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.

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

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.

Shorecrest wins Spirit Video Competition!

http://www.maxpreps.com/FanPages/SignUps/2007SpiritChallenge.mxp

Vote For Shorecrest on KZOK!!!

http://schooloftherockcontest.com/

Documentary Narration Example

Here is another students example. I am looking for a few more complete sentences in the open and closing section, otherwise this is a great example!

Credits/Opening:
Interviews: Producers on goals, structure, hopes, inspiration.
B-roll: Quick clips of footage from whole production (especially over the explanation of what OUAW is). The poster, checking off the days of the week, scripts, sign-up sheets etc.
Narration: Interviews function as narration/explanation. (“Once Upon a Week was originally done by the UW. The student receive a theme, and write a five minute play over the weekend. On Monday, the plays are looked at and cast. The only rehearsal is on Tuesday, and on Wednesday the plays are preformed.” etc.)
Music: “One Week” by BnL

Day 1: The Theme is Decided.
Interviews: None.
B-roll: Producers discussing theme; choosing cast sizes; list of writers and cast sizes. (B-10, Thursday)
Narration: “Day 1: Themes and Logistics” in text. The discussion will carry the story. Probably something along the lines of “On Thursday, the producers discuss cast sizes and the theme for the production.”

Day 2: The Theme is Announced.
Interviews: Writers on theme; play ideas. (SC people on Fri, SW people on Tues).
B-roll: Paper with theme on it, theme related things from the rest of the production. (Fri, various days.)
Narration: Story carried by interviews and opening text (Day 2: The Theme is Announced).

Day 3 & 4: Writing Scripts.
Interviews: None.
B-roll: Writers hard at work on scripts. Probably only one or two, since that would be hard to organize and I think the writers wouldn’t want to be bothered. (Both shots of writers and of what they’re writing). Possibly overlay of finished, typed scripts (shot on Mon).
Narration: Script writing guidelines. (see attached).

Day 5: Actors Are Cast.
Interviews: Writer’s reactions to writing a play in two days. (SC people on Mon, SW people on Tues.)
B-roll: Producers deciding, CU shots of finished scripts, shot of final cast list.
Narration: Something like “Producers discuss casting and draw up a final list.” Simple, direct.

Day 6: Casts Announced, Rehearsal.
Interviews: Actors, producers and directors (from SW and SC) on how it’s all going, what’s it like etc. (A total of 5-7 people).
B-roll: REHEARSAL. (Varying shots, different plays, etc.) Also, actors looking at the cast list, and a shot of the list.
Narration: None, except the title.

Day 7: Tech and Performance.
Interviews: Audience members about expectations/reactions. (5ish people, short interviews). Casual “interviews” with actors while they’re getting ready.
B-roll: Backstage preparations, the performance itself, shots of the house (filling up, emptying, etc), curtain…
Narration: None, except the title.

Conclusion
Interviews: 5-6 people, all different member of production, on the big “How did it go?” question.
B-roll: Footage from entire production, to match whatever the interviewees talk about.
Narration: None. The documentary will end with some memorable/sentimental answer from one of my interviewees.

Interview Questions

20 Questions.
At least two subject.
Ask lots of how and why questions.

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

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)
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)?

Please email me your responses with Video 3 or Video 4 documentary in the subject line.

Documentary Requirements Video 1 First Semester

Documentary Assignment for Video 1 and 2

Documentary
Requirements:
3-6 min long
Interviews with good audio (no background noise)
Narration (voice over) or text that moves story along
B-Roll video (video shown while we hear interview or narration)
No jump cuts or continuity errors
Documentary will need a full page of interview questions , project goals, and scripted narration.

All projects must use the 30 Degree Rule, rule of thirds, proper headroom, leading the subject, framing, proper white balance, steady camera work, and show strong creativity. Also, please shoot and use many close-up shots, insert shots, and reaction shots as you can.

