Welcome to TV Production! You are now a member of the MJC Department of Television and Film.
This is a “hands-on” class where you will learn the basics of producing, live multi-camera directing, lighting, sound, and camera operation. Members of the class will also get a chance to become “on-air” talent for class TV shows!
ModestoJunior College
Television Studio Production MRA-TV 134
Instructor: Carol Lancaster Mingus Office: PMAC 232
Office Hours: Mon/Wed 8:00-9:00am // Tues-Thurs 8:00a-9:30am Email:
Phone: 575-6078
Text & Workbook: Television Production by Gerald Millerson / Jim Owens
NOTE: THIS TEXT BOOK IS ALSO USED IN THE ADVANCED TELEVISION PRODUCTION CLASSES
Course Description
This course will provide you with basic training in the fundamentals of television studio production. The class will stress the technical skills, team work and knowledge necessary to produce and direct multi camera television programs.
What You Can Expect To Learn In This Class!
Upon successful completion of this course, you will have acquired the following knowledge and skills:
You will PRODUCE A TELEVISION PROGRAM by working individually or as a team member in program concept development. You will be given the opportunity to direct, -and/or- produce, -and/or- serve as program talent,as well as serve as a production crew member while recording class projects.
You will demonstrate your knowledge of STUDIO EQUIPMENT OPERATION by proper usage and developing a general understanding of applied aesthetics of the televised image. You will learn how to operate studio and field cameras, audio mixer and microphones, graphic effects and titling, teleprompter, studio lighting and video switcher.
You will learn how to CRITIQUE AND ANALYZE TELEVISION PROGRAMMING by screening class projects and portions of current network and cable programming. Your will also write papers critiquing programming on network television and creating a concept for your own show.
You will learn PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT by demonstration and usage of basic television industry terminology, compliance to production date punctual attendance, and displaying the ability to work as an effective production team member.
Evaluation / Grading:
Your grade will reflect the total number of points you accumulate during the semester. Your success in this class will be based on your active participation and quality of work on all class projects, quizzes and assignments. Attendance is extremely important since class time is used for hands on training, rehearsal and recording of class projects. Therefore if you miss classes, your grade will drop and please note that during rehearsal and recording weeks you will lose double points for missing class. All papers must be typed. The final will be take-home.
- Attendance 280 points
- Assignmentsl 20 “450 - 500= A
- Lab Quiz(by appointment see top of page 6) 25 “400 - 449= B
- Quizzes (4) 40 “350 - 399= C
- Semester Group Productions 75 “300 - 349= D
- Terminology Quiz 20
- Take-Home Final 40
(Note: several extra credit opportunities are offered throughout the semester up to a maximum of 25 points)
Quizzes will usually be given at the beginning of class and cannot be made up! Assignment must be handed in on time (Late = F). Handwritten work will be downgraded.
Class Procedures: Student Success:
In general, each class time will consist of both lecture and hands-on training. Although this is considered a beginning class, you will be offered opportunities to work on advance television projects. NOTE:Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class. If you are late, it is your responsibility to make sure your name is on that day’s role.
Tips for Student Success:
- Read Chapters and hand in assignments (TYPED) on time. Late papers are not accepted.
- Use quiz study notes (page 7) to ensure a good quiz grade.
- Be an active participant in all class projects for maximum points!
- Check your class calendar EACH WEEK to find out what assignment/quiz is expected.
- Neatness counts! The extra effort you put in your assignments will earn you maximum points!
- Project organization is stressed in this class. Last minute always = a lower grade.
- Tackle your assignments with fun and enthusiasm! Your hard work will be rewarded!!!
You will have fun in this class – however, TV-Film course work and class structure is drastically different from classes you have taken or will be taking at ModestoJunior College.
An important element you must understand is that you are now part of a class production team. You are required to attend every single class this semester, you are required to come to class on time, and you are also required to communicate via email or phone if you will be late or missing class. This will not excuse you, your grade will still go down for missing class or arriving late, however you need to get in the habit of communicating to your team if you will not be in class for rehearsals and/ or recording dates.
