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JOMC 221.8
Audio-Video Information Gathering
T/TH 12:30-1:45
CA 268
Instructor: Professor Brynne Miller
Email: brynnemiller@unc.edu
Office: CA 261
Office Hours: T/TH 11:00-12:15
Required Supplies
• Memory card for camera - - SDHC card Speed Class 10 16GB or larger
(must be able to store HD video)
• Headphones (earbuds are not the best for production)
Suggested Supplies
• External hard drive with 1TB storage
Required Supplemental Material: As a student, you have a free subscription to
Lynda.com tutorials. Throughout this course, we will be viewing some of these
videos during class and I will ask you to watch some outside of class as well. To
login in, you go to: https://software.sites.unc.edu/lynda/ and use your onyen
username and password.
Course YouTube channel
You will upload all your projects and in-class assignments to our class YouTube
channel. Be sure to label your projects with your name and section number.
Username: Miller.JOMC.221@gmail.com
Password: JOMCFall15! (case sensitive)
Course Description
This course introduces you to the tools and skills needed to engage in quality
storytelling with audio and video in broadcast and multimedia environments.
Emphasis is on mastering technical and aesthetic aspects of audio and video
information gathering. As this course is also intended to give students insight
into what they might expect as entry- level employees in “the real world,”
attention to detail is key, as is timeliness, thoroughness and active participation
in course activities.
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Course Goals
The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
(ACEJMC) has put forth the following basic competencies students should have
achieved once they have completed their degree program:
• Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press
for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located, as well as
receive instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of
expression around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and
criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and
institutions in shaping communications;
• Demonstrate an understanding of gender, race ethnicity, sexual orientation and,
as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass
communications;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of
the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society;
• Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images
and information;
• Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work
ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
• Think critically, creatively and independently;
• Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the
communications professions in which they work;
• Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the
communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
• Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness,
clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
• Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
• Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions
in which they work.
In this particular course, we will be specifically concentrate
on the fifth and last competencies listed:
• You will learn to recognize, use, and know the functions and limitations of the
equipment introduced in class
• You will be able to critique others’ work according to the quality of
preproduction and production
• You will be able to plan and execute short, clean, logically-flowing productions
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Attendance Policy
Attendance and participation in class are critical for success as a student.
Attendance is required. You are allowed one free absence. After that, I will deduct
2 points from your final grade for each subsequent absence.
Late Assignments
Assignments are considered late if they are not turned in at the start of class on
the due date. The penalty for late submissions is 10 points (a letter grade) the
first day and 2 points for each day after that.
Grading
You are graded according to the highest professional standards. The breakdown
in percentages is listed below.
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
F
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
93-100%
90-92%
87-89%
83-86%
80-82%
77-79%
73-76%
70-72%
67-69%
60-66%
59% or below
I will follow the University’s grading standards, as adopted by the Faculty Council:
A: Mastery of course content at the highest level that can be reasonably be
expected of students at a given state of development. The “A” grade states clearly
that the student has shown such outstanding promise in the aspect of the
discipline under study that he/she may be strongly encouraged to continue.
B: Strong performance demonstrating a high level of attainment for a student at a
given stage of development. The “B” grade states that the student has shown
solid promise in the aspect of the discipline under study.
C: A totally acceptable performance demonstrating an adequate level of
attainment for a student at a given stage of development. The “C” grade states
that, while not yet showing any unusual promise, the student may continue to
study in the discipline with reasonable hope of intellectual development.
D: A marginal performance in the required exercises demonstrating a minimal
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passing level of attainment for a student at a given stage of development. The
“D” grade states that the student has given no evidence of prospective growth in
the discipline; an accumulation of D grades should be taken to mean that the
student would be well advised not to continue in the academic field.
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F: For whatever reason, an unacceptable performance. The “F” grade indicates
that the student’s performance in the required exercises has revealed almost no
understanding of the course content.
Plagiarism and Honesty
As a journalist, your integrity is of the utmost importance. If you are serious
about a career in this field, you must practice the honesty and integrity this
University demands. You are expected to produce your own work in this class.
You need to know and follow UNC’s policies regarding academic honesty
(http://honor.unc.edu). I will enforce all these rules.
Seeking Help
If you need individual assistance, it’s your responsibility to meet with me. If you
are serious about wanting to improve your performance in the course, the time
to seek help is as soon as you are aware of the problem – whether the problem is
difficulty with course material, a disability, or an illness.
Special Accommodations
If you require special accommodations to attend or participate in this course,
please let the instructor know as soon as possible. If you need information about
disabilities visit the Accessibility Services website at
https://accessibility.unc.edu/
Diversity
The University’s policy on Prohibiting Harassment and Discrimination is outlined
in the Undergraduate Bulletin (http://www.unc.edu/ugradbulletin/.) UNC is
committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all
members of our community and does not discriminate in offering access to its
educational programs and activities on the basis of age, gender, race, color,
national origin, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation,
gender identity, or gender expression.
