GRD 4400:
Design for Film and TV
Instructor: Jeff Boortz, Assistant Professor
Class: MW 11:00ap- 8:20p Room 460
Office Hours: MW 10:00a-11:00a, 4:30p-5:30p; before or after class, by appointment
Office: Room 459B, Art / Humanities Building
Email: jboortz@gsu.edu
Blog: http://professorboortz.com/grd4400_design-for-film-and-tv/
CRN: 83300
Prerequisites
Prerequisites: GRD 3200 with grade of C or higher, and consent of graphic design coordinator or
instructor.
Overview
Design of motion graphics for film and broadcast applications; traditional and digital presentation
techniques; demonstrations and/or practical experience on various broadcast and film systems;
professional practices; contemporary use of typography and digital systems including audio. Lab
Fee: $20.00.
The main goal of this course is to expand the student’s understanding of the principles and
experience with industry standard tools of motion graphic design. In it we will explore the rules,
conventions and unique opportunities offered by the most common formats for motion graphic
design work in the Entertainment Marketing, Content Production, and Advertising Industries
including the Feature Film Main Title, a TV Commercial, and a Web Viral.
There will be a continuing focus on research, branding, conceptualization, development of ideas,
pre-visualization, production, time management and problem-solving techniques.
Assignments, updates, and project examples will be available via my blog at
http://professorboortz.com/grd4400_design-for-film-and-tv/. Students are responsible for visiting the
blog regularly to keep up with assignment examples and expectations for the class. Projects will be
scheduled to ensure ample time is given to complete them. Be prepared for weekly class
discussions and critiques on assignment progress. Expect to work on class assignments outside of
our regular class time. You are expected to show professionalism in your work and work ethic.
Georgia State University | Spring Semester 2013 | GRD 4400 | Boortz |
Room 468
GRD 4400: Design for Film and TV
Instructor: Jeff Boortz
Class: MW 11:00ap- 8:20p Room 460
Suggested Textbooks
Graphic Design - The New Basics by Ellen Lupton
Motion by Design by Spencer Drate, David Robbins, Judith Salavetz, Lawrence Kind Publishing,
2006
The 30 Second Storyteller, The Art and Business of Directing Commercials, By Thomas
Richeter, Thompson Course Technology, 2007
Advertising Now, TV Commercials, Edited by Julius Wiedemann, Taschen
Film Directing Shot by Shot, Visualizing from Concept to Screen. By Steven D. Katz, Michael
Wiese Productions, 1991
Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics by John Krasner, Focal Press 2008
Software Programs
Students will be using Adobe Creative Suite programs during this course. In particular Adobe
Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects. In addition, we will be using Apple’s Final Cut Pro. Every
student is expected and encouraged to learn all the software programs outside of the classroom
experience. Most of the classroom lab time will focus on the conceptual part of the graphic design
process, although demonstrations will be provided from time to time for specific projects. If you need
additional assistance with learning software programs, there are several places students can visit
which will prove to be very beneficial. See Digital Aquarium at GSU for classes (all classes and
printouts are free) or you can join Lynda.com for a minimal fee.
These books are also very helpful:
Adobe After Effects CS6- Classroom in a Book, Adobe Press
Final Cut Pro X, Professional Video Editing, Apple Pro Training Series, by Diana Weynand,
2012
Georgia State University | Spring Semester 2013 | GRD 4400 | Boortz |
Room 468
GRD 4400: Design for Film and TV
Instructor: Jeff Boortz
Class: MW 11:00ap- 8:20p Room 460
Important Links
http://professorboortz.com/grd4400_design-for-film-and-tv/
My blog. I will post all assignments and the syllabus here. I will also, occasionally post examples,
and relevant observations.
Grading
Students are required to complete all the coursework as prescribed by the Instructor’s deadlines.
See Deadlines for additional grading procedures.
1. Project 1: One Shot Commercial
2. Project 2: Animated Web Viral
3. Project 3: Feature Film Main Title
25%
25%
50%
GRADING SCALE:
A
AB+
B
B-
93-100 4.00
90-92 3.70
87-89 3.30
83-86 3.00
80-82 2.70
C+
C
CD
F
77-79 2.30
73-76 2.00
70-72 1.70 (not passing)
60-69 1.00
Below 60 0.00
Assignments
Project 1: One Shot TV Commercial
This project is a TV commercial in the Mise en Scene style. It uses deep space and character
blocking to communicate in only one shot. It is a great project to become familiar with linear media
storytelling, and the mechanics of live action video capture. This project counts for 25% of our total
class grade.
Project 2: Animated Web Viral
This project is an graphic and typographic animation that acts as a companion piece to the one-shot
commercial. It promotes the same product or service, but communicates with animated graphic
elements only, no live-action. Because it is for the web, it’s length is open, but must be at least 15
seconds. This project counts for 25% of your total class grade.
