TV/Film Field Production (RTVB 1321-3 12082)
Television and Film Field Production
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Media Arts and Technology Center of Excellence
Filmmaking
https://www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/art--design/filmmaking/
RTVB 1321-3 – TV/Video Field Production| Lecture/Lab | #12082
Spring 2020 | 16 Weeks (01/21/2020 - 05/17/2020)
Hybrid | Alief B301 | Sat 8.00 AM -11:50 AM.
3 Credit Hours |38.5 hours per semester
Instructor Contact Information
Instructor: Henrovee Akwe-Nathaniel Cell Phone: 281-965-4809
Office: Alief-Hayes, Room B301 Office Hours: Sat 8.00 am - 12.00 am
HCC Email: [email protected] Office Location: Alief-Hayes Campus
Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this
course. Your performance in my class is very important to me. I am available to hear the
concerns and just to discuss course topics.
Instructor’s Preferred Method of Contact
Preferred Method of Contact: Email. In case of an emergency or urgent issue, please text
me using the cell number listed. I will respond to emails within 24 hours Monday through
Friday; I will reply to weekend messages on Monday mornings.
What’s Exciting About This Course
RTVB 1321-3 teaches the craft of directing, Basic narratives, Script development, digital
camera operation, editing, and producing a movie to students who aspire to lead a
production team. Topics include “from idea to finish, screenplay, visual language, cinematic
time and space, preparing for production, light, and lighting. Additionally, the course provides
an analysis of filmmaking methods and techniques so that each student might better
understand and formulate a personal filmmaking style of his or her own.
My Personal Welcome
With more than 12 years of working in the film industry, I have played the roles of all film
department. From Director, Director of Photography, sound guy/mixer, grip, Light technician,
set designer, runner boy, cinematographer, personal assistant, editor, etc.
My world is envolved around storytelling. This is why I consider myself a filmmaker.
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My passion for editing gave me the ability to take ownership of the final film production. I tell
the story the audience sees. As an editor in my class, you will learn to be a creative editor
which will distinguish you from other film editors.
Welcome to the world of film editing!!!
Prerequisites and/or Co-Requisites
Prerequisites: RTVB 1321 (TV Field Production), RTVB 1309 (Audio/Radio I), RTVB 1329
(Scriptwriting), RTVB 2330 (Film & Video Editing). If you have enrolled in this course having
satisfied these prerequisites, you have a higher chance of success than students who have
not done so. Please carefully read and consider the repeater policy in the HCCS Student
Handbook.
Canvas Learning Management System
This class is a Hybrid class where in-class instruction is supplemented by on-line learning. We
will use Canvas (https://eagleonline.hccs.edu) for assignments, exams, and other activities.
HCCS Open Lab locations may be used to access the Internet and Canvas. USE FIREFOX
OR CHROME AS THE INTERNET BROWSER.
HCC Online Information and Policies
Here is the link to information about HCC Online classes including the required Online
Orientation for all fully online classes: http://www.hccs.edu/online/
Scoring Rubrics, Sample Assignments, etc.
Look in Canvas for the scoring rubrics for assignments, samples of class assignments, and
other information to assist you in the course. https://eagleonline.hccs.edu/login/ldap
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Instructional Materials
Textbook Information
The required textbook for this course is: Voice and vision (3rd Edition), by Mick Hurbis-
Cherrier. It is available at the Alief-Hayes and Spring Branch campus bookstores. You may
also purchase it used online at Amazon and other resale book sellers. ISBN: 978-0-415-
73998-6.
The book is not comprehensive to everything we will go over in class and much of your
required reading will be provided through Eagle Online Canvas where you will find Instructor
lecture materials, handouts, and whatever else is needed for the course.
The can be found at the HCC Bookstore, but you can also purchase it used online at Amazon
and other resale book sellers.
Other Instructional Resources
Tutoring
HCC provides free, confidential, and convenient academic support, including writing critiques,
to HCC students in an online environment and on campus. Tutoring is provided by HCC
personnel in order to ensure that it is contextual and appropriate. Visit the HCC Tutoring
Services website for services provided.
Libraries
The HCC Library System consists of 9 libraries and 6 Electronic Resource Centers (ERCs) that
are inviting places to study and collaborate on projects. Librarians are available both at the
libraries and online to show you how to locate and use the resources you need. The libraries
maintain a large selection of electronic resources as well as collections of books, magazines,
newspapers, and audiovisual materials. The portal to all libraries’ resources and services is
the HCCS library web page at http://library.hccs.edu.
