VMHS_CTE_Syllabus

CTE TV/Video Production Syllabus • Instructor: Mike Verkouteren (Rev. 8/11)

Riverside County Office of Education – CTE

Vista Murrieta High School

Class Syllabus

Department: RCOE – Vocational Education/ Career Technical Education (CTE)

Course Title: TV/Digital Video Production Level 1

Instructor: Mike Verkouteren

mverkouteren@murrieta.k12.ca.us

or mverkouteren@rcoe.us

Grade Level: 10 – 12 (Must be 16 years or older when class starts)

Length of Course: 1 Year

Prerequisite: None

Course Description: The course focuses on the aesthetic qualities of television and movie production

and analyzes the impact of digital video technology as an alternate form of communication in today's

society. Students will convey creative expression and develop ideas individually or within a group,

compose an outline/proposal of a historical and or cultural nature , and write a script from the outline. The

completed project will be a video product based on their script and storyboards. Students will also write

and produce television shows in a variety of formats. Instruction in the creative process that precedes any

movie or television project including writing, rewriting, collaboration and more rewrites will be a main

focus. Students will also study the impact of digital video on our society from a social, economic, and

political viewpoint. Students will learn the history of moviemaking and the technological advances in the

art form. Knowledge and utilization of microphones, digital video cameras, analog and digital computer-

based audio/video editing equipment, and software programs such as Apple I-movie and Apple Final Cut

Pro will be a secondary focal point to that of meeting the elements of art and principles of design as well as

the components in the state standards.

I. Goals

The Student will:

A. Demonstrate their ability to write a short script in proper format with appropriate

context and content for the objective of the assignment

B. Demonstrate their ability to critique, compare and contrast, and evaluate film in content

the appropriate written format

C. Research a historical subject and acquire content to develop a short documentary.

The documentary will illustrate its historical, cultural, social, and political

relevance to current events

D. Acquire the knowledge and capability to express creative ideas and concepts with video

in other academic forums

E. Research the historical relationships between film and society

F. Investigate film technique, screenwriting, lighting, camera, and editing

G. Differentiate genre and the role of the filmmaker in filmmaking

CTE TV/Video Production Syllabus • Instructor: Mike Verkouteren (Rev. 8/11)

II. Objectives

Objective

VPA Standards

Students will increase their knowledge and appreciation of the filmmaking process

through observation, discussion, comparison, and written evaluation. Introduce

students to concepts of genre and the filmmaker. Student output will become part

of an ongoing electronic portfolio.

1.5; 1.6; 3.2; 3.3;

3.4; 2.2

Students will observe created works by masters and technicians in film and

television. Students will analyze the process of creation and apply that knowledge

to original work of their own. Students will create a Public Service Announcement,

a commercial, a demonstration video, a historical documentary, and other creative

assignments. Past projects will be reviewed by students late in the year to articulate

how they would improve their work given the extent of experience.

2.1; 2.2; 2.3; 2.6;

4.4; 5.2;

Students will read selected short stories and will chose a story to interpret into a

script using the proper format. Script will address all phases of the filmmaking

process from acquisition to final production. Students will discuss how written

works are interpreted as film and how that interpretation affects the process of

making a film or television show. How trends or historical issues have influenced

the films made or how they used to investigate social issues. ( Example: war

movies, or movies of the depression era.)

2.1; 2.2; 3.3; 4.1;

4.2; 5.2;

Compare and contrast films by varied filmmakers that address a similar message.

Students will evaluate the methods used and describe how they affected the message

of the film. Students will evaluate films generally accepted as classics and how

those films were accepted when made and how time has effected their later

interpretation. Compare and contrast how television (broadcast and cable),

newspapers, magazines, and film, cover and interpret current or historical social,

economic, or political events

2.1; 2.2; 5.3

Students will learn to use the digital tools available to create and edit video. Those

will include the video camera, computer editing software, and other digital tools.

Students will learn how those digital tools have affected changes in the process of

filmmaking.

2.2; 3.2

III. Outline of Content for Major Areas of Study (Schedule is subject to change)

Semester I (Project due dates will be announced in class when the assignment is given)

A. First 6 Weeks

1. Intro / Mac / iMovie / Final Cut Pro / Scriptwriting

a. Basic computer operations.

b. Begin individual digital portfolios.

2. Intro to TV Studio – (200 pts.)

a. Control room, cameras, and microphones.

b. Model 3-minute script from newspaper, Internet, and school

news. (100 pts.)

c. Students write short news program based on local and school

events. (100 pts.)

d. News from local paper, Internet. School sports and activities.

e. Add assignment to portfolio.

3. Public Service Announcement. – (200 pts.)

a. Model: show PSA’s from a web source.

b. Model script and storyboard. (100 pts.)

c. Students work in groups of 2, complete their own PSA.(100 pts.)

d. Add assignment to portfolio.

