module specification

This module provides students with practical experience in the production
of digital video and relevant digital media theory with specific reference to current trends and
developments in broadcast, cinema and online media.
Students will be encouraged to expand the critical and conceptual framework in which they
develop their own work by applying and challenging existing conventions and theories of digital
video production in their own work.

SEMESTER: Autumn
PREREQUISITE: None
ASSESSMENT:Presentation (10%)+Digital Video Project(50%)+Critical Report(30%)
 

None

? To equip students with an understanding of the theoretical and practical skills required in digital video production
? To encourage creative and experimental application of digital video to communicate ideas
? To explore current issues and future developments in the digital video sector

This module provides students with practical experience in the production of digital video and relevant digital media theory with specific reference to current trends and developments in broadcast, cinema and online media.
Students will be encouraged to expand the critical and conceptual framework in which they develop their own work by applying and challenging existing conventions and theories of digital video production in their own work.
Outline of Syllabus
? History of moving image
? Conventions and theories of digital video production
? Phases of digital video production: planning, target audience, funding, distribution and marketing.
? Historical development of video technologies and their impact on digital video production
? Key design concepts and applications in the world of the digital moving image
? Linear and non linear narrative in digital video production
? Digital camera techniques - visual composition and screen grammar
? Digital video - capture and editing
? Digital audio - recording, editing and effects
? Motion graphics - stop frame animation
? Text on screen - title sequences, idents, captioning
? Video Post production and special effects
? Digital video output and integration - for distribution on relevant platforms (ITV, DVD, WWW)
? Working in the digital media industry - visit to post production facility
? Current and future trends and developments in Digital Media
Students will also attend screenings

This module will be delivered through a combination of modes of delivery. Teaching methods include lectures and online learning materials, tutorials, seminar discussions and computer lab sessions. Students will be expected to attend all lectures and and lab sessions. A framework that encourages mutual student support will be developed. Online discussion forums will be made available and students will be encouraged to join and participate in wider relevant forums. Key to the delivery of this module is availability of open access facilities for the development of project work.

On successful completion of this module post-graduate students will be able to:

LO1: Research, plan, organise and evaluate the production of a Digital Video project
LO2: Utilise the appropriate tools and techniques to develop digital video content for delivery
across various platforms
LO3: Critically analyse and evaluate the traditions, theories and practice of digital video
production

a) Presentation of the project proposal and storyboard to tutors and peers (20%) (LO2) (LO1) (Due in week 10)
The pitch/presentation will provide evidence of the students’ ability to communicate effectively and demonstrate awareness of current issues and future developments in digital video production

b) Digital video project prepared for delivery on appropriate platform (50%) (LO1) (LO2) Due in week 14
Innovative and appropriate use of digital video and the technical skills acquired will be assessed through the submission of the digital video project and supporting materials - based on specifications provided. This can be  individual work or group work.

c) Critical Report (30%) (LO1) (LO2) (LO3) (Due in week 14)
The 2000 word critical report will examine the production of the video project using conventional methods for interpreting media texts. Students understanding of the technical constraints involved in delivering digital video will also be addressed in the report. This must be individual work

Students Pass on aggregate

Austin, T & de Jong, W (2008) Rethinking Documentary, Open University.

Baker, M (2004) Documentary in the Digital Age, Focal Press

Bruzzi, S (2000) New Documentary: A Critical Introduction, Routledge

Chapman , Jane, Documentary in Practice: Filmmakers and Production Choices. Polita, UK, 2007, 074563611

Cousins, M and McDonald, K, (1996) Imagining Reality, Faber

Dovey, J (2000) Freakshow: First Person Media and Factual television, Pluto Press

Figgis, M, Digital Filmmaking (2007) Faber & Faber

Glynne, Andy (2008) Documentaries…and how to make them, Kamera Books

Kochberg, Searle - Introduction to Documentary Production: A Guide for Media Students– Wallflower Press – UK – 2002

Llewellyn, Shiona. - A career handbook for TV, radio, film, video & interactive media. - 2nd ed. - London : A. & C. Black, 2002.

McGrath, J (2003) Loving Big Brother: Surveillance Culture and Performance Space, Routledge

Nichols, B (2001) Introduction to Documentary, Indiana University Press

Owen, Bruce M. - The Internet challenge to television Cambridge, Mass.; London : Harvard University Press, 2000.

Rose, Jay. - Producing great sound for digital video - San Francisco, 2003

Rosenthal, A (2002) Writing, Directing and Producing Documentary Films and Videos, Southern Illinois University Press

Rosenthal, Alan and Corner, John, New Challenges for Documentary, Macmillan, UK, 2005

Winston, B (1995) Claiming the Real: The Documentary Film Revisited, BFI

Young, Rick, The Focal easy guide to Final Cut Pro 6 / Rick Young Imprint Oxford : Focal Press, 2008,

Links:

Documentary Filmmakers Group
http://thedfg.org/

4 Docs
http://www.4docs.org.uk/