The Art Institute of Atlanta

VIDEO ASSOCIATES PORTFOLIO

VID 300

 

Summer 2007

Art Institute of Atlanta

 

Instructor: George King

www.georgeking-assoc.com

 

 

                                    Cell Phone: 404-840-1422

                                    E-mail: gpsking@bellsouth.net or via website

            

           My office at AIA is in Room 318

                                            Office Hours:  Tues: 12.00pm--2.00pm

                                            [Please make appointment via email—see above]

 

                                    Lecture/Lab: Thursday 10:00am – 1:50pm      Room 442

                                   

 

 

VID300 VIDEO PORTFOLIO

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Students assemble their best work in a portfolio videotape and DVD showing their capabilities as a camera operator, director, editor, and graphic designer.  Students also produce mailers and business cards to prepare for their entry into the industry. 
(4 credits, 4 hours)

 

PREREQUISITE: Approval of the faculty committee responsible for reviewing existing work in the quarter before the portfolio course is to be taken.

CREDIT HOURS:    4                      CONTACT HOURS: 40 (Lecture/Studio)
           

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of the course, the student should have:

á Created a  DVD showcasing team and individual work that is a coherent, informative and entertaining presentation of the studentÕs best video work.

    The DVD will include:

a)                    A 2-4 minute, broadcast-quality demonstration reel (DEMO REEL) created by excerpting projects that the student has either shot, produced/directed, or edited.

b)                   At least four completed video pieces (Narratives, documentaries, ENG, commercials/PSAs, etc.) that effectively showcase the studentÕs skills and talent.

á Created a professional resume, business card, and cover letter to accompany resume.

á Built a mailing and phone list of 10 potential employers particularly suited to the studentÕs interests and competencies.

á Sent a personal invitation to the Portfolio Show to their 10 potential employers.

á Created presentation materials for the Portfolio Show including at least 20 DVDs with boxes or cases and labels, 20 resumes and 50 business cards.

 

SUGGESTED TEXT: None

 

EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS:

Student Provides:  Please allow at least $100-200 for costs for Portfolio Show including: Master Reels, DVDs, Labels, Cases, Resumes, Business Cards.  In addition, students provide all videotape required for shooting and editing projects including BetacamSP, DVC-PRO, DVCam and miniDV at a cost of $5 to $25 per tape.  Students also provide materials needed to complete individual or group projects (props, costumes, sets, backgrounds, make-up, etc.)

 

 

COURSE & STUDENT DVD  REQUIREMENTS:

1.  SECOND LAB CLASS: Students are required to present 2 completed projects in second LAB CLASS.  Instructor will recommend that student drop course at this point if not in compliance.

2.  SCRIPTS & APPROVALS:

-- Your video faculty advisor and your Portfolio Instructor must read, approve and sign treatment and/or shooting script for each segment on your demo reel before shooting begins.  He/she must also approve your editing script for each segment before editing begins or, if already in progress, before end of second week of quarter.

-- Scripts must be typed in industry-standard 2-column format, except narratives, which are screenplay format.  All soundbites, narration & dialogue must be written in script, word for word, exactly as spoken.  Proofread carefully.  Scripts with errors will be returned and not accepted until all corrections are made.

3.  STUDENTS ADMITTED ÔWITH RESERVATIONSÕ: All students admitted to Portfolio class Òwith reservationsÓ or Òwith cautionÓ must edit at least two complete projects at AIA in Rm 442.

4.  USE OF STUDENTSÕ EQUIPMENT: To shoot and/or edit on your own broadcast-quality equipment, you must have PRIOR APPROVAL of Portfolio instructor.  Once approved, students must handle all compatibility and/or interface problems that may occur with school equipment.  Students editing outside of AIA MUST BRING their raw footage and edited pieces into class every week in a format that can be reviewed by Instructor and class.

5.  SHOOTING:  Students have until end of class of 5th week to complete all SHOOTING for portfolio reels. If, at this point, the Portfolio Instructor or the studentÕs Video Advisor considers the work substandard, the student must meet with his/her Advisor and the Department Director at beginning of week 5 and develop a specific action plan for student to follow.

