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Please note that this syllabus is a living document and is subject to modification throughout the course...
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
- Attend lectures, workshops, labs and critiques (1 lecture and 1 lab/workshop weekly, critiques every 3 weeks).
- Participate in reading discussions
in and out of class (course will include online discussion).
- Complete weekly research, reading, and assignments, typically
involving the creation of experimental video shorts that follow the concepts,
methods or techniques recently discussed in class.
- Three assigned projects, each with corresponding readings and viewings.
- Provide instructor with copies & documentation of each assignment upon completion,
and one final miniDV “reel” containing “best-of” work at the end of the year.
This “reel” is a major portion of your grade. Grades will not be submitted under any circumstances
without this reel being turned in prior to grade reporting deadline.
DESCRIPTION
This course presents students with an introduction to the skills and concepts used in a range of experimental digital video production. Students are exposed to industry standard equipment, terminology and taught digital video production skills from an experimental arts context. Basic research areas include: field production and electronic image gathering, field and studio lighting, basic non-linear editing.
GRADING & EVALUATION
Lecture and presentation attendance and participation will be weighted approximately 20% of the overall grade.
The projects are weighted approximately 20% each. Laboratory and discussion will be weighted approximately 20%
of the overall grade.
You and your work are evaluated by standard University guidelines, with special emphasis on the following criteria:
- Quality of ideas, work executed and ability to articulate and explain your thought processes.
- Understanding material, and personalizing the nature of digital and experimental media as related to this genre of studio activities.
- Willingness to explore, and take genuine artistic chances in your work.
- Amount of time, effort, and thought spent, and depth of engagement.
- Participation in all levels of course activities.
- Successful completion of assigned work & documentation.
ASSIGNMENTS
There will be 3 projects assigned during the quarter, and a number of critical laboratory workshops,
plus readings, discussions and research on each assignment. Events and field trips will also be planned.
All of these must be attended, completed, participated in or presented for critique to pass this course.
All work must be presented on the due date as scheduled. Overdue assignments will result in grade penalties.
RESEARCH
Some basic areas of research and exploration include:
- Cinematic structure (narrative, documentary, abstract, experimental, other)
- Electronic image gathering (camera work, shutter speed, exposure, depth of field, color temp, time code)
- Field and studio lighting (back, fill, key, cross, practicals, and motivated light sources, etc.)
- Non-linear editing paradigm, (capturing, rendering, exporting asset management)
- Visual effects & image processing, chroma, illuminance and alpha keying
- Multi-source playback and control for installation and multi-source environments
- Typography & motion graphics (paint programs, titling)
- Camera Motion (dolly, steady cam, motion control)
- Digital audio recording & engineering, (field recording, sound design, post sound)
Digital video as related to cinema, animation, performance art, environmental art, holography, VR, telecommunications, sound art, interactive installation, information art, surveillance art, machine vision, motion tracking, and kinetic art are critically discussed as well. Each project will include the exhibition and critique of each work, and be preceded by an oral presentation and source materials discussion.
REQUIREMENTS
Based on standard University Guidelines and include special attention to the following:
- Creative experimentation with supreme emphasis on imaginative risk taking!
- Participation in required class activities is mandatory. Participation will be monitored closely.
- Group critiques will be held after completion of each project on the due date as scheduled.
Student participation in these critiques is vital to the experience, and the body of knowledge in this field.
Each student will be required to give a verbal presentation of their work, as well as, critique the work of their classmates.
Individual critiques will be conducted at mid-term and at the end of the quarter.
The instructor and TA are available for "in progress" critiques during office hours.
Office visits are by appointment only.
- You will be required to turn in digital duplicates of all work done in class, this is part of your grade. Your grade will not be turned in unless these tapes are
completed and turned in on time. A copy of each project after critique will be required for review, and a final master mini DV tape or DVD that has your three strongest works compiled on it. You must turn this in before any grades are released, no exceptions. A serious attempt should be made to record all of your activities.
i.e. separate recordings of a video shoot, done as still photoÕs, safety shot videoÕs, audio recording, etc. Since your projects will be experimental and ephemeral in nature, video and photographic records are imperative! The documentation becomes your art.
- You are encouraged to keep a web-based journal to develop your ideas, to document your experiments and results, and to post notes taken during lectures and demonstrations. The web journal may be a blog, or vanity site. It will help develop a resource compendium for you such as vendors, location scouting, documentation, and critiques throughout the quarter. It will be reviewed and critiqued as a part of your finals each quarter..
