Dec. 15
We are going to start the next project but you won't be filming until January. That means that the next few days are devoted to pre-production (brainstorming, script writing, deciding on roles, locations, etc.).
Assignment #5
It's time to get going on your next project. This time, we will be focusing on genres of film. You can choose any genre that you wish for this assignment. You will need to match the following theme:
"You can't judge a book by its cover"
Your movie will need to include elements of the genre that you select. That means that you will need to do some research about genres. Examples of genres include: sci-fi, drama, comedy, dark comedy, and horror. Here's a great resource that you can use to help learn more about genres.
- The length of the movie should be between 2 - 5 minutes
- You will be marked on your ability to match the characteristics of the genre, camera dynamism, shot quality, audio quality, editing, titles & credits, and continuity.
Nov 25
Today is the first day of shooting. Here are some reminders before you go out:
- Hand in a copy of your script to me.
- Tell me which camera and lens that you want before you head out. Yes, you should know this in advance.
- Remember the rules about filming in the school. Your group only gets one warning. Try to keep the noise level down while you shoot.
- All equipment must be back by 11:30 today.
Avoid "one take wonders". Film the scene several times over.
Clap in front of the camera when recording audio.
Mention your audio and video file numbers before you say "action".
Nov 17
Today: A little more time to work on your Character Write-ups. We'll also look at some project exemplars.
Nov 13
Today we will look at some examples of establishing shots. We will look at:
- The Village
- Payback
- School Ties
- The Big Lebowski
Establishing Shot Definition - from screenwriting.io
Remember, an establishing shot can setup both the setting and the character(s). A strong establishing shot can set the mood for a movie.
Here's your assignment (Assignment 4):
You are going to need to come up with an idea for a short narrative.
Part 1
To do so, you are going to start by creating a character. Spend some time brainstorming with your group. Come up with a clear idea of who this character is, what drives them, what scares them, what their interactions are like. Once you've done that, create a detailed description of your character on a separate piece of paper. Here's what it should include:
1. A short description of who the character is. Feel free to provide some back story if you wish. Provide as many details as you can. Remember, you are describing this person to someone who has never met them.
2. A list of characteristics for that character. Think of any trait that this person might have. If you are stuck on what to write, go here. There are 447 traits for you to choose from. Please use point form for this portion of the write up.
3. A sketch of your character. Consider everything from how they dress to how well groomed they are. No stickmen (or stick people) allowed.
Part 2
Create a script for an opening scene from your movie. Yes, it is possible that this script may not have any dialogue. That's ok. Consider that this is the opening for a much longer movie. We are only going to be filming this portion. We are emphasizing establishing shots!
Part 3
Film the opening of the movie. Your scene should aim to meet the following requirements:
- It must establish the setting.
- It must provide context about the character.
- It must set the tone for the movie.
You will also be expected to color grade your footage, record external audio, and improve your sound quality. I would like each group to incorporate at least one sound effect.
Nov. 4
Today we will talk about sound (and how to clean it up). For this, we will be looking at a video by the Basic Filmmaker on how to Edit Voice Sound FX in Adobe Audition.
Some of the techniques used:
Adobe Audition
- Parametric Equalizer
- Multiband Compressor (broadcast)
- Hard Limiter (-3db)
- Adaptive Noise Reduction (Light, High Quality)
Always save your edited sound in a separate folder. You don't want to lose your originals!
Tomorrow is an "editing only" day.
If we have time, we will get into colour correction and colour grading.
The final product will be due on Friday.
Oct. 20
Change of plans: today is a filming day. However, we will spend a little bit of time getting ready for our big test on Thursday.
We'll quickly go over the Video Production Terminology sheet. After that, you can get together with your group and continue to film.
Oct. 15
Looking ahead: Today and tomorrow are filming days. Try to get as much filming in as possible. Monday is an 'edit only' day.
Oct. 14
Today is the first day of filming for Assignment 3. Make sure that you follow the proper procedures for recording audio.
