IMPORTANT NOTE
The Film/Media Studies Production Practicum, ENFS 340, is a repeatable, rotating-topic studio course that should be taken for .5 credits. Because of the way courses are listed, it may default to .25 credits when enrolling. This should be changed to .5 by either the student or the registrar. In the event that changing the credit amount causes the student to overload, that student can either seek advisor permission to enroll or audit the course. Students who audit are not graded and do not receive credit towards their degree. Auditing should only be done by students who want exposure to the material covered, but cannot overload and do not need the course credit.
If you have any questions, please speak to myself or the registrar.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course, we will explore the aesthetic and narrative qualities of camera movement. We will begin with a strong foundation in camera operation by learning to use the different cameras in the Film/Media Studies equipment collection. We will then employ various movement tools, stabilizers, rigs, and more to create dynamic moving images. This course will explore how to choose production tools for camera movement and use them thoughtfully and effectively.
COURSE GOALS
Camera operation and camera movement are essential aspects of the filmmaking process. Students in this half-credit studio course will learn to use cameras of different formats, form factors, and styles. The class will examine the history of digital motion picture and hybrid cameras and encourage students to think critically about these important production tools. Learning to choose the right camera for a given project and use it effectively is the first major objective of the course.
In the second half of the semester, students will utilize the cameras in the Film/Media Studies equipment collection to explore the possibilities of cinematic movement. Tools such as tripods, monopods, cranes, sliders, shoulder rigs, and gimbal stabilizers will be examined and used. The class will also discuss the thematic, narrative, and stylistic applications of camera movement. Gaining proficiency in the tools used for camera movement and understanding how to use them effectively is the second major objective of the course.
Throughout the semester, we will also examine and discuss various examples of camera operation and movement from cinematic history. Cultivating an appreciation of the tools and techniques learned in this course and applying them to the broader scope of film studies is the third major objective of the course.
FILM/MEDIA STUDIES PROGRAM GOALS
Students taking courses in the Film/Media Studies program will learn:
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the surprising array of divergences and convergences in the vast international history of film, broadcast, and digital media.
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a working vocabulary of key formal techniques, patterns, and styles in film, broadcast, and digital media and to analyze those elements within various theoretical frameworks.
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the technical skills required to produce original and thoughtful work and how to develop an artistic vision that applies an understanding of the aesthetics, theory, and history of moving image practice.
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how media have both encoded and resisted culturally dominant ideas and forms in production, distribution, and reception.
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to effectively research film and media through scholarly and archival sources and then elegantly present arguments, new ideas, and analysis in written and multimedia essays.
MEETING TIMES
Class meeting time: Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:00am – 11:52am, Marts 003
My office hours are Mondays 10:00am – 12:00pm, Marts 003. Other times are available by appointment.
MATERIALS
No books are required for the course and the software is available on computers in the Digital Video Editing Lab (Bertrand Library 018) and the Video Production Studio (Marts 003). Students will need their own SD card, which should be at least 32GB in size, C10, U3, and either SDHC or SDXC format. Some good options include this 32GB card and this 64GB card.
It is also recommended (but not required) that each student have an external hard drive with a USB 3.0 connection and at least 500GB of storage space for storing files and projects. 1TB drives are available on Amazon at at the Bertrand library equipment desk for around $60.
POLICIES AND GRADING
1. Because this course only meets once a week, attendance is especially important. This course will move from topic to topic quickly, without much time for review. If you must miss a class, please let me know so that we can make arrangements. Multiple absences will negatively affect your final grade.
2. Please come to class on time and prepared for discussion and work.
3. Projects are due on the date and time assigned. Late projects will be penalized.
4. Be respectful of the studio space and equipment collection! You are responsible for the replacement cost of lost or damaged items. Studio policies are available at fmsequipment.blogs.bucknell.edu.
5. All work must be individual and original. Any evidence of unauthorized collusion (working with another student without permission) or plagiarism (use of another’s ideas without acknowledgement) will lead to the procedures set up by the university for academic dishonesty.
6. Any projects created for this class may be used for promotional purposes; for example, they may be posted to the Film/Media Studies YouTube channel, screened at an event, or used in a montage of student work. If do not want your work used in this way, please let me know.
Weekly projects: 50%
Mid-semester project: 20%
Final project: 20%
Attendance and participation: 10%
CONTACT INFORMATION
Daniel Nienhuis
dan014@bucknell.edu
Marts office: 570-577-7245
Personal phone: 248-207-4918