TFM 561. Advanced Television Production - Fall 2014 - Course Syllabus
Instructor: Timothy A. Powell, Ph.D. Professor. San Diego State University.
Office Location: COM 124A
Office Hours: Thursday 1-2pm and by appointment.
Telephone: (619) 820-7673.
e-mail: tpowell@mail.sdsu.edu
Classroom: COM 172 (Studio A)
Lab: COM 172 (Studio A)
Class Meetings: M 4:30pm-8:10pm and ARRANGED.
General Methodology Used in Teaching the Course:
This course is an advanced production practicum course emphasizing live, remote, multi-camera video
production. This is an intensive hands-on workshop that emphasizes project-based learning. In addition to
the invaluable experience you will gain in the completion of your projects, you will also gain valuable
credits for your resume. This class is a process-oriented course where you will be required to plan and
shoot television projects and participate in the projects of others. Also, you will be learning to work as a
professional on large-scale, professional quality productions.
Attendance is mandatory for all class sessions and as required for remote projects, production meetings,
etc. outside of class time. All students are expected to contribute to the class discussions, critiques and
projects.
This course assumes and assigns a significant commitment of time and resources outside of class due to the
nature of producing multicamera programs of live events. Each student must assess his or her own time
commitments and plan accordingly. As in the film and television industry, deadlines must be met. Projects
MUST be completed and delivered ON-TIME and must meet all broadcast specifications and requirements.
Course Objectives:
1) To build on existing knowledge and skills of television production especially in a live or multi-camera
environment.
2) To enhance student’s knowledge of multi-camera production techniques for live events, broadcasts, and
live-stream web productions.
3) To refine and enhance student’s knowledge of all aspects of television, video and new media production
including producing, directing, technical operation of video equipment, lighting, sound writing,
and production planning.
4) To provide a creative workshop environment for creating television programs for broadcast and live
streaming, including multicamera editing.
5) To provide hands-on experience with broadcast and technical equipment including basic
operation and techniques.
Assignments:
Several multicamera, live-event recordings, broadcasts, and live-stream webcasts will be scheduled
throughout the semester. Each student must participate in at least 5 productions. Participation can include
acting as producer, director, technical director, camera operator, sound, dolly grip, or other production
positions for live events, or as a multicam editor, show editor, colorist, or graphics producer. Although at
least 5 productions are required, students are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to participate in more
productions as it will greatly add to your learning experience and provide additional resume credits.
Individual Crew Assignments: Typically, crew assignments will be decided within project groups, although
all assignments must be approved by the instructor. The goal of this class is not to have everybody do all of
the positions, but to “specialize” within certain assignments. This will allow you to polish your skills and
develop a professional level of competence. However, there will be opportunities for students to vary their
crew positions. Since we will be producing professional quality productions for professional organizations
and broadcast, students will be assessed for their ability to excel in a position before they can be assigned to
that position. Also, this class emphasizes experience in productions that are fully student-produced.
However, there will be certain productions and/or events where professionals will work in certain positions
to ensure the quality of the final product. This will be accomplished as a “mentorship” where students will
be allowed to observe and learn from the professional.
COURSE POLICIES
Attendance:
Attendance is required at ALL classes and production meetings. Attendance is also required at your
assigned group’s productions including setup, rehearsal, shoot and strike (including returning equipment to
the University). Unexcused absences from class or production meetings scheduled with the instructor will
result in a severe grade penalty. Lateness or absence due to documented medical or family emergency will
be excused. However, project assignments are still due on time unless previous arrangement with the
instructor has been made. Excused absences still may receive a grade penalty at the instructor’s discretion.
Late projects may not be accepted and will also receive a grade penalty at the instructor’s discretion
(usually one full letter grade for work made up in a timely manner). This may include work missed for
excused absences.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Being late to class or productions, leaving early from class or productions, or
“ducking out for a few minutes” without PRIOR consent of instructor may result in a severe grade penalty.