Oct. 6
We'll take a look at some of the audio/video clips from Thursday/Friday of last week.
You will need to download Celtx for Assignment 3.
Oct. 3
Today is export day! Make sure that you export your video with the following settings:
Codec: H.264 (High Bitrate)
Filename: yourname_assignment 2
Folder: Assignment 2 Camera Settings, Sadness
After some exporting time, will look at spatial connections, and in particular, the 180 degree rule. Here are a few videos that we will look at in class today to help reinforce these techniques:
Indy Mogul 180 Degree Rule
Lights Film School 180 Degree rule (and Camera Dynamism)
Scene from Jerry Maguire
Scene from The Dark Knight
Here are the details of your next assignment:
Assignment 3
For Assignment 3 you will be making two videos that you will be combining into one. Each scene will revolve around a conversation. Also, the goal of Assignment 3 is to introduce you to spatial connections (and continuity), the 180 degree rule, external audio, and depth of field (with the 50mm lens).
Part 1
Using Celtx, create a script for a short video that will focus on a conversation between two people. The conversation must start off somewhat casual and then escalate into a tense scene.
Plan your scene by deciding on the location and the shots that you will use. Your shots will need to match the emotion of the scene (camera dynamism).
Film your scene with a 50 mm lens. Remember, the 50mm lens is a prime lens (there is no zoom). Make sure your actors know their marks and that they stick to them.
Edit your footage in Premiere. Make sure that you include opening titles, credits and a soundtrack (if necessary).
Part 2
The goal of Part 2 is to build on skills and techniques learned in Part 1, and to introduce you to temporal continuity.
Using Celtx again, create a script for another short video. This time you will be creating a conversation between two people that only somewhat makes sense. Think: absurd.
Film this scene with a standard lens, but do so in such a way that you break spatial and temporal continuity between your shots. Yes, you are encouraged to do some bad filmmaking.
Import your footage to your local machine. Edit in Premiere (same timeline as the Part 1 - the two scenes will be part of the same video). Add titles, credits and a soundtrack (if need be). Export to the Assignment 3 folder with your group members names in the file name.
Sept. 30
Keep on editing. Let me know if you need to get some more footage (missing shots/reshoots).
The deadline to finish this project is Wednesday.
Sept. 26
Grab your gear, your shot list, and your group. Keep filming!
Sept. 24
Before you go out today, a short video about shot composition.
Sept. 22
We'll start by reviewing the footage from Friday.
Next, I'll talk a little bit about your second project: Assignment 2. Once again you will be getting into groups for this project and editing your own (individual) versions.
The theme for this video is sadness. Have fun with the theme, it will make the project much more interesting if you do.
Sept. 18
Today:
- Review aperture and 'depth of field footage'.
- Talk about lenses (again). View video about prime vs zoom. Also, this video about perspective.
- Talk about shutter speed. View video about shutter speed.
Your "field test":
- Go out and get two shots (1) A shot with a high shutter speed and (2) a shot with a low shutter speed. Make sure that you choose a shot that really showcases the difference.
- Same as yesterday, put the finished shots into the Shutter Speed Shots folder on the server. Each group member must have their own folder with their two shots in it.
Sept. 17
From yesterday:
The first setting we'll look at is aperture. This video does a great job of explaining depth of field (what we are controlling with our aperture settings). After a brief explanation, get into a group of three. Each group member will need to film the following shots:
- One image showcasing a shallow depth of field
- One image showcasing a deep depth of field
Each shot should be about 5-10 seconds in length
Move your shots to a folder on the server called "Depth of Field Shots". Each group member must have their own folder (example: "Mr. M") and two of their own shots in the folder.
Sept. 16
We'll start with 10 minutes of "export time". If you do not finish during this time, you will need to finish on your own time (lunch, spare, etc.)
We are going to explore the world of manual settings on the camera. It's so great that you'll never want to go back to automatic settings.
Here's an explanation of how we achieve the film look.