Class Conduct
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It’s my expectation that you will not receive, place calls, or text during class
time. Your participation is vital to your success in this class. If you are not paying
attention because you’re doing something else, your grade will reflect that. If you
anticipate an emergency during class time, it’s your responsibility to notify me in
advance and make arrangements accordingly.
Equipment Policy
You will be paired into teams of two for using the equipment. You must fill out
the school’s equipment form (on Sakai) each time you check out gear. The
general check out period is 72 hours but you will be allowed to renew gear based
on availability.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Project 1 - Sequence Story (15 points) – This project is a 1:00 ‘story’ without
words: a collection of footage of a sequence of actions that make up a single
event. (ex. doing laundry, cooking a meal, etc.) This exercise is designed to get
you thinking about shot variety and sequential action. This exercise also gives
you an opportunity to practice the art of ‘movement’ using stationary shots,
action follow-through and use of compelling imagery to tell a story without the
use of text or primary audio.
Project 2 – Audio Story (20 points) – This project is a 1:30 audio story with an
interview and ambient sound. This exercise is designed to get you thinking about
how to bring a story to life without the use of visuals to create your imagery. This
exercise is also designed to get you thinking about editing choices, in terms of
choosing which portions of an interview make the most compelling, yet
comprehensible story.
Project 3 – Documentary/News Story (20 points) – This project is a short, 2minute documentary-style or news-style production wherein at least 2
interviews must be intercut with supporting video and ambient sound. Music
may be used, but only if it fits the production. This exercise is intended to solidify
your skills in field production, using both audio and video gathering skills, as well
as good preplanning and editing.
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Project 4 – Music Video (25 points) – This project is a fun exercise wherein you
get the opportunity to put all of the skills you’ve gained in this class with audio
and video gathering into one production. Music must be used to compliment the
audio and video you choose for the production. This exercise should be between
2-3 minutes in length.
Final Exam – (10 points) – There is one final exam with no make-up
opportunity. Missed exams will get 0 points. This final will cover all class
material and in-class experience with the equipment. Emphasis will be on the
lectures and supplemental materials.
Class Participation (10 points) – There will be several opportunities for in-class
assignments as we learn about concepts related to audio and video gathering and
work with the equipment. Your participation in class discussions, critique
sessions and overall respectfulness for your fellow classmates and me will also
influence your participation grade.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Week 1
Tuesday 8/18: Introduction to course
Thursday 8/20: Introduction to video storytelling/Preproduction planning
Week 2
Tuesday 8/25: Introduction to video composition
Thursday 8/27: Video composition continued
Week 3
Tuesday 9/1: Camera orientation
Thursday 9/3: Video editing orientation
Informal written proposal for Project 1 due
Week 4
Tuesday 9/8: Video editing orientation continued: color correction, SWAP,
applying transitions
Thursday 9/10: Use class time to work on project 1
Week 5
Tuesday 9/15: Lighting Techniques
Thursday 9/17: Audio editing orientation
Project 1 due
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Week 6
Tuesday 9/22: Storytelling with audio
Informal written proposal for project 2 due
Thursday 9/24: View/critique project 1 in class
Week 7
Tuesday 9/29: The basics of interviewing
Thursday 10/1: Use class time to work on project 2
Week 8
Tuesday 10/6: Revisiting visual storytelling and pre-production
Project 2 due
Thursday 10/8: Capturing audio for video
Informal written proposal for project 3 due
Week 9
Tuesday 10/13: Listen/critique project 2 in class
Thursday 10/15: NO CLASS – Fall Break
Week 10
Tuesday 10/20: Edit pace
Thursday 10/22: Use class time to work on project 3
Week 11
Tuesday 10/27: Use class time to work on project 3
Thursday 10/29: More on post-production techniques
Project 3 due
Week 12
Tuesday 11/3: Audio edit tweaks
Informal written proposal for project 4 due
Thursday 11/5: View/Critique project 3 in class
Week 13
Tuesday 11/10: Use class time to work on project 4
Thursday: 11/12: Use class time to work on project 4
Week 14
Tuesday 11/17: Guest speaker: Dr. Lynn Owens
Review of recent Hearst winning projects
Project 4 due
Thursday 11/19: View/Critique project 4 in class
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Week 15
Tuesday 11/24: View/Critique project 4 in class
Thursday 11/26: NO Class – Thanksgiving Break
Week 16
Tuesday 12/1: Final Exam Review
Final Exam: Tuesday, December 8th at 12:00 p.m.
*Note: This schedule is a guide, and isn’t etched in stone. We’ll probably make
adjustments as we go along.
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