Video Production 102 & 202 Syllabus
Spring 2020
Instructor Information
Gordon Smith
Gordon@VideoStoryworks.org
Before & after class, 562-248-6541

General Information
Instruct-coach 5th-12th grade students the techniques & equipment used in video storytelling. The difference between 102 & 202 classes are the maturity level of students. The more mature students will be expected to be more thoughtful and analytic. For high school students a homework option is provided to help meet high school charter credit requirements*
 
Second and subsequent semester students will cover the same subject matter but will be expected to gain more experience, learn details and become more creative with class projects. The student will be challenged to use previous lessons learned to explore their own project ideas.

Expectations and Goals
  • Basic storyboarding, pre-visualization of projects, creation of shot sheet
  • Storytelling elements through exercises with all students participating
  • Learning about the strength of emotions both in front of and behind the camera
  • Listening and respecting others as each student contributes
  • Respect the equipment which can be delicate
  • Video camera operation (both professional and non-professional)
  • Lighting concepts illustrated
  • Microphone selection and placement tips
  • Computers for class project work only. Used for graphic creation, video editing and sound
  • Participate as both interviewer and interviewee during class exercises
  • Participate in game-playing used as video production exercises
  • Each student will rotate between being on camera and behind the camera during a project
Course Required Materials
  • None
  • Camera, lights, microphone, tripod, green screen, video switcher are provided during class (pop-up studio)
Optional Materials
  • Video camera, HDMI output, audio microphone input
  • Computer, i5 cpu, 8 GB RAM, 240 GB hard drive minimum for video editing
  • Ability to upload and view YouTube videos at home using USB drive
Required Text
  • None

Course Schedule, Exercises
Details, subject matter can change with little notice based on class progress

Week 1, Jan 22/23
Introduction, Storyboarding. Design short story shot sheet

Week 2, Jan 29/30
Contagious emotions. Telling jokes and using sound EFX for audience reactions and rating jokes

Week 3, Feb 5/6
Storytelling elements. Character definitions, setting, plot, conflict, point-of-view, resolution

Week 4, Feb 12/13
Storytelling exercise. All students participate in creating a story from start to finish

(President Day Break)
 
 Week 5, Feb 26/28
Studio game show. Lighting Concepts, use of green screen, graphics, microphones and sound effects in short, timed games (lower-higher)(what’s in the box)

Week  6, Mar 4/5
Project Development. Class Project
Develop theme, setting, place, develop questions, illustrate plot, conclusion

Week 7, Mar 11/12
Interviewing. Skills taught

Week 8, Mar 18/19, Class moves OnLine during Corona Virus threat
Interviewing: Techniques Class Project, Students conduct on-camera interviews,

Week 9, Mar 25/26, Class moves OnLine during Corona Virus threat
Interviewing: Exercises Class Project, Students shoot “B” roll

Week 10, Apr 1/2, Class moves OnLine during Corona Virus threat
Interviewing: Conclusion Mother’s Day project. Students conduct on-camera interviews w/parent, friends

(Spring Break)

Week 11, Apr 15/17
Video Editing. Introduction. Mother’s Day Video

Week 12, Apr 22/23
Video Editing. Mother’s Day Video

Week 13, Apr 29/30
Cinematic Tools. Use of slider, jib, B Roll, Gimbal, Details

Week 14, May 6/7
Graphics Creation & Video Editing. Class Project

Week 15, May 13/14
Video Editing. Class Project

Week 16, May 20/21
Creative layered editing, introduce lower thirds, effects