Sept. 15
Today's topic: Exporting Your Video
Here's some info that you will want to know:
- In terms of presets, High Bitrate is a good choice. We lose some quality in doing so, but the file size is small and the video still looks good.
- The codec will be H.264.
- The frame rate is 23.976 (24 fps)
- The resolution is 1920 x 1080
- The folder that you will save to is on the server. It is located in the VP 20S folder > Assignment 1 - Getting to Know the Equipment
- As mentioned in the assignment outline, you need to include the assignment number and your name(s) in the filename.
Sept. 12
We've nearly made it through our first full week!
Today, we will continue with more of the same (talking about editing). Remember, each video must have two shots of each crew member.
You will have today's class and a little bit of time on Monday to finish this project, then we are moving on.
Do not export until Monday! We will go over that process together.
We are going to start the next project but you won't be filming until January. That means that the next few days are devoted to pre-production (brainstorming, script writing, deciding on roles, locations, etc.).
Assignment #5
It's time to get going on your next project. This time, we will be focusing on genres of film. You can choose any genre that you wish for this assignment. You will need to match the following theme:
"You can't judge a book by its cover"
Your movie will need to include elements of the genre that you select. That means that you will need to do some research about genres. Examples of genres include: sci-fi, drama, comedy, dark comedy, and horror. Here's a great resource that you can use to help learn more about genres.
- The length of the movie should be between 2 - 5 minutes
- You will be marked on your ability to match the characteristics of the genre, camera dynamism, shot quality, audio quality, editing, titles & credits, and continuity.
Nov 25
Today is the first day of shooting. Here are some reminders before you go out:
- Hand in a copy of your script to me.
- Tell me which camera and lens that you want before you head out. Yes, you should know this in advance.
- Remember the rules about filming in the school. Your group only gets one warning. Try to keep the noise level down while you shoot.
- All equipment must be back by 11:30 today.
Avoid "one take wonders". Film the scene several times over.
Clap in front of the camera when recording audio.
Mention your audio and video file numbers before you say "action".
Nov 17
Today: A little more time to work on your Character Write-ups. We'll also look at some project exemplars.
Nov 13
Today we will look at some examples of establishing shots. We will look at:
- The Village
- Payback
- School Ties
- The Big Lebowski
Establishing Shot Definition - from screenwriting.io
Remember, an establishing shot can setup both the setting and the character(s). A strong establishing shot can set the mood for a movie.
Here's your assignment (Assignment 4):
You are going to need to come up with an idea for a short narrative.
Part 1
To do so, you are going to start by creating a character. Spend some time brainstorming with your group. Come up with a clear idea of who this character is, what drives them, what scares them, what their interactions are like. Once you've done that, create a detailed description of your character on a separate piece of paper. Here's what it should include:
1. A short description of who the character is. Feel free to provide some back story if you wish. Provide as many details as you can. Remember, you are describing this person to someone who has never met them.
2. A list of characteristics for that character. Think of any trait that this person might have. If you are stuck on what to write, go here. There are 447 traits for you to choose from. Please use point form for this portion of the write up.
3. A sketch of your character. Consider everything from how they dress to how well groomed they are. No stickmen (or stick people) allowed.
Part 2
Create a script for an opening scene from your movie. Yes, it is possible that this script may not have any dialogue. That's ok. Consider that this is the opening for a much longer movie. We are only going to be filming this portion. We are emphasizing establishing shots!
Part 3
Film the opening of the movie. Your scene should aim to meet the following requirements:
- It must establish the setting.
- It must provide context about the character.
- It must set the tone for the movie.
You will also be expected to color grade your footage, record external audio, and improve your sound quality. I would like each group to incorporate at least one sound effect.
Nov. 4
Today we will talk about sound (and how to clean it up). For this, we will be looking at a video by the Basic Filmmaker on how to Edit Voice Sound FX in Adobe Audition.
