1. 201051
DELAWARE TECHNICAL & COMMUNITY COLLEGE
CAMPUS COURSE SYLLABUS
Campus: Owens
Department: Communications
Course Number and Title: COM 110 Introduction to Video Production
Instructor Name: Jessica Farley
Telephone: (302) 855-5960
E-mail: jfarley@dtcc.edu
Prerequisites: ENG 051 and RDG 051 or ESL 100 or appropriate scores on
college placement tests.
Co-requisites:
Course Hours and Credits: 2:3:3
Course Description: An exploration of the principles, mechanics, techniques, and aesthetics of
video production. This course is designed to help you learn to use video as an effective form of
communication. Students will learn how to obtain video using digital video cameras and will
learn to digitally edit using industry standard software. Students will practice pre-production
planning and writing, production procedures, and post-production editing.
Required Text(s):
Osgood, R., & Hinshaw, M. (2009). Visual storytelling: Videography and postproduction in the
digital age. Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Materials: 8 GB external drive(provided)
Disclaimer

2. 201051
CORE COURSE PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
The student will be able to:
1. Illustrate competency in pre-production planning. (PGC 2, PGC 3, PGC 4, CCC1, CCC
2)
2. Operate a video camera and microphones to obtain footage and sound. (PGC 2, PGC
3, PGC 4, CCC 1, CCC 2, CCC 6)
3. Capture and edit video using non-linear editing software. (PGC 2, PGC 3,CCC 2, CCC
6, CCC 7)
MEASUREABLE PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
1. Illustrate competency in pre-production planning. (PGC 2, PGC 3, PGC 4, CCC1, CCC 2)
1.1. Identify and appraise target audience.
1.2. Examine site environment for lighting, sound, and surroundings to assess technical
qualities and production treatment.
1.3. Formulate a production plan with contingency options
1.4. Create a production time budget.
1.5. Identify images and sounds that create impact, emotion, and meaning.
2. Operate a video camera and microphones to obtain footage and sound. (PGC 2, PGC 3, PGC
4, CCC 1, CCC 2,CCC 6)
2.1. Identify the purpose of the video controls and setting functions of a video camera
2.2. Manipulate white balance, aperture, and focus in a video camera to optimize the
picture quality in video images
2.3. Record video that demonstrates correct composition, screen direction, and framing.
2.4. Record cutaways and overlapping action.
2.5. Use appropriate camera movements to direct the audience’s attention.
2.6. Demonstrate understanding of the audio controls on a video camera.
2.7. Record and edit correct audio levels.
3. Capture and edit video using non-linear editing software. (PGC 2, PGC 3, CCC2, CCC 6, CCC
7)
3.1. Apply knowledge of non-linear editing software.
3.2. Capture and import digitally recorded footage and graphics.
3.3. Apply appropriate video transitions
3.4. Demonstrate effective pacing of audio and video.

3. 201051
3.5. Integrate readable text with video to communicate essential information to an
audience.
3.6. Produce video and audio with matched sequences to compress time and advance the
action.
3.7. Determine the proper order of shots to create continuity.
3.8. Select proper digital editing functions.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Students will demonstrate proficiency on all measurable performance objectives at least to the
75 percent level. The instructor may refuse to accept any assignment that fails to meet the
stated deadline.
College Grading System
92-100 A
83-91 B
75-82 C
0-74 R
Students should refer to the Student Handbook for information on Academic Standing Policy,
Academic Honest Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities and other policies relevant to their
academic process.
Course Requirements
Course Evaluation
Lab Attendance 10%
Class Activities 10%
Video Postcard 15%
Continuity Exercise 20%
Instructional Video 30%
Exams 15%
Production Studio Labs
By September the class will typically only meet one day a week to allow students the opportunity to complete
Adobe training in the Radio Station. Check Announcements regularly to keep up with the schedule for that week.

