Digital Video Arts Level 1 (Beginning)

Digital Video Arts I (aka Beginning Video) Digital Video Arts I (aka Beginning Video) was approved for Visual & Performing Arts credit through the UC system in July of 2009.

Students may take this class for credit once. Afterward, students interested in improving their media literacy, storytelling skills, or technical video skills are encouraged to take Digital Video Arts II.

Course Description - in layman's terms
The Official Course Description

Certificate of Completion
A Certificate of Completion will be awarded for a those achieving a grade of 70% or higher in this class, have received a passing grade on their final video & portfolio and who have demonstrated a good work ethic (i.e. No behavior issues).

Course Description in Layman's Terms

Don't worry, this isn't one of those kick back for an A courses. There are many different areas to challenge students. There are quizzes, homework assignments, discussions, demos, lectures, hands-on work, and the scariest of all... the live project. For starters, we cover the history of TV, storytelling and the "Hero's Journey". Then we move on to how to plan a project including script, storyboards, shooting schedule, and budgets. Student dig in at that point and actually video tape and edit their first project.

silent movie
documentary that addresses a "social issue"
live broadcast of an art critique
the final project is flexible, but must include traditional storytelling themes

Students learn to work with others in assigned groups for the first 2 projects. The newscast project is a full-class effort with everyone taking on one role to work together to make it through a successful multi-camera live shoot. The last project is their choice. Students may 'hire' their own crew members and propose their own projects or choose from a list of projects where the script, content, or even footage is provided.

But that's not all! Oh no, we also cover how film editing works (A/B rolling) and how those concepts shape how we edit using non-linear systems today. Furthermore, students will study the Kuleshov effect and how editing can help manipulate the message an audience receives. Other topics covered in the class include markets, ratings and share, lighting, microphones, tape formats, transitioning to digital TV, video exhibition, DVD authoring, movie hooks, movie mistakes, festivals, copyright law, jobs found in tv and how it differs from film, and of course craft services. Think "teamwork" and "media literacy".

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The Official Course Description

Modeling on the fundamentals of traditional film/video making, this course focuses on the creative process of video production, from brainstorming and pre-production, thru production and post-production (editing) to exhibition and review. Students will explore the varying processes for documentary, short fiction and live production. Students will also study the evolution and impact of film/video on society, and develop a greater appreciation for these as art forms and the power of these electronic media tools.

Digital Video Production follows a lecture, lab, and hands-on format. Students develop critical thinking skills by studying and analyzing film and video. They study film elements such as meaning, design, aesthetics, technique, as well as production values. Also, students will write film critiques, and be involved in class discussions debating the outcome of the choices made by the filmmakers. Students will expand their media literacy.

Moreover, students form teams to produce video projects in collaboration. Together they generate ideas for video projects and produce them. They write short screenplays, sketch storyboards, produce and shoot video, record sound, and edit short documentary and fiction videos.

Throughout the year, students will develop a body of work and author a portfolio DVD. Students will learn how to promote and market their video works and participate in festivals.

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