MDIA 2328 - Australian Stories: Fast Track Video Production

North Terrace Campus - Winter - 2016

This course in video production will enable you to tell your own Australian story on video. Taught by an Adelaide film-maker and television producer, this course covers all aspects of practical video production processes and the technical operation of equipment. Working in the production studio and through fieldwork, students will develop the basic production skills to create short narrative projects based on their own experience of Australian culture. You will work on your own major video project as well as acting as a member of the production crew on others' projects.

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Course Details

Course Code	MDIA 2328
Course	Australian Stories: Fast Track Video Production
Coordinating Unit	Media
Term	Winter
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 6 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y
Prerequisites	At least 12 units of level 1 Arts courses
Incompatible	MDIA 2107
Restrictions	Available to BMedia students only
Quota	A quota will apply
Assessment	4 class tests (10% each), major project (30%), production assistance (10%), journal (20%)

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Mr Philip Elms

Mr Philip Elms, Course Coordinator and Lecturer philip.elms@adelaide.edu.au

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

Classes are held on Monday and Tuesday from 9am to 3pm during the teaching period.

Course Learning Outcomes

Understand basic techniques for story telling through film.
Understand theory behind operation of video cameras.
Use video cameras to shot footage in a variety of styles and under different lighting conditions.
Use audio recording equipment to capture varying sound forms.
Use digital editing software to produce a video film.
Capable of effective file management during video production using a variety of digital storage formats.
Understand different roles required for film making and the necessary organisational skills required to put these into operation.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Deep discipline knowledge informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1 accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)	a,b,c,d,e,f,g
Critical thinking and problem solving steeped in research methods and rigor based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment	a,b,e,f,g
Teamwork and communication skills developed from, with, and via the SGDE honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning	a,b,c,d,e,f,g
Career and leadership readiness technology savvy professional and, where relevant, fully accredited forward thinking and well informed tested and validated by work based experiences	a,b,c,d,e,f,g
Intercultural and ethical competency adept at operating in other cultures comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges	a,g
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate	a,b,c,d,e,f,g

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Students are required to supply their own headphones for class use. Supplementary course notes will be supplied.

Recommended Resources

A personal Flash drive or portable hard disc drive is highly recommended for storage of work. Blank DV tapes, blank DVD-R discs or SD Card may also be needed for project work.

Online Learning

This course makes use of the Media Lab, Schulz 408, and students may use online resources throughout the course.
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes

Primary teaching is through intensive workshop teaching with in-class practical activities. Students complete independent film making activities in groups or individually outside of scheduled class time for completion of assignments.

Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
- 12 hours of workshop classes per week (over 3 weeks).
- Approximately 30 hours of independent work per week (over 4 weeks) for completion of film-making assignments.
Learning Activities Summary

Session 1 Monday 9am –3pm
a. Camera Operation basics –introduction to HDV/DV camera technologies and applications including:
i. Focus (auto v manual)

ii. Exposure (auto v manual), Gain control

iii. Colour balance (auto v manual)

iv. Shutter Speed

v. Audio adjustments (auto v manual)

vi. Format selection

vii. Aspect ratios
b. Camera technique including framing and composition, camera movement, shot duration, logistics and style.
c. Preparing footage and shooting for the edit.
d. Outline First project and Journal requirements.
e. Consultation with lecturer

Session 2 Tuesday 9am –3pm
a. Types of Productions –Short Film narrative, corporate promotion, music video, TV program, TV Commercial, video for the internet, other digital delivery platforms.
b. Stages of Production (Pre, Prod, Post) and examination of concepts from scripting, shotlisting, storyboarding, etc.
c. Explanation of crew roles and responsibilities.
d. Demonstration onthe use of associated video equipment (ie tripod, reflectors, clapper, etc)
e. Introduction to Non-linear Editing.
f. File management and set up of project editing parameters.
g. Digitising into Premiere Pro.
h. Outline of the editing components (timeline, clip bins, browser, viewer, audio metering, effects, etc).
i. Differences in creating projects for alternate/specific delivery platforms (ie. Web, tape, DVD, mobile phones, data projection, cross platform, television, etc).
j. Consultation with lecturer