Supplementary Instruction
Supplemental Instruction is an academic enrichment and support program that uses peerassisted
study sessions to improve student retention and success in historically difficult
courses. Peer Support is provided by students who have already succeeded in completion of
the specified course, and who earned a grade of A or B. Find details at
http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/supplemental-instruction/.
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Course Overview
RTVB 1321-3 is a required course in the Filmmaking Program that covers the various styles
and approaches to be the Director, cinematographer, light tech and DP in the filmmaking
process. Overall, the course goal is to prepare filmmaking students to enter the work place
with a high level of competence to successfully lead a team in cinema production. As an
upper-level, capstone course, a primary focus of the course is to help students create a
portfolio piece showcasing their directing style. The class uses a variety of instructional
methods including required reading, lectures, class discussions, and hands-on
demonstrations and exploration both in and outside of class.
Core Curriculum Objectives (CCOs)
HCC offers specified courses that satisfy the following core objectives:
Critical Thinking
Communication Skills
Quantitative and Empirical Literacy
Teamwork
Social Responsibility
Personal Responsibility
To learn more go to: https://www.hccs.edu/programs/catalog/academic-information/
This course integrates the following workplace competencies and foundation
skills:
Managing Resources: Time, Materials, Space
Exhibiting Interpersonal Skills: Work in team, Lead work teams, Negotiate with others
Working with Information: Acquire and evaluate data, Organize and maintain
information, Interpret and communicate data, Process information
Applying Systems Knowledge: Understand systems
Using Technology: Apply technology to specific tasks
Demonstrating Basic Skills: Reading, Writing, Listening
Demonstrating Thinking Skills: Creative thinking, Problem solving, Seeing with the
mind’s eye
Exhibiting Personal Qualities: Individual responsibility Sociability, Self-management,
Integrity
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
Can be found at:
https://www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/art--design/filmmaking/
Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)
Upon completion of RTVB 1321-3, the student will be able to:
1. Compose effective scripts for use in common video and film genres.
2. Demonstrate the preparation needed for film and video production, management
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production supervision.
3. Demonstrate industry standard film/video editing and post-production processes used
in the completion of shorts projects.
4. Apply cinematographic concepts to film/video projects including storyboarding, camera
setup, lighting, and scene design.
5. Understand effective feedback to fellow filmmakers to improve their projects.
Learning Objectives
With multi production roles as the focus, students will:
1. Understand basic terminology associated with filmmaking.
2. Discuss/compare various directing styles of professional filmmakers.
3. Develop individual cinematic style.
4. Demonstrate the skills necessary to direct a production crew.
5. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to direct a project from pre-production through
post-production.
6. Be able to give effective feedback to fellow filmmakers to improve their projects.
7. Understand basic distribution options for completed projects.
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Student Success
Expect to spend at least twice as many hours per week outside of class as you do in class
studying the course content. Additional time will be required for written assignments. The
assignments provided will help you use your study hours wisely. Successful completion of
this course requires a combination of the following:
• Reading the textbook
• Attending class in person and/or online
• Completing assignments
• Participating in class activities
There is no short cut for success in this course; it requires reading (and probably re-reading)
and studying the material using the course objectives as a guide.
Instructor and Student Responsibilities
As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
• Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades
are to be derived
• Facilitate an effective learning environment through learner-centered instructional
techniques
• Provide a description of any special projects or assignments
• Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness, and making up
assignments
• Provide the course outline and class calendar that will include a description of any
special projects or assignments
• Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required
As a student, it is your responsibility to:
• Attend class in person and/or online
• Participate actively by reviewing course material, interacting with classmates, and
responding promptly in your communication with me
• Read and comprehend the textbook
• Complete the required assignments and exams
• Ask for help when there is a question or problem
• Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts, and all assignments
• Attain a raw score of at least 50% on the departmental final exam
• Be aware of and comply with academic honesty policies in the HCCS Student Handbook
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Assignments, Exams, and Activities
Written Assignments
Being able to communicate through the written word is critical in any field, but especially
filmmaking. For this class, you will be expected to communicate effectively through the
written word on:
• Scripts
• Loglines for your projects
• Character summaries
• Shot lists and Marked-up scripts
• Final Project proposal
• Student feedback on screened projects
• Group project evaluations *if needed
You will also be required to view and evaluate 5 feature-length films from a provided list and
answer the question prompt in the Film Report handout.
Visual Assignments
Being able to communicate through visuals is critical in our field. For this class, you will be
required to complete the following visual assignments:
• Storyboards
• Cinematography technique
• Exercise 1: single character scene
• Exercise 2: two character scene (Subject & Object)
• Final Project
ALL PROJECTS WILL BE SINGLE-CAMERA SHOOTS with multiple setups. If you wish to shoot
with multiple cameras, you must get Instructor approval during the shot-list phase.
