Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Documentary Treatments are Due Today

Documentary Treatments are Due Today.
Please put them in the classes folder (period 4) on the STAFF server.

Today you will create a list of 30-40 documentary questions that you will ask at lest four to five people involved with your subject.

Mr. Mitchell’s 4 Hints to create better documentaries
1. Keep the camera rolling, capture as much footage as possible.
2. Research your topic…become an expert.
3. Come prepared at interviews with a list of questions. Ask how and why questions.
4. Avoid bias in your story. Tell the facts and avoid taking sides.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Documentary Narration/Text/Organization

First, read this section on interview techniques here.

When you are done, please turn this assignment into the classes folder on the staff server using the naming convention_narration assignment.

Intro
Write three to four sentences describing topic in great detail . Give crucial information and history as needed. Feel free to use documented statistics.
For example, if you are doing a piece on gas prices then find out how expensive gas has been over the last twenty years. Why the change? What are the factors etc? Do cars get more or less miles per gallon?

Next, list at least five specific examples of of B-Roll you will use. Provide dates, locations, and shot type of the footage.
Will you use any footage from sources other than your own camera? If so, what will they be?

Again, if you are doing Gas prices you might want to show people filling up at the gas station, a shot or two of gas price signs, people driving cars, and money exchanging hands etc.

Body
Narrate or use text to move from one interview to the next. If you do your interviews well, the interviews will tell the story and your narration will be minimal.
For today’s assignment, pretend you have three different examples and interviews for your topic.
What will you cover in this section? What will the audience learn? Please list the people who have interviewed or will interview and also list the B-Roll that will play underneath those interviews.

Closing
What did you conclude from your documentary (using both sides of course)? You aren't trying to prove a point here as this is more of a recap of what we saw in the body of your documentary.
What should the audience know that ties all the information together? What is next for your subject or subjects?
Your closing narration should be at least three to four sentences.

Again, drop this assignment in the classes folder. Hopefully this helps you organize your documentary.

Documentary Questions

Documentary Questions

1. What is your documentary subject?
2. Why did you choose this subject? Why would this be interesting for us to watch(two-three sentences)? How will it differ from other documentaries that have been shown before?
3. What do you think your audience can learn from your documentary? (one-two sentences)
4. What type of B-Roll will your video need (three-four specific examples)
5. How will you make sure you can cover all sides of this subject? Who will you interview and where will you interview them? (two-three sentences)?

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Thursday

Hey guys,
I am gone today as I am about to hop on a flight home from China.

Due today:
Scripts

What you should be working on:
Editing and importing your video.
Soundtrack Pro or Garageband (Nathan is the guy to talk to about Soundtrack Pro. It's awesome. Remember you MUST create your own music for your three-minute movie).

You can shoot today if you need the time. Footage is due Monday unless you need MORE class time Tuesday.

Goofing around in Beijing!

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Film Script Link

Use this format for your script.

Do not worry about the CAPITALIZATION.

Saturday, November 01, 2008

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Three Minute Movie Assignment

  • You will make a three-minute movie that has a full story from beginning, middle, and end. You will also create music for your project in Garageband or Soundtrack Pro.
  • Your video can be a comedy, drama, romance, or action film (or a combination of those).
  • All videos will be entered in the Seattle Times Three-Minute Movie competition in the Spring.
  • I will give two periods of class time for you to shoot your video. You will need to return off-campus permission forms if you would like to shoot away from school.
  • I would suggest shooting the main bulk of your footage during your four day weekend from November 7th to November 11th.
  • You can work with one other person in the class on your project, but you must edit separate videos.

Please answer the following questions using abi word, text edit, or Word on your laptop. Send the answers to me and put them in my classes period 4 folder on the STAFF server (do NOT email me your treatments). Please use complete sentences.


1. What genre or type of video are you going to make? Why?
2. Will you need class time to shoot or are you working outside of class?
3. Please describe your project in four to five sentences. What is the storyline from beginning to end? What is the source of conflict? How will you resolve the conflict? Who are the main characters etc?
4. Who will act in your project? Do they have time to shoot on weekends and after school?
5. What type of music will you create in Garageband?
6. How will you make sure that this project is better than anything else you have done in Video Production? What two or three things are you going to focus on to make sure you improve?

