VP150 Fundamentals of Digital Video

Credits 5Fall

Registration Requirement: Concurrent requisite: IM178, IM120, IM121, IM122, IM123 and IM124.

This class works through fundamental theories and techniques employed in digital filmmaking with an emphasis on camera, lens and existing light. Discussions cover history, technical growth and current practice in single-camera film style and digital production. Lab work involves operating video cameras, basic lighting set-ups and basic field sound recording.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

VP151 Digital Filmmaking

Credits 5Winter

Registration Requirement: VP150.

This class expands an understanding of the production/post-production process with an emphasis on workflow. Discussion and exercises will bring together pre-production planning, location and production techniques. Emphasis on practical applications centers on the development of story with work on fiction, nonfiction and commercial-style program materials. Lab work includes intermediate camera techniques, lighting and sound acquisition.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

VP152 Production Management

Credits 4Fall

Registration Requirement: VP151.

This course introduces the forms and processes used in planning film and video productions. Students apply pre-production techniques to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the steps involved in a professional level of production planning. The roles and duties of line producer, continuity and location scout are researched and discussed. Copyright, contracts, hiring practices and professional protocols will be examined. Students create production notebooks for a fiction short film.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

VP159 Story Development and Ideation

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: VP150.

This course fosters creativity and critical thinking through written, oral, individual and collaborative exercises and projects. Students will examine and investigate their own creative processes, generate story ideas and develop an understanding of narrative structure as it relates to time-based media. Creative storytelling and fundamentals of narrative structure are explored to hone students’ abilities to utilize their own creative voices and apply them to the to the varieties of genres found in time-based media. Specifically, generating skills for application within film and television industries.

VP160 Screenwriting

Credits 4Spring

Registration Requirement: VP151.

This course introduces students to screenwriting. Students create a screenplay for a short film using step outlines, treatments and pre-visualization tools. Students study original screenplays, classic constructions and plot structures to learn how good story design is focused on audience. Standard formats are covered so students understand how to write scene description, describe characters and develop sequences in a professional manner.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

VP165 Nonfiction Filmmaking

Credits 5Fall

Registration Requirement: VP151.

This course introduces students to the documentary film through class discussion, viewings, individual and group projects and critiques. Students pitch and produce short nonfiction videos that demonstrates a historical, cultural, technical and theoretical understanding of the various elements of nonfiction filmmaking. Planning, shooting style, interview techniques, scripting and editing are addressed. Emphasis is placed on linking strong research methods to story development.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

VP250 Advanced Digital Filmmaking

Credits 5Spring

Registration Requirement: VP151.

Students' work expands beyond the fundamental theories of field production and digital filmmaking. Exercises bring together pre-production planning, advanced camera operation and location production techniques. Emphasis is on practical applications and performance of basic crew functions and the creation of reel-worthy work. A series of production tasks brings hands-on learning as cinematographer, grip, gaffer, sound recordist and director.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

VP251 Nonlinear Editing

Credits 4Winter

Registration Requirement: VP150 or VP151.

This course covers the professional application of software and hardware in digital post-production. Lab work is focused on an understanding of digital workflow, media management and nonlinear editing tools. Exercises cover the translation of scripts into sequences, sharing digital media with other post-production tools and working with layering and compositing effects. Students prepare media for delivery on common distribution platforms.

Additional Course Fee: $50.00

VP283 Motion Graphics

Credits 4Winter

Registration Requirement: VP250.

This course focuses on the manipulation of graphics in 2.5 and 3-dimensional space for time based media. Techniques for design and implementation of motion tracking and object replacement will be employed. Students will produce title sequences, motion graphics and special effects, integrating image manipulation applications and other image processing support.

Additional Course Fee: $40.00

VP289 Video Capstone Project

Credits 2Winter

Registration Requirement: VP250.

This course will facilitate the application of finishing strategies, marketing techniques and distribution avenues for the thesis video projects. Utilizing industry-standard software students will prepare their work to be used to showcase their skills to industry professionals.