6.  PASSING PORTFOLIO CLASS:  Can you receive a passing grade on your Reel and still fail Portfolio Class?  YES.  Final Portfolio Reel is 50% of class grade.  If you fail to meet other class requirements - detailed in syllabus & class handouts - you may fail Portfolio class.

 

7.  DVD COMPONENTS:

1)  DVD will consist of four video segments and one 2-4 minute Ôdemo reelÕ utilizing excerpts from the four videos plus additional elements that showcase the studentÕs abilities.

      2)  All DVDs must be mastered onto DVCam tapes.

      3)   Your Faculty Advisor and Portfolio instructor must approve all video segments and content, and sign all shooting and editing scripts BEFORE these segments can be included on your DVD.

      4)   Language and images on each segment will be evaluated on their own merits.   Videos may not contain depictions of guns, murder, drug use, rape or gratuitous sex or violence.  Inappropriate or gratuitously vulgar, violent, or sexual images or language will be REJECTED.

      5)   DVD begins with a Title/Graphic that introduces you; includes your name, crafts, email and/or telephone number in a creative graphic method, expressing individuality.

      6)   Each video segment begins with a Slate identifying the title of piece and/or client, length and principal contribution(s) of the individual represented by the reel.

      7)   Following last segment on reel, Title/Graphic should repeat your name, crafts, email and/or phone number.

      8)   At end of reel, you may indicate principal contributions others have made to each piece and/or Òthank youÕs.Ó  These credits are optional, not required. They should be as short as possible.

      9)   Each DVD and case, must be labeled & have a brief index affixed to back or inside of case. Index should include for each piece: Category, Title/Client, Length and Your Role(s).

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS IN ADDITION TO DVD:

1.  Complete two Employer Information Interviews and prepare a Written Report on each:

Research, conduct in-person information interviews with and prepare written report on two working professionals who are working in craft areas in which you plan to work (or whose employers hire people in these areas).

-- Select professionals from following:

1) Production companies listed in Georgia Sourcebook (ozonline.tv), 2) TV stations, 3) In-house production departments - corporate, government or non-profit, 4) Ad agencies, 5) Professional associations such as NATAS or Women in Film.

-- Go to employerÕs place of business to conduct interview.

-- For each interview:

1) Write report: 1.5 to 3 typed pages, double-spaced, 12-point font.  In report: describe why you selected person; how you researched him/her; personÕs name, title & brief personal bio; questions you asked and a synopsis of answer to each question; plans you have to follow-up on information gained in this interview.

2) Attach to interview report: chosen professionalÕs principal credits or clients AND at least one page of his/her or their companyÕs promotional materials – brochures, web page print-out, etc.

2.  Copies of DVD:

-- Make 20 copies DVD with professional Covers & Labels & a Written Index of Reel

-- Provide one mini-DV copy of final approved reel to Career Services

3.  Print Materials:

Resume, Business Cards, Cover Letters

4.  Contact 10 Potential Employers.

Research and develop a list of at 10 Potential Employers (send letter & Show invite to each)

5.  Meet and collaborate with your AIA Career Advisor.

6.  Meet, consult with and secure written approvals from your Video Faculty Advisor.

7.  Participate actively in Class Meetings, Critiques and Workshops.

8.  Prepare for and Participate in Portfolio Show.

If you do not participate in setup for Portfolio Show & Portfolio Show itself, you will fail the class.

 

GRADES:

Portfolio grades will be based on criteria articulated in this syllabus, quality of work, and student's professional attitude.

Employment & Presentation Materials:                                                     20 points

            Resume, Letterhead Design, Business Cards, Cover Letter,

            Demo Reels with boxes/cases, labels & indexes

Participation, Attendance, Professionalism, Attitude                               10 points

            Participate in class workshops, discussions & critiques

            Actively contact at least 20 prospective employers

            Meet & collaborate with AIA Career Advisor

            Meet & consult regularly with Video Faculty Advisor

            Exhibit a professional attitude & work ethic

Employer Interviews & Written Report  (TWO - 10 points each)             20 points

Final Portfolio DVD                                                                                      50 points

 

TOTALÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ.100 points

 

LATE ASSIGNMENTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED AND RECEIVE A GRADE OF Ò0Ó.