Missing class or arriving late to class on rehearsal or recording dates will count double ( - 20 points) against your grade! These weeks will be clearly indicated IN PINK as DOUBLE FINE DATES on your class calendar.
If your phone rings or you are caught using text messaging on your cell phone the entire class will be fined 5 points and you will be fined 10!
Assignments
CREATE A TV SERIES (Jan.19th) Write a ½ page paper on your original program idea for a hit television series. Include as many elements as you can to insure full points. Program content, format, actors, set, and any other element that will help me understand your concept for a new television series!!!! NETWORK TV PAPER (Feb. 16th) Your assignment is to write a ½ page report on a NEWTV series that YOU HAVE WATCHED on local NETWORK AFFILIATES NBC-CBS-ABC-PBS-FOX during this spring semester! Include a brief paragraph explaining the program, and the rest of the paper will consist of your opinions about the program and whether or not you think this new program will be a success!
(Each paper is worth 10 points.)
Production Team Projects
Three major class projects will be produced this semester. For the PERFORMANCE & TALKSHOW the class will break into three groups and each group will practice together until the day of recording. The entire class will work on one NEWSCAST and practice as a team until the final taping.
Performance(one performer (from outside of class) + one instrument)
Talk Show (1 host, 2 guests, production teams select topic and tone of interview)
Newscast!(2 anchors, sports, weather, street reporter(s), 2 producers, 1 director)
It is important that you become an active participant in your assigned production team projects. If you do not show up to planning meetings, studio set & light dates and/or recording sessions, your grade will suffer dramatically. After each class project, you are required to write a report. Your Production Reports(one for each production) will include a critique of the project, your role (what you did, be specific), what you learned and what you would improve if given the chance. You must also grade yourself. Directors must include grades for their crewmembers. Each production and report is worth a total of 25 points. Note: you cannot earn full points if you do not turn in a report when it is due!!!
Positions assumed by the crew will include: Producer/ Director (7 positions this semester) / Scriptwriter (Newscast / Talk Show) / Camera Operators / Audio Director /Lighting Director/Designer / Technical Director / Video Tape Operator / Character Generator Operator / Teleprompter / Floor Director / Make-up / Costumes / Props – Art Direction / Painters, set builders / Talent / Behind-the-scenes still photographer
You do not have to have any experience in an area to take on a position, however it is your responsibility to study all elements of the position and become proficient prior to the start of your project! THIS MEANS PRACTICING DURING LAB TIME!!!
TV Studio Production (MRA-TV 134) Calendar
January – April 2011
Date / Topic / ActivityAssignment / Reading / Lab *
WEEK # 1 (Jan. 10 / 12)
M- Overview of Class / Syllabus on-line / 1st Show!BUY TEXT FOR THIS CLASS!
W- Video Production / Create a TV series in class INTRO + CHAPTER 1
LAB: TOUR & TV Viewing Survey/Contract
WEEK # 2 (Jan.17 / 19)
*ML KingJr. Holiday ** Campus Closed **
Production Team/CREW LAB: TEAM POSITIONS CHAPTER 2
CREATE A TV SERIES DUE – 10PTS
WEEK # 3 (Jan.24 / 26)
Mon: The STUDIO / CONTROLROOM–(KVIE TOUR VIDEO) WORK SHEET # 1 DUE CHAPTER 3
SHOWADV. CLASS PROGRAMS – PTV !!!!LAB: STUDIO / CONTROL ROOM
QUIZ#1 Ch.34(on Wed.)Study Guide Page 7of syllabus
(Quiz will be given in the beginning of class.)
