COMMUNICATION 325: TELEVISION PRODUCTION
Fall 1997
Dr. Juliet DeeOffice Hours: M 11:15-1:15; W 11:15-12:15
245 Pearson HallE-Mail: JULIEDEE@STRAUSS.UDEL.EDU
Voice Mail: 831-8021

Television Production introduces students to the technical and aesthetic aspects of video production in a TV studio. Students will develop proficiency in various areas of studio production including directing, switching, camera operation, lighting, placement of microphones and blocking talent. Great emphasis is also placed on pre-production planning, including writing scripts and rehearsing talent.

Course Objectives

1) A basic knowledge of video production equipment will be gained. Cameras, audio, lighting, switching and set design will be explained.

2) By working in a full range of crew and talent positions, students will learn the team-based nature of video production.

3) Students will learn how to deal with real-world production deadlines by operating in a time-limited environment.

4) Students will gain an understanding of terminology, techniques, disciplines and processes related to video production.

5) Students will learn how to integrate the skills necessary to write, produce and direct a video production.

Required Reading

Thomas D. Burrows, Lynne Schafer Gross, and Donald N. Wood, Television Production: Disciplines and Techniques. William C. Brown Publishers, 1995.
Notes on Assignments

Scripts must be typed, and you must turn in a photocopy of your script on the Friday before you direct your show. You should turn it in to my mailbox by 5 pm in 250 Pearson Hall. If there is any doubt about the format of your script, ask me or check your textbook. There is no excuse for inaccuracies in format. You should always make at least four copies of each script: one for yourself, one for your talent, one for the switcher (TD) and one for me. All scripts must be typed following the standard formats shown on your handouts and in the textbook. You must also turn in a floorplan and lighting plan with each assignment.

Your production grade will be based on your ability to successfully direct the four assigned productions within a given time limit. Full details and requirements for each production will be handed out one week in advance of your production dates.

Attendance Policy

Rotating crew rosters will be posted before each production series. Each of you will have a chance to work each position during productions. Teamwork is essential to television production; therefore attendance is absolutely required. No last-minute shifting of crew positions or production schedules will be allowed. All students are required to attend all productions, whether you are assigned to crew or not. Because your classmates will rely on you for their productions, you will never be excused from class unless you have a university-excused absence. If you miss more than two classes you will be advised to drop the course.

You are expected to show initiative during the three hours in the studio. This means not waiting to be told what to do, but rather asking what you can do to help each director. There is always a tendency to stand around and chat in the somewhat freer atmosphere of the TV studio. Remember that this is a classroom. The difference between an A and a B in this class may hinge on your willingness to work in this somewhat less structured environment.

Requirements

Grades will be based on the following:
1' PSA10 points
2' demonstration20 points
Midterm quiz30 points
3' musical performance/dance40 points
5' final production50 points
Final exam40 points
Attendance and class participation10 points

WeekSubjectAssignment
9-8IntroductionNone
9-1560" drill BGW Ch 1, 3-4
9-2260" PSA's BGW Ch 12-13
9-2960" PSA's BGW Ch 6-7
10-6MIDTERM QUIZ
Playbacks of PSA's
10-132' demos BGW Ch 10-11
10-20FALL BREAK
10-272' demos
Playbacks of demos 		BGW 14-15
11-33' musical performances
11-103' musical performances
Playbacks
11-175' Final Productions
11-245' Final Productions
12-15' Final Productions
12-85' Final Productions

PLAYBACKS AND FINAL EXAM: TO BE ANNOUNCED