Digital Video Production 2, 3 and 4 (DVP 2,3,4)

Syllabus

2016-2017

What do we do in this class?!

DVP 2, DVP 3, and DVP 4 focus on the production of segments for district competition (FAME, STN or any other contest we can find) from one of 12 categories: News Package, News Show, Public Service Announcement, Public Service Video, Drama, Comedy, Animation, Documentary, Instructional, Commercial, Book Trailer, and Music Video. The course will culminate in the spring with the county’s Oscars-style awards ceremony.

DVP 2 students will also produce the morning show, while DVP 3 and 4 students will stop production for a month later in the year (likely January or February) to prepare for certification in Adobe Premiere Pro.

How will I be graded?

This class is all about projects. 60% of your grade is tests and projects. These projects/tests will be evaluated using the digital video production rubric that every project will begin with (we will go over the rubric in detail in class). 30% of your grade comes from “Daily Assignments,” which is a daily assessment that reflects your “sweat equity” in class. That is, are you on-task or off-task during class? Your success in this class will hinge on your ability to manage your time, work hard, and complete quality projects roughly every four weeks. And the final 10% will be homework, which I don’t assign very often so when I do it is important.

What if I’m late or absent?

You are expected to be in the classroom before the bell rings. You are allowed three tardies each nine-weeks. Every tardy thereafter results in a referral. Since projects are completed in groups, most one-day absences shouldn’t significantly impede the progress of the project. Just like a real life, you may just have to work hard when you return to meet the assigned deadline.

Can I check my Twitter on my iPhone?

Cell phones are not to be out at all in class. The school requires me to give you one verbal warning, so I will. After that, the next time I see your phone out, I’ll write a disciplinary referral. I realize that sounds harsh, but if I don’t enforce this one, the class gets overrun by cell phones, you’re not on-task, and then I’m not doing my job. So, please save all the excuses—if you have a legitimate reason for using the phone, ask me first.

Oh, and these DON'T re-set at the quarter like tardies--this progression of consequences spans the entire school year.

Any official “rules” in here?

1.  Be on time.

2.  Bring materials.

3.  Work hard.

4.  Follow directions.

5.  Be polite.

What do I need to buy?

You will need a SD card (8GB or more) Class 10, a flash drive (8 GB or more) pretty much right away. Please go shopping so that you have something to put in the video camera! J

GRADING CRITERIA:

Projects/Tests: 60 %

Quiz/Daily Classwork: 30%

Homework: 10%

Can I just chill in here? I like to sit and do nothing sometimes.

Students are expected to use their studio/classroom time wisely. That means that you should be

1.  Scripting (Pre-production)

2.  Shooting video (Production)

3.  Editing video (Post-production)

Again, you will receive a weekly grade (Daily Classwork) based on the fact that you are doing one of those three things every day. Also, I expect you to work until I “call it” five minutes before the period’s end.

A few changes this year:

a.  I’m not lending SD cards or flash drives—too many people last year leaned on me for everyday materials. Please take responsibility for your supplies.

b.  QuickTime segments should be submitted on your class’s folder on the iMac in the control room.

c.  Submitting your project but losing its attendant paperwork (or lacking approval) will result in a 20-point penalty.

Is there any homework?

Okay, there really is no official “homework” in this class, but many students opt to work on projects at home in order to meet the deadline as well as to gain more time to perfect projects for competition. However, students are assigned a “rank” based on reliability, experience, and attendance. “Jedi Master” (green) may check out any camera and/or computer overnight, aren’t required to submit scripts before shooting, AND may work in groups of up to three. “Jedi” (yellow) may check out consumer cameras overnight. Sergeants may work in pairs. “Padawans” (red) may only use our consumer-grade cameras and may not check out equipment overnight. Reds work alone or with another red approved by me.

Students may be promoted or demoted throughout the year based on performance. Any equipment checked out overnight must be returned the following morning before school—NO EXCEPTIONS!

I know there’s nothing exciting about all these rules and protocols, but it IS exciting for me to get to work with you this year in our push to be the best Digital Video Production program in the county and state. I’m eager to work with you and am ready to get started—welcome back! J