Class Guidelines and Procedures
Method: The production class is operated as a modified collaborative production workshop drawing on the knowledge and skills of students as well as the TA and instructor; “modified” in that the instructor provides knowledge from nearly 40 years of production experience, sets the course and pace of production assignments, and gives you a grade.
The hands-on class has many small assignments, which start with the simplest yet highest-quality production, and add skills incrementally. Classes examine particular production or post-production operations or skills. If you are a beginner you will learn the basics to independently completing a short production; if you have production or software experience, you’ll have a chance to concentrate on your advancement in all areas at your own pace.
In addition to providing the equipment and technical back-up for learning and applying technical skills, the class deals with
- planning and completing projects,
- content and story-telling,
- attracting and making contact with an audience,
- giving spirit and life to your finished productions,
- and is a laboratory for the development of a personal style during the semester.
We will hold at least one public screening of our work. The more time you put in outside of class the more likely you’ll have something really good to show in class and beyond.
Your production assignments are important, but are byproducts. The main product of the class is your knowledge. Being enthusiastic and adventurous in trying out new techniques will give you the best opportunities to excel. Be fearless. Making mistakes is one route to learning. Having and solving problems and overcoming obstacles during the class while the instructors are here to help will better prepare you for the exigencies of production in the field. The more problems you have now the better.
It goes without saying that one mistake not to make is to drop the camera: i.e. do not drop the camcorder or other gear. If that happens or there’s any other technical problems please inform the TA and ER staff right away.
Equipment Room It is your responsibility to gear up for your production assignments; including in-class productions:
- Learn the ER check out system.
- Reserve, pick up and return gear according to the class assignment schedule.
- Test gear before leaving the ER.
- Be nice to the ER staff, upon whom your production depends for your success.
Grading:
Your grade is based on 3 criteria, with 12+ points equal to A+, 11 an A, 10 an A-, etc.:
- Engagement in the class (attendance, participation in discussions, assisting other crew members). 4 points
- Completed assignments – technical and professional skills, and style (innovation, risk-taking, creativity, personal expression). 8 points
- Bonus assignments: attending School of Communication events, reviews of movies and readings, independent production. Varying points.
Completing all the assignments adequately with good class participation gets you a B. It is possible to get an A or A+ with additional visible enthusiasm, cooperation and/or hard work.
Attendance: Attendance is crucial. If you are more than 10 minutes late to lecture, screening or post-production classes, or 5 minutes to production classes, your tardiness will be considered a half-absence. Each unexcused absence reduces your grade by a point. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class. If you are late it is YOUR job to tell the TA after class that you were not absent.
