Course Materials
Video Production
Video Production Projects and Assignments
Creativity Exercises
These are a collection of various exercises to help encourage creative thinking.
Paper Assignment: Copyright Issues in Digital Media
Write a minimum 5 page essay (double spaced, no larger than 12 point type) about current copyright issues and laws pertaining to the creation of digital media.
The Principles of Composition
Use the elements contained in the supplied Adobe Photoshop file to create an arrangement for each of the compositional rules discussed in class. Print and hand in one copy of each.
Utilizing Color Harmonies
Using the compositions that were created for the previous exercise, apply each of the five color harmonies discussed in class (monochromatic, analogous, complementary, split complements and triad), to one of the compositions. Hand in one copy of each color harmony.
Expressive Type
Using Adobe Photoshop, design the given words to express the given sound or emotion. Try to conjure up the essence of the word for the viewer.
Image Editing: Selections and Layers
Complete the provided tutorials to utilize selection tools and layer techniques.
Image Editing: Using Adjustments and Filters to Create Moods
Using only Image Adjustments and Filters, try to create the given mood happy, gloomy, peaceful, frightening, nostalgic, harsh) for each copy of the supplied image.
Image Editing: Retouching Exercise
Using the retouching tools (Clone, Patch, Healing Brush, etc.) in Adobe Photoshop, repair the provided image to the best of your ability. Extra credit will be given for colorizing the image. Print out one copy of the repaired image when done and hand it in.
Image Editing: Masks
Complete the provided tutorial to utilize quick masks, layer masks and clipping groups.
Fortune Cookie Montage
Using Adobe Photoshop, create a montage inspired by the fortune cookie distributed in class. Experiment with selections, layers, filters, effects and masks to blend images together. Avoid creating a collage, or simply cutting and pasting images together. All images for this project should be high resolution. Make sure to abide by copyright law and fair use guidelines for all images used.
Self-Portrait Montage
Using Adobe Photoshop, create a montage that communicates something about your personality, interests, hopes, dreams, fears, etc. This should be one of your main portfolio pieces, so take the time to be creative and thoughtful with what you are trying to communicate. All images for this project should be high resolution. Make sure to abide by copyright law and fair use guidelines for all images used.
Introduction to Digital Video Editing
Using Final Cut Pro, create a 45 second trailer based on the specifications provided.
Introduction to Camera Techniques
Using the list provided, capture all the required shots and edit them into a shot example reel.
Sound Production
Using Audacity, create a sound-only montage that tells a story or creates a scene for the listener.
How-To Video
Create a 1-5 minute video that gives sequential or step-by-step instructions for something to be completed successfully by the viewer.
Commercial/PSA
Create a 30 second commercial or PSA using the specs provided in class.
Documentary Production
Shoot and edit a 5-10 minute documentary video based on a topic of your choice (upon instructor approval). Project proposal, location and interview lists should be turned in before shooting begins.
Short Fictional Narrative
Shoot and edit a 5-10 minute narrative video based an original script or an adapted short story. Project proposal, script and shot lists should be turned in before shooting begins.
Video Poem
Using Final Cut Pro, create a 1-5 minute video that explores the relationship between the text of a poem (original or existing) and the symbolic images that are associated with the meaning and intent of the poem. The poem should explore the moods or emotions associated with an idea, issue, or interest that have some personal or meaningful connection to you.
Color Project
Create a 1-5 minute video that explores the meaning of a single color (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, brown, grey). You will research the color, and write a script for voice-over narration based on your findings, including, but not limited to, the scientific, psychological and cultural aspects of the color. You will then create or find imagery to accompany the voice-over.
Portfolio/Demo Reel
Create an portfolio including a resumé and a demo reel with least 8 examples of work.
Blogging
Create and maintain a blog for the entire year, which is shared with the class. Required weekly posts include a journal entry and two or more course-related posts, along with periodic special post assignments. Blogs will be graded each week, based on completion of required post assignments.