A note about sex, violence, weapons, and stunts: Each of these storytelling elements
makes production harder, more dangerous, and take more time. For Exercise 2 and the Final
Project, you are not restricted in your content in any way, but your Visual Plan
(storyboards, shot lists, marked script) will need Instructor approval before you go
into production.
The student will be evaluated on the basis of production quality, participation and completion
of required elements, including overall professionalism. The Instructor will supply specific
requirements for each scene and segment, as needed.
In order to complete these assignments, you will need to provide your own media cards.
iPhones and DSLRs are acceptable cameras for this course but you are also able to check out
the Panasonic DVX200s that record in 4K. You will need SDXC or SDHC level SD cards with
the designation “U-3” if you want to record at 4K.
All video assignments must be turned in on a hard-drive for the teacher to transfer or a
downloadable link.
Implicit in the instructions for all assigned exercises is the expectation that each student in
the class will direct his or her own assignment. Any arrangement for sharing directorial
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duties with another student within or outside of class must be discussed with and approved
by the instructor prior to shooting.
This is a course in filmmaking production, include digital cinematography, lighting, editing, or
sound design, so while I may comment occasionally on other aspects of your work, the focus
of evaluations and discussions in class will be on such considerations as visualization, scene
construction and analysis, coverage, blocking of action, performance of actors, and so forth.
Accordingly, these aspects of visual storytelling, all of which fall under the creative purview of
the director, will be covered in both the readings and lectures for the course.
That being said, work that’s been completed for other courses, this semester or from
previous semesters, even if you directed it, will NOT be accepted.
Presentation Requirements
Be prepared to present your assignments to class for questions and critique, including scripts,
storyboards, tone photos, video projects, and other directing assignments. This is a vitally
important part of honing projects into their best version as well as part of learning effective
feedback – giving and receiving it.
Quizzes & Exams
There will be 4 Quizzes for the semester. All will be closed-note quizzes based on the
previous week’s lecture, reading, and in-class work.
All quizzes will be conducted through Eagle Online Canvas. You will not need a Scantron
sheet.
There is NO midterm or final exams for this class.
Equipment Use Orientation
In order to access the equipment and other resources (computer labs…etc) at HCC, the
Filmmaking Department requires that you complete an equipment use orientation.
Orientation will be available via my learning web page https://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/misty.barham within the Filmmaking
Folder.
(You may look at the page but nothing is there as of yet.)
Orientations will be open and live online when your class meets for the second
time. During the following dates of Jan. 28th-Feb. 3rd.
(with Mon. classes factored in due to holiday)
So, make sure your students know they have to be in class during those dates!
•
This orientation is part of your grade!
Failure to complete the orientation and the required form within it will result in a deduction in
your grade, denial of labs, studios, and/or equipment. There will be no make-ups or
extended dates to complete this orientation for first start students this semester.
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In-Class Activities
In-class activities will be discussed and defined during class depending on the topic as
outlined in the schedule below.
Extra Credit
Extra Credit is at Instructor’s discretion, but there are several ways to earn extra credit:
• Collaborating with a student in Mr. Boyd’s Lighting Class
• Casting student actors from the Acting for Film Class
• Collaborating with a student in Screenwriting Classes
• Volunteer to work on an Instructor-approved event during the semester
• A written report on a Director of your choice *see Instructor for more info
Grading Formula
For each assignment, the instructions will define what the Instructor expects from the
student in order to earn a "C" grade. This will give the student an idea of what the instructor
considers the “average”. The instructor will give higher grades based on demonstration of
knowledge and understanding and even higher grades based on innovation and creativity
related to the topic. This class should showcase your enthusiasm and demonstrate your
skills/knowledge and ability to perform in the workforce.
Your final grade will be based on the following proportions:
1. Attendance – 10%
2. Participation – 10%
3. Quizzes – 20%
4. Film Reports – 10%
5. Exercise 1 – 15%
6. Exercise 2 – 15%
7. Final Project – 20%
Grade Total %
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F <60
Incomplete Policy:
In order to receive a grade of Incomplete (“I”), a student must have completed at least 85%
of the work in the course. In all cases, the instructor reserves the right to decline a student’s
request to receive a grade of Incomplete.