Due Dates
December 6/7: Treatment.
December 10: Cybercollege reading. There will be a quiz.
December 11/12: List of 20 different questions for interview subjects.
Decemeber 13/14: Scripted Narration and outline
Decemeber 18: Raw Footage 1: At least Four interviews and five minutes of B-Roll
January 3/4: Raw Footage 2: Four to five more interviews and 8-10 more minutes of B-Roll
January 14: Documentary Rough Draft Due: First Peer Edit Session
January 22/23: Final Peer Edit Session, Documentary Due at end of period. THIS DATE WILL NOT CHANGE. LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.


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

Reading For Documentary Unit

http://www.cybercollege.com/tvp054.htm
http://www.cybercollege.com/tvp055.htm
http://cybercollege.com/tvp063.htm
http://cybercollege.com/tvp064.htm

Friday November 30

You have the entire period to edit your music videos. Go ahead and have a few people watch your videos so you can have feedback to see if you need any last second shots.
You will do an "official" peer edit Wednesday. Videos are due Wednesday at 11:00 sharp. If you are behind, work during TAP, lunch, and after school. Do not plan on turning in your video late.

Next assignment: documentary. I'll post info on that later. Start brainstorming for doc subjects. The one major thing you cannot do is "A Day in the Life" of a friend. More on this soon.

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).
Raw Footage is due the end of the period Mon/Tues November 19/20.
You can have class time on the 19th and 20th to shoot.
Video should have at least one six-shot sequence.


Students must turn in a one-page typed treatment.

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?

Please email me your responses. Video 3 or 4 music video treatment in the subject line.


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.

Help The Yearbook Class!

can you have your classes fill some discussions on my website, one titled "seniors" and one "travels"? We are trying to get info for the yearbook on students adventures and on childhood romances and crushes...

http://learn.shorelineschools.org/shorecrest/bstory/index.php?section=discussion

Today in Video 1

Good morning,
I will not be in today until 11:15. I will miss third period and the first ten minutes of fourth.

Today:
Export your commercials to Quicktime, change permissions, and drop them into the Vidstore server in the proper period. Videos are due today and I am not accepting late work on this assignment.
When you have finished your commercial and dropped it, I want you to go onto YouTube and look for four music videos that you would recommend others watch. I want you to copy the links so you can paste the link and describe the videos in the comment section below (click on comments and make sure you include your name). Also, please list why you think this is a good music video for the class to watch.

Example:
Trent Mitchell
Pearl Jam
Do the Evolution
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS69fuCOhTM
This is an animated video that seems to pay homage to Pink Floyd's The Wall. The animation is both crude and unique. This is a good video for the class to watch because even though it is animated, the video still showcases simulated camera movement, location changes, and large amount of creativity. Most importantly, the video can really encourage you to think about humans impact on the globe.

After you have posted your links and info you may watch other videos your classmates have suggested. Please post school appropriate videos only.

Your homework: Figure out what song you would like to use for your music video. Music videos should be 2:30-5:00 in length.
We will watch student and professional examples in class on Tues/Wed.

Another video to get you started http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2cYWfq--Nw

MaxPreps Video Highlight

Vote for the Shorecrest Spirit Video!!!

http://www.maxpreps.com/FanPages/SignUps/2007SpiritChallenge.mxp

Commercial Peer Edit

1. Did the editor avoid jump cuts and continuity errors?
2. Do you think the pacing is too slow, just right, or too fast? If you thought it was slow, what specifically needs cutting down?
3. How is the camera composition? Is it too shaky at times? Is the frame filled?
4. Is there a slogan in the video made in Title 3D?
5. Does the video fade in and fade out?
6. Is the product clear?
7. Is it clear what the director wants the audience to do?
8. Does the video fade out at exactly 30 seconds?
9. Is the video edited to the music (i.e. to the beat)?

The Link to the Apple Insomnia Film Festival Movies

http://edcommunity.apple.com/insomnia_fall07/contest.php

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.

Next Assignment: SCNN Commercial

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)