Friday, October 10, 2008

Test

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Music Video Treatment: Due Monday 4th Period

Music Video Treatment

Requirements:
Students will shoot a music video that is no longer than five minutes.
Music videos must have a concept,theme, or story (not 100% lip-syncing).
You can have class time on October 2nd and October 7th. You of course can shoot outside of class.
Video should have at least one eight-shot sequence.
Raw Footage is due right after spring break.

Students must turn in a one-page typed treatment to the classes period 4 folder. Please use the naming convention.

Most videos have an interesting concept such as a fake TV show, a backwards video, a dance video, a live performance video, or simply an interesting story. Your treatment should explain in detail your concept and how you plan to make this concept come to life. Your treatment should answer the following questions:
1. What is your story or concept in great detail? Don't forget costumes, editing and shooting style etc. Your answer should be 4-5 sentences.
2. Who are you working with on this project (inside or outside of class)?
3. When will you shoot?
4. Do you need class time to shoot?
5. What song are you using? How long is the song?


Videos must have one at least one eight-shot sequence.
Storyboards of the sequence will be required.

Videos shots must use proper technique discussed in class: good headroom, proper white-balance, leading the subject, focus, and steadiness. Grading of these shots will be more difficult than the last project.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

SCNN Videos are due Thursday at the beginning of the period

Make sure the audio levels are consistent.
Make sure your video fades in and out.
Make sure your text is color coordinated.
Make sure you have music.

After I have approved your video:

• Export to Quicktime and save it using the naming convention_SCNN_name of commercial.
• Adjust permissions to Read/Write on the Quicktime file.
• Drop the commercial in the vidstore server, period 4.

Vidstore.shorelineschools.org
Name: scvideo
Password: outback

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Importing Video Into Final Cut

• Rewind Tape
• Cue it to Correct Spot
• Plug In Firewire
• Open Final Cut
• Go to File>Log and Capture
• Hit Play on Camera
• Hit Capture Now on Final Cut

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Vote for Shorecrest!

VOTE FOR SHORECREST (on right of screen): http://www.kirotv.com/hsfootball/index.html

Our Shorecrest Football team is in a tight competition to featured be in "KIRO 7 Game of the Week," this Friday, September 5th.

Voting ends tomorrow!

Email Me Please

Send me an email to trent.mitchell@shorelineschools.org and answer the questions below. Also, please CC one or both parents or guardians on this email so I can contact them via email as needed.

First, make sure you you tell me your complete name. Also include Video 4 in the subject line.


1. Why did you sign up for this course?
2. What experience do you have with Video Cameras?
3. What kind of movies and TV shows do you like?
4. What experience do you have with video editing? iMovie or Final Cut perhaps?
5. Are you familiar with Live Type, Motion, or Soundtrack Pro?
6. What kind of music do you listen to?
7. List two or three things I should know about you so I can help ensure you do well in this class.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

150 Shot Assignment

Your assignment is to create a 3-4 minute sequence of a continuous event with at least 150 shots. The shots all must relate to one another but your scene does not necessarily have to be an "action" scene.
Your scene should be FILLED with insert shots and cutaways, but you will also need to have a long shot every four or five shots to make sure the audience can follow the action.
Raiders of the Lost Ark did a great job of showcasing this technique.

Today you will get into groups of 3-4 of your own choosing. You will plan your scene beginning with a one-page outline that is due today at 11:15 (Start typing.)

You may start this project as soon as you wish. You will have class time to shoot and/or edit next Wed and Friday (Yes, that means some of the shooting and editing will be homework. Sorry). Next Thursday June 5th will be a mandatory after-school editing session.
Projects are due edited the day the seniors leave. Seniors, this is your final and worth 15% of your grade.

You will all shoot master shots which are shots that last the length of the shoot. You will then shoot insert shots and cutaways from multiple angles. I want this to be the most professional looking video you have ever made.
  • Plan ahead.
  • Storyboard.
  • Get creative. Move the camera and edit on action.
  • Never let the audience lose track of the main objective or goal in the scene.