Some of the techniques used:
Adobe Audition
- Parametric Equalizer
- Multiband Compressor (broadcast)
- Hard Limiter (-3db)
- Adaptive Noise Reduction (Light, High Quality)
Always save your edited sound in a separate folder. You don't want to lose your originals!
Tomorrow is an "editing only" day.
If we have time, we will get into colour correction and colour grading.
The final product will be due on Friday.
Oct. 20
Change of plans: today is a filming day. However, we will spend a little bit of time getting ready for our big test on Thursday.
We'll quickly go over the Video Production Terminology sheet. After that, you can get together with your group and continue to film.
Oct. 15
Looking ahead: Today and tomorrow are filming days. Try to get as much filming in as possible. Monday is an 'edit only' day.
Oct. 14
Today is the first day of filming for Assignment 3. Make sure that you follow the proper procedures for recording audio.
Oct. 6
We'll take a look at some of the audio/video clips from Thursday/Friday of last week.
You will need to download Celtx for Assignment 3.
Oct. 3
Today is export day! Make sure that you export your video with the following settings:
Codec: H.264 (High Bitrate)
Filename: yourname_assignment 2
Folder: Assignment 2 Camera Settings, Sadness
After some exporting time, will look at spatial connections, and in particular, the 180 degree rule. Here are a few videos that we will look at in class today to help reinforce these techniques:
Indy Mogul 180 Degree Rule
Lights Film School 180 Degree rule (and Camera Dynamism)
Scene from Jerry Maguire
Scene from The Dark Knight
Here are the details of your next assignment:
Assignment 3
For Assignment 3 you will be making two videos that you will be combining into one. Each scene will revolve around a conversation. Also, the goal of Assignment 3 is to introduce you to spatial connections (and continuity), the 180 degree rule, external audio, and depth of field (with the 50mm lens).
Part 1
Using Celtx, create a script for a short video that will focus on a conversation between two people. The conversation must start off somewhat casual and then escalate into a tense scene.
Plan your scene by deciding on the location and the shots that you will use. Your shots will need to match the emotion of the scene (camera dynamism).
Film your scene with a 50 mm lens. Remember, the 50mm lens is a prime lens (there is no zoom). Make sure your actors know their marks and that they stick to them.
Edit your footage in Premiere. Make sure that you include opening titles, credits and a soundtrack (if necessary).
Part 2
The goal of Part 2 is to build on skills and techniques learned in Part 1, and to introduce you to temporal continuity.
Using Celtx again, create a script for another short video. This time you will be creating a conversation between two people that only somewhat makes sense. Think: absurd.
Film this scene with a standard lens, but do so in such a way that you break spatial and temporal continuity between your shots. Yes, you are encouraged to do some bad filmmaking.
Import your footage to your local machine. Edit in Premiere (same timeline as the Part 1 - the two scenes will be part of the same video). Add titles, credits and a soundtrack (if need be). Export to the Assignment 3 folder with your group members names in the file name.
Sept. 30
Keep on editing. Let me know if you need to get some more footage (missing shots/reshoots).
The deadline to finish this project is Wednesday.
Sept. 26
Grab your gear, your shot list, and your group. Keep filming!
Sept. 24
Before you go out today, a short video about shot composition.
Sept. 22
We'll start by reviewing the footage from Friday.
Next, I'll talk a little bit about your second project: Assignment 2. Once again you will be getting into groups for this project and editing your own (individual) versions.
The theme for this video is sadness. Have fun with the theme, it will make the project much more interesting if you do.
Sept. 18
Today:
- Review aperture and 'depth of field footage'.
- Talk about lenses (again). View video about prime vs zoom. Also, this video about perspective.
- Talk about shutter speed. View video about shutter speed.
Your "field test":
- Go out and get two shots (1) A shot with a high shutter speed and (2) a shot with a low shutter speed. Make sure that you choose a shot that really showcases the difference.
- Same as yesterday, put the finished shots into the Shutter Speed Shots folder on the server. Each group member must have their own folder with their two shots in it.