Session 3 Monday 9am –3pm
a. Play assignments #1 in class from tapes and discuss.
b. Understanding the importance of good sound quality and how to acquire it on location.
c. Demonstration of different microphones, cables, boom poles and other sound equipment.
d. Display of microphone techniques and placement.
e. Connecting microphones and other devices to the camera.
f. Adjusting audio recording levels in the camera and monitoring sound.
g. Differences between microphone sound and other audio inputs (Mic vs Line feeds)
h. Overcoming practical obstacles and avoiding them prior to shooting.
i. Introduction to DVD creation software
j. Creating a basic DVD menu and burning a disc.
k. Consultation with lecturer

Session 4 Tuesday 9am –3pm
a. Basic lighting principles including understanding the following and how they are used:
i. key light

ii. fill light

iii. back light

iv. reflected and diffused light

v. natural vs incandescent light

vi. fluros

vii. balancing different light sources

viii. effects lighting/ coloured gels
b. Use of camera equipment to see the different lightingset ups on screen.
c. Practically set up for a basic three light interview scenario.
d. Consultation with lecturer

Session 5 Monday 9am –3pm
a. Editing principles using Premiere Pro
b. Constructing a sequence in the timeline.
c. Trimming clips for edit, keyboard shortcuts, audio adjustments
d. Creating video titles.
e. Use of transitions and effects
f. Basic Colour Correction and filters
g. Some class time to work on major project edits
h. Consultation with lecturer

Session 6 Tuesday 9am –3pm
a. Play and discuss major projects #3 in class
b. Advanced editing techniques, including audio nodes, incorporating logos and artwork, rendering options, etc.
c. Discussion on directing talent, project paperwork requirements (ie. Agreements, releases, call sheets, etc)
d. Consultation with lecturer

Specific Course Requirements

None.

Small Group Discovery Experience

Video production necessarily involves students in small group collaboration as part of a film 'crew'. Students work in small groups in class and independently to produce their finished video.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assignment 1 (20%), Assignment 2 (20%), Major Assignment (50%), Journal (10%).

Assessment Related Requirements

Attendance at all classes is necessary in order to achieve the technical proficiency required to complete all assignments successfully.

Assessment Detail

Project for assessment #1:
Shoot footage based on a theme (TBC) demonstrating camera operation skills and aesthetics. Projects need not be edited, footage will be played from tape in class.

Assessment Criteria: Projects will be assessed on technical competencies, style and understanding of basic shot acquisition. Editing capabilities are not assessed.
Value: 20%
Due Date: commencement of Session 3

Journals for assessment

Assessment Criteria: Journals should contain information relating to each of the assessed projects. This includes aspects of each production, planning, pitfalls, crew relationships and viability, thought processes that lead to decisions and achievements. Journals are a “behind the scenes” insight into the entire production process to inform and enhance the assessor’s understanding of each of the student’s projects. Journals should be updated repeatedly throughout the course, rather than retrospectively. They should not contain notes taken during classes.
Value: 10%
Due Date: commencement of Session 6

Project for assessment #2:
Shoot a one minute interview which adheres to the theme of “what does Australia mean to you?”, demonstrating camera operation skills and aesthetics and location audio acquisition. Basic editing may be used to present the project.

Assessment Criteria: Projects will be assessed on technical competencies; style and understanding of audio acquisition. Projects may be delivered on DVD or played from the edit suite.
Value: 20%
Due Date: commencement of Session 4

Major Project for assessment #3:
Using part or all of the interview previously shot, create a two to three minute news-style story by shooting overlay footage, further interviews or voice over to tell your uniquely Australian story. Students may be paired for this exercise, with each fulfilling specific roles and providing equal input to the completed project. Completed projects should also be burned to DVD with a menu.

Assessment Criteria: Projects will be assessed individually on technical competencies, style and understanding of lighting requirements and audio acquisition and basic editing principles using transitions, corrections and titles to enhance. Total marks achieved will be awarded to both participants equally.
Value: 50%
Due Date: commencement of Session 6

Submission

All assignments will be submitted directly to the lecturer in class.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through .

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

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Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator

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