Monday, May 05, 2008

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Commercial Treatment

Commercial Treatment

Commercial Treatment


You will write a detailed treatment to the coach or advisor of your club/activity/sport you have chosen to make a commercial for (this is a terrible sentence). You will also send me a copy (CC) of this email.

List of advisors:
http://schools.shorelineschools.org/shorecrest/asb/index.php#list

Treatment questions you must answer in COMPLETE sentences.

What group have you selected as your subject?
Why did you select this group and why do you think you can make an interesting commercial for this group?
What is your original concept? How are you going to SELL your subject?
What will your tag line be? It needs to be something catchy and memorable.
What kind of music will you use in the background?
Please email the advisor or coach of your commercial subject. Schedule a time to shoot with this person. Include me on this email.

Commercial Assignment

SCNN Commercial Assignment

You will make a thirty second professional style commercial for a school related group, sport, club, or after-school function etc. Your commercial should be shot and edited in a high-energy style that encourages the other students in the school to either participate in and/or support your chosen group. You will have time during class to shoot the video, or you can shoot before or after school. Each student must do their own commercial.


Commercial Assignment Requirements:

You must use Final Cut Express.
Fade In and Fade Out.
Commercial must be exactly thirty seconds
12 shot minimum-like music videos, most commercials use shots only two to five seconds in length.
Use music appropriate for the commercial and school group.
Use text in your commercial to emphasize in writing what you are trying to sell.
Create a nifty slogan or catch phrase. VERY IMPORTANT!
Use a variety of shots.
Shoot at least two complicated shots. For example, a ‘zoom in and pan’ or a ‘zoom out and truck’ etc.

This is a very quick assignment so please do not fall behind. You CAN start working on this now (as in after school today...reserve your camera pronto)

Monday, April 07, 2008

Video 2 Extra Credit Opportunity

Mr Santo Pietro has Ireland footage he needs edited. You can get extra credit in this class and community service hours as well. Please contact me if you are interested.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Video 1 Music Video Treatment

Music Video Treatment

Requirements:
Students will shoot a music video that is no longer than five minutes.
Music videos must have a concept,theme, or story (not 100% lip-syncing).
You can have class time on March 27th to shoot.
Video should have at least one six-shot sequence.
Raw Footage is due right after spring break.

Students must turn in a one-page typed treatment to the classes period 4 folder. Please use the naming convention.

Most videos have an interesting concept such as a fake TV show, a backwards video, a dance video, a live performance video, or simply an interesting story. Your treatment should explain in detail your concept and how you plan to make this concept come to life. Your treatment should answer the following questions:
1. What is your story or concept in great detail? Don't forget costumes, editing and shooting style etc. Your answer should be 4-5 sentences.
2. Who are you working with on this project (inside or outside of class)?
3. When will you shoot?
4. Do you need class time to shoot?
5. What song are you using? How long is the song?


Videos must have one at least one eight-shot sequence.
Storyboards of the sequence will be required.

Videos shots must use proper technique discussed in class: good headroom, proper white-balance, leading the subject, focus, and steadiness. Grading of these shots will be more difficult than the last project.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Mockumentary Outline

Video II Outline Assignment

You will write a one to one and a half page outline doubled spaced that describes your mockumentary. This needs to be as detailed as possible. If your Outline is not detailed enough you will need to write a script.

Your names first...

Section I

Describe the two to three main characters. Include ages, habits, goals, ambitions, dress style, dialect, and motivations.

Section II

Describe the plot in detail. What happens in the beginning, middle, and end? Why do the characters act the way they do? What is theit motivation? Are there any twists or surprises? What is the conclusion?
This section should be at least 5-7 sentences long.

Section III

Why do you think this idea will work for a mockumentary? What type of humor will you use (situational, character, slapstick etc.)? Give examples of this humor. Do you need any costumes or props? What kind of music will you use? What B-Roll will you need? Where will you do the interviews?

The raw footage is due the day after spring break.

When you are done put the outline in the staff server/classes/period 3.
Please use naming convention plus "mock_outline."

The Northwest High School Film Festival

http://www.nwhsff.org/

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Music Video Time!!!

You will use You Tube to watch music videos for about 20 minutes. Find your favorite three.
You will then copy and paste the video URL's (web addresses) to the comment section below along with answers to the following questions for each video.

