Class Notes 2/28/09

The next few weeks are crucial to you starting and completing the multimedia business plan project.

Today we're going to spend about an hour or so working on your proposal/script ideas.
Please refer to the script format that should be in your binders and handed out week 1.

Remember the goal of this class is to create a short multimedia project to promote your business plan. The top projects in the class will receive a cash award.

If you're project is a video, then you will use a two column script with audio and video commands. The purpose is to give the producer and editor a road map of what your finished video will look like.

The first video command should always be "FADE UP FROM BLACK," and the audio should be "FADE UP AUDIO"

You will be able to use pictures, video, slides, and narration for your project.

If you're producing a video make sure you include a slate. The slate will include your name, and Business Plan Project for "the name of your business here."

EX.
Amani Channel
Visual Eye Media
Business Plan Project

Think about who your audience is. They will be the judges who will decide which project is the best.

Try to keep everything simple, short and sweet. You may want to approach this like it's a commercial for your business plan.

Simple Ideas
1. Start by introducing yourself and your business name.
2. Explain what your business is and how you came up with the idea.
3. Explain who your customers are, and why this product/service is needed.
4. Include any sales projections or figures related to your sales goals.
5. Explain why your business will be successful and why your business plan is the best.

Now use this basic info to write your script. If you plan to produce a video, write the scenes/photos/slides that will accompany the audio.

PowerPoint
PowerPoint is a Microsoft application that allows you to put together presentation slide shows.

I'll give a quick demonstration, then I want you to create five power point slides.

1. Intro slide with your name and business.
2. Slide that describes your business.
3. Slide that explains who your customers are.
4. Slide that explains your sales goals.
5. Slide that explains why your business will be successful, and why your plan is the best.

After your done "Save As"
Create a file on your desktop with your name_Powerpoint then save. Find your flash drive and transfer your files to the flashdrive.
Make sure you write down which flash drive your files are on.

Here's an online tutorial.

Class Notes 2/20/09

by Amani Channel

Greetings Class

You all did a great job last week. This week we'll have a brief review. We'll work on developing your final projects, and we'll have another editing assignment with Windows Movie Maker.

First take a look at this video I produced this week for a Digital Bootcamp, I'll be participating in.

I shot this green screen, and edited it in Final Cut Pro.


Digital Bootcamp from My Urban Report on Vimeo

Please make sure you have all of the class notes and papers for this week.

We'll first have a quick quiz/review followed by a discussion that builds on our planning exercise from last week. By now you should start planning your final production. It's time to get serious about developing your script.

You should be critically watching other videos to get ideas about your final production.

Write down any creative ideas you may have, and start thinking about the beginning, middle, and end of your project.

Then, break into your same groups as last week and edit one of the interviews using either Final Cut Pro, or Microsoft Windows Movie Maker. If you shot your interview in green screen you may want to use Final Cut, to practice keying out the green screen.

Remember to always create a file folder for your project on your desktop to save your project. With Final Cut you need to set your scratch disks.

Intro to Windows Movie Maker Video


How to use Chroma Key feature

Part 1



Part 2

Class Notes and Videos for Friday Feb 13

Class Notes for Friday February 13, 2009

Welcome to class! You all are doing a great job. Today's going to be a bit of a review since we've had some new students join.

We'll review the basic production techniques and we'll do another hands on camera exercise to help get everyone familiar with the equipment.

You may notice the lights set up in the class. We'll go over basic lighting, and we'll be using the lights for our assignment.

To start off with, visit this link and look at all of the pictures.

Now watch this video:


Rules with handling the lights.

1. Wait until subject is seated, or in place for the scene/interview.
2. Set up lights.
3. Turn on lights.
4. Don't ever touch the light while its hot.
5. Always be careful while handling.
6. Turn off light, and let cool off when finished shooting.

3-point lighting is the standard lighting technique.
Three point lighting involves a key light, fill light, and back light.
You should always use some kind of light source when shooting indoors.



In class assignment:
Break into groups of four.
Positions
Camera:
Interviewer
Interviewee
Lights, Audio

Rotate through the positions, and interview each other about your business plan/idea.

Rules for shooting interview:
Groups should you green room, and different areas of the class to tape.
Be as quiet and respectful when an interview is going on.
Make sure you label the tape.
Write the name of the tape label on your worksheet.
Turn in your tape and worksheet.

Class Notes 2/6/09

Welcome to the Digital Media blog for the Youth Build program at Kennesaw State.

I decided to create this blog so that you can keep up with the assignments and lessons outside of class.

I will post videos related to media production lessons as well as class instructions.

Please make sure you've picked up all of the handouts for this week, and add them to your binder.

It is important that you continue to read and study the class notes outside of class. Your mastery of the information will help insure that I'm successful as your instructor, and that you learn the basics of media production, and computing.

1. Please find the media test in your handouts and answer each question to the best of your ability. If you need to, you can refer to the class notes. You have 20 minutes to complete this test. This test ends at 9:30AM.

2. We're continuing the exercise on voice over this week. I expect that you have marked your copy and practiced your script to perfection. Please sign the voice over audition sheet and when its your turn, enter the audio booth and voice the audio track. If you have any questions about the pronunciation of any words, please ask prior to your taping. Make sure you save your final file to the Flash Drive that's in the the audio booth. Please name the file: firstname.vo

3. This week you will learn about video editing. Please get into groups of 2 or 3, and watch the lesson below on Final Cut editing. Printed instructions are in your handouts.

There are only three cameras available for the class to use as a video deck, so you may have to take turns with the equipment. This week you will be learning how to lay sound bites, and cover the sound (vo) with b-roll. You will have until 11AM to work on your editing.

Once you are finished editing save your project in the Final Cut > Projects folder on your desktop. Then drag the Final Cut folder onto your Flash Drive. You are responsible for saving your project, and if you don't save it to a Flash Drive, it will be erased once you're logged out from the computer.

4. At 11AM you need to break into groups of 2-4 to start planning for Assignment 1. One person in the group must take the roll of Producer. The Producer will be responsible the overall assignment, making sure other team members complete their tasks, and will have the final say about the concept of the Assignment 1.

The first part of creating the PSA is planning. You all are expected to participate and help with each other's projects. Think about what equipment you'll use, and what you want the final project to look or sound like. Watch other PSA's on YouTube related to your topic to get some ideas. You'll have music available, as well as different backgrounds you can use for your final project. Do some research and find some facts related to your topic that you can include in your script. Think about the appeal. Humor is often effective and entertaining. Its important to include some kind of emotion. Also think about how you can use testimonials, or your own personal experiences and thoughts to get your point across.

You will need to write a summary of your project (treatment)
You are required to turn in a script.
Late projects will not be accepted.

Final Cut Intro

Green Screen Test

Mic Lesson

Camera Lesson

Video #2 Trim Lesson

Video Lesson #1 Contacts are Torture Video