Course Introduction

Instructor: Isabella Torrance

Email: isabella.torrance@scaleacademy.org

Office Hours: Mondays and Tuesdays, 10:30 AM

Office Hours Zoom Link

The Video Production program is designed to provide students with career training and knowledge in the fields of filmmaking, media production, and visual storytelling, with a focus on both the creative and technical aspects of video production.

The program takes a dual approach, offering students a combination of theoretical and hands-on training in all stages of video production, including directing, cinematography, lighting, audio recording, and editing. Students will develop technical proficiency in industry-standard software and equipment while also gaining a deep understanding of narrative structure, visual composition, and storytelling techniques that will enhance their creative work.

This program provides students with the foundational skills needed to excel in the most important domains of video production today, with a focus on how each production role contributes to the overall success of a project. In addition to developing their technical skills, students will learn how to collaborate with a team of professionals in roles such as cinematographer, gaffer, editor, and sound designer to bring their creative vision to life.

Students will gain hands-on experience through projects that simulate real-world production scenarios, allowing them to apply their knowledge of video production tools and techniques in various settings. They will also have the opportunity to create and produce their own short films, commercials, and digital content, gaining valuable experience that can be applied to a wide range of media production contexts.

The program emphasizes a balanced learning experience, where students will spend their time between lectures and training in practical labs, using professional-grade resources and equipment that play a key role in their education.

Introduction to Module 2

Standards

A2.4 Use visual metaphors in creating an artistic product.

C2.0 Understand the technical support functions and artistic competencies in film, video, and live production.

C2.3 Plan one technical component of a production form design to performance.

C4.0 Demonstrate key skills and an understanding of the complexities of production planning.

C4.2 Know how artistic processes, organizational structure, and business principles, including funding and budgeting, are interrelated in both live and media production

C4.3 Identify the responsibilities and activities associated with the preproduction, production, and post-production of a creative project.

C6.0 Understand the key elements of developing and promoting a production from creation to distribution.

Objectives

1. To analyze cinematic choices such as shot composition, camera movement, and lighting setups. 

2. To understand storyboarding as it pertains to the preproduction process in filmmaking.

3. To acquire the skills and techniques required for effective multicam directing, including camera coordination, shot selection, and live production management.

Outcomes

Define the rule of thirds, symmetry, and framing as it pertains to film production.

Define and identify three point lighting in photos and videos. Think critically about the ways lighting can enhance a story. Communicate point of view, mood, and emotion through lighting.

To understand the importance of pre-production planning and to be able to identify and create a storyboard. Analyze and critique storyboards in order to improve their own.

Understand the basic principles of video editing and define related terms. Utilize Adobe Rush video editing skills to sort through provided b-roll and use it to enhance the story told by an interviewee.  

Understand the component steps and skills required to design, edit, and produce a production for audio, video, electronic, or printed presentation.

Understand the importance of pacing and rhythm in video editing. Understand the basic principles of video editing in Adobe Premiere Rush. Use match cuts, L-cuts, and J-cuts to create quality video content with smooth transitions.