4. 201051
Students will be awarded five points for every five minutes of attendance in the radio station or in the field doing
independent production work. It is expected that students stay for the full 90 minute lab. Arriving on time will
earn an additional 10 points. Each lab will earn a maximum of 100 points.
The educational specialist will keep track of these points and enter them into Gradebook. Schedules will be
determined the first week of class. The educational specialist can be contacted at Ext. 2110 or by e-mail at
kricker@dtcc.edu. All scheduling conflicts must be coordinated with him, not the instructor.
Production Studio Policies/ Points
Students must call the lab specialist ahead of time if they plan to be late or miss their lab time or
not pick up or return equipment at the scheduled time
If a student calls 24 hours prior to the start of his or her lab time, there will be no deduction of
points and a make-up time will be scheduled as soon as possible.
If a student calls the day of the lab time to cancel, a deduction of 25 points will be taken off
when the student makes up the time (total possible pts for make-up day is 75).
Students who are more than five minutes late may have their time or equipment given away to
another student. We make an assumption that you’re not coming after five minutes. You will
only be rescheduled that week if time allows. If the time is made up that week or the following,
the maximum points earned will be 75, regardless of whether or not your time is given away.
Any student who doesn’t return equipment on the scheduled day and time without
communication with the lab specialist will be deducted 50 points for their lab “attendance” for
the week.
If a student misses the lab and doesn’t call, he or she will be given a zero for the lab time. If the
schedule allows for a make-up that week, students will receive a maximum of 50 points for that
make up lab.
Students who miss two consecutive lab times without notification will be taken off the schedule
and will not be put back on until they have talked with the instructor.
Activities
A variety of in-class activities involving training on the camera, setting up a shoot, creating a sequence,
framing shots, viewing projects, etc., will occur during the class meeting time. Absences will not only
affect your Activity points but will severely hinder your understanding of video production, causing you
to also lose points on projects. Individual training with the instructor will not occur due to unexcused
absences.
Video Postcard
This is a 60-second piece in which you combine effective visuals with appropriate music as you present a
pictorial essay on a subject of your choice. This is principally a shooting exercise and only a secondary
editing exercise. Use music from the production library or a royalty-free music source that utilizes a fade
in/fade out if edited down to meet the time requirement. Natural sound underscores may also be used

5. 201051
mixed with the music. Transitions should not be overdone. Use dissolves and/or cuts as the primary
transition of choice.
Subject: Choose an exterior subject that you can shoot in existing exterior light. For example, you may
wish to explore a geographic locations (your town’s downtown area, a local park, a cemetery, the beach,
etc.); a prominent architectural feature of your area (The Circle, WW2 towers, a museum, a firehouse,
etc.); or a group of things that are thematically or geographically related (barns, sculptures, high-rises,
rural routes, etc.). Keep in mind that you may need to get permission to shoot if it is not a public arena.
Structure: Plan to include approximately 10 to 15 individual shots in the postcard. It should include
appropriate music and may include natural sound as well. The postcard will begin with a :05
countdown, a :05 opening title slide and appropriate music, dissolve to the first shot and end with a fade
to black. The video must meet the :60 time limit.
Editing Principles: Continuity and dynamics
Production Plan: A production plan will be required before beginning the project. The plan will include:
a title, a program objective, a description of the postcard including types of images and shot plans,
description of music choice, identification of a target audience, a site environment evaluation with
contingency plans (including release forms if needed), and a time budget.
Continuity Exercise
(2-3 minutes)The continuity exercise is a two- to three-minute (maximum) project in which you shoot
an action for pictorial continuity and edit your footage to music. Natural (environmental sound) can also
be used in conjunction or in lieu of music but there may be no dialogue. Your principal task in this
exercise is to apply the principles of visual continuity as you tell a story with pictures, music, and natural
sound.
Subject: The subject should be an action or event with a beginning, middle and end and should involve
some motion on the part of the principal character(s), for example getting ready for a date, having
guests for dinner, delivering an item, etc.
Structure: This project will need to be fully scripted. While recording your project you should record
natural sound incidental to the action you have selected and you should plan to include it along with
appropriate music during post-production. However you should not script or record dialogue.
Editing Principles: Continuity, visual storytelling
Production Plan: A production plan will be required before beginning the project. The plan will include:
a title, a program objective, a description of the story and shot plans, description of music choice,
identification of a target audience, a site environment evaluation with contingency plans (including
release forms if needed), and a time budget. This project will also include a detailed storyboard.