CTE TV/Video Production Syllabus • Instructor: Mike Verkouteren (Rev. 8/11)

B. Second 6 Weeks

1. Commercial – (200 pts.)

a. View commercials from 1960’s and Macintosh commercials

b. Model: pick a list of products.

c. Model script and storyboard. Use stock footage to complete

video commercial. – (100 pts.)

d. Students work in groups of 2 to conceptualize and produce: 30

second commercial. – (100 pts.)

e. Add assignment to portfolio.

2. Flash MX / Adobe ImageReady – (200 pts.)

a. Introduction to computer animation – (200 pts.)

b. Add assignment to portfolio.

C. Third 6 Weeks

1. Instructional Video – (500 pts.)

a. Preview “Demonstration” video to students.

b. Model steps to create a “how to” video from school activities.

c. Model the process of scripting, storyboarding, taping, and

editing. (100 pts.)

d. Students conceive idea and outline their project. (100 pts.)

e. Students write 4 to 10 page script and assemble storyboard.

f. Assemble video clips and edit. (300 pts.)

g. Add assignment to portfolio.

2. History Documentary – (500 pts.)

a. Preview short documentaries in class. Examples of several

types.

b. Show Documentary on making of Citizen Kane. Movie to be

seen later in year. Read: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/kane2/

c. Model how to find a relevant historical subject and create a ten-

minute documentary.

i. Research the subject in the library, Internet, and

interview subject. (100 pts.)

ii. Finds photo’s, video clips, primary and secondary

sources suitable for use. (100 pts.)

iii. Assemble the documentary according to National

History Day rules and regulations (See instructor). (100 pts.)

d. Student research possible subjects for an extensive list.

e. Research their ideas and reduce possible subjects to one.

f. Assemble documentary and add relevant interviews and voice-

overs. (200 pts.)

g. Add assignment to portfolio.

Semester II

A. First 6 Weeks

1 Introduce Final Cut Pro – (500 pts.)

a. Convert video editing from iMovie to Final Cut Pro.

b. Demonstrate differences and added features.

2. Conducting an Interview-studio or remote – (500 pts.)

c. View model interviews from 60 Minutes, Today, and cable

shows.

d. Demonstrate how to interview. Pick the subject, research; write

questions, with possible answers. Determine if this is a friendly

or hard-hitting interview.

CTE TV/Video Production Syllabus • Instructor: Mike Verkouteren (Rev. 8/11)

e. Students use their partner to conduct a sample interview.

Demonstrate questioning techniques. (100 pts.)

f. Students select someone outside of class to interview. Partner

will tape while they conduct the interview. Review questions in

class, peer review then whole class review. Revise questions.

g. View completed interviews in class. (400 pts.)

h. Add assignment to portfolio.

3 Music video – (500 pts.)

a. View music videos from MTV. Show previous student work.

b. Model music video with MP3 music.

i. Select song.

ii. Outline/propose the project.

iii. Edit video from stock footage.

c. Have students listen to samples of available music.

d. Students select a song and search for lyrics. – (100 pts.)

e. Students write outline/proposal. – (100 pts.)

f. Students write script. Script revision. – (100 pts.)

g. Shoot video.

h. Edit and show to class. (200 pts.)

i. Add assignment to portfolio.

B. Second 6 Weeks – (500 pts.)

1 Talk/Discussion Show in Studio Music video – (500 pts.)

a. Class will view examples from TV talk show formats.

b. Model to conception, outline, and scripting of a sample round

table discussion on a school related subject.

c. Students work in groups of 4 to conceive and write their own 10

minute talk show. – (100 pts.)

i. 1 group on air while a second group helps with the

technical side of the broadcast.

d. View each groups finished show in class. (400 pts.)

e. Add assignment to portfolio.

2 Create an Alternate Ending - Writing Assignment (10 days) – (200 pts.)

a. View alternate endings from directors cut of two movies.

b. Model how to change an ending at the climax.

c. Students chose a movie from the AFI top 100 and rewrite an

ending starting at the climax. – (200 pts.)

d. Add assignment to portfolio.

C. Third 6 Weeks – (800 pts.)

1. Key Assignment – Students will do a research project with

historical/cultural context and through creative expression will develop a

short film related to the topic researched. – (800 pts.)

a. Students will complete a ten-minute short film produced by each

group.

b. Model the conception process with students. Using “Inspiration”

brainstorm as many ideas as possible. (100 pts.)

c. Students brainstorm as a class. Students should contribute one

idea each. Link ideas to add twists and turns to the story.

d. Students will work with instructor to begin a short film script

from their idea. Each class will do their own script. Work as a

group until they complete 5 pages. (100 pts.)

e. Split class into groups of 5 and each group will complete their

own script. Each story will begin the same and end differently.

