HOMEWORK DUE AUGUST 31

August 31 in class: Screen Tests/Sound/Framing

VOCABULARY WORDS: Cycs, battens, lighting grid, lighting board, dimmer

• READ Utterback, Ch 2 Audio and Technical directing (pps 23-46)
• READ "How a Director Prepares" (from Zettl)
• INTERVIEW SHOT SELECTION ANALYSIS

From any talk show you can find, select an interview, (only two people- host and guest) Write down where you got it; if it is online, paste in the URL and give the name of show. Using a 2-3 minute clip for your analysis, neatly make a rough diagram of the set, marking out where the talent is, and where you believe the cameras are located. Using a rundown style listing of shots, list the shots used in the show, in order. You do not have to transcribe all the speech, just write “host speaks” or “guest speaks” in the right column. Use this outlines as the basis to create a script as below. • Hand in rough set plan and your rough script.

• WRITE A SEMI-SCRIPTED INTERVIEW with FLOOR PLAN FOR CAMERAS

You will be the expert (talent) for a show called “Experts and Amateurs”. The host will interview you. Think of some skill, or area of knowledge in which you are truly an expert and have a lot to say, or pick something funny or ironic such as hand-sanitization. Check out the handout for ideas.

You, as the guest will be interviewed in a semi-scripted interview of 2.5 min (about 3 pages, 14 pt type), for which you will write the script and someone else will direct. Thus you should make the script legible and understandable for the director to work with. The host will use the teleprompter to introduce the guest, and to conclude the interview.

See the example of semi-scripted interview , and the handout for suggestions on getting in and out of the scene. You may elect to write out your entire part in the interview, or you may partly improvise.
Bring an object to show as part of your interview- you must script this in and give it a closeup- be it a book, a pet, a lock of old hair, etc.

September 7 IN CLASS: Production of talk show: Experts and Amateurs

• READ Utterback, pps 145-162- Assistant directing and directing)
• READ "Talk Shows"
• TALK SHOW ANALYSIS

  Watch a talk format show-> at least 15 minutes, or a segment. Write a summary report - One page, 12 pt typeface, 1.5 pt line spacing. Describe the show and the technical aspects of the production. What kind of show is this- identify using the categories in the “Talk Shows” (eg news and public affairs, entertainment, special interest (what?) What time of day does it occur, and for what audience? Describe the set, props, furnishings and lighting. Write about the host- what are their talents? What is their approach to interviewing (if relevant)? Address host’s identity (gender, presumed class etc.), and then assess the show’s content with any remaining space - what subjects do they often talk about? What is the feeling on the set- serious, comical? Who is invited or present on the show? Do they do interviews? Are there things they never talk about? Discuss, in writing, your impressions of the shows in relation to the reading. Email your 400 more or less word analysis to slewison@siu.edu.

  Due by Sept 14.

September 14 IN CLASS:Production of talk show: Experts and Amateurs

• Bring object to show in closeup- be it a book, a pet, etc
• Bring 2 copies of the script, and a digital copy on your flash drive.
• Rotation of roles for all students (over 2 weeks)
• 20 minutes allocated per production
• Experts bring props, scripts and blocking plan
• Customize scripts on teleprompter as needed

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REVIEW FOR EXAM

• Read the Glossary on page 163 in Utterback.

  Circle all words we have covered in class so far that you can define. Look up any words you don’t know. Review all notes from course to date for exam. If you are unsure on the operation of any equipment, make an appointment with us.

• Study vocabulary words on Handout to be distributed in class on September 19.

• READ Soap Opera Packet
• Write in your production book about how these different soap operas relate to their social context. (Please discuss in writing (no more than two): 1-2 pages due Sept 19 in class. Your writing will be guided by a handout.)
• Read Multi-Camera Treatment
• Self evaluation on Talk show assignment is due.

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SEPT 21 Day 3 Talk Show Production

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SEPT 28 In Class Practical Exam

• READ THE NEWSPAPER FOR STORY IDEAS (online is ok)

  Read it for 5 consecutive days in a row. Select 3 articles you think contain interesting stories, that trigger your imagination, or follow one story through the week. Vary what papers you read -(try guardian.co.uk). Note the ideas these articles/stories generate for you in your notebook. What are your issues and where do they intersect with what is reported in the news? Using characters derived from these stories, and from the handouts, generate a pitch for a dramatic scene. Handout.

• READ AND MAKE NOTES The Persuasive Camera
• “Short Screenplays that Connect”

OCT 5 brainstorming/production planning

• READ "Backgrounds" from Millerson
• READ "Audio Techniques"
• READ controlling dynamics (a few pages)
• draw Floor Plan/scene proposal: Using the STUDIO FLOOR PLAN, draw out your group production set, and indicate where the microphones will be placed in that set. Indicate which kind of microphones you will be using.
• flexible duedate: This can be handed in, once you have seen your script. You can turn in after October 12, if script is not ready.
• Shot Sketches Sketch out 4 shots from your production with the Shot Sketch form

OCT 12 PRE-PRODUCTION OF LIVE SKETCHES Production 2 LIVE SKETCHES (day 1)

• Walk and read through scripts, block action, cameras, mics etc
• Load teleprompter, create titles
• Prep/design lights and sets, props and prop list

• Prepare for dramatic sketch shoot.(groups and individuals)
• READ "Production Planning"

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  OCT 19 Production 2 LIVE SKETCHES (day 2)

• Sets must be ready by start of class. Commit to come early or night before
• Production meetings before to prepare positions and after, to critique
• Shoot can run one hour- be prepared to make the best use of your time.
• Wrap studio

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  HOMEWORK DUE OCT 26

• handout to be distributed in preparation for final project
• Reading: budgets and production scheduling (to be distributed)

  OCT 26 Production 2 Live SKETCHES

• Sets must be ready by start of class. Commit to come early or night before
• Production meetings before to prepare positions and after, to critique
• Shoot can run one hour- make the best use of your time.
• Wrap studio
• Final production assignment handout.

  AS HOMEWORK FOR NOV 2 (3 weeks)

  • (Handout) RESEARCH a historic variety show format as a background to preparing your pitch for the final production.
  • READ format and genre packet and watch videos.
  • Self evaluation on Soap opera production assignment is due.
  • Student format reports due. Prepare for class a pitch and treatment for a segment of the final production, including budget exercise (to be distributed). Class will vote on productions to go forward.

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  NOV 2 PRODUCTION MEETING FOR FINAL SHOW

• Proposal and treatment presentations

  HOMEWORK FOR NOV 9

  • Homework Handout to be determined.

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  NOV 9 PRODUCTION PLANNING/IN PRODUCTION

• Read through scripts
• Blocking cameras, mics, action and shots
• Loading teleprompter and create titles
• Prepare lights and sets
• Prepare production schedule

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  NOV 14 IN PRODUCTION

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  NOV 23 NO CLASS FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK

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  NOV 30 FINAL PRODUCTION DAY

  DUE NEXT WEEK

  • All self evaluations for production
  • All production materials for evaluation

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  DEC 5 POST PRODUCTION WORKSHOP

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  FINAL IS SCHEDULED MONDAY DEC 12 8-10 a.m. Screening and Party

• subject to change by consensus agreement

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