GRADING AND FACULTY REVIEWS:

1st week:   REQUIRED SCHEDULE: Set up meeting schedule with your advisor for entire Quarter.

2nd  week: REQUIRED MEETING WITH ADVISOR: Advisor & Student review all pieces in

progress and review student-provided written production plan & timeline for quarter.  Advisor &

Student sign production plan/timeline; each keeps copy and provide copy to Portfolio Instructor.

5th week:  REQUIRED FACULTY REVIEW – Student DVD content MUST BE COMPLETED by Friday Aug 10th.  Students who do have completed reels will not pass the course and will NOT graduate this quarter.  Portfolio instructor will provide a short written report to each student and his/her advisor at time Midterm Grades are turned in.

6th week: REQUIRED MEETING WITH ADVISOR: Advisor & Student review all pieces in

progress, production plan/timeline & InstructorÕs mid-term report.  Advisor & Student plan for studentÕs presentation at full faculty Review including whether student will present FOUR or FIVE pieces and order in which pieces will appear on reel for review.

9th week:  REQUIRED FINAL DVD, RESUME, AND BUSINESS CARDS:

Deadline 10.00am, Thurs Sept 6th

Members of Faculty review final reels, approve or fail students for quarter and select Best of Show.  -- Each segment must be in final form including all graphics and titles, no spelling errors, and correctly mixed audio tracks.

-- If you do not submit a Final Reel for review by this deadline OR if the Faculty does not approve your Final Reel, you will fail Portfolio course and will not graduate this quarter.

-- You must earn a grade of  ÒCÓ or higher on your Portfolio Reel and a ÒCÓ or higher as your grade in Portfolio Class in order to graduate.

-- If you present a Reel at Final Review that fails to meet standard set by Video Faculty, you will receive a failing grade for the Portfolio Class and will not graduate this quarter.

 

GRADE LETTER ASSIGNMENT:

            A         90-100                         Excellent

            B         80-89                           Good

            C         73-79                           Adequate

            C-        70-72                           Inadequate

            F          69 and below            Fail


COURSE CALENDAR – VID 300A: Video Portfolio

Week 1

Lecture/Lab     7/12 Thurs       Discuss syllabus, grading, deadlines, reels, writing assignments & other

                                                course requirements.

                                                Review each studentÕs completed projects & discuss in class.

                                                Discuss grading standards and script formats.

                                                Select Editing Stations & submit requests for two 4-hour editing blocks to

be reserved for every week this quarter.

                                                Complete Student Project Info Sheets & return to Instructor.

                                                Reserve equipment for shooting & editing for next 2 weeks

Week 2

Lecture/Lab     7/19 Tues        Complete production plans & timelines for quarter.

                                                Turn in: 1) signed scripts for all projects, 2) existing resumes.

                                                Discuss opportunities for collaboration among class members.

                                                Review and discuss highlights of Portfolio reels for recent quarters

                                                Meet with your ADVISOR before end of this week.

                                                View & critique each studentÕs works in progress including a selection of

                                                raw footage. PLEASE CUE ALL FOOTAGE BEFORE CLASS.

                                                Discuss key components of news stories, commercials,  PSAs.

                                                Review principles, standards & conventions of good writing for

                                                electronic media.

                                                View selected professional reels if time permits.

Week 3

Lecture/Lab     7/26 Thur        Discuss key elements of good post-production sound and graphics.

                                                View portfolio and professional samples.

                                                Work on reels with Instructor and/or Advisor.

Week 4

Lecture/Lab     8/2 Thur          First Written Employer Interview Report Due. 

                                                In class workshop: ÒYouÕre a PackageÓ – discuss resumes, reels, self          

                                                promotion, finding & qualifying leads, networking interviewing.

                                                Finish shooting all raw footage by end of this week.

                                                Instructor works individually with students to discuss raw footage & edited

                                                Projects; students continue editing on their own.

