STUDENT COURSE EXPECTATIONS

Course:  Video Production

Teacher: Mr. Tom Walsh                Room #: C191

E-Mail Address: walsht@grafton.k12.ma.us

Mission and Expectations:

The mission of Grafton High School is to prepare our students intellectually, physically, and socially for their role as

lifelong learners and responsible citizens.

Core Values and Beliefs

Students Learn Best:

• When provided with a comprehensive, challenging and engaging curriculum, to meet all learning styles.
• In an environment that fosters high expectations for one’s own actions, motivation, and responsibility.
• When they are encouraged to think, work and communicate effectively.
• In a safe and accepting learning environment that fosters respect and tolerance.
• When health and wellness are promoted and encouraged.
• By working independently and collaboratively to accomplish goals.
• When given equal opportunity to succeed academically and develop socially.
• When the entire Grafton community supports their learning in all regards.

Academic Expectations

• Read, write, and speak effectively
• Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge to complete tasks effectively
• Utilize critical thinking
• Enhance knowledge and skills with technology
• Exhibit behaviors that promote personal physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle

Social Expectations

•  Practice responsible and appropriate social behaviors
•  Recognize and respect diversity

Civic Expectations

• Understand and demonstrate the duties and responsibilities that come with citizenship

Course Overview:

Intro to video production is an entry-level course that will serve as an introduction to basic video/film/audio production. The goal of the course is for the student to develop the ability to capture great video images and audio, and to be able to edit those two elements together to tell a story. During the course each student will be taught:

• The basic understanding of operating a video camera.

• The basic principles of how to capture great video and audio.

• How to edit video and audio.

• How to tell a story by combining video and audio.

Course Objectives

1. Apply effective team communication and management skills to complete the video process from pre-production script development through the production capture of quality video image and audio.

2. Understand the following digital video terms and apply the technique or concept using a digital video camera: story boarding, shot list, key light, fill light, backlight, background light, Firewire (IEEE 1394)

3. Use a digital video camera to capture images using the following camera techniques: rule of thirds, leading lines, close-up, establishing shot, cut-away, basic shot sequence, tilt, pan, zoom and a variety of camera angles.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the three phase production processes by creating scripts, storyboards, timelines, schedules and if possible budgets.

5. Demonstrate ability to properly use and operate the camera.

6. Identify the project clients, their needs, & target audience (script, narration, storyboard & shooting script).

7. Demonstrate ability to scout locations and prepare location schematics.

8. Select and execute the proper framing of a video shot; demonstrate ability to create different compositions.

9. Setup & control the appropriate lighting in a safe manner.

10. Identify the basic elements of a quality audio signal.

11. Identify, select and use appropriate audio (microphone) techniques.

12. Select and import appropriate script music and sound  effects for post-production sound enhancement.

13. Identify the role of the editor in the production process and the focus of the edit to convey the client’s message to the target audience.

14. Evaluate & select original footage as dictated by the scene/script message; choose the editing style that best meets the script format.

15. Capture digital video and edit videos with appropriate software.

16. Perform the match-cut unobtrusive edit by cutting within the scene, on the action & between the actions.

17. Use and manipulate transitions and effects in editing software.

18. Apply special effects using the effect controls.

19. Demonstrate how copyright laws affect your ability to use and reproduce others’ work.

Grading Component          Percentage

Course Expectations:

• Students must follow Classroom Rules.

1. Be respectful towards one another, the instructor, the classroom, and guests.
2. Be prepared. Students must come to class with a notebook, writing utensil, and assignments due.
3. Be on time.  Students that are consistently late to class will be referred to the Principal's office.
4. Follow policies, procedures, and directions. 
5. Ask permission and sign in/out to go to the restroom, nurse, office, etc.

• It is expected that assignments turned in will be on time, neat, and have the student’s name.  

1. Completed assignments must include the following in the credit:

• Creator’s name
• Appropriate citations
• Names and roles of supporting individuals

2. Homework, if assigned, is due at the beginning of the class and is not accepted late.

Electronic Device Policy

Protocol

Upon entering class, all students will put their electronic device in their backpack and then place their backpack in a teacher-designated area of the classroom. If students do not have a backpack, they will place their phone on a teacher-assigned table or desk. Students will not have access to their phones until the period ends. Students may not use their phone during extended block or when going to the bathroom, nurse, or main office, as is the practice at Grafton Middle School. Students may use electronic devices during passing time, at lunch, and while in the Commons.

Headphones and ear buds may be used with teacher permission. Students may access music on their iPads only.

Infractions:  Refusal to adhere to the protocol will result in the following consequences:

First offense:

• Teacher will speak privately with the student.
• Teacher will communicate with parents/guardians via email.

Second offense:

• Teacher will assign a teacher detention and send a second email to parents/guardians.

Third offense: 

• Teacher will alert the student’s administrator who will confiscate the phone for the remainder of the day. The student may pick up the device after dismissal from school.
• Administration will call parents/guardians.

Subsequent offenses:

• Administrator will meet with parents/guardians.
• Students will leave their phone in the main office at the start of the school day for the remainder of the school week. Refusal to adhere to this consequence may result in in-school suspension.
• Further offenses will result in loss of cell phone privileges for two weeks. Refusal to adhere to this consequence may result in in-school suspension.

Class Absences

*It is the Student’s responsibility to acquire all missed work upon return to school.  

To allow for normal illness and emergencies, a limit of ten (10) absences per class for 5.0 credit courses will be allowed with an excess resulting in loss of credit.  Although students may receive a passing grade in a class, the credit normally awarded toward promotion or graduation will be forfeited.  Students can be approved to make up the credit in summer school or by some other alternative agreed upon by the administration.

Make-up Work

Students must make up work missed due to an absence within two scheduled days back.  If the absence is greater than two consecutive days; students will have two (2) days to make up work for every day’s absence.  For previously assigned long-range term reports or projects, students must pass in these assignments on the first day the student returns to school.

I understand that the creative process sometimes takes more time than expected but I need all assignments handed in on time. If a project is handed in late then the student will not be allowed to resubmit an updated version of the assignment. If the assignment is turned in on time the student will be allowed to update or complete the assignment and receive an updated grade.

Cheating and Plagiarism

You are free to consult with other students and the instructor if you have problems with the homework and in-class projects. In fact, you are encouraged do so.

HOWEVER, YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO COPY OTHER STUDENTS’ WORK. YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO WORK WITH OTHER STUDENTS AS A TEAM AND SUBMIT A SINGLE SOLUTION UNLESS DIRECTED TO DO SO. PLAGIARISM/CHEATING  WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Refer to page 19 in the Student / Parent Handbook for more information.

Extra Help:

Help is available after school in Rm. C191  Please see me for an appointment

Student Name: