CBCM 3500.001
Video Photography, Editing and Reporting for Digital Media
Instructor: Cynthia H. Moore
Class Time: Monday & Wednesday, 11:00am to 12:20pm
RTVF Room 180I
SEVERALDAYS WILL BE SET ASIDE FOR STUDENT EXERCISES AND
CONTENT PRODUCTION. THE SCHEDULE WILL BE FORMALIZED BASED UPON PRODUCTION.
Office: rtvf #224 or the lab Phone: 940-565-2537
Office Hours: Mon. and Wed. 10:30-11:00 am, after class,2:30 – 3:30 pm, or by Appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Video Photography, Editing and Reporting for Digital Media. 3 hours.CBCM 3500 is an introduction to video photography, editing, writing, reporting, information gathering and storytelling for digital media. You will receive hands-on experience developing, reporting, shooting and producing (both audio and video) news style content for broadcast and online delivery.Information programming will include documentary, sports, magazine formats and news across multiple platforms and distribution modes. Prerequisite(s): RTVF/CBCM major status & RTVF 2210. Stories which demonstrate excellence may be selected to air on ntTV Nightly News.
CBCM 3500 is designed to be the core field-production media course that leads to advanced converged media production. This course reviews material from past classes and then builds upon this technical and artistic information as students produce numerous projects. These projects involve single-camera location shooting using HD video cameras and editing equipment. Visual broadcast journalism concepts and creative post-production editing will be emphasized. While we will be using high definition cameras, the technicalities, techniques, story-telling, and aesthetics of news production still form the basis for the course. This approach is supported by the required readings, class discussions, and included in tests.
Taking a production course is a time-intensive commitment. You will be required to spend many hours outside of class time reading, reviewing materials and working on projects. Please make note of other professional and personal obligations and plan accordingly. In the daily broadcast business late work not only isn’t acceptable but it affects broadcast schedules and programming. It is important that you acceptthat there is “no late work” in the broadcast world. To emphasize this there will be severe penalties for late work in this class. Late work will severely affect your grade. Classes and production schedules missed because of work schedules and other similar obligations will not be excused. If you do not believe that you will be able to fully commit to this time required for successful course completion, including full participation in lecture, please re-consider attempting the class at this time. If broadcast journalism is your passion - now is the time you begin developing professional habits.
REQUIRED TEXT:
1 CONVERGENT JOURNALISM: an introduction (2nd Edition)Writing and Producing Across Media
Edited by Vincent F. Filak. 2015. Focal Press
2 ASSOCIATED PRESS STYLEBOOK 2016 (I suggest that you have an edition available for reference)
REQUIRED PURCHASES:
1. SD CARD - CLASS 10 (recommended) - 16GB OR 32GB (or higher)
2. BACK UP HARD DRIVE to save your media projects on as a secondary source. [The Rugged 2TB drive is a good choice for use in all classes]
3. FULL HEADPHONES THAT COVER THE EARS (NOT NOISE CANCELLING)
R U L E S O F T H E G A M E
Announcements about class will be sent to you from the instructor within the UNT site. UNT requires that your UNT email address be used. If you don’t regularly check this UNT email address (which you should!), make sure you point it to your regular email address. Notification of changes to the schedule will be made through the use of your UNT email address.
EQUIPMENT and EDITING:
Cameras and Location Equipment: The RTVF Equipment Room is in the Media and Performing Arts Building. Hours of operation may vary, so be sure to check with Brian Krieger about equipment and Mark Dobson about the computer lab. The cameras that you will be allowed to use for this class may be checked out from the Equipment Room along with batteries, microphones, specific light kits and professional video tripods. Note that you are legally and financially responsible for university equipment checked out. All requests for equipment need to be emailed to me at at least 48 hours BEFORE equipment is needed. Be sure to include your name, course number, reason for checkout, date needed including pickup and return time, equipment list of all items needed (including batteries). Any required information not included can cause the denial of the request.
DEDICATED LOCATION PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT:
1
Panasonic DVX 200 Camera
Tripod
Batteries
Charger with any approved overnight checkout
“Shotgun” Microphone and Boom Pole
Wired Lavalier Microphone
XLR Audio Cables (35’ preferred)
Wireless Microphone
3 Light Kit
Arms & Knuckles
Sandbags
Lighting Gels, Reflectors & Diffusions
Stingers (Extension cords/multi-plugs)
Translucent Umbrella
Boom Holder / Stand
Stick Microphone
1
POSTPRODUCTION EDITING – MEDIA ARTS DEPARTMENT LAB:
Editing: A Video Editing Lab with several digital nonlinear editing bays that utilize Adobe Premiere editing software is located in the Radio, Television, Film and Performing Arts Building Postproduction Lab, Room 180. You should have mastered this software in your RTVF 2210 class. We will not be spending time in class on demonstrations of this software. You have full access to the lab once class starts, so start practicing as needed. There are many good online tutorials that provide both overviews and in-depth instruction on Adobe Premiere, if you need a refresher, and you can download the manual online. Lab hours can vary with holiday time, so do not put off your editing projects.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
You may not use your own camera for this class. I will consider the use of your personal camera for the final project. Postproduction editing of ALL projects must be done in the RTVF Lab with Adobe Premiere software and the EditShare Server. Editing at home or on your personal laptop will cause problems and there is no way to troubleshoot issues you might have. NO negotiations on these rules.
OVERNIGHT CHECKOUTS:
Requests must be made 48 hours in advance, via email. Weekend requests must be submitted IN WRITING. There is deadline of 5pm Thursday. Any request made on orafter that cannot be counted on for approval.These requests must be completely filled in and emailed to your instructor at
TURNING IN PROJECTS:
Projects must be turned in 30 minutes prior to the start of class on the designated day.
Projects MUST be turned in through EDITSHARE, a class drive will be assigned.
(no emails, YouTube, Vimeo or USB drives)
Projects must be under 200mb, in a MP4 format. we will go over this.
Projects must be labeled as follows:
Independent projects: Lastname_Firstname_3500_01 (_02, _03...)
Group projects: Lastname_Lastname_3500_01
Projects not labeled correctly receive a full letter grade deduction and will have to be resubmitted.
QUIZZES, PROJECTS AND TESTS:
Course requirements include one mid-term exam, a comprehensive final exam, short exercises, and numerous on-location video projects -- each building in technical and creative complexity. The emphasis in these productions is your ability to visually tell a story. All projects for this course must be shot by the student(s) in the class. You may not use footage shot before this class began or footage shot by someone other than you or your partner. The projects will be evaluated on both technical and creative levels.
HOMEWORK: Textbook readings are required weekly. Students must stay up to date with current event news stories and be prepared to discuss in class.
QUIZZES. There may be a quiz at any time dependent on how well the class is involved in
discussions and engaged in the material
PROJECTS. There will be regular video projects throughout the semester. Each project builds upon the earlier project. These will need to be shot and edited outside of the normal class time.
MID-TERM EXAM: This exam will be based on the text readings, lectures and media viewed in the lecture up to that point.
FINAL EXAM: This exam will be based on all reading materials, lectures and visual media viewed in class. The final exam will cover all of the lectures and readings given during the entire semester, and will be multiple choice.
STORY TOPICS, CONTENT AND GOOD PRODUCING:
CBCM 3500 is your opportunity to make intelligent and well-crafted journalistic videos within a community of fellow creators. While your personal perspectives and interests as content creators will not be censored in this classroom, you are expected to seriously consider the types of content you produce during this class and in the future, both for your sake and in light of the larger media landscape. Your works are subject to in-class consideration and critique. This means that you must be prepared to defend your stories and the choices you make as a creator.
ON-TIME SUBMISSION OF PROJECTS, EQUIPMENT CARE AND ATTENDANCE:
* For each class that an assignment is late, you will be penalized two letter grades for that assignment.
While this may seem harsh it is intended to reinforce the concept that “the best story in the world is
useless if it wasn’t ready when it was intended to be broadcast.”
*Any report of late equipment returns or other violation of departmental procedures relative to the use of equipment or facilities will place you on “equipment suspension” by the RTVF Department for a determined period of time. In addition, you are financially and legally responsible for any equipment you check out from the Department of Radio, Television and Film. A copy of the Department of Radio, Television and Film’s policy on the loss of checkout privileges for late equipment return is available in the RTVF Equipment Room. (see “The White Sheet.”)
*ATTENDANCE: In our field, and in this class, BEING IN CLASS and BEING ON TIME are critical and expected. In media fields, anything else will often cause you to lose you your job and reputation! My expectation is that you organize the rest of your obligations to meet this same expectation for our class. If you have a legitimate emergency, please provide an official written medical or other similar verification. The entire group class session begins promptly at 2:00 pm. Roll may be taken anytime during class. Unexcused absences will affect your final course grade at 5 points taken off per absence.
IN-CLASS USE OF MEDIA DEVICES:
The Department of Media Artsprohibits the use of personal mobile devices during class, unless otherwise allowed by the individual Instructor. If no exceptions are contained in a course syllabus, then the department policy remains in effect until changed by the Instructor. Personal mobile devices are defined as anything and everything from cell phones, MP3 players, smart devices, pads, laptops, etc.
In CBCM 3500, any student using a personal mobile device OTHER THAN A LAPTOP OR TABLET FOR NOTE TAKING during class or lab will have 5 points deducted from their overall course grade for EACH occurrence. All other devices should be turned off before entering the classroom or laboratory area.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
If you have not met the published prerequisites for this course you will be dropped from the class. This action may be taken after the registration period has ended. In addition, CBCM 3500 is for CBCM majors only; the instructor will drop others. Since this course is in great demand, registered students missing the first class will be dropped, particularly if a qualified student on a waiting list is present. Again, this action may be taken after the registration dates have ended. Any adds beyond the waiting list will be based on availability and the number of total credit hours earned to that point.
ACCEPTABLE STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Student behavior that interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct a class or other students' opportunity to learn is unacceptable and disruptive and will not be tolerated in any instructional forum at UNT. Students engaging in unacceptable behavior will be directed to leave the classroom and the instructor may refer the student to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities to consider whether the student's conduct violated the Code of Student Conduct. The university's expectations for student conduct apply to all instructional forums, including university classrooms, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc. The Code of Student Conduct can be found at
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION:
The RTVF department cooperates with the Office of Disability Accommodation to make reasonable accommodations for qualified students (Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504, Rehabilitation Act). If you qualify, and have not registered with ODA, we encourage you to do so. If you have a disability for which you will require accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, please discuss you needs with the professor within the first week of class.
SAFETY:
This course may involve potentially hazardous activities, the nature of which include working with and exposure to electronically powered equipment. Accordingly, the Department Media Arts has slated this course within Category 2 (courses in which students are exposed to some significant hazards but are not likely to suffer bodily harm.)
FALL 2016 COURSE CBCM 3500 SCHEDULE (MONDAY-WEDNESDAY CLASS) 11 AM-12:20PM
The class schedule/assignments may change – be flexible
WEEK 1August 29 Monday
and
August 31 Wednesday / Discussion: Syllabus, Class Introduction
Equipment Checkout Cards, Overview of Convergent Journalism, Class Goals
- Read Chapter 1 – Defining Convergence: why it matters, how to “do” convergence
- Type 200 words about your goals for this class and how it will enhance your career plan.
- Set up You Tube Channel, WordPress
WEEK 2
September 5 Monday - HOLIDAY
and
September 7 Wednesday / Chapter 1 – Defining Convergence: why it matters, how to “do” convergence
Camera Introduction. Camera Settings.