Project 3: Feature Film Main Title
This project takes us through the full professional process of creating a feature film main title. We
deconstruct existing main titles and explore the many roles main titles can serve. Each student will
create a new main title for an existing film.
Georgia State University | Spring Semester 2013 | GRD 4400 | Boortz |
Room 468
GRD 4400: Design for Film and TV
Instructor: Jeff Boortz
Class: MW 11:00ap- 8:20p Room 460
Students are subjected to many types of different Instructors and their various methods of teaching
during their undergraduate years. Therefore it is necessary for students to remain open to the
classroom experience as well as to the critiques from their peers. It is the intent and preparation by
these Instructors that students gain the basic intermediate education during the semester in order to
prepare themselves for future classes or for application to the BFA graphic design program and
beyond. Your class will move at its own pace and assignments can and will vary from the other
instructors and classes being taught. One Instructor’s opinion can (and probably will) vary from
another Instructor’s. Be open for those opinions and then form your own conclusion.
Critiques
All students must learn to discuss their work during critiques, as they would have to do in a business
/ client working relationship. Students will also be required to submit a creative brief along with all the
work due at the final class critique. Students should learn the art of discussion about their creative
work in a classroom environment. All work at critiques must be printouts unless otherwise advised by
the Instructor.
Craftsmanship is crucial to the success of the entire project. Pay attention to the details!
Final presentations should be mounted printouts (continue following the board size and color that
you previously have followed).
Deadlines
Each assignment will have sufficient time allotted for you to complete the project. The due date for
each assignment will be announced at the beginning of each project, and you will be reminded of it
often. For any work not turned in on the due date, one letter grade will be removed for each calendar
day it is late (not class day!). Grades will be determined after each project’s critique takes place;
failure to participate in an announced critique will result in an F for that assignment, whether your
project is complete or not. Students arriving late for the critique may participate only if they are less
than 10 minutes late to class. Design, concept, participation, and craftsmanship all factor into your
project grade. If you know you will miss a critique for any reason, you may turn in work early for an
early critique, but you may not turn in the project late without penalty.
Meeting a deadline is crucial to the understanding of personal time management and professional
standards in the industry. Time management works in tandem with creativity. True understanding of
time management increases you productivity, thus eliminating stress at critiques. Build in prep time
for printing and any possible snafus that may occur with each project. Think ahead and be prepared.
This includes drive time to class, production problems, sickness, weather conditions, and other
emergencies that may arise unexpectedly.
* If a student foresees a problem with a due date/deadline it is the student’s responsibility to contact
the Instructor prior to the critique. Communication with the Instructor is important if any problem
arises regarding any course situation. Communication is key.
Georgia State University | Spring Semester 2013 | GRD 4400 | Boortz |
Room 468
GRD 4400: Design for Film and TV
Instructor: Jeff Boortz
Class: MW 11:00ap- 8:20p Room 460
Attendance
Attendance will be taken at the beginning of every class. If you are enrolled in this class and do not
attend the first and second meetings, you will be asked to drop the class. Unexcused absences and
habitual tardiness will not be tolerated! Students are allowed three absences; however, each
absence beyond three (without documentation) will result in your final grade being reduced by one
letter grade. It is a good idea to keep those three absences for unexpected situations and
emergencies. If you know you are going to miss a class, let me know. Three late
arrivals of more than 15 minutes will be counted as an absence. More than three absences may
result in you being asked to withdraw from the class. You are responsible for any material missed
due to lateness or absence. You are expected to return to class with any materials required during
your absence and any work currently due. Please be courteous and come to class on time.
Email Accounts
I will be contacting you through your GSU email account as well as any personal account you
provide, so you MUST check it on a regular basis. When you email me, please put your course in the
subject line to help me tokeep track of our correspondence. Saying you have not checked it will not
be considered a sound excuse for missing important information.
Disruptions
Disrespect towards the professor or towards other students will not be tolerated in this class.
Disruptive behavioris grounds for dismissal from class. Students should consult the General Catalog
for the university’s policy on disruptive behavior. Cell phones should be on silent mode during class,
and are not to be used unless we’re taking a break. Do not use class time or resources for
recreational purposes or to work on assignments from other classes. Do not use the internet to
access material unrelated to class. Sending text messages, or accessing Myspace, Facebook, or
any other social networking site during class time is not acceptable. Be respectful so you don’t miss
anything!
Academic Honesty & Plagiarism
Plagiarism continues to be a huge problem in most areas of graphic design. Since the invention of
the Internetpeople have been downloading, swiping, and sampling other people’s artwork and words
and claiming them fortheir own. This is type of behavior is not permitted in the classroom as well in
the professional world. There areexceptions that might allow others to use someone else’s work but
usually that is when the work becomes footnotedor given proper credit in the format it is being used.