Sept. 17
From yesterday:
The first setting we'll look at is aperture. This video does a great job of explaining depth of field (what we are controlling with our aperture settings). After a brief explanation, get into a group of three. Each group member will need to film the following shots:
- One image showcasing a shallow depth of field
- One image showcasing a deep depth of field
Each shot should be about 5-10 seconds in length
Move your shots to a folder on the server called "Depth of Field Shots". Each group member must have their own folder (example: "Mr. M") and two of their own shots in the folder.
Sept. 16
We'll start with 10 minutes of "export time". If you do not finish during this time, you will need to finish on your own time (lunch, spare, etc.)
We are going to explore the world of manual settings on the camera. It's so great that you'll never want to go back to automatic settings.
Here's an explanation of how we achieve the film look.
Sept. 15
Today's topic: Exporting Your Video
Here's some info that you will want to know:
- In terms of presets, High Bitrate is a good choice. We lose some quality in doing so, but the file size is small and the video still looks good.
- The codec will be H.264.
- The frame rate is 23.976 (24 fps)
- The resolution is 1920 x 1080
- The folder that you will save to is on the server. It is located in the VP 20S folder > Assignment 1 - Getting to Know the Equipment
- As mentioned in the assignment outline, you need to include the assignment number and your name(s) in the filename.
Sept. 12
We've nearly made it through our first full week!
Today, we will continue with more of the same (talking about editing). Remember, each video must have two shots of each crew member.
You will have today's class and a little bit of time on Monday to finish this project, then we are moving on.
Do not export until Monday! We will go over that process together.
vp_20s_assignment_1_marking_scheme.pdf | |
File Size: | 54 kb |
File Type: |
Sept. 11
By this point, your group should be finished filming. We will quickly review importing and editing.
Don't forget, the Clubs Fair is today! If you love video you should sign up for Video Club.
Sept. 10
Before you head to out to film I would like to go over a few things from yesterday:
- Server review (uploading footage)
-All footage from the server folder will be deleted by the end of the class tomorrow.
- Returning Equipment
- The next step
- Everyone will need to be back by 11:30.
By this point, your group should be finished filming. We will quickly review importing and editing.
Don't forget, the Clubs Fair is today! If you love video you should sign up for Video Club.
Sept. 10
Before you head to out to film I would like to go over a few things from yesterday:
- Server review (uploading footage)
-All footage from the server folder will be deleted by the end of the class tomorrow.
- Returning Equipment
- The next step
- Everyone will need to be back by 11:30.
Sept. 9
Once again, we'll spend some time talking about the Video Production Equipment. We'll also talk about filming and the expectations of each group when filming inside or outside of the school. A few important rules to follow: - Keep the group noise level low when filming. - All group members must stick with the group. - If you are not filming, you should be back in room 230. - Your friends (who are not in the course) are not allowed to join you. - Treat the equipment with care. You could end up paying for it if you break it. - Do not enter classrooms without asking the teacher first. If you break a rule once you will receive a warning. If you break a rule twice you will lose the opportunity to film in school. If we have time today, we'll start the first assignment. ---> |
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Sept. 8
We'll get to that Scavenger Hunt that we didn't have time for on Friday.
Once we finish that, we'll spend some time talking about the Video Production equipment.
Sept. 5
Today's Agenda:
- Look at the course outline
- Review surveys
- Scavenger Hunt
- The computers & the Server
- Introduction to the cameras and equipment
We'll get to that Scavenger Hunt that we didn't have time for on Friday.
Once we finish that, we'll spend some time talking about the Video Production equipment.
Sept. 5
Today's Agenda:
- Look at the course outline
- Review surveys
- Scavenger Hunt
- The computers & the Server
- Introduction to the cameras and equipment
You have reached the VP 20S homepage. Stay tuned for important course details and updates.
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Welcome to VP 20S. We'll take a look at the course outline today. We'll also spend some time completing a quick survey.