T206 INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN AND PRODUCTION SYLLABUS
Instructor :: Professor Andrew Bucksbarg
Email :: abucksba(at)Indiana(dot)edu
Individual Help/Meeting Time :: Tuesdays 1-2PM and Wednesdays 5:30-6:30PM and by appointment, RTV RM #318
Assistant Instructors ::
Kristin Lindsley - Help Hours Wednesdays 12-1PM and Thursdays 4-5PM in RM# 240F, email klindsle(AT)umail(DOT)iu(DOT)edu
Austin Lord - Help Hours Tuesdays 2:15-3:15 and Wednesdays 2:30-3:30PM in RM# 240F, email ahlord(AT)indiana(DOT)edu
Lecture :: 4:00-5:15PM on Monday/Wednesday, TV 251
Discussion :: Please see your course schedule for your discussion time and location
Course Website ::
http://www.organicode.net/t206_intro.html
Course Objectives ::
• Acquire a fundamental understanding of the production process and major collaborators/players.
• Acquire a basic understanding of media objectives (Why do people/companies produce content? Who do they create it for?)
• Gain knowledge of production, technique, technology and creative practices (example: shots and composition for story/expression, sound, lighting, camera, post- editing, etc).
• Gain an understanding of production writing and dramatic/narrative forms.
• Create visualizations for your own original production concept (shots, composition, storyboards)
• Create your own original preproduction writing (premise, synopsis, proposal, etc.)
• Write and pitch an original project to the class.
• Gain language for discussing aesthetic, design and compositional elements in major media forms (feature length, short narrative, documentary, commercial, music video, website, games, etc.)
Observation, Criticality, Articulation, Practice
FOR THIS COURSE YOU ARE NO LONGER JUST A CONSUMER. YOU ARE A PRODUCER. I guess that makes you a "PRODSUMER."
In this light, you will begin to change the way you think about media. You will begin a process of observation, becoming aware of how media is created, from concept to end product, as well as how it is distributed and received. Thinking about what we cover in class as you watch or listen to your favorite shows is a good place to start. You will start to think critically about content/form, as well as all of the elements and stages in the process of design and production. What makes one piece more compelling than another? You will spend time looking at work and talking about it in lecture and discussion, as well as with classmates over coffee. Practice observing, thinking and talking about design and production... there is no turning back…
Description ::
This course provides an introduction to design and production in the Telecommunications department, from concept, to production and final distribution, T206 provides a conceptual overview of the process in the life cycle of design and production. Although this is not a hands-on course, we will examine the production process and focus in on the subtleties of how information is conveyed and stories are told using the designs, tools and techniques of media, including new media, such as websites and games.
We will examine different forms of production from the traditional audio-visual moving image to new media- interactive projects, websites and games. We will do a “close-up” on the basic language of screen-based media, we will look at production writing and technique and we will think about how this environment is managed and organized. We will ask, “How and why are information/stories conceived, produced and communicated? How are stories told in order to entertain, communicate, inform or persuade through various media- TV, film, websites, animation, games, etc.?"
OVERVIEW OR COURSE TOPICS:
>>>>>PREPRODUCTION
Production Process
Production and Production Management
Scriptwriting and Story/Narrative and Dramatic Structure
>>>>>PRODUCTION
Directing and Moving Image Grammar
Audio/Sound
Lighting
Camera
Recording
>>>>>POST PRODUCTION
Design and Graphics
Visual/Action Editing
Sound Editing
Animation
Special Effects
>>>>>DISTRIBUTION AND EXHIBITION
Distribution and Exhibition
>>>>>NEW MEDIA/INTERACTIVE PROJECTS
Interactivity, Web Design
Game Design
Requirements ::
• Book- Introduction to Media Production: The Path to Digital Media Production
Kindem and Musberger, Focal Press, Third Addition (Be sure to get the THIRD edition!!)
• Supplemental readings supplied by instructor in lecture, discussion or online
• Two disposable 35mm cameras (You may print digital images for projects)
• Access to media- films, television, games, websites, DVDs, etc.
• A detailed and avid note taking process that includes your own thoughts and creative fancies.
• 4-8 hours per week for reviewing what we cover in class and discussion sections, as well as the readings in the book and work on assignments.
• Punctual and courteous participation.
Examinations, Projects and Assignments ::
Please see the course calendar for dates of quizzes, exams, projects and assignments.
The course will require two quizzes, two exams, a major project, two smaller projects and weekly readings and assignments. Emphasis for projects and assignments will be on ORIGINALITY of concept, planning and organization, quality of work, attention to detail, adherence to specifications and thoughtful use of concepts introduced in class and in readings.
LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED VIA EMAIL- Please see FAQ.
All assignments and projects, etc. must be handed in on paper and are due at the beginning of the lecture or discussion on the day they are due. Emphasis will be placed on deadlines as real world experience. Think of me as your client.
Grading and Evaluation ::
Quizzes and Exams are meant to test your retention and understanding of concepts from the lectures readings. These are multiple choice and will include short essay questions.