1. Please list band name and song along with the web address.
2. Describe why you think this is a good video. What makes it interesting? What is the main concept? Is it funny or serious? Dramatic or light-hearted? Why does the video connect with you?

Monday, March 03, 2008

Tuesday for Video 1

I am gone for part of the day today, but I'll be back before the end of school. For those that need a camera, I'll get you one at 2:25.
Sarah and Scott please return the camera to the substitute.

Today:
You do have the option to shoot. You can grab a GL from my office if you need to, but make sure you sign out with the sub before shooting.
Sean, can you help collect cameras at the end of class? Thanks.
The first hour of class for the rest of will will be time to work on Garageband. You should try to make at least two or three short songs for different portions of your movie.
At 11:15 the sub will play Jaws.

Raw Footage is due Thursday.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Export and Drop

Exporting From Final Cut to Quicktime

File>Export>Quicktime Movie>
Save the video using the naming convention and save it in the movies folder.

Next, control-click on the file in your movies folder and select get info'. Please make sure that everything under details and ownerships and permissions is set to 'read-write'.

Next, log onto to Vidstore.shorelineschools.org and drop it in the period three folder.

name:scvideo
password:otis

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Video 1 Day Two



http://cybercollege.com/tvp023.htm
http://cybercollege.com/tvp024.htm
http://cybercollege.com/tvp025.htm
http://cybercollege.com/comp_ex2.htm

Please take out a piece of paper to take notes on all bold faced words in the above reading.
Please take the quiz at the bottom of each section. We will discuss all terms in class and you will be tested on the material shortly.

Please make sure you understand the proper way you are to frame a camera in this class. You will never shoot randomly in this class because you will "frame" each shot. Pay special attention to rule of thirds, leading the subject, and frame within a frame etc.
You should also know what the following shots are:

CU
MCU
MS
LS
ELS
Trucking
Panning
POV
Steady Dolly
Heads-in Tails-Out.
Selective Focus
Rack Focus

Bring your notes to class Thursday. On Thursday we'll talk some and then you will be shooting with the camera all next week! (About time, right?)

Video 2 Three-Minute Movie Treatment

Please answer the following questions using abi word, text edit, or Word on your laptop. Send the answers to me and put them in my classes period 3 folder on the STAFF server. Please use complete sentences.
See below for further instructions.

1. What genre or type of video are you going to make? Why?
2. Will you need class time to shoot or are you working outside of class?
3. Please describe your project in four to five sentences. What is the storyline from beginning to end? What is the source of conflict? How will you resolve the conflict? Who are the main characters etc?
4. Who will act in your project? Do they have time to shoot on weekends and after school?
5. What type of music will you create in Garageband?
6. How will you make sure that this project is better than anything else you have done in Video Production? What two or three things are you going to focus on to make sure you improve?

Next, continue reading about the history of film. Look for a short quiz Friday or Monday.

http://cybercollege.com/frtv/frtv004.htm
http://cybercollege.com/frtv/frtv005.htm
http://cybercollege.com/frtv/frtv006.htm

Be sure to take the quizzes after each section.
See you Friday!
Mr. M

Monday, February 04, 2008

First Day in Video 1

Hints for Success in this class

1. Use your time at home with a camera wisely. Having your own camera is very helpful, but if you need to check out a camera from me make sure you plan your video shoot ahead of time.
2. Do not rely on your friends. Your friends are not receiving a grade and therefore are not as motivated as you are.
3. Do not wait until the last minute to shoot. Procrastination will hurt you in this class.
4. Shoot multiple takes of your shots from different angles so you have more to work with when you edit. It is highly recommend to shoot a wide "master shot" of the whole scence and then shoot close-ups after.
5. Make every shot count. Do not shoot random footage.

This is not a writing intensive course, but we do quite a bit of reading the first three weeks of class. Here is what I need you to read during today's class:

http://cybercollege.com/tvp001.htm
http://cybercollege.com/tvp001-2.htm
http://cybercollege.com/tvp017-2.htm
http://cybercollege.com/tvp022.htm

Please take out a piece of paper to take notes on all bold faced words.
Please take the quiz at the bottom of each section. We will discuss all terms in class and you will be tested on the material shortly.

