer to the text (film or reading) that defend your position about the film. For example, say you really hated First Blood and you think the character of Rambo is a jerk. Rather than say this, you could choose to make a statement such as “Rambo is an unrealistic character providing viewers with the message that violence is an appropriate response.” There are no correct answers for this essay. Grading is based on your ability to support your point. Have you provided a reason(s) for the claim(s) you make that can be found in the text of the film or the reading? Spelling and grammar are important. You may have great ideas but who wants to read them if you make it difficult? Each spelling error after (2) will result in 5 points deducted from your grade. If you need special help seek it out before you turn in your paper. Don’t rely on “spell check” alone. It is a good idea to find a partner from class who will exchange papers with you–this will also help you to make your ideas more clear–ask your partner if your reasoning makes sense. You must include a Bibliography at the end of your paper (using MLA or Chicago Manual of Style format) because you are incorporating ideas from your earlier research this semester. Please note in the BODY of your paper that film and book titles are to be underlined as in Punch Drunk Love, or Film Art, and titles of articles shall be placed in quotes as in “Blade Runner and Genre.” Refer to authors and filmmakers by their last names as in Morrison or Nolan, and be sure to give credit within your paper to these persons when you quote material or use another person’s ideas.

SCRIPTWRITING

ASSIGNMENT #2

SCREENPLAYS

Read as many Screenplays as you can get your hands on. This is one of the best ways to learn to write and evaluate other peoples’ writing. You can find screenplays online at: www.script-o-rama.com (click on the right hand entry)

Instructions: Locate, download, and read a feature-length script for a film you have seen (this is important, you must have seen the film prior to reading the script), then answer the following questions on another sheet of paper:

1. From whose Point of View (POV) is the story being told?

2. Who is the main character (Protagonist)?

3. What does the Protagonist want?

4. Describe any Obstacles in the way of the Protagonist’s goal(s).

5. Break the story down into Beginning (ACT 1), Middle (Act 2), and End (Act 3). For each segment, briefly describe what happens in a few sentences.

6. What is the Inciting Incident?

7. Describe the Conflict in the script.

8. Describe the Character Arc. (How does the Protagonist change during the course of the story?)

9. What is the Theme of this story? (Hint: is there a moral or lesson? If not obvious, attempt to explain the main point or idea that is developed in this script. What is this film about?)

10. What is the Premise (a.k.a.: Log-Line) in one sentence?