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VP Class Syllabus

Video Productions Syllabus and Classroom Expectations

The middle school video production program will introduce students to the art of storytelling. Students will discover the importance of planning through creating storyboards, writing scripts, and understanding the value camera angles play within telling a story.

Students will learn the basics regarding digital and video camera usage, demonstrate their understanding regarding the rule of thirds, and develop correct microphone usage as they develop their stories. Students will also be expected to work as a productive member of their production team and will be responsible for their portion of the assigned video projects.

Each video will tell a story using images, music, lighting, and/or a script. Music that is used within videos must be royalty free or be created using GarageBand or another audio recording program. All videos created in class become the property of Conyers Middle School and may not be uploaded anywhere without the consent of administration. Video releases must be on file for anyone that appears in the video.

Video Production Concepts Covered (Brief Overview)

Unit 1 – Intro to Video Production

  • History of American Broadcast

  • Copyright and Ethics (What is Copyright? Public Domain?)

  • Occupations and Career Paths

  • Lab Safety

  • Camera Operations

Unit 2 – Elements of Basic Production

  • Audio Basics

  • Cables and Connectors

  • Lighting Techniques

  • Crew Positions

  • Script Writing

  • News Writing

Unit 3 – Production: Pre to Post

  • Editing Techniques

  • Creating a PSA

  • Documentaries

  • Producing a News Package

  • Music Videos, Commercials, and Movie Trailers

  • Graphics Manipulation

Unit 4 – The AV Industry: Creating and Maintaining a Professional Portfolio

  • Creating & Updating an effective Production Portfolio

  • Sizzle Reels

  • Special Effects

  • Makeup/Costume Considersations

Grading Procedures

Categories

Grade Percentage

Activities and projects – completion of all activities and or projects as assigned individually or as a team.

25% of grade

Class participation – active and appropriate participation in all class discussions.

10% of grade

Digital Portfolio – a digital account of everything that student has participated in during class.

20% of grade

Homework – consists of end of unit crossword puzzles, and other short assignments. Homework will not be on a consistent basis.

5% of grade

Quizzes – informal assessments of what students have learned.

10% of grade

Tests and Assessments – formal assessments of what students have learned.

30% of grade

Missing or lost assignments will result in 0 points after one week, unless arrangements have been made prior to that time.

CLASSROOM METHODOLOGIES

The following methods of instruction will be incorporated into the daily class activities:

• Lecture/discussion

• Video presentations

• Class work

• Group discussion

• Homework

• Field recording

• Video production teamwork

• Teacher demonstration and student performance utilizing the following telecommunication equipment:

  1. camera systems – studio and portable

  2. switcher/mixer o editing software

  3. special effects generator

  4. audio system

  5. computer graphics system

  6. intercom system

  7. lighting systems

  8. teleprompter

Daily Assignments

Your assignment(s) will be projected/posted on the wall each day. At times we will need more than one class time to complete what we are working on. It is expected that you use class time to its fullest potential in order to complete all assignment. If you are not able to complete the assignment, you have the option of coming in during your lunch time or after school in order to complete the work. Please understand that if you choose either of these options, you must have prior approval since I may have a class during your lunch time, or I may have a meeting to attend after school. You also have the option of completing the work at home; however, you may not have the necessary materials or supplies to complete it.

Absences and Make-up Work

When you are going to be absent from school due to illness, or a family emergency, a team meeting, field trip, sent out to the student center or being called into the student center you are still required to make up any work that you miss. You will have a total of two days for each excused absence to make up any work you missed. If you miss class due to behavior issues, you will have one day to complete the missing work. It is your responsibility to find out what you missed and to get your work turn it in within the required time frame.

Guidelines for Success

You will find a Video Production notebook at each work station. Conyers Middle School expectations will assist you in being efficient while you are in class.

Located inside the notebook are the Video Productions expectations for:

· Independent Seat Work

· Teacher-Directed Instruction

· Cooperative Groups

· Audio mixing Labs

· Video Recording

In order to be successful you must demonstrate responsibility, always do your best, cooperate with your peers and instructors and treat everyone with respect, including yourself and the equipment.

Classroom Rules

· Be on time for class with materials (agenda, journal, notebook, pencil, pen, highlighter)

· Listen and follow ALL directions given.

· Use work time effectively to complete assignments, activities, and or projects.

· Respond to attention signal by giving me your full attention.

Entering the Classroom

Upon entering the classroom begin on posted assignment. This will be projected or handed to you as you enter the classroom. Begin working on this assignment quietly until I inform you that we are ready to transition. *Students will not be allowed to re-enter the hallway during the beginning of the period once they have entered the classroom.

Consequences for Classroom Violations

· Infraction 1 will result in teacher providing a verbal warning.

· Infraction 2 will result in student being sent to a time out section of the room.

· Infraction 3 will result in student receiving a new assigned seat and possibly an alternative written assignment in lieu of current assignment.

· Infraction 4 will result in student immediately calling the parent or guardian and a Student Behavior Report being completed.

· Infraction 5 will result in a conference with student, parent or guardian, teacher and administration.

