EMF222: Film/Video Production

Spring 2009 – Final Exam

This is an open book/notebook exam. Write in essay form – don’t just list stuff from the book but EXPLAIN how and why – show me you UNDERSTAND by your answer. Type in your answers – then email me back a PDF file of the exam –to “”.

REMEMBER TO PUT YOUR NAME HERE!

1.  Explain these primary functions of the camera and how the adjust them:

a.  EXPOSURE

b.  FOCAL LENGTH

c.  FOCUS

d.  WHITE BALANCE

e.  SHUTTER SPEED

2.  Name one way you can add the perception of depth to an otherwise 2-dimensional screen/image.

3.  What are the three broad focal length classifications?

4.  The areas behind and in front of the plane of critical focus that also appear to be in focus is referred to as the______. Explain why it’s so critical to understand how to control it.

5.  What is the best way to set focus on a zoom lens, and why does this technique work?

6.  Describe the pick-up patterns or directionality patterns for an omni-directional microphone (camera), a cardioid microphone (lav) and a hyper-cardioid (shotgun) microphone.

7.  Using what you learned in your text and during the class demonstration, why is it important to pay attention to the direction or aim of your microphone during recording?

8.  Define and explain the 2 types of COLOR TEMPERATURE we have to deal with when shooting with a camera BOTH inside and OUTSIDE? What happens if the camera is set wrong in each case?

9.  For shooting an interview – what type of lighting is considered standard? How might you deviate or alter that standard type of lighting – and WHY. Also there are 2 basic qualities of light (not color temp) What are they and what do they do?

10. When shooting visuals or broll for editing – what do you have to do so that when you are editing your footage looks good?

Reflective Essay

Length: 1-2pages (double-spaced, 12 pt. Font)

Media production is heavily technical and vocational, but it is also a personal endeavor, wherein self-knowledge (knowing what you do well ad what your challenges are) is vital. Consider your experience thus far. Consider the highpoints and points when you thought, “I just can’t do this.” These experiences are helping you gain understanding of the craft, but also they are testing your personal strengths and weaknesses, they are helping you gain self-knowledge, which is a fundamental component in the development of any successful professional.

I don’t want your essay to be an explicit accounting of your technical skills or the re-telling of a funny story from the set. It must include meaningful consideration of your experience, and possibly talk about what you believe is in your future.