Film & Television Studies: Production Foundations

An introduction to techniques and theories of video production. Credit not awarded for both FTS 2655 and FTS 2650. Prerequisite: FTS 1400, FTS 1420, or FTS 1430.

Prereqs enforced by the system: FTS 1400 or FTS 1420 or FTS 1430; PACE students by permission and override

This course is about creating video with intent. It’s about thinking about what it means to create media that unfolds over time. And, it’s about exploring options and creating meaning through an increasing familiarity with tools of production, including the camera, sound, lighting and editing equipment. The class is designed for FTS majors/minors and RDS minors who want to develop a deeper understanding of film and video through hands-on work shooting, editing, screening, making mistakes and revising. Emphasis is on the development of a personal vision. Note: this course counts toward the FTS major and is a pre-requisite for upper-level production courses, including Studio Art video production classes.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: To express yourself through engagement in production assignments - Students will conceptualize, create and revise projects during the semester, working alone and in groups, on projects in a variety of genres. Students will consider approaches to filmmaking by making conscious decisions about how they use (or challenge) conventions, by experimenting, and developing their own voice. To analyze and appraise work - students will develop evaluation skills and vocabulary through viewing a range of traditional and experimental short form film and video, and by critiquing both classmates’ work and their own work in class discussion and written responses. To develop technical skills - students will be able to operate basic video and editing equipment and demonstrate these skills through hands-on work on projects, and recall on quizzes. Specific concepts will include (but not be limited to) an understanding of the lens (exposure, shutter speed, focus), recording formats, audio recording, editing software tools, compositional techniques both in camera and in post-production, and editing. Skills will be developed through a combination of hands-on experience, lecture and viewing films and videos.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS Class Assignments and Participation ● 4-5 completed Video Projects ● Dynamic involvement in peer-response to work viewed and created in the class ● Demonstrated competence with basic technical aspects of video production and post-production ● Class presence and participation Porfolio Submission: ● At the middle and end of the semester I will ask you submit completed work that I will look at as a whole for grading (see “grading” below). You’ll receive feedback throughout the course. The portfolios will provide the opportunity to look at your progress holistically, and to address questions that come up in relation to your progress in the class.