First Day in Video 2

Good morning,
I am out sick today and maybe tomorrow. In video 2 this semester we are going to start with a three-minute movie that everyone will enter into the Seattle Times' 3-minute movie competition. I had originally said we would do a mockumentary first, but that will now be 2nd.
We will also be creating SCNN's that air approximately every other week.

To prepare for the 3-minute movie I would like you to do some reading on the history of film. Take the short quizzes at the end of each section.

http://cybercollege.com/frtv/frtv001.htm
http://cybercollege.com/frtv/frtv002.htm
http://cybercollege.com/frtv/frtv003.htm

There will be a quiz on this material, combined with other new material, next week. Tomorrow you should come into class with an idea for your three minute movie because you will write a treatment and turn it into my drop box. You will make your soundtrack for this project in Garageband.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Today in class

1st period Digital Photo

1. Please have the students put their final projects beneath the white board next to John Wayne.
2. Please have the students select their BEST picture from the whole year and drop it into both Mr. Barkers Drop Box and my classes folder period 1. The naming convention should be 1_mitchellt_bestpicture.
3. Finally, the students need to create a folder in iPhoto and drag their 20 best post-Photoshop adjusted pictures in there.
4. They then to need to open iMovie and create a Final Slideshow. They need to drop music into the timeline and then use the Ken Burns effect to adjust their pictures in iMovie. Each picture should play for 6-8 seconds.



Next, students should drag pictures from the iPhoto folder (within iMovie) into the timeline.
Put the pictures in order and try to time them to the beat of the song.
Students need to add titles BEFORE transitions. Add titles add the beginning of the slideshow and for 10 of the pictures. The titles should reflect the project title.
Students then need to add short (1-3 second) transitions between clips.
Students should export file as a full-quality Quicktime movie, adjust the permission to





read and write (click apple-I to get info),
and then drop the video in the vidstore server.
go >
connect to server >
type vidstore.shorelineschools.org >
user name = scvideo
password = otis
root = SC Video classes
folder = period 1

Videos are due at 9:40.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Final Group Projects

  • For your last video you will make a 2-3 minute movie with groups. The movie must have a plot, an eight-shot action sequence, music, 3d Text title, fades in/out, and brief credits.
  • The movie can be about anything you want as long as it's school appropriate.
  • You can do anything you want in preproduction including storyboarding, script writing, rehearsal, blocking, and anything else to help you prepare.
  • On Monday you will have 50 minutes to shoot your entire video. You must shoot your video in this time. On Tuesday/Wednesday you will have 80 minutes to edit and export your video. Your group will edit together on one computer.
  • We will watch these videos in class the last day of the semester.
  • Traditionally the groups that do the most preproduction do the best on these videos.

Period 4 Groups

1.Alex, Tucker, Crischill, David
2.Brandon,Crystal, Brian, Cole
3.Tyler, Sarah, Garrett
4.Lydia, Andy, Alstein
5.Anna, DJ, Tavis

Period 3 Groups

1.Gabe, Cristian, Michael, Lauren
2. Chris B., Courtney, Robby, Brian
3.Liz, Chris W., Colin, Josh
4. Anson, Mark, Robin, Ed
5. Lacey, Will, Fionn, Joe

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Documentary Peer Edit Questions

Please answer the following questions on a piece of paper. Discuss your answers with your partner and then turn in this sheet at the end of class.

1. Is there an introduction that explains the documentary subject? Is it effective, why or why not?
2. Are the interview sound bytes kept between eight and fifteen seconds in length? Do the interviews move the story along? Are the interviews free of background noise?
3. Is there narration in the video? If there is no narration, are there titles that further the story? Are either of these an effective way to help tell the story?
4. Is the enough B-roll in the video? Does the B-Roll enhance the story or is it just filler? Could adding any high quality pictures from the Internet help the story?
5. Is the project three-five minutes in length?
6. What music is used? Is there enough variety? Could more music be helpful?
7. Can you hear all of the interviews OK? In other words, are there any TCP errors?
8. Finally, what would you do to improve this video? Give three specific examples.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Vote For Shorecrest on KZOK!!!

http://schooloftherockcontest.com/