Metropolitan Community College: Career Academy
VACA 1130 Video I – 2A
COURSE IDENTIFICATION
Title:
Prefix/Section:
Credit Hours:
Begins/Ends:
Meeting Day/Time:
Class Location:
Video I
VACA 1130 2A
3.0
3/15/10 – 5/24/10
Monday, 6:00pm – 9:20 pm
Elkhorn Valley Campus, Room 336
CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor Name:
Telephone (cell):
Phone - work voicemail:
Email Address:
Work Fax:
Academic Program Area:
Dean’s Office Telephone:
Lindsay Trapnell
323-605-5200
402-457-7200 (Ext. 8320)
lindsaytrapnell@gmail.com, lbtrapnell@mccneb.edu
402-289-1236
Languages and Visual Arts
402-289-1331
COURSE INFORMATION
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the video medium. The basics of operating a video camera,
recording a quality image and sound, and editing tape are learned and practiced. Both studio and
location assignments provide practical learning opportunities.
This class is an overview of the multi-camera television production format. After becoming
familiar with this type of production and the equipment involved, class will be comprised
primarily of weekly studio shooting. We will be rotating in such positions as director,
cinematographers, technical director, stage manager, assistant director, producer and production
designer. Everyone will have an opportunity to direct an in-class project each week. You will
learn and practice the studio multi-camera format. You will learn how to break down scripts into
shot lists and how to do live editing.
Course Prerequisites:
PHOT 1500 or EIMA 1100.
Course Objectives:
1. Learn the methods of pre-production, production and post-production from a live, in-
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studio standpoint.
Learn and exercise the shooting techniques and stage management of the multi-cam
format.
Learn to stage a scene and rehearse it.
Learn how to break down a script into shots that you will execute under time
constraints.
Learn how to manage a crew and fulfill your vision.
Learn the technical aspects involved in shooting multi-cam and live studio work and
become familiar and comfortable with the equipment.
Required & Supplemental Materials:
Textbook: Television Production Handbook (Current Edition) by Zettl
Course Structure:
a. Major class activities include lectures, in-class lab assignments, homework, group
activities/discussions, and various resources including trade journals and handouts
of current events, industry news, trends, theories, principles and practices.
Viewing of television commercials/programs, motion picture films, scripts,
Internet resources, possible industry guest speaker(s), and/or a possible field trip.
b. Non-class activities include assigned text readings, homework writing
assignments, research and other efforts.
COURSE ASSESSMENT
1. Types of Assessment/Assignments
You will mainly be assessed on your work in the studio. I expect all of you to become
familiar with all of the roles, and you will be graded on your performance in each role and
your support and commitment to the project at hand. As director, you are relying on your
classmates to help you fulfill your vision, and they expect the same of you. We will be using
a textbook so that you understand and comprehend the terminology and the extensive
equipment and filming techniques. It will be a resource for you, and you will be assessed
based on what you absorb from the lectures, textbook, and workshops. Commitment and
getting things done on time are important and will be taken into account.
2. Grading Policy
Class participation, attendance, class preparation, use of class time: 30%
Workshop as director: 25%
Workshop as supporting roles: 30%
Written work: 5%
Quizzes/Tests: 10%
Written Work
 When you are the director the following written work is required to turn in:
1. Two scripts: a clean one, and a marked one with your shots
2. Floor plan/overhead (including subjects, furniture and camera placement)
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Maintenance of Student Records
Students will receive feedback on all assignments.
Papers/projects/tests will be returned in class with instructor comments.
The instructor will maintain a portfolio of all work produced.
Every effort will be made to return all papers/projects/tests. See the instructor to make
arrangements if necessary.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
This class will cover a lot of ground for the time allotted, so it is important that you ATTEND
class and arrive on time. Please notify me ahead of time by phone or e-mail if you are unable to
attend class. Class participation is expected. I expect that assignments will be completed and
turned in on time. Again, please contact me if you find that you are unable to meet those
requirements. Respect and courtesy towards others in the classroom is, of course, expected. It is
also expected that you handle all of the equipment with care, and take responsibility for storing,
handling, and treating equipment properly while in your possession.
Notice: This syllabus is written as a guideline of class topics, activities, and overall schedule.
However, I may make changes to the curriculum and/or schedule as I see fit. These
modifications will not substantially change the intent or objectives of this course and will be
done within the policies and guidelines of Metropolitan Community College.
LEARNING SUPPORT
Metro's Academic Resource Center and Writing Center can help you achieve educational
success. The staff in these centers provide drop-in assistance with basic math, reading, writing
and computer skills. We offer a friendly, supportive learning environment. Self-paced computerassisted instructional support in reading, vocabulary, typing, English as a Second Language, and
online course orientation is also available.
Detailed information about these services are in the Student Handbook, College Catalog, and
online. Links to these resources are located at http://www.mccneb.edu/learningcenter/.
COLLEGE POLICIES
College policies, such as student rights and responsibilities, academic standards, plagiarism, and
etc. are outlined in the College Catalog and Student Handbook. This information can be
accessed via the online catalog at http://www.mccneb.edu/academics/catalog.asp.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL
If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you should officially withdraw by calling
Central Registration at 402-457-5231 or 1-800-228-9553. Failure to officially withdraw will
result in either an attendance-related failure (FX) or failing (F) grade. The last date to withdraw
is noted in the CLASS IDENTIFICATION section of this syllabus.
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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT: The college has a standard code of conduct that involves
consequences for specific academic and non-academic behavior that may result in a failing
grade, probation, or suspension from the college. More complete information about the code of
conduct is located in the Student Services portion of the online catalog
(http://www.mccneb.edu/catalog/studentinformation.asp).
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have a disability
that may substantially limit your ability to participate in this class, please contact a Vocational
Special Needs Counselor, located in the Student Services Office on each campus. Metropolitan
Community College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with documented
qualifying disabilities. However, it is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations.
For further information, please contact the Student Services Office at your campus.
[Other pertinent college policies are posted on the CDS website www.mccneb.edu/cds; it is
suggested, but not required, that they be attached to your syllabus.]
Calendar:
Monday, March 15, 2010
 Intro to class: read syllabus, tour of studio and control room
 Talk about options for your shooting day: television scene, interview, live show, scene
from play
 Division of roles
Homework:
 Read Section 1
Monday, March 22, 2010
 Shoot interview segments
 Practice in studio, switching roles
Homework:
 Read Section 2
Monday, March 29, 2010
 TV commercial shoot or continue with interviews – switch roles
Homework:
 Read Section 3
Monday, April 5, 2010
 How to mark up scripts
 Director #1 Workshop
Homework:
 Read Section 4
Monday, April 12, 2010
 Director #2 & 3 Workshop
Homework:
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
Read Section 5
Monday, April 19, 2010
 Director #4 Workshop
 Test on Sections 1-5
Homework:
 Read Section 6.1 and 6.2
Monday, April 26, 2010
 Director #5 & 6 Workshop
Homework:
 Read Section 7, 8
Monday, May 3, 2010
 Director #7 & 8 Workshop
Homework:
 Read Section 9, 10
Monday, May 10, 2010
 Director # 9 Workshop
 Review for Test
Homework:
 Read Section 10, 13
Monday, May 17, 2010
 Test on Sections 6-10 & 13
 Free for any make-up studio time
Monday, May 24, 2010
 Wrap-up
 In-class shoot (live performance?)
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