Wed: The Video Camera & Operation LAB: CAMERA CHAPTER 7 & 8
WEEK # 4 (Jan. 31 / Feb. 2)
Mon: Camera training continues (practice on performance) DIRECTOR TRAINING
Wed: Audio & Sound Control (set-up audio for performance)LAB: MICS/AUDIO BOOTH CHAPTER 15
WEEK # 5 (Feb. 7 / 9)
Director & Control Room / Plan for PerformanceWORKSHEET # 2 DUE
Wednesday – 1st Rehearsal LAB: EXPANDED CLASS SESSION
WEEK # 6 (Feb. 14 / 16)
Mon: QUIZ # 2, Ch.5 (Quiz at beginning of class) Rehearsa # 2 Study Guide Page 7of syllabus
Wednesday – 3 rd RehearsalLAB: EXPANDED CLASS SESSION
NETWORK TV PAPER DUE – 10PTS!
WEEK # 7 (Feb. 21 /23)
*Washington’s BirthdayHoliday**Campus Closed*
Wednesday – RECORD PERFORMANCE!!! LAB: EXPANDED CLASS SESSION
WEEK # 8 (Feb. 28 / March 2) PERF. REPORT DUE 3/2 - 10PTS!
Monday: Critique Performance / Working with Talent CHAPTER 19
Plan for Talk Show (Perf. Production Report DUE MARCH 2NDsee P.4 syllabus)
Wednesday: Talk Show Prep – SET & LIGHT LAB: LIGHTING CHAPTER 12
WORKSHEET # 3 DUE
WEEK # 9 (March 7 / 9)
QUIZ # 3, Ch.7 & 8(Quiz MON at beginning of class) Study Guide Page 7 of syllabus
Monday – 1st Rehearsal LAB: EXPANDED CLASS SESSION
Wednesday – Final Dress RehearsalLAB: EXPANDED CLASS SESSION
WEEK #10 (March 14 / 16)
Monday – RECORD TALKSHOW!LAB: EXPANDED CLASS SESSION
Wednesday: Critique Talk Show/ On-Location Shooting/ NEWS LAB: NEWS CHAPTER 21
NOTE: It is your responsibility to schedule an appointment with the class instructional assistant to take the Lab/Terms Quiz during the following time period (Mar. 14th–Apr. 14th).
WEEK #11 (March 21 / 23) TALKSHOW REPORT DUE 3/21 10PTS!
Monday: Newscast, Plan Shoots for Wednesday ***Bring (typed list+article)news stories to class***
Wednesday: Entire Class on location shooting (news)LAB: SHOOTING WORKSHEET # 4 DUE
* NOTE: CAMERAS CAN BE CHECKED OUT TO COMPLETE NEWS SHOOTING THIS WEEK!*
WEEK #12 (March 28 / 30)
Editing Demo / News PrepLAB: NEWS PREP CHAPTER 17
News Prep LAB: NEWS PREP
Script – teleprompter input – all editing completed – program open – graphics – character generator
NOTE: PREPARE TO SPEND EXTRA TIME THIS WEEK FINISHING THE NEWS PREP – LAB CAN BE USED THROUGHOUT THE WEEK WHEN RESERVED – PLEASE CHECK FOR EXTENDED LAB HOURS THIS WEEK TO GIVE THE NEWS TEAM ADDITIONAL TIME TO COMPLETE EVERYTHING LISTED ABOVE!!
Note: Deadline to withdraw from Full-Term classes in Admissions Office, Pirate’s Net or telephone registration is April 4th!
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO OFFICIALLY DROP OUT OF CLASS
WEEK #13 (April 4 / 6)
MON & WED Rehearsals LAB: EXPANDED CLASS SESSION
QUIZ # 4, Ch.12 & 15 (Quiz MON at beginning of class) Study Guide Page 7 of syllabus
TAKE HOME EXAM HANDED OUT APRIL 6th – IF YOU MISS CLASS, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THIS EXAM
WEEK #14 (April 11 / 13)
Monday: FINAL REHEARSAL !! LAB: EXPANDED CLASS SESSION
Wednesday: RECORD NEWSCAST!!!!!! WORKSHEET # 5 DUE
This is the last week to take Lab QUIZ!!!