HCC Grading Scale can be found on this site under Academic Information:
http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/student-handbook/
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Course Calendar
Week Dates Topic/What’s due In classwork
1 01/25/20
Course Orientation
Introductions
Cinematic Story
Chapter 1
• Get Hurbis-Cherrier’s
book
• Read Lecture
• Equipment Orientation
2 02/01/20
Tools and Techniques Production
Film: A Mechanical & Photochemical
Medium
Video: An Electronic Medium
Chapter 8
• Field work
• Read Lecture
3 02/01/20
Screen Play
Concept
Treatment
Author’s Draft to Finals
Shooting Script
Chapter 2
• Read Lecture
4 02/08/20
Visual Language & Aesthetics of
Cinema
Shots, Sequence, and Scenes
Frames and Composition
Chapter 3
• In classwork
5 02/15/20
Organizing Cinematic Time and
Space
Single-Camera Production & the
Continuity System.
Principles of Continuity
Chapter 4
• Quiz #1
• In classwork
6 02/22/20
Preparing for Production
Line Production & the Creative Process
Budgeting Your Film
Summary: Preproduction Paperwork
Chapter 6
• Inclass-work
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7
03/07/20
The Cast and Crew
Production Crew
Departments
Chapter 7
• In classwork
8 03/14/20
Digital Video System
The Body
Function Buttons and Switches
Media bay
Chapter 9
• In classwork
9 03/28/20
The Camera Lens
Basic Lens Optics
Focal Length
Focus
Aperture
Depth of Field
Chapter 10
• Quiz #2
10 04/04/20
Basics of Light and Lighting
The Fundamental Objectives of Lighting
The Fundamental Sources of Light
The Essential Properties of Light
Chapter 13
• Quiz #3
• In class-work
11 04/18/20
Sound of Production
What is Production Audio
Understanding Sounds
Chapter 16
On-Set Production
Walking onto the Set
Who Does What, When…?
Shooting a Take
Additional Shooting Procedures
Data Management
After Shoot
The Director and Actors om Set
Chapter 17
• In classwork
12 04/25/20 **Project Proposal**
• Inclass-Work
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13 05/02/20
Student Commercial project
• In class Discussion
14 05/09/20
Students Commercial Project
/Review
• In class Discussion
15 05/16/20
Show Case Final Project
• Submit Final Project
Withdrawal deadline = February 5, 2020
Syllabus Modifications
The instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus at any time during the semester and
will promptly notify students in writing, typically by e-mail, of any such changes.
Instructor’s Practices and Procedures
Missed Assignments
Assignments are due at the beginning of class.
If you are unable to be present in class on the date an assignment is due, you can always
email me your assignment by the start of class that day and I will count it as on time.
If you are unable to take a quiz during the window on Canvas, we can arrange for a make up
time.
If you are unable to turn in the assignment on time, your assignment will receive an
automatic grade of 75% with the reserved right for the Instructor to take off further points
for incomplete work. **Projects that are granted extensions are exempt.
NO MATERIALS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER CLASS TIME ON THE LAST DAY OF CLASS
Academic Integrity
Cheating, plagiarism, collusion, will not be tolerated. You are expected to complete all the
assignments on your own. Scholastic Dishonesty will result in a referral to the Dean of
Student Services. See the link below for details.
Here’s the link to the HCC information about academic integrity (Scholastic Dishonesty and
Violation of Academic Scholastic Dishonesty and Grievance):
http://www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/procedures/student-rights-policies--procedures/studentprocedures/
Attendance Procedures
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Attendance and participation are graded. If you arrive more than 30 minutes late, or leave
more than 30 minutes before the end of class, you will receive at least half the point you
earn for attending. Don’t hesitate to text or email me if you know you’re going to be late or
after you’ve missed class as this will factor into your attendance grade.
“Attendance” on Canvas is also checked and factored in.
If you stop showing up to class, you will receive an FX grade with the last date that you
attended. This will not affect your GPA.
Any student who encounters difficulties during the semester that prohibit them from
completing the coursework but who want the opportunity to finish the work the following
semester must get Instructor approval and will receive an Incomplete for the semester. A
schedule for completing the work the following semester will be set up with the Instructor
and if the materials are not received within that timeframe, the grade will automatically be
converted to an F which will affect your GPA.
Student Conduct
Participation in this class is also graded based on your participation in class discussions
and exercises along with your Exercise feedback forms and Equipment Orientation
completion.
Despite this being a school environment, you approach this class as you would any job.
Conduct yourself professionally and treat your fellow students and Instructor as professional
colleagues. Each of your assignments is an opportunity to explore your talent and build your
skills as a professional and can go on your reel to demonstrate your abilities when looking for
a job. Treat your projects as jobs, with your Instructor as your “client.”
This is an industry built on relationships, networking, and communication and both your
Instructor and your peers may be able to provide work opportunities in the future through
recommendations. Your behavior is just as important, if not more, as the talent you show on
screen.