· Infraction 6 (Or Severe Infractions) will result in a conference with student, parent or guardian, teacher and administration, with a consideration of removal from program.

Submitting Work/Returning Work – the majority of your work will be submitted electronically. There will be some assignments that will be printed off in order for you complete them. It is imperative that you ensure that you turn these assignments in when asked and not keep them and take them home to complete. You will receive feedback on work submitted electronically or you will receive the graded assignment back within three days after you have submitted it for a grade.

Progress Reports will be sent home every three weeks. The academics first report will be run each Friday. If you receive notification of having a failing grade in Video Productions, then you will need to come and discuss the situation with me as soon as possible.

Tardies – Students are expected to be in the classroom when the bell rings. You should do your best to be in class on time every day. You are also expected to begin your bell work immediately upon entering the classroom.

Consequences for tardy infractions are as follows:

· First tardy infraction will result in a pass being taken.

· Second tardy infraction will result in a pass being taken, and student immediately calling parent or guardian to inform them that on the third tardy a lunch detention will be assigned.

· Third tardy infraction will result in a pass being taken and a Tardy Referral form being completed.

Tech Fees $5.00 for 6th grade $7.00 for 7th and 8th grade Fees go towards consumable supplies that students will be using during their time in class. Students who pay fees will be allowed to keep projects and take them home. Fees will be accepted throughout the semester.

Suggested Course Materials (please see me if you are unable to provide these)

(2) 3-ring Binders; one for storing class handouts and one for storing assignments

(2) Composition Notebooks or Journals

Lined notebook paper for written assignments

Pens (dark blue & black ink), Pencils, Colored Pencils, and Markers

Pack of 5 or more Display Boards (2ftx3ft)

Flash drive (2 GB or more)

Headphone/Microphone Headset with USB connection

Learning Objectives

1. To develop computer skills in touch-typing, word processing, desktop publishing, photo management and manipulation, audio/video editing and production.

2. To understand and participate in the 3-part production process of creating multimedia and video productions aimed at communicating ideas and emotions to a target audience.

3. To learn 21st century collaboration technologies and how to work as a team to complete a production process.

4. To understand and appreciate the power of media throughout history and in the 21st century.

5. To research and explore occupation pathways in media production.

Examples of Class Activities

  • Reading, writing, lecture, discussions, hands-on activities, drawing pictures and diagrams, taking photos and video, and other activities to learn about computers, broadcast/production history, photography, layout and design, desktop publishing, computer file management, digital photo manipulation, videography and other related topics.

  • Using various computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, photo manipulation, video editing, and more.

  • Using keyboarding software to develop touch-typing skills.

  • Planning, filming, and editing public service announcements, commercials, documentaries, and other short films.

STUDENT - PARENT - TEACHER CONTRACT

Mr. Garrett, Multimedia & Video Production

Dear Students and Parents,

Please read carefully and discuss the Video Production Syllabus. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Please complete and sign the form below, then return it to me. Thank you.

Mr. Garrett

Student:

I have read and understand Mr. Garrett’s Video Production syllabus. I agree to abide by the rules and procedures and do my best to be successful in the class.

____________________________________________________________

Student Signature, Date

Parent/Guardian:

I have read and understand Mr. Garrett’s Video Production syllabus. I agree to help my child be successful in the class.

_______________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature, Date

Conyers Middle School Photo/Video Release

I hereby give permission for images of my child, captured during regular and special school activities through video, photo, and digital cameras, to be used solely for the purpose of the districts promotional material and publications, and waive any rights of compensation or ownership thereto.

Name of Student (please print): __________________________________________________

Name of Parent/Guardian (please print): __________________________________________

Parent/Guardian signature: _____________________________________________________

Good for school year: __________________________________________________________

Student & Parent Digital Citizen/Use of Equipment

Agreement for Conyers Middle School

I______________________________(Print Student’s name) agree to prevent harm to myself or others and will keep from damaging equipment or wasting supplies. I will follow all rules and procedures of the class as well as take part in equipment usage and safety training. Student Initials ________________

I will be advised of the safety rules as related to the equipment that will be used in this lab. I will never use equipment until I have learned how to use them properly and passed a usage test with 100%, passed a demonstration test with 100% and been given permission from my instructor. Student Initials ________________

I will report any accident to my instructor immediately and accept his/her decision regarding any and all minor and/or major damages to equipment. Student Initials ________________

I will be respectful to myself, my classmates, and any adult present in the lab, including my instructor. My voice shall never be raised over that of a normal speaking tone, Voice Level 2. I will assist with clean up after each class period and promise to not leave trash around computers or equipment. Student Initials ________________

I agree to abide by the district’s acceptable computer use agreement, policy 1231. This includes using the internet, computers, and software, in a safe manner. I understand that violation of the district’s policy will result in my being banned from using a computer. Student Initials ________________

I__________________________________ (Print parent/Guardians name) Do hereby give my consent for my (son/daughter) to take part in the Video Production class. This agreement means that I understand all the above conditions and agree to them. I give my permission for my child to operate all computers, equipment, and supplies to carry out the requirements of the Video Production class.

______________________________________ ________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Student Signature

_____________________________ ______________________________

Email address

______________________________

Phone Number


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