DEPARTMENT OF CINEMA AND COMPARATIVE LITERATURE

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

NONFICTION VIDEO PRODUCTION

048:066 TTh 10:30-12:20 W232 AJB

Instructor: Jennifer Proctor

Original course design by Sasha Waters Freyer

Modified by Jennifer Proctor

Course Description/Goals: In this course, we will develop skills and techniques for producing nonfiction video, including research, location shooting, interviewing, lighting, sound recorded, and editing. In addition, we will explore a variety of approaches to nonfiction storytelling, including both conventional documentary and experimental forms. Ultimately, the goal for this course is to collectively devise a working definition for the form we think of as nonfiction.

The equipment for the course consists of mini-DV cameras, a variety of microphones and lighting kits, and the Final Cut Pro non-linear editing system. Assignments will include readings, written work, and the completion of three nonfiction video projects.

In addition to developing your technical and storytelling skills, the class will examine the history, theory and technologies of nonfiction, but this is by no means an exhaustive or even representative study of nonfiction forms. We will focus as much as possible on short films produced in the small-scale production environment and will read texts that go beyond the conventional treatment of the subject. Some of the films in the course contain violent or sexual imagery; you are free to leave any screening momentarily and will not be tested on the content of the work.

Required Texts:

• Directing the Documentary by Michael Rabiger, 4^th Edition, available at Prairie Lights Bookstore

• Coursepack of selected readings on reserve and on ICON

Expectations:

• Show up prepared and on time

• Turn in assignments on time

• Participate consistently and actively in class discussions

• Respect your peers when working in groups and when critiquing one another’s work

• Create challenging, thoughtful, meaningful work

Attendance:

Preparation and participation are essential to success in this course – active participation in workshops & discussions will contribute heavily to your participation grade. You do not earn points merely by attending class, but you will lose them by missing it. You will lose 2 points for every unexcused absence. If you miss a class, you are expected to contact me within 48 hours in order to have it excused. Work turned in late due to unexcused absences will be penalized. Excused absences include documented illness, family emergencies, and recognized University holidays; they do not include taking friends to the airport, oversleeping, or working on projects for other classes.

Grades: Grades will be assigned on the standard A through F scale, including plus and minus grades, according to rubrics I will hand out in class. There is no curve in this course, but high marks will depend on your hard work, commitment to the course, and active participation. I am happy to discuss your grade at any point during the course, but my policy is that you must wait 24 hours after receiving a grade before you may contact me about it. Also be advised that unless I have made an error in calculation, I will not change your grade. I take great care in assessing grades, and I remain firm in those assessments.

A Note on Workshops: We will spend many class sessions viewing work-in-progress. Getting feedback from peers is an invaluable tool to assist on honing ideas and developing pieces in progress. It is important that we strive to balance our candor with respect for the ideas and subject matter addressed by works in the class.

Help!: One final note—I am here to help. I realize that film and video production can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating process, and I’m here to assist in transforming it into a rewarding, inspiring, and even fun experience. Feel free to email me or come by office hours should you encounter questions or difficulties on assignments or any part of the production process. I do ask, however, that you make thorough attempts to solve your problem before coming to me. Like you, my time is limited, Your classmates are valuable resources, so draw upon them, along with manuals and course materials—and if you’re still stuck, then feel free to contact me and we’ll work through it. My phone number is also on this syllabus as a last resort (10am-10pm ONLY).

Assignments:

Written assignments will be accepted either on paper or through Dropbox on ICON (preferred). Video projects must be submitted on mini-DV.

ISSUE PIECE—10 points (groups of 3)

· a 2-3 minute examination of an issue using “Vox Populi” and metaphoric counterpoint—includes an individual two-page analysis of your learning experience

Camera & Final Cut Pro quiz—10 points

PORTRAIT—15 points (groups of 2)

· A 4-5 minute biography of a person or portrait of a place. This project requires that the group conduct interviews either for research or as part of the piece.

Reading responses—3 for 3 points each = 9 points

Analysis of a nonfiction film scene—5 points

Self-Inventory & Final Project Pre-production—10 points

FINAL PROJECT—15 points

· An open format 5-8 minute nonfiction piece (individual OR groups of 2)

Final Project individual analysis (3 pages)—10 points

Participation/Attendance—16 points