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TH255-30 Wired: Video Making

Department
SCAPVC - Theatre and Performance Studies
Level
Undergraduate Level 2
Module leader
Tim White
Credit value
30
Module duration
18 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introductory description

The module draws on the practical skills of students and augments them with the competencies required to produce a video. Assessment is divided into a first video based on a set text and then a final video on a subject of the student groups' choosing that is shown at the end of the Spring Term. The module is based in the department’s edit suite and includes instruction in use of camcorders and training in video editing using Adobe Premiere Pro. Instruction is also provided in audio editing, colour grading and motion graphics and compositing using After Effects. This is an option choice that does demand considerable commitment beyond the allotted course hours. Please note that the video projects will be group works in order toaccommodate as many students as is practicable. No prior knowledge of filming or editing is required.

Module aims

To provide intensive training in a range of technical and creative areas pertinent to performance conception, production, realisation, promotion and/or dissemination on video. The technical areas will vary for each iteration, based on staff availability and interests but might include - sound design, lighting design, 3D modelling, Augmented Reality, projection mapping, video editing, show control, live video performance, videography. The creative aspect of the course will involve the conception and realisation of a script or narrative for video.
The course would take place in the Autumn term to allow students to make full use of areas of particular production techniques through the rest of the degree programme. It is not intended to be a sop for techies but rather to elevate the status and awareness of the creative possibilities of production tools in the department from afterthoughts to catalysts.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Revised for 20/21 to accommodate 1:1 teaching in groups of 6 in compliance with determiend social distancing requirements. It is hoped that subsequent iterations will revert to larger group sizes in order to accommodate greater numbers

Autumn Term
Week 1 - Introduction to the module

Week 2- Camera Session/proposal work (G55)
We will go through use of the Canon C200, how to plan shots and carry out a short shooting exercise.

MONDAY WEEK 3 10am - proposal deadline

Week 3 - Pre-production
How to prepare a script, useful resources, booking kit and using shared storage followed by feedback on proposals

Week 4 - Lighting

Week 5 - Sound

Week 6 - Reading Week

Week 7 - Editing Session 1 (Edit Suite)

Week 8 - Footage Review
You should have footage ready to show for feedback

Week 9 - SCREENING PROJECT 1

Week 10 - Discussion Meeting for Final Film

Spring Term

Week 1 - Editing II / proposal work
Editing II - Premiere Pro Intermediate + After Effects

MONDAY WEEK 2 10am - proposal deadline - link to form here

Week 2 - Proposal Feedback
Final film teams will sign up for slots to get feedback on their proposals (30/40 mins per group)

Week 3 - Project work
NB - these weeks are set aside as time when all members of the group are available to work on their project though you are expected to allow additional planning, shooting and editing time beyond these sessions. During these sessions I will be avaialble in the Edit Suite/my office to provide advice and assistance

Week 4 - Project Work

Week 5 - Project Work

Week 6 - Reading Week

Week 7 - Footage Review
You should have footage ready to show for feedback
A sign up sheet will be circulated to book a slot

Week 8 - Finishing (Edit Suite)
Finishing - Colour grading, exporting, preparing posters

Week 9 - Project Work

Week 10 - Screening

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Competence in devising a screenplay.
  • Competence in creating a production schedule
  • Competence in working collaboratively in the creation of a video work
  • Competence in shooting and editing video

Indicative reading list

Anderson, L. (2015) Film sound design. [New York]: Oxford University Press. Available at:
https://0-www-oxfordbibliographies-com.pugwash.lib.warwick.ac.uk/view/document/obo-97
80199791286/obo-9780199791286-0168.xml?rskey=q31TRg&result=1&q=Film
+Sound+Design#.XW6Iha4YP7o.link.
Bennett, X. (2011) Screenwriting tips, you hack: 150 practical pointers for becoming a
better screenwriter. Oxford: Focal. Available at:
http://encore.lib.warwick.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2574734.
‘Canon C200 User Manual (English)’ (no date). Available at:
http://gdlp01.c-wss.com/gds/3/0300027483/02/eosc200-200b-im2-en.pdf.
Costello, J. (2006) Writing a screenplay. Rev. and updated ed. Harpenden: Pocket
Essentials.
Creative Cloud tutorials (no date). Available at:
https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/creative-cloud/tutorials-explore.html.
FilmSound.org: dedicated to the Art of Film Sound Design & Film Sound Theory (no date).
Available at: http://filmsound.org/.
Hartwig, D. (2011) ‘20 Lighting Tutorials for Film and Video.’ Filmmaker IQ. Available at:
http://filmmakeriq.com/2011/04/20-lighting-tutorials-for-film-and-video/.
Home – Film Riot (no date). Available at: https://www.filmriot.com/.
Lanier, L. (2016) Compositing visual effects in after effects: essential techniques.
Burlington, MA: Focal Press. Available at: https://www.videocopilot.net/.
Leirpoll, J. et al. (2017) The cool stuff in Premiere Pro: learn advanced editing techniques to
dramatically speed up your workflow. Second edition. New York: Apress. Available at:
http://encore.lib.warwick.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb3110926.
Millerson, G. (1991) The technique of lighting for television and film. 3rd ed. Boston: Focal
Press.
No Film School (no date). Available at: https://nofilmschool.com/.
‘Premiere Pro CC - Help File’ (no date). Available at:
https://helpx.adobe.com/pdf/premiere_pro_reference.pdf.
VIDEO COPILOT | After Effects Tutorials, Plug-ins and Stock Footage for Post Production
Professionals (no date). Available at: https://www.videocopilot.net/.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Video camera operation
Sound recording
Lighting
Video editing
Video post-production
Script development

Transferable skills

Problem solving
Active lifelong learning
Communication (verbal and written)
Teamwork and working effectively with others
ICT literacy
Ethical values
Professionalism

Study time

Type Required
Tutorials 4 sessions of 1 hour (1%)
Demonstrations 4 sessions of 4 hours (5%)
Practical classes 11 sessions of 2 hours (7%)
Private study 258 hours (86%)
Total 300 hours

Private study description

Independently, students are expected to review course material (texts, instructional videos) approx 3 hrs per week
As a group students are expected to liase with other group memebers in the preparation, shooting and editing of their work approx 8 hours per week plus intensive work outside of teaching weeks such as breaks and reading weeks

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Short Video (Autumn term) 30% Yes (extension)

Video based on set text.

Final Video (Spring term) 50% Yes (extension)

Devised/adapted video.

Video Commentary 20% Yes (extension)

Submit a copy of the finished film with an audio commentary (taking the original sound down to a level such that the commentary track can be heard clearly) that considers:

Creative decisions Your contribution to the work Influences and key points of reference in the work Aspects that you could improve and/or develop further

The commentary should be between 8-10 minutes in duration - if you have worked on a project where the running time of the film is much shorter (eg animation) or longer (eg documentary) the commentary should nonetheless be 8-10 minutes.

Feedback on assessment

Standard departmental feedback form.

Courses

This module is Core for:

  • Year 2 of UTHA-W422 Undergraduate Theatre and Performance Studies (with Intercalated Year)

This module is Optional for:

  • Year 2 of UTHA-W421 Undergraduate Theatre and Performance Studies