Further examples can be found in the packet, downloadable to the left

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INTRO TO VIDEO.MULTIMEDIA
Tuesdays 5:30-9:00pm
Instructor: Jeff Thompson
Contact: mail@jeffreythompson.org
Office hours: Tuesdays by appointment


COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed as an introduction to video and multimedia and will cover the technical, historical, and conceptual concerns needed for you to make films, video, and media work.

During the first part of the semester we will deal with using cameras and shooting video, editing in FinalCut Pro, and exporting your finished projects to DVD. During this time you will learn the basics of video as a medium not just for narrative film-making but also as a creative tool for making a wide range of art processes.

In the second part of the course Adobe Photoshop will be introduced, which has applications in video as well as still photography, websites, and documentation of your work. Scanners, printers, and other hardware will also be discussed.

The final part of the course will be spent working on a final project of your choosing. Starting with a written proposal, you be asked to make a piece that incorporates the material covered during the semester.


HOMEWORK
Homework is meant to be an extension of ideas covered in class and to allow for you to explore ideas, take risks, and most importantly add your own voice to class projects. A large portion of your grade will be determined by your homework projects (see below).

Late assignments will not be accepted. Most processes in video are slow, so be sure to start your projects early enough to allow for this. Though much of this class is technically-oriented, technical problems are not an excuse for unfinished homework. Videos must be rendered, uploaded to the server, and ready to view by the start of class; printouts and other materials must also be ready at the beginning of class to be considered finished on time.


ATTENDANCE
As per Montclair and Art Department rules, attendance to this course is mandatory. Please see your student handbook for specific attendance guidelines.

Due to the condensed and technical nature of this class, there are no “excused” absences and all missed class work must be made up including assignments due and assigned on the day of your absence. You are allowed to miss two classes without penalty, after which each absence will affect your final grade by one letter. Being late to class by more than 10 minutes is considered a tardy; three tardies equals one absence.


GRADING
The goal of this class is for you to improve. There is not a set goal-post that you are to achieve to get an A. Rather, I want you to show a commitment to becoming a better artist and to see improvement over the course of the semester. To get an A for the course you should be putting in at least three hours a week to the homework assignment, complete all assignments on time, participate in critiques and discussion, and show a willingness to take risks with your work and try new things enthusiastically.

Grades will be assigned under the following criteria:
Class participation 30%
Homework 50%
Final project 20%


EQUIPMENT CHECKOUT
The department has a number of video cameras available for checkout, as well as lighting kits, tripods, etc. Equipment can be checked out from “The Cage” which is just down the hall from the undergrad office. Adrian runs The Cage, and is very helpful. You will need a $25 deposit and your student ID to check out equipment. The borrowing period is for two days: Mon-Tues, Wed-Thurs, Fri-Sun


REQUIRED MATERIALS
While making video is significantly cheaper than making films, there are still some materials you will be required to purchase for this course.

Mini DV tapes – this is what you will be recording your video onto; you can usually find these at drug stores, though ordering them from B&H Photo will probably be much cheaper.

Burnable DVDs and cases – you will be required to make several DVDs of your work during the semester; a pack of 10 should be plenty. Again, cheaper when you mail-order.

Digital prints – for the Photoshop part of this course you will be required to print your projects. These can be done at school or elsewhere.


SUGGESTED MATERIALS
Not required, but will make your life much easier.

A USB or Firewire drive – you can store your videos on class server, but you run the risk of your projects being deleted. A 250GB drive should be adequate, though the more memory the better. This also allows you to work from home if you choose. LaCie brand drives are very high quality and are recommended, though any drive will work.


RECOMMENDED TEXTS
Also not required, but great resources

In the Blink of an Eye by Walter Murch; Silman-James Press, 2001
A great text on the art of editing. Simply written and very readable, not a technical text.

Digital Filmmaking by Mike Figgis; Faber and Faber Inc, 2007
Short essays on making digital films from the director of Leaving Las Vegas.

Visual Quickpro Guide to FinalCut 6; Peachpit Press, 2008
A great resource for getting started in FinalCut.