Video+Intern+Syllabus


 * Video Intern Course Syllabus 2010 - 2011**
 * Period 8, Room 101**

720-423-7013
 * Instructor:** Matt Spampinato, matt_spampinato@dpsk12.org, www.tjjournal.com,


 * Lab Fee:** $50 – This mandatory fee helps to defray the costs of computers, software, cameras, microphones, and the repair and upkeep of all equipment. This lab fee includes your membership to the TJ Video Club.


 * Course Overview:** This two-semester course is the capstone class for the Communications Central strand of the Magnet. Students use writing, scripting, and digital video editing and production skills acquired in all previous CC classes to produce audio and video presentations that will be used for programming on the Spartan Edition, local student video expositions, TJ’s own broadcast system, other courses across the curriculum, and a variety of other media venues. At the end of the course, each student will have a portfolio of video productions to use for college/job applications.


 * Projects:** Due to the nature of the film/video production industry (often dependent on interview opportunities, event dates, and the schedules of others) there are always two assigned projects in production concurrently, each with a three to four week deadline. Students will work on both projects in tandem, and each will be due at the same time. Students may use the software and hardware for assigned/approved projects only.

This type of production has a very specific set of features that must be included. The 2-4 minute package itself is based on a news or feature item about someone or some thing in the TJ community that is noteworthy. Oftentimes the Video Intern student can pull this story directly from our newspaper publication, The Thomas Jefferson Journal. The requirements for the news/feature package are as follows: 1. Query Letter: one-page business letter addressed to the producer pitching the idea for a short video that will be of interest to the target audience. 2. Script: Upon approval, the reporter will submit a detailed script of the proposed package, including voice-overs, interview questions, footage details, etc. 3. Stand-Up: Opening footage of the reporter on the scene, providing an introduction to the story. 4. Interviews: A minimum of one primary source interview and two secondary source interviews to be used throughout the video. 5. B-Roll Footage: Reporters must compile relevant video footage of the subject or event that can be used to roll over interviews and voice-overs. 6. Voice-Overs: Reporters must provide introductory, explanatory, transitional, and conclusive voice-overs throughout the production. 7. Graphics: Reporters must include pertinent and helpful graphics (including name tags, text, charts, illustrations) that help to tell the story. 8. Music: When appropriate, packages should include royalty-free music that adds to the atmosphere of the story, but does not detract from the overall effectiveness of the video. 9. Special Effects: When appropriate, students should make use of special effects (including transitions, blurs, motion effects, color blending, etc.) that adds to the general feel of the story, but does not distract the viewer from the essential content.
 * Type 1: News/Feature Package**

Each creative content assignment will have a different set of requirements, based on the genre of the production. Some examples of creative content assignments are: 1. Mock Advertisements 2. Silent Movie Shorts 3. Imaginary Movie Trailers 4. How-To Videos (e.g., cooking shows) 5. Short Fiction Production 6. Animations 7. Seasonal Special Feature Films
 * Type 2: Creative Content**

• Final Cut Xpress HD • Live Type • Soundtrack • Photoshop
 * Software:** Students will become proficient in the use of the following software:

All productions must adhere strictly to the guidelines spelled out by the instructor in class. Violation of any of the DPS Video Production Guidelines will not be tolerated.
 * Appropriate Subject Matter:**

Please Note: This is a rare privilege that is granted our reporters by the administration, and no infractions or misuse of this press pass will be tolerated. This pass will be revoked if misused, which will make it impossible for the student to pass the class.
 * Press Passes:** All students are granted a press pass, which allows them to pass through the halls in order to conduct video business. They are not allowed to leave campus without written permission from a parent/guardian. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.


 * EXCEL Time:** The nature of this course requires quite a bit of out-of-class time to work on projects. EXCEL time (Wednesdays from 9:05 to 10:05), is an opportunity of which all students should take advantage.