Georgia State University | Spring Semester 2013 | GRD 4400 | Boortz |
Room 468
GRD 4400: Design for Film and TV
Instructor: Jeff Boortz
Class: MW 11:00ap- 8:20p Room 460
GSU has a very tough policy on plagiarism that every student should be aware of in the University
catalogue. This includes expulsion from not only the particular class but possibly from the University
as well. (http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwdos/codeofconduct_conpol.html)
The easiest route around plagiarism is to always create your own work. It is ultimately your own
artistic voice that wants to succeed. Take your own photos, write your own words / copy, and
illustrate your own imagery. Everyone can certainly be inspired by others work, but let that translate
only into inspiration to motivation of your own work. Every student in my class is expected to create
their own imagery for all their projects. All work that has not been created, conceived or produced by
the student and used in this course will be considered plagiarism. The only exception to this rule is if
the chosen client gives you written permission for you to use some of their existing work and to
incorporate that into your own work for the semester. No one can ever accuse another student of
plagiarism if they work off of their own creativity.
Please do not purchase stock photography or illustrations from other reputable companies; we want
to see what sort of imagery, texture, typography, and overall design you can create on your own.
You will be allowed to download, purchase and use any font for any project during the semester.
Disclaimer
The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may be necessary.
Tentative Schedule
This is our tentative schedule, and is subject to change. Any change in due dates will be
communicated as soon as possible.
#
1
Class-Date
M. 01.14
Details
Lecture: Intro to class. Motion Graphics –Clients, Linear Media,
and the power of Story.
Assigned: Project 1: One Shot Commercial
2
W. 01.16
Lecture: Making great life action using your F.I.S.T: Framing,
Illumination, Space and Time
Due: Project 1A Location Scout.
--
M. 01.21
MLK Day- No Class
3
W. 01.23
Due: Project 1B- Brand Research, Concepts, Scripts and
Storboards- Critique
4
M. 01.28
Lecture: The Camera, Available Lighting, and Sound
Georgia State University | Spring Semester 2013 | GRD 4400 | Boortz |
Room 468
Project 1: Production Workday for remainder
5
W. 01.30
Project 1: Production Workday
6
M 02.04
Project 1: Production Workday
7
W. 02.06
Due: Project 1C: One Shot Commercial - Final QTs- Critique
Assigned: Project 2: Animated Web Viral
8
M. 02.11
Lecture: Motion Graphic Design Essentials
Project 2: Concepts and Styleframes workday
Due: Project 1D: One Shot Commercial - Process PDFs.
9
W. 02.13
Project 2: Concepts and Styleframes workday
10
M. 02.18
Due: Project 2- Concepts and Style Frames- Critque.
11
W. 02.20
Project 2- Animation Workday
12
M. 02.25
Lecture: Main Titles- Roles and Structures-Main Title
Deconstructions, Research and Creative Briefs
Assigned: Project 3: Main Title
13
W. 02.27
Project 3: Main Title -Deconstruction Workday
14
M. 03.04
Due: Project 3: Main Title- Deconstruction, Research – Word
Doc.
Creative Brief Workday for remainder.
(Semester Midpoint- Last Day to Withdraw)
15
W. 03.06
Lecture: Project 3: Concepting and Style Frames
Due: Project 3: Main Title - Creative Brief – Word Doc.
16
M. 03.11
Due: Project 2: Animated Web Viral- WIP –Animatic Critique
Project 3: Main Title Concepts and Style Frames Workday for
remainder.
17
W. 03.13
Lecture: Prepro Revisions and Full Storyboards
Project 3: Concepts and Style Frames Workday for remainder.
--18
M. 03.18
W. 03.20
M. 03.25
Spring Break- No Class
Spring Break- No Class
Due: Project 3: Main Title -Concepts and Style Frames- 11 x
Georgia State University | Spring Semester 2013 | GRD 4400 | Boortz |
Room 468
17 Prints for Critique + PDF
19
W. 03.27
Lecture: The Animatic, and Production
Project 3: Revisions and Full Storyboards Workday for
remainder
20
M. 04.01
Due: Project 3: Main Title - Full Storyboards- 11 x 17 Prints
for Critique + PDF
21
W. 04.03
Project 2 or 3: Animatic and Production Workday
22
M. 04.08
Due: Project 3: Main Title - Animatic- QT for Critique
23
W. 04.10
Project 2 or 3: Production Workday
24
M. 04.15
Due: Project 2: Animated Web Viral- Final QTs
Project 3: Production Workday
25
W. 04.17
Lecture: Main Title Post-Production
Project 3: Production Workday for remainder
Due: Project 2: Process PDF
26
M. 04.22
Due: Project 3: Main Title - Production WIP- QT for Critique
27
W. 04.24
Project 3: Post-Production Workday
28
M. 04.29
Project 3: Post Production Workday
29
W. 05.01
Due: Main Title Final QT for Critique
Due: Main Title Post Production- Process PDF