6. 201051
Instructional Video for Web
(2-3 minutes)An instructional program is designed to teach someone something. In order to provide a
practical use for this project and potentially have it posted on the college Web site, the topics have been
provided below.
Students will work directly with a client, conduct interviews with him or her, and write a script of “how
to” do something that students want or need help with. The program will begin with a graphic slate
explaining a simple purpose to the program. Students will write a script that will be approved by the
client. The client will review the facts of your script, not the creative, unless it would have an adverse
affect on the message. Students may not begin production until client approval of the final script has
been submitted to the instructor, so plan accordingly.
Once the script with corresponding shots and graphic elements and a detailed storyboard is submitted
to the instructor, then production and post-production may begin.
Students will also design a basic idea of what the graphics will look like using PowerPoint slides. These
graphics will be reviewed in class and a critique will follow. Use the colors, logos, fonts, and font
treatments that you intend to use in the production. Although it may not be an exact replica, it should
not vary too much either. Keep in mind that the college may change all graphic elements to create a
uniform look to these videos if used on the site.
Once the video is produced, it will be posted on the DTCC channel on YouTube and the client can
approve or disapprove its availability on the site. Students must obtain release forms for all who
appear in the video other than crowded shots where people cannot be identified.
SELECT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING IDEAS (ONE STUDENT PER IDEA)
How to decide if an online course is right for you
How to get involved
How to maintain F1 Visa status (foreign students)
How to use Blackboard
How to choose a major
How to register online
How to apply for a scholarship
How to apply for financial aid
How to maintain SEED scholarship eligibility
How to use BannerWeb
How to purchase textbooks with Financial Aid
How to purchase textbooks online
How to drop a class
How to complete online Admissions
Subject: An instructional program segment that will teach the audience something new
Structure: The program will utilize a voice-over with graphics and images and appropriate
music.

7. 201051
Audience: Identify a target audience for your tape. This is important because you
structure your program to appeal to your audience
Length: 2-3 minutes
Editing: Continuity and dynamic
Production Plan: A production plan will be required before beginning the project. The plan will
include: a title, a program objective, identification of the client including contact
information, a description of the shots, identification of a target audience, a site
environment evaluation with contingency plans (release forms are necessary!),
and a time budget. This project will also include a detailed storyboard.
Format of productions:
5 seconds black/ white sans-serif writing: name/ title of the assignment followed by
length in parentheses and production date
There should be no sound over this title slate
5 seconds of black at the end – music and voices
must conclude prior to the screen becoming
black. The first full frame of black will
Be the “time” your video is considered
Video Postcard – Lewes, DE (:60)
concluded Producer: Jessica Farley
Oct. 10, 2010
Exams
Students are responsible for the material in the required chapters and reading assignments though it
may not be covered in lecture.
Missed tests with bona fide documentation accepted by the instructor can be made up within one week
of the test date with no penalty. Missed tests without documentation must be made up within one week
of the test date for a maximum grade of 75%.

8. 201051
Course Schedule (Tentative**)
Week 1 Course introduction/ Lab Scheduling
Chapter 5: Composition
Lab: Introduction to the camera (set up/ break down)
Week 2 Continue Chapter 5: Composition
Introduction to the Camera
Lab: set up (white balance/ focus) and shooting and recording
Week 3 Chapter 8: Aesthetics of Editing
BEGIN LABS Writing a production proposal
Field shoot / Basic shot composition
Lab: Adobe Training (Chapters 1 thru 4)
Week 4 Chapter 9: Post Production
Field shoot critique
Video Postcard Preproduction Plan Due
Lab: Adobe Training (Chapters 5 thru 8)
Week5 Unit Exam One (Chapters 5, 8, 9)
Lab: Begin shooting Video Postcard
Week 6 Chapter 11: Graphics and Effects
Select topic for Instructional
Lab: Video Postcard
Week 7 Chapter 7: Lighting in the Field
Contact Instructional Client
Continuity Exercise Preproduction Plan Due
Lab: Video Postcard
Week 8 Video Postcard Due
Ch. 6 Audio in the Field
Interview Instructional Client
Lab: Continuity Exercise
Week 9 Unit Exam Two (Chapters 11, 7, 6)
Submit Instructional Script to Client
Lab: Continuity Exercise
Week 10 Review Changes to Instructional Script from Client
Lab: Continuity Exercise
Week 11 Instructional Storyboard and Script Due to Instructor
Lab: Continuity Exercise
Week 12 Continuity Exercise Due
Lab: Instructional
Week 13 Lab: Instructional
Week 14 Lab: Instructional
Week 15 Lab: Instructional
Week 16 Instructional Due
** Because of weather, technical, and other issues beyond our
control, this schedule is subject to change frequently. Always check
Blackboard or with the instructor for the current week’s activities**