Digital+Media-Course+Expectations

Spring 2008 //Last Modified: 1-14-2008//
 * Digital Media Production**

Digital production meets three times during the six day cycle. The purpose of the course is to improve your ability to effectively tell stories through the use of digital video cameras, editing software, still cameras. Pre-production planning is a major component of this course—you will be required to adequately prepare before you begin shooting your projects. Additionally, a major component of this course is learning new shot ideas and using this in your projects throughout the semester—we will watch a 90 minute DVD in class that covers many of these shots. This class is intended to be another stepping stone to the film making electives now taught by Mr. R. in the Upper School.
 * Course Purpose**
 * Most of our work will be completed using class time. However, it is important to note that you and your partner may work on your own time if the classroom is available.**

How is this course different from last year’s class?
 * 1) Meets 3X per cycle instead of 2X. But the extra time does not mean that we will be doing more projects…we will be doing more pre-production work and planning.
 * 2) The class is graded and will impact GPA!
 * 3) Expect to complete more pre-production work and to be evaluated on it-pre-production is one of the most important phases of video production.
 * 4) We will learn specific camera shots and advanced techniques through the use of a DVD called, “Advanced Broadcast Camera Techniques.”
 * 5) You are expected to use the fundamental camera techniques that we covered last year in all projects (for those of you who did not take the class last year, we will cover those early in the semester).

Class Grading:
 * This is a graded class! You will receive a grade at the end of each quarter. Each quarter we will work on 4-6 video editing projects. We will also have a few short quizzes each quarter. Shorter projects (like the first one of the year) will be worth 5 points…larger projects will be worth 10 points. We will have a few folder checks each quarter, and these are worth 5 points. A project overview and rubric evaluation sheet will be passed out for each project so you are clear on the assignment expectations**

Project Partners: **Sometimes you will choose, other times I will choose. Either way, you will be evaluated on your teamwork with your project partner. No crying and complaining about this either.**
 * Course Folders:**
 * Each handout you receive in class must be “locked and loaded,” as Mr. Jacobs would say. Using a wiki, you are responsible for keeping all of these handouts organized in a digital folder…you are also responsible for using the table of contents handout to keep track of your handouts. We’ll have a few folder checks each quarter and these will be worth 5 points (most folder checks will be announced). If your folder is regularly out of order and messy, you will struggle to receive a good grade in this class. When I check your course folders, I will also be checking to see that your Final projects tape is up to date and that you have a raw video tape and that both are clearly labeled with your name in four different locations.**

You are also required to a pocket folder. As much as I don't like paper and folders, you will need a folder to keep your storyboards and other materials organized. I will have a paper copy of a table of contents for you to put in this pocket folder. Any paper handouts that you receive will need to be tracked and organized using this table of contents.
 * Pocket Folder:**

You are required to use your USM Google Docs account for this class. If you don't know how to access your account, see Mr. Montagne soon.
 * USM Google Docs Account:**

-**Use encouraging words in class**—put downs are not acceptable and will be immediate grounds for detention. Shut up is not part of our class vocabulary either.** -**Please keep your handouts organized in your digital folders (aka-"Wikis") and pocket folders. -**If you regularly come to class unprepared/late**, you will receive a deduction on your current project grade. An example of a deduction would be lowering your project grade from a Check to a check-minus. Or a half grade to full grade on a larger project. -**Clean up the class when you are done**-tuck your chair in, turn the computers off, and take your materials with your…others use this space and we need to do our part to keep it neat.**
 * Be Prepared!**
 * -**Come to class on time! **We only meet three times during each six day cycle, so you need to be on time for class. Special note to athletes—you are responsible for making up any work that you miss due to games, practices, etc.


 * Supply List and Materials:**
 * 1) Pencil—bring to each class
 * 2) 1 Mini Digital Video tapes (aka “Mini DV tapes). These are stocked in the school store or any office supply store. Please neatly store your tapes in your locker and have them prepared for each class. Tapes need to be uniquely labeled with your first and last name.
 * 3) Anything else that I forgot…write it here:__

Project Unit Possibilities Include:**
 * Personal Equipment:**
 * As long as your parents give you permission, you are welcome to bring your own personal equipment to school for this class. As a matter of fact, I encourage this because I am low on gear, especially digital video cameras. But if you bring equipment to school that you own, you must allow project partners to carefully use your equipment. Equipment may be stored in my office, but please make sure it is labeled with your name on it. Neither USM nor Mr. Montagne are responsible for lost, damaged, broken, stolen, or misused personal equipment.**
 * 1) Create a commercial
 * 2) Silent Movie
 * 3) Music Videos
 * 4) Public Service Announcements
 * 5) Claymation
 * 6) Special Fx
 * 7) Podcasts
 * 8) “How To” Movie
 * 9) Advanced Camera Techniques
 * 10) Large collaborative class movie