DM201: Videography

Credit Hours:
3
Estimated Hours Per Week:
5

Overview

This course will introduce you to tools of the digital storyteller: the video camera and computer editing tools. Recognizing that there are a myriad of cameras and computer editors available today, this course will focus on features that are common: focus, aperture, exposure, sound, and shooting for cameras and the rearranging of video shots and sequences into an interesting edited story using computer software.

The course will consist of a mixture of readings, demonstrations, and assignments. Each assignment will culminate in the mastery of skills that will be built upon and expanded in the next assignment.

You will learn fundamental photographic techniques that are common to all storytelling: preplanning, shooting sequences that consist of wide, medium and close-up shots and telling stories that have a beginning, middle and end. Along the way, you will also explore concepts like building tension into a story and setting up and delivering a humorous punch line.

The course begins by exploring the camera — focus, aperture, shutter, exposure, and white balance. You will then be introduced to audio and, finally, you will learn to edit the video you shoot into a coherent story.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate mastery of basic camera capabilities and take control of them – focus, exposure, focal length, and sound.
  • Plan a story before picking up the camera.
  • Produce video that others will want to watch.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of “how” and “why” the shooting of sequences is necessary for good visual storytelling – wide shot, medium shot, and close-up.
  • Demonstrate and understanding of how to avoid common shooting errors such as jump cuts, shaky video, and reverses in screen direction.
  • Edit together sequences that tell stories people want to watch.
  • Shoot “interactive” interviews and work with subjects not under the photographer's control.
  • Demonstrate understanding of troubleshooting techniques – what to do when things don’t go as expected. Develop “pre-shoot” checklists.
  • Pre-plan, shoot, and edit a story that demonstrates a mastery of topics covered during the course.
ENROLLMENT
To enroll in this course, please complete the online application.

Special Requirements

In this course, you will be producing digital video work. Therefore, the following are required:
  • A digital video camera that allows for full manual control of iris, focus, and white balance
  • Capability to digitally transfer video from camera onto a computer hard drive
  • Basic video editing software such as Windows Movie Maker or Macintosh iMovie
  • A digital still camera
  • A sturdy tripod
  • Wireless microphone, a product similar to the Sony WCS-999 Wireless System compatible with your video camera
  • Earphones to monitor recorded audio
  • AYouTube account

Required Texts
DM201 texts are available from the JIU/MBS bookstore