Quiz I (30 points) - 20 multiple choice questions and 2 essays, new material
Mid-Exam (60 points) - 45 multiple choice questions and 3 essays, cumulative: will include material from Quiz I
Quiz II (30 points) - 20 multiple choice questions and 2 essays, new material
Final Exam (70 points) - 60 multiple choice and 4 essays, cumulative: includes new material, as well as from Quiz I, II and Mid Exam
These projects are meant to apply some of the production design concepts in a hands-on, original project, in order to get a sense of how to visually conceptualize and create a dramatic narrative or clearly communicate information-
Shots and Composition Project I (10 points)
Shots and Composition Project II (25 points)
This project focuses on the writing process of production, as well as a verbal pitch where you "sell" your piece to investors-
Large Pitch Project (45 points)
Assignments are meant to augment/build of concepts and topics from readings and lectures-
Assignments (approximately 12 @ 3 points each for 36 points total)
Assignments and writing that is handed in will be evaluated as follows. Only "check plus" and "check" will get credit-
√ + (check plus) = great!
√ (check) = good work!
√ - (check minus) = what happened? see prof.
0 = not completed
Reading/attendance questions are meant to award students who attend class regularly, these questions relate to current topics from readings/lectures and should give you a sense of some of the questions on the quizzes and exams-
Random Reading/Discussion response questions (8-12 total points)
APPROXIMATE TOTAL= 309
Grade Scale-
A+ 100 %
A 95-99 %
A- 90-94 %
B+ 87-89 %
B 83-86 %
B- 80-82 %
C+ 77-79 %
C 73-76 %
C- 70-72 %
D+ 67-69 %
D 63-66 %
D- 60-62 %
F 0-59 %
Assignments
Late, incomplete or poorly executed assignments WILL NOT RECIEVE CREDIT. Please plan ahead and budget your time.
Assignments are not accepted electronically.
Final Exam Schedule
You are responsible to consult the schedule to confirm and plan around your final exam time- http://registrar.indiana.edu/time_sensitive/finalexamsche4088.shtml
However, I have posted the date and time on the course calendar. Put this on your calendar and plan around it.
Class Conduct ::
Attendance
"To be early is to be on time. To be on time is to be late. To be late is to be fired!"
Attendance will be recorded, will reflect your commitment to the course could impact your grade. You will be allowed two unexcused absences for lecture and two for discussion. Excused absences will be negotiated based on accompanied documentation from a healthcare professional, funeral home, etc. Excessive absences will result in a failure of the course.
PLEASE DO NOT COME LATE TO CLASS. If this happens quietly and politely find a place to sit, settle in and participate.
Please review the Student Code of Conduct regarding disruptive behavior- http://dsa.indiana.edu/Code/index.html
If you know you will have conflicts with attendance due to religious holidays, please the review University policy and turn in the appropriate forms to me ahead of time-
http://www.indiana.edu/~deanfac/download/rel_obs.html#holregParticipation
Participation
Punctual and courteous participation means being on time and prepared with readings, coursework and for discussions. Participation means adding to discussions in lecture and the discussion section. It also means having fun and enjoying your time in class with the prof., AIs and fellow students. Participation means not leaving repeatedly to make a phone calls or leaving early, being disrespectful or disturbing other students. If you need to leave early, please let me know at the beginning of lecture.
For my part I will be on time and prepared for lecture, as well as work to make the lecture interesting, interactive and enjoyable. I hope you will do the same. Please note, the technology used in lecture will occasionally break or need to be reconfigured. Sometimes the audio-visual examples make transitions rough as well. I will work to avoid this, however please be patient if this occurs.
Please use the first row of the lecture hall if you are using a laptop. Laptops are ONLY to be used for taking notes. The AIs will let me know if you are spending class time playing games or watching soaps. This is distracting and disruptive to others. Please save these activities for after class.
Class time is not to be used for checking email, web surfing or any other activity that is distracting or disrespectful to the students and instructor. The AIs and myself will make note and may contact you via email if this is a problem.
Please review the Student Code of Conduct regarding disruptive behavior- http://dsa.indiana.edu/Code/index.html
Mobile phone use is NOT allowed in T206 at any time. Be sure to disable your mobile devices before class. As members of the class organism we abide by the IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct. Please review this- http://dsa.indiana.edu/Code/index.html
Please to not bring food or drinks into the classroom and clean-up after yourself and, if necessary, others. Why? Because coffee stains the carpet and food encourages rats to live under the seats.
Please be sure you are participating in class discussions in a constructive, respective manner. Think about how you can contribute to a healthy, interesting learning environment.
Extra help ::
I am available to meet with you for help, feedback and guidance, as well as to discuss class policies or other questions and concerns you may have. Please take advantage of my help hours.
For assistance with tutoring or non-medical academic issues, etc.-
Supplemental Instruction
SAC, 316 N. Jordan Avenue, (812) 855-7313
Contact: Sharon Chertkoff
http://sac.indiana.edu/individualizedAssessment
For assistance with test anxiety, physical, social, or mental health issues which affect learning or testing, etc.-
Disabled Student Services
Franklin Hall 006, (812) 855-7578
Learning Disabled Coordinator: Whitney Manchester
http://www.indiana.edu/~iubdss
Adaptive Technology Services
Main Library, Media Reserve Center, (812) 856-4112
http://www.indiana.edu/~iuadapts
I reserve the right to make changes to the course throughout the semester and it is the students responsibility to remain current with information from class, email and the website. I will work to clearly communicate expectations or changes to the course. If you email me, I will try to reply within 48 hours, however sometimes there can be problems. If I do not reply please feel free to email me again or see me after class or in help hours.
Have a productive and successful semester!
