Projects
Video Message (2 parts) -- 10% of Grade
- Part 1: Image
- Objective: Experiment with the camera and apply basic composition principles to create technically clean and aesthetically pleasing video clips.
- Shoot a series of images, from the category assigned by your instructor
- Using Premier Pro, capture your best shot and label the media file Lastname_Firstname.mov
- Part 2: Edit
- Objective: Combine elements -- pictures, sounds, and quote to modify the original meaning of the parts and create a new text in the whole.
- Produce a 15 second long video message using:
- 2 images (1 each from Video Bank A & B, available on Canvas)
- 2 sounds from the Audio Bank. (1 background and 1 punctuating sound)
- 1 quote from the handout.
Photo Story 10% of Grade
Students will take 15-20 photos to tell a story. In a sense, this is like storyboard created with photos.
Objective: Use photos to create a visual story
You will shoot and edit the photo Story. No Voice over is allowed, focus on composition and setting up the shots and creating a video montage.
Short Essay Film Rough cut- (2 parts) 20% of Grade
Students write, produce, edit and screen an individual project aimed at developing their individual voice as an artist. No final film should be any less than 3 minutes or exceed 10 minutes.
Objective: Create an original visual story.
- Part 1: Script 10%
- You will write an original script and we will workshop and read and discuss in class for feedback.
- Part 2: Shoot and Edit Rough Draft. 10%
- Do not use sync-sound or dialogue you may use Voice Over, sound effects and instrumental music. BUT remember, the focus is on visual storytelling.
- Evaluation will concentrate on: theme, story, visual expression, cinematic execution (focus, exposure, and composition), and the degree to which your sound mix adds to the overall success of the piece.
Short Essay Film Final- 40% of Grade
Students write, produce, edit and screen an individual project aimed at developing their individual voice as an artist. No final film should be any less than 3 minutes or exceed 10 minutes.
You will write an original script with or without voice over and we will workshop and read and discuss in class for feedback.
- Do not use sync-sound or dialogue. You may, in your sound mix, use sound effects and voice over and instrumental music. BUT remember, the focus is on visual storytelling
- Evaluation will concentrate on: theme, story, visual expression, cinematic execution (focus, exposure, and composition), and the degree to which your sound mix and Voice over add to the overall success of the piece.
Participation – 15% of Grade
During grading, consideration will also be given to involvement in class discussions, group exercises, and participation in discussions about the student films.
Attendance – 5% of Grade
Grading Policy
This course emphasizes the roles of concept and visual storytelling in the creation of films. Projects will be evaluated using the following criteria:
| Element | Possible Pts. |
| Theme/Premise | 15 |
| Story | 15 |
| Performance/Interview | 15 |
| Production Values | 10 |
| Soundtrack | 10 |
| Direction | 10 |
| Cinematography | 10 |
| Editing | 10 |
| Overall | 5 |
| Total Pts. | 100 |
Students will be assessed based on their understanding of the technologies and concepts covered in class & how that understanding is reflected in their creative work. Final grade will largely reflect the quality and sincerity of students' effort in this class.