Any disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Any disagreements within class and any
external issues effecting your behavior in class will be dealt with individually and not at the
expense of the class’s time and focus.
Instructor’s Course-Specific Information (As Needed)
Giving and receiving feedback is critical in this industry and one of the most valuable aspects
of film school where you have a large group of students and your Instructor to screen and
discuss your work. Guidance will be given on how to make the best out of our feedback
sessions.
Electronic Devices
We live in a tech-dependent world and I do not take a strict stance on your use of cellphones
in class, I only require that it be discreet, silent, and not interrupt or distract from the
class activity. If you need to take or make an emergency phone call, please step outside. You
may use your phone to look at lecture materials as we go through them.
You are responsible, however, for any material that you miss while you were out. In
discussion, lecture materials are fleshed out and explained and you may miss something that
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will be on a quiz or test later. Make sure you ask a fellow student for any notes on what you
missed.
Filmmaking Program Information
For more information about the Filmmaking Program & Filmmaking in General:
• HCC Certificates & Degrees: https://www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/art--
design/filmmaking/
• Local film production information: http://www.houstonfilmcommission.com
• State film production information: https://gov.texas.gov/film
• State film incentive program: https://www.txmpa.org
HCC Policies
Here’s the link to the HCC Student Handbook http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/currentstudents/
student-handbook/ In it you will find information about the following:
• Academic Information
• Academic Support
• Attendance, Repeating Courses, and Withdrawal
• Career Planning and Job Search
• Childcare
• disAbility Support Services
• Electronic Devices
• Equal Educational Opportunity
• Financial Aid TV (FATV)
• General Student Complaints
• Grade of FX
• Incomplete Grades
• International Student Services
• Health Awareness
• Libraries/Bookstore
• Police Services & Campus Safety
• Student Life at HCC
• Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Student Services
• Testing
• Transfer Planning
• Veteran Services
EGLS3
The EGLS3 (Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System) will be available for
most courses near the end of the term until finals start. This brief survey will give invaluable
information to your faculty about their teaching. Results are anonymous and will be available
to faculty and division chairs after the end of the term. EGLS3 surveys are only available for
the Fall and Spring semesters. EGLS3 surveys are not offered during the Summer semester
due to logistical constraints.
http://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/egls3-evaluate-your-professors/
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Campus Carry Link
Here’s the link to the HCC information about Campus Carry:
http://www.hccs.edu/departments/police/campus-carry/
HCC Email Policy
When communicating via email, HCC requires students to communicate only through the HCC
email system to protect your privacy. If you have not activated your HCC student email
account, you can go to HCC Eagle ID and activate it now. You may also use Canvas Inbox to
communicate.
Housing and Food Assistance for Students
Any student who faces challenges securing their foods or housing and believes this may
affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students at their
college for support. Furthermore, please notify the professor if you are comfortable in doing
so.
This will enable HCC to provide any resources that HCC may possess.
Office of Institutional Equity
Use the link below to access the HCC Office of Institutional Equity, Inclusion, and
Engagement (http://www.hccs.edu/departments/institutional-equity/)
disAbility Services
HCC strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or
experience academic barriers based on your disability (including long and short term
conditions, mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please meet with a
campus Abilities Counselor as soon as possible in order to establish reasonable
accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive
process between you, your instructor(s) and Ability Services. It is the policy and practice of
HCC to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and
state law. For more information, please go to http://www.hccs.edu/supportservices/
disability-services/
Title IX
Houston Community College is committed to cultivating an environment free from
inappropriate conduct of a sexual or gender-based nature including sex discrimination, sexual
assault, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. Sex discrimination includes all forms of
sexual and gender-based misconduct and violates an individual’s fundamental rights and
personal dignity. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex-including pregnancy and
parental status in educational programs and activities. If you require an accommodation due
to pregnancy please contact an Abilities Services Counselor. The Director of EEO/Compliance
is designated as the Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator. All inquiries
concerning HCC policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as
Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504), and complaints may be directed to:
David Cross
Director EEO/Compliance
Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity
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3100 Main
(713) 718-8271
Houston, TX 77266-7517 or [email protected]
http://www.hccs.edu/departments/institutional-equity/title-ix-know-your-rights/
Office of the Dean of Students
Contact the office of the Dean of Students to seek assistance in determining the correct
complaint procedure to follow or to identify the appropriate academic dean or supervisor for
informal resolution of complaints.
https://www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/procedures/student-rights-policies--procedures/studentcomplaints/
speak-with-the-dean-of-students/
Department Chair Contact Information
Michael Cohn
713.718.6523
Course Information
A syllabus hasn't been posted for this course yet.