CTE TV/Video Production Syllabus • Instructor: Mike Verkouteren (Rev. 8/11)

f. Bring groups back together and compare scripts. Groups will

revise where necessary. Points to check: 3 acts, character

development, twists and turns in act II. Check they each have a

true ending for their story.

g. Groups will videotape their scripts. (100 pts.)

h. Any revisions must be added to their shooting script.

i. Create a 1-minute preview for their short film. (300 pts.)

j. Create movie posters and radio add campaign. (200 pts.)

k. Add assignment to portfolio.

2. Review for final exams.

3. Comprehensive Final Exams

IV. Grades

Projects (Subject to Change) Points

Class Participation & Discussion = 360 points (18 weeks x 20 pts.)

Tests (Midterm & Final Exam) = 500 points (2 x 250 pts.)

Quizzes (Textbook/Unit Lesson Reviews) = 800 points (8 x 100 pts.)

Assignments and Critiques

Semester (Video Projects) = 2000 points

Intro to TV Studio – (200 pts.)

Introduce Final Cut Pro – (200 pts.)

Public Service Announcement. – (200 pts.)

Commercial – (200 pts.)

Introduction to computer animation – (200 pts.)

Instructional Video – (500 pts.)

History Documentary – (500 pts.)

Semester (Video Projects) = 3000 points

Advanced Final Cut Pro – (500 pts.)

Conducting an Interview-studio or remote – (500 pts.)

Music video – (500 pts.)

Talk/Discussion Show in Studio Music video – (500 pts.)

Create an Alternate Ending - Writing Assignment (10 days) – (200 pts.)

Key Assignment – Students will do a research project with historical/cultural context and through creative

expression will develop a short film related to the topic researched. – (800 pts.)

SEMESTER TOTAL POINTS = 3660 points

SEMESTER TOTAL POINTS = 4660 points

The Final Grade is based upon a percentage computed by dividing the number of points accumulated by the

student by the total number of points available. The percentage is then converted to the letter grades as

follows:

A = 90-100%, B = 80-89%, C = 70-79%, D = 60-69%, F = 0-59%

SINCE THIS IS A “HANDS-ON” COURSE, ALL LABORATORY EXERCISES/PROJECTS MUST BE

COMPLETED AND TURNED IN. FAILURE TO SUBMIT A LABORATORY EXERCISE WILL

RESULT IN A “0” GRADE FOR THAT PARTICULAR ASSIGNMENT IN THE ABOVE

CALCULATION AND WILL THEREFORE, RESULT IN A LOWER FINAL GRADE.

CTE TV/Video Production Syllabus • Instructor: Mike Verkouteren (Rev. 8/11)

Grades assume completion, including on-time submittal, of assignments. Late assignments will have grades

discounted by a minimum of 25% of the total available for the assignment for each day past due date.

Class activities and assignments, including unannounced quizzes, etc. will not be accepted late and cannot

be made-up. The student is expected to attend all classes. Tests may be made-up if the student is absent

AND HAS NOTIFIED THE INSTRUCTOR PRIOR TO THE ABSENCE to provide a justifiable reason

for his or her absence. The acceptance of the excuse and the eventual make-up of a test is at the discretion

of the instructor. The instructor will give unannounced quizzes on occasions. Tests may include computer

based activities.

IMPORTANT: As stated in the CTE/ROP Information & Authorization form, good attendance is essential

to program success and that students who exceed three (3) unexcused absences may be dropped from the

program.

Some Thoughts From the Instructor:

I recognize that the computer, camera and its various components and software applications can be strange

and sometimes, overwhelming, to the novice. As this is an introductory class, it is only natural for students

to work at various, different paces. Unfortunately, unlike student abilities, class time does not vary and

there are only a specific number of classes in the semester. It is the responsibility of the student to complete

the reading assignments and projects on time. (DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE).

V. Text

Video Communication & Production, by Jim Stinson, • Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc ISBN: 1-56637-798-6

Television Production Handbook, Herbert Zettl • Thomson/Wadsworth, ISBN: 0-534-64727-8

Website links maintained by Ron Whittaker, Ph.D.

Main Site: http://www.cybercollege.com/indexall.htm

TV Production

http://www.cybercollege.com/tvp_ind.htm

Mass Media

http://www.cybercollege.com/frtv/frtv_ind.htm

PBS Link: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/kane2/

VI. Supplementary Classroom Equipment & Materials

IMPORTANT – Personal Student Head Phones Daily- MUST HAVE (1/8” standard jack), Student

Digital Video Camcorder (If available as needed), Digital Still Camera (If available as needed), 10 - DVD-

R’s to record your completed movie projects, 5 – CD-R’s for iPod format Quicktime movies.

VII. Behavior Policy (Please see the attached “Classroom Safety, Behavior& Daily Business Policy” document)

VIII. Equipment Responsibility (Please see the attached ”Equipment Responsibility “document)