WEEK #15 (April 18 / 20)
Monday: Critique Newscast!!! ** Plan Class commercial **
Wednesday: PTV – Plankwalker Studios
******* NEWSCAST REPORT DUE TODAY (April 20th) *******
You cannot receive full points for the group news production if you do not complete the project report!
HAND IN TAKE HOME FINAL EXAM ON WED. APRIL 27th
(***** 11:10am – Note class time IS DIFFERENT for final!! *****)
NOTE: CLASS TIME CHANGE FOR FINALS (11:10am-1:00pm) We will be using the entire time with the last production. DO NOT COME LATE TO CLASS --- LATE FINALS WILL BE DOWNGRADED
**ATTENTION: Please let me know if you have a time conflict with another class final during this time period! **
My Assignments, Study Guides…
GRADE TRACKER!!!
AssignmentPoints My point grade
Attendance 280 (each class worth 10 points) Worksheets included in these points!
Network TV Paper 10_____
Create a TV Series Paper 10_____450-500 = A
Performance + Report 25 _____400-449 = B
Talk Show + Report 25_____350-399 = C
LABQUIZ 25_____300-349 = D
TERM QUIZ 20_____
QUIZZES (4) 40 ______(Total) _____
Newscast + Report 25_____
TAKE HOME FINAL 40_____
Extra credit earned (0-25) _____
GRADE POINT TOTAL _____
STUDY GUIDE FOR QUIZ 1-4
QUIZ # 1 (Read Chapters 3 & 4)
SWITCHER / CAMERA CONTROL UNIT / CONTROL ROOM / REMOTE TRUCK / NTSC / PAL / 3 PRIMARY COLORS / IMAGE SENSORS (CCD & CMOS) / HDTV ( 720p -1028i- 1080p)/ VIDEO RECORDER / AUDIO CONSOLE
QUIZ # 2 (Read Chapter 5)
POST PRODUCTION / SHOT LIST / TARGET AUDIENCE / STORYBOARD / REMOTE SURVEY / PRODUCTION MEETING / SMALL SCREEN DIRECTION / 3 STAGES OF PRODUCTION / PLANNED PRODUCTION METHOD / TREATMENT / CONCEPT /
QUIZ # 3 (Read Chapters 7 & 8)
FOCAL LENGTH / ELECTRONIC FIELD PRODUCTION / ELECTRONIC NEWS GATHERING / CAMERA SUPPORTS / EXTREME CLOSE UP/ MEDIUM SHOT/ TALLY LIGHT/ FOCUSING A CAMERA/ DEPTH OF FIELD (2 questions)/ SHOTS
QUIZ # 4 (Read Chapters 12 & 15)
COLOR TEMPERATURE / CHROMA /FRESNEL / BARN DOORS / GEL / REFLECTOR / SCRIM / 3 POINT LIGHTING / DIFFUSERS / PATTERN GENERATORS / MICROPHONES / CONDENSER / DIRECTIONAL / DYNAMIC / CARDIOD/ OMNI-DIRECTIONAL / VU METER / GAIN CONTROL / HAND HELD / LAVALIERE / SHOTGUN / MIC LEVEL – LINE LEVEL
******** LAB/TERMSQUIZ ******
Please make an appointment with the class instructional assistant to take your lab quiz byApril 14th
Lab quiz consists of your hands on demonstration of basic operational knowledge on the following TV studio equipment: CAMERA-MICROPHONE SET-UP-BASIC LIGHTING-AUDIO BOARD-VIDEO SWITCHER-CHARACTER GENERATOR-TAPE RECORDING-TELEPROMPTER – your use and understanding of proper industry terminology will also be graded during this hands-on lab quiz!!!
Please keep up with reading assigned chapters!!! A COPY OF YOUR TEXT HAS BEEN PLACE AT THE RESERVE DESK – MJC East Campus Library
Participation is extremely important in all TV-FILM classes!!
ROLL WILL BE TAKEN AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH CLASS – it is your responsibility if late to make sure you are signed in! Please submit official documentation (jury duty/doctors note etc.) to obtain an excused absence. Make sure to notify your group, if you DROP!
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