- Begin a Weekly News Journal (12 weeks - 3 stories weekly with links to radio, TV, or internet news sites. Explain what was good, bad, or average with story coverage, video, or reporter style – Due on WordPress each Monday)
- Spend one hour with the camera outside of class this week
- Chapter 2 Reading Assignment
WEEK 3
September 12 Monday
and
September 14 Wednesday / Chapter 2 – Writing across platforms: writing what you are trying to say, writing for others; writing guidelines – verbs, AP style, attribution, story form and length
Audio and Lighting Introduction; Editing introduction and exporting media
- Assign Video Project 1 – Live Shot Team
- Chapter 3 Reading Assignment
- Weekly News Journal
WEEK 4
September 19 Monday
and
September 21 Wednesday / Chapter 3 – Finding stories: Who’s your audience, beat reporting, localization, people stories, going beyond the beat, keep up to date, sourcing, show interest
- Assign Project 2 – Visual Essay
- Chapter 4 Reading Assignment
- Weekly News Journal
WEEK 5
September 26 Monday
and
September 28 Wednesday / Chapter 4 – Reporting beyond the basics: reporting vs. writing, internet, organizations, social media, public officials
- Assign Project 3– Voice-Overs
- Chapter 5 Reading Assignment
- Weekly News Journal
WEEK 6
October 3 Monday
and
October 5 Wednesday / Chapter 5 – Structure and storytelling: basic rules, building your toolbox, story structure
- Assign Project 4 - SOT
- Chapter 6 Reading Assignment
- Weekly News Journal
WEEK 7
October 10 Monday
and
October 12 Wednesday / Chapter 6 – Photography: understanding your camera and how it works, getting the most from your video, photographers vision, multimedia photojournalism, how lighting affects you story
- Assign Project 5– VO/SOT
- Chapter 7 Reading Assignment
- Weekly News Journal
WEEK 8
October 17 Monday
and
October 19 WednesdayMID-TERM / Chapter 7 – Information graphics: power or words and visuals, graphics reporter, charts, maps, diagrams, interactive graphics, reporting across platforms
- Assign Project 6– 8-minute montage
- Chapter 8 Reading Assignment
- Weekly News Journal
WEEK 9
October 24 Monday
and
October 26 Wednesday / Chapter 8 – Audio and Video Journalism: Writing for the Ear, Show and Tell, convergence video, video quality and when to use web video
- Assign Project 7 – News Package
- Chapter 9 Reading Assignment
- Weekly News Journal
WEEK 10
October 31 Monday
and
November 2 Wednesday / Chapter 9 – Data-driven Media: types of data, getting data and working with it, digital data, legalities, FOIA requests, formatting data for visualization, using storyboards to visualize project
- Assign Project 8 – Storyboard
- Chapter 10 Reading Assignment
- Weekly News Journal
WEEK 11
November 7 Monday
and
November 9 Wednesday / Chapter 10 – Social Media: observing trends, producing news content, online writing, using visuals, social sharing, understanding and engaging audiences
- Assign Project 9 – Extended Story
- Chapter 11 Reading Assignment
- Weekly News Journal
WEEK 12
November14 Monday
and
November16 Wednesday / Chapter 11 – Multimedia Journalism – test yourskills, building your brand, establish credentials
- Assign Project 10 – Final Project (News Package with Web Integration)
- Chapter 12 Reading Assignment
- Weekly News Journal
WEEK 13
November 21 Monday
and
November 23 Wednesday –
NO CLASS (HAPPY TURKEY DAY TOMORROW) / Chapter 12 – Law and Convergent Media: First Amendment, defamation, defenses, privacy, copyright, fair use
- Assign Project 10 – FINAL PROJECT
- Chapter 13 Reading Assignment
- Weekly News Journal
WEEK 14
November 28 Monday
and
November 30 Wednesday / Chapter 13 – Ethics in the Digital Age: ethical codes, privacy vs. right to know, accountability, voice for the voiceless
- Watch: Final projects
- Review of topics and discussions
- Weekly News Journal
WEEK 15 PRE-FINALS WEEK
December 5 Monday
and
December 7 Wednesday / Review Week
Watch: Final projects
WEEK 16 FINALS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12
10:30 AM – 12:30pm /
Final Exam
And
Happy Graduation!
1