RECOMMENDED MATERIALS & COURSE FEE
There is $ 100.00 materials cost for this class (equipment maintenance, cables, adaptors, light bulbs, etc.) A minimum of 80GB Firewire drive is required for the class. The 80GB could be a portion of a larger drive.
Liberal access to "state of the art" technology & equipment for class assignments and research is available through our checkout system. The TA will orient you
on this system. The course has it own equipment set aside for your use, but if you will be augmenting this with your own, please notify us. You are responsible for the purchase and delivery of all other materials for class. The amount of money you spend on materials depends on your resourcefulness and the nature of your ideas. Try to locate and utilize accumulations of high art potential industrial/technological media surplus. Additional helpful materials include:
- 35mm SLR or digital still Camera, 35mm lenses
- tripods, steady tripod
- miniDV camcorder, lens extensions, miniDV tapes
- DAT or miniDisc recorder/player, microphones, audio cables, earphones, DAT tapes, miniDiscs
- 16mm or super8mm film cameras, lenses, stock
- lights, including slide/digital projectors
- Basic hand tools & hardware such as screwgun, saw, square head screws, etc..
- Basic electronic gear i.e. multi-tester, voltmeter, wiring, alligator clips, switches, etc..
- Other building materials/found objects/paints/lumber etc..
- C-clamps, grip-clamps, C47s(wood clothes hangers), reflective mylar, white/black foam core, duct/gaff/masking tape
- Comfortable shoes, sharpie pens, water bottle, etc..
BE INVENTIVE
Common hand tools can be checked out from the woodshop. When applicable, the school video equipment is available for use on a scheduled appointment basis. You will be responsible for the scheduling and budgeting of your time and equipment usage. YOU WILL BE LIABLE AND RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS DUE TO DAMAGE BEYOND NORMAL USE INCURRED DURING USE OF EQUIPMENT. HANDLE ALL EQUIPMENT WITH UTMOST CARE. ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT IS VERY SENSITIVE AND FRAGILE. DELIBERATE AND NEGLIGENT USE COULD RESULT IN LOWERING YOUR GRADE OR LEGAL ACTION BY THE UNIVERSITY.
COURSE POLICY
- No smoking in building or any DXARTS facilities.
No eating or drinking from open top containers in Raitt 205. No storage of valuable personal
belongings in Raitt 205.
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When applicable, each student is required to be video camera, editing, and sound equipment oriented before being allowed to use the equipment. A list of oriented students names will be given to the lab assistant. Only those students will be allowed to use equipment. All students must sign a lend/lease form before they are allowed
use of both equipment and classroom laboratories.
- Each student is required to be metal and sculpture shop oriented before being allowed to use the tools and machinery, check with the mechanicians. Handle all tools and machines with care!
- Clean-up your materials after each class period and out-of-class work sessions.
Return all tools and equipment at the end of your work period or appointed time for proper storage and safekeeping.
- Report any and all malfunctions, damage, problems, etc. with tools or equipment immediately to the TA.
- Remember, you are responsible. This is part of your grade. You will be liable and responsible for the cost of repairs due to
any damage beyond normal wear and tear incurred during use of equipment. Handle all equipment with utmost care. Deliberate and negligent
use of equipment and tools can result in lowering your grade or even legal action by the University.
- USE OF ELECTRICITY: Some aspects of this course deal with discussions and concepts that can use electricity or electronics
as possible components in there solution. Though some basic background is given in relationship to the safe and effective use of
electronics in art, this is not an electrical engineering course and the University and instructor assume no liability in its use
by students. This course assumes students involved in the use and fabrication of electrical and electronic components in their work
have familiarity or prior knowledge in using electricity. It is assumed students will always use the best judgment possible and will
never attempt electrical work that is beyond the scope of their technical expertise or understanding. Use of electrical or electronic
components is in entirely elective, and in no way mandatory for effective completion of the course. Students assume all liability in its
use, and are entirely responsible and culpable for using electricity safely.
- Never use a power tool without someone else being in the lab/workshop/studio, never use a tool which you have not been trained to use, or which you do not
feel comfortable using. Never use a tool that is damaged. If you discover a tool that is damaged, report it to your TAs immediately.
- Never work in the lab/workshop/studio when you feel overly tired or drowsy, or under the influence of medication.
- Wear approriate clothing in the lab/workshop/studio: goggles/hardhat when doing construction or using power tools, no open face sandals.
- Use ear-protection when appropriate.
- No noxious chemicals in the lab.
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