Digital Video Camera Techniques
Unit code: HDMMD212
| Credit points | 12.5 Credit Points |
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| Contact hours | 36 Hours per Semester |
| Campus | Prahran, Sarawak |
| Prerequisites | Nil |
Related course(s)
A unit of study in the Bachelor of Design (Multimedia Design).
Aims and objectives
This unit aims to introduce students to the basic principles of video camcorder technology, production, lighting, video terminology, audio-recording, narrative and editing techniques.
At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
- Demonstrate competency of basic camcorder technology, using MiniDV, prosumer video production technology;
- Correctly use video specifications, formats and prevailing industry technical standards, including safety standards;
- Undertake television industry specific production procedures and workflows and maintain a technical journal;
- Use the principles of shooting to edit, particularly how location shooting impacts on the editing and program creation process;
- Use principles of lighting, with the emphasis on creating 3-dimensional images that enhance or convey a given mood;
- Develop a narrative for a television commercial which utilises a critical awareness of concept development, script writing and narrative styles for commercial advertising;
- Complete an applied project in the given timeframe, demonstrating project management, planning and collaborative skills.
Teaching methods
HDMMD212 employs a learning and teaching method centered on class lectures, demonstrations, practical workshops, in-class exercises, presentations and practical projects.
Assessment
Note: Percentage weightings are indicative. See Unit Briefs for full assessment details.
Brief 1: 50%
Brief 2: 50%
Brief 1: 50%
Brief 2: 50%
Generic skills outcomes
Swinburne University works to produce higher education graduates who are capable in their chosen profession. Learners bring to Swinburne a diverse wealth of experiences and graduate with individual understandings, abilities and attitudes.
Within this context, HDMMD212 Digital Video Camera Techniques aims to provide students with the following attributes:
- Are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas;
- Operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations;
- Are aware of local and international environment in which they will be contributing.
Content
Working in a group environment, and based on class lectures and studio workshops, students will complete a series of exercises designed to raise technical competency in MiniDV prosumer video production technology. Students will complete an applied television commercial, utilising the digital camera and editing skills they have practiced within the class exercises.
Lectures and exercises will cover a wide range of relevant areas, such as:
Lectures and exercises will cover a wide range of relevant areas, such as:
- Function and operation of MiniDV camcorders;
- Operation of external microphones and basic location recording;
- Lighting equipment, lighting techniques and production grip equipment;
- Shooting for editing;
- Analogue and digital video broadcast standards, formats and specifications;
- Television industry production protocols, processes and workflows;
- Introduction to scriptwriting and narrative for applied projects;
- Introduction to editing techniques;
- Sound for commercials;
- Copyright regulations for commercial application.
Throughout this unit, students will engage in a series of activities that support project work and technical competency. These may include:
• Practical workshops and exercises;
• Presentations;
• Group critiques;
• In-class practical exercises;
• Studio exercises;
• Viewing films or animations;
• Online discussions;
• Location exercises.
Preparation requirements
Students will be requested to view specific films or animations for the online discussion. Throughout the unit, students will be required to prepare project work for discussion and presentation.
Reading materials
Bermingham, A 2003 Location Lighting for Television, Focal Press, Burlington.
Carlson, S 1993 Professional Cameramans Handbook, 4th edn. Amphoto, New York.
Cuttle, C 2003 Lighting By Design, Architectural Press.
Eisenstein, S 1947 The Film Sense, Harvest Books, San Diego.
Eisenstein, S 1949 The Film Form: Essays in Film Theory, Harvest Books, San Diego.
Fitt & Thornley, 2001 Lighting Technology, Focal Press.
Foster, H (Ed.) 1988 Vision and Visuality, Bay Press, Seattle.
Carlson, S 1993 Professional Cameramans Handbook, 4th edn. Amphoto, New York.
Cuttle, C 2003 Lighting By Design, Architectural Press.
Eisenstein, S 1947 The Film Sense, Harvest Books, San Diego.
Eisenstein, S 1949 The Film Form: Essays in Film Theory, Harvest Books, San Diego.
Fitt & Thornley, 2001 Lighting Technology, Focal Press.
Foster, H (Ed.) 1988 Vision and Visuality, Bay Press, Seattle.