Week 5

Lecture/Lab     8/9 Thur          Reels Must Be Completed by this date.

                                                Meet individually with Instructor and/or Advisor before screening.

                                                Meet with Faculty at scheduled time (between 10am and 2pm)

 

Week 6

Lecture/Lab     8/16 Thur        Submit list of potential employers including titles, phone numbers &

                                                addresses.  Class discusses lists and employment opportunities. 

                                                In-class workshop: discuss finding a production job and/or free-lance work. 

                                                Each student will create a schedule for contacting potential employers

                                                Meet with Advisor by end of this week.

                                                Continue work on reels; meet individually with Instructor and/or Advisor.

Week 7

Lecture/Lab     8/23 Thur        Continue work on reels; meet individually with Instructor and/or Advisor.

Submit initial designs for letterhead and business cards.

                                                Instructor and class provide feedback on designs for letterhead & cards.

 

Week 8

Lecture/Lab     8/30 Thur       

 

Week 9

Lecture/Lab     9/6 Thur          Complete mailings to potential employers by today.

                                                Second Written Employer Interview Report Due.  Submit final                                                             business cards, letterhead and resumes.

                                                Continue work on final reels. Students complete fine-tuning on reels.

 

Work on completing everything.                                            

                                                Submit Final Review reels by end of class.

 

 

Portfolio Preparation Week:

 

Tues  Sept 11th                       Create mini-DV reel of Portfolio DVD

                                                Make DVD dubs for Portfolio Show

                                                Handle all printing of resumes, cards, labels

Thurs  Sept 13th                   3.00-6.00pm: Set up for Portfolio Show and test all equipment

                                                ALL PORTFOLIO STUDENTS MUST ATTEND.

Friday Sept 14th                   10.00am-2.00pm: PORTFOLIO SHOW

                                                ALL STUDENTS MUST ATTEND PORTFOLIO SHOW

 

 

CLASS POLICIES:

1.  Instructor may change syllabus at any time and will notify students of any changes.

2.  Students should bring syllabus to every class meeting.

3.  There will be no make-up assignments.

4.  Visitors are not allowed in class without prior approval of the instructor.

5.  Attendance: Students are expected to attend all class meetings and work in class for entire time.  School policy is that 4 absences, for any reason, result in automatic suspension from class.  If student appeals suspension, he/she must continue to attend class until suspension is resolved.  With prior approval of Instructor, students may be allowed to leave lab classes and work on projects outside of classroom.  Instructor must approve arrangement 24 hours BEFORE class meeting time.

6.  Tardiness: if you are late beyond 10-minute grace period or leave early, you may be marked absent.

 

                                               
SPECIFICATIONS FOR MID-TERM REVIEW - REEL, INDEX & SCRIPTS:

VIDEOTAPE:

1.  All pieces on one DVCam ÒcleanÓ tape.

2.  All tapes will be presented as follows:

á      Slate with students name and content list of what is on the tape.

á      Bars & tone (proper level for tone) followed by   

á      Countdown – correctly placed -- if desired (or black)

á      Title Page for first piece including title, category, your role on piece, length

(Title Pages can be simple or dressed up)

á      First video project.

3.  Before each piece, put 5 second Title Page including title/client, category, length & your role(s)

4.  All narration (may be scratch track), sync sound, nat sound & music (may be tentative selection) must be on your soundtrack.  All sound elements must be clearly audible & not distorted.

5.  DVCam tape and box must be correctly labeled.

 

WRITTEN INDEX

1.  Type index

2.  Your name & craft(s) then list pieces in order in which they appear on your reel

3.  For each piece list in this order:

     -- Title, Length

     -- Your role(s) on piece

     -- Category such as PSA, News Story, etc

     -- Client for commercials & PSAs; Subject Area for News Stories; Category for Long Format

 

SCRIPTS

You may include scripts of your work.  All supporting documentation of student work including scripts or project management documents should be presented in a binder.  Such work will impress both faculty and potential employers.  Such work may make the difference between choosing one employee over another.

 

SPELL CHECK EVERYTHING – do not make spelling mistakes on screen, index or scripts!