Attendance will be taken either formally or informally throughout the class and remote events. MISSING
CLASS OR REQUIRED EVENTS TO WORK ON ANOTHER FILM OR VIDEO PROJECT OR
TO ATTEND A TELECINE SESSION IN LOS ANGELES IS NOT AN EXCUSED ABSENCE!
Long Days: On some of these productions, workdays may be 12 hours or more. The instructor will attempt
to inform you of the time commitment of the project. If you have any medical conditions, or other
conditions, that may limit your ability to participate in these projects, please let the instructor know. There
are alternative assignments that can be provided to complete the course. In addition, if you are on a
production and have any issues that require attention, please bring these immediately to the attention of the
instructor. Also, be sure to bring water and snacks to all productions, and items such as sunscreen, when
needed. It is YOUR responsibility to monitor your condition and to report any issues to the instructor.
Though we will be doing projects and production days that are very common for professionals in the
industry, it is important not to put yourself, or others, at risk through exhaustion, sun exposure, or other
health or personal challenges. Also, be aware that we will be operating in environments where you will be
exposed to trip hazards, electricity, fall hazards, and other possible hazards. Every effort will be made to
reduce any possible hazards, but you must be personally “safety aware” and point out any potential hazards
to the instructor.
Academic Dishonesty: Although there will be no papers due for this course, academic dishonesty policies
still apply to projects and exams. For example, having someone else do your project work and representing
it as your own work is the same as plagiarism.
Grading Procedures:
Much of the student’s grade will rely on their attendance at mandatory meetings and professionalism in the
production process. There will be a strict adherence to deadlines and delivery schedules. Your Project grade
will also be based on creative, technical and organizational aspects as well as satisfaction of learning
objectives. Students may be graded individually or in groups depending on the nature of the assignment.
You are not competing with others in the class. Your willingness to challenge yourself, ability to overcome
obstacles, achievement of your own personal goals and accomplishment of course objectives will be the
most important factors in determining your project grades. Each grade will be determined based on the
following point system:
Professionalism of Production Methods / Technical Skills
Project 1
Project 2
Project 3
Project 4
Project 5
100 pts.
100 pts.
100 pts.
100 pts.
100 pts.
100 pts.
________
600 pts. Total
If you are late to a project you signed up for, or if you do not show up, a severe grade penalty will result. In
some cases, you will be able to make arrangements to only do setup, or only do the show call for a
production. However, this will only be counted as partial credit for your project. For example, if you have
class and can’t do the setup for a show, you may be able to make PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS with the
instructor. In this case, you will only receive half-credit for the assignment and you must do another show
for half-credit to make it up. When creating crew assignments for each show/project, preference will be
given to those who will be doing the entire show.
Your grade will be based on a percentage of your overall score.
NOTE: Projects often have a cost or fee associated with the project. Each group is responsible to acquire
and pay for equipment insurance. This fee is nominal and is to be shared (split) by the group. Also, parking
at each event is the responsibility of each student. Individual groups may decide to share costs for gas,
parking, food, craft service, etc. Once an agreement for costs is reached among the group, it is required that
each student pay their agreed upon, fair share. Failure to pay may result in loss of privileges, as in other
production courses. Also, loss or damage to equipment is the responsibility of each student group, and each
individual student, for their project.
Incompletes:
No incomplete grades are given for this class unless:
1) You have completed at least 80% of the course
2) The Incomplete results from a documented medical or family emergency or other unusual circumstance
approved by the Department Chair’s office.
3) You are not failing the course at the time the Incomplete is requested.
Miscellaneous
All submitted work must be typed. Scripts and schedules must be submitted in acceptable formats.
Note: Lab Fee: This course is subject to a $10. Lab Fee.
For Students with Disabilities:
If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, it is your
responsibility to contact Student Disability Services at (619) 594-6473. To avoid any delay in the receipt of
your accommodations, you should contact Student Disability Services as soon as possible. Please note that
accommodations are not retroactive, and that accommodations based upon disability cannot be provided
until you have presented your instructor with an accommodation letter from Student Disability Services.
Your cooperation is appreciated.