Syllabus
GRD4400/ GRD6400 |
Instructor: Jeff Boortz, Assistant Professor
Class: Monday and Wednesday, 5:30p-8:20p Room ARTS 468
Office Hours: MW 10a-11a; or by appointment
Office: Room 459B, Art / Humanities Building
Email: jboortz@gsu.edu
Blog: http://professorboortz.com/grd4400_design-for-film-and-tv/
CRN: 4400: 88376. 6400: 88368
Prerequisites: GRD 3200 with grade of C or higher, and consent of graphic design coordinator or instructor.
The main goals of this course are to expand the student ’s understanding of the principles and best practices guiding the design and production of Linear Motion Graphic Design, and to gain experience with industry standard tools of the motion graphic designer. 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 a Feature Film Main Title, a TV Commercial, and an Animated Web Viral.
There will be a continuing focus on research, branding, conceptualization, development of ideas, pre-visualization, production, time management and problem-solving techniques.
Lab Fee: $20.00.
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 work-in-progress. Expect to work on class assignments outside of our regular class time. You are expected to show professionalism in your work, work ethic, and in your classroom behavior.

Georgia State University | Spring Semester 2015 | GRD 4400 GRD 6400 | Assistant Professor Boortz | Room 468
Instructor: Jeff Boortz
Class: MW 5:30p-8:20p Room 468
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
Final Cut Pro 7 Advanced Editing [Book] by Michael Wohl · Peachpit Press · Paperback · 465 pages · ISBN 0321636791
Adobe After Effects CS6 Classroom in a Book
By . Adobe Creative Team. Published Jun 15, 2012 by Adobe Press. Part of the Pearson Custom
Library: Computer Science series.
Motion Graphic Design: Applied History and Aesthetics by John Krasner, Focal Press 2008
Motionographer.com
ArtoftheTitle.com
Lynda.com
Students will be using Adobe Creative Suite programs during this course. In particular Adobe
Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere, and After Effects. In addition, you may use Apple’s Final Cut Pro 7 and Maxon’s Cinema 4D. 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 basic 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 visit Lynda.com for online tutorials.

Georgia State University | Spring Semester 2015 | GRD 4400 GRD 6400 | Assistant Professor Boortz | Room 468
Instructor: Jeff Boortz
Class: MW 5:30p-8:20p Room 468
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.
Motion Graphics, like the film and TV production industry, is highly collaborative. It is rare that a project is designed, directed, edited, and animated by a single Creative Director. In this class we will follow the lead of the pros and work in teams of 3 for the set of 3 projects. Each team member will act as the creative director on one project, and as a designer, cameraperson, editor, sound designer, animator on their teammates’ projects.
Students are required to complete all the coursework as prescribed by the Instructor’s deadlines.
See Deadlines for additional grading procedures.
1. Creative Director Project
2. Contributions to Teammate Project A
3. Contributions to Teammate Project B
1000pts
1000pts
1000pts
50%
25%
25%
GRADING SCALE:
Grade % Points Quality Points for GPA
A + 98 – 100 4.30
A 93 – 97 4.00
A-
B+
B
90 – 92
87 – 89
83 – 86
3.70
3.30
3.00
B-
C+
80 – 82
77 – 79
2.70
2.30
C 70 – 76 2.00
D 60 – 69 1.00
F below 60 0.00
WF
IP
0.00
0.00

Georgia State University | Spring Semester 2015 | GRD 4400 GRD 6400 | Assistant Professor Boortz | Room 468
Instructor: Jeff Boortz
Class: MW 5:30p-8:20p Room 468
Project 1: TV Commercials
This project is a :30 HD TV commercial for a consumer product, either in the Mise en Scene style or in the Classic Montage style. One option uses multiple shots and montage editing, the other uses deep space and character blocking to communicate in only one shot. This is a great project to become familiar with linear media storytelling, and the mechanics of live action video capture.
Project 2: Animated Web Viral
This project is a :60 HD graphic and typographic animation that will become part of a social media campaigning to combat violent extremism. We will partner with Chip Barksdale’s marketing class to develop the strategy and creative. This resulting animations will be entered into a contest being held by the US State Department. The creative execution for this project is limited to animated graphic elements only, no live-action. Because it is for the web, it’s length is flexibe, but must be at least 60 seconds.
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 team will create a new main title for an existing film, so that people reviewing your work have an understanding of the film your solution is designed to work within.
Project 4: Process Book
This project is your documentation of your contribution to each of these projects. Because you are working in a team environment, your prospective employer will naturally want to know what your specific contributions were. This book is a visual accompaniment to the story of each project. It should focus on your contributions and include all concept sketches, feedback, iterative design work, production stills (set, actors, equipment, etc.), rough cuts, and your observations and rants about the entire experience. This project will count for 10% of your grade.

Georgia State University | Spring Semester 2015 | GRD 4400 GRD 6400 | Assistant Professor Boortz | Room 468
Instructor: Jeff Boortz
Class: MW 5:30p-8:20p Room 468
Each 3 Student Team will act as a Design Company and make all presentations to the class as a group. You will be judged on the professionalism of your presentation as well as its content. The
Creative Director will take the lead in these discussions, but, as in the real world, his/her teammates will chime in to support the team.
The rest of the class will act as members of the same “Real World” studio, not assigned to this client project. As such, their role will be to challenge the assumptions, and creative decisions made by the project team. Craftsmanship is crucial to the success of the entire project. Pay attention to the details and point out any weaknesses that might reflect poorly on the studio’s output. Part of your grade will be a function of your contributions to improving the entire studio’s output.
Each assignment will have sufficient time allotted for you to complete the project. The due date for each assignment will be one week after the critique. Work that is not presented for critique, however, cannot be submitted for a grade. 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 by deliveries made one week 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 2015 | GRD 4400 GRD 6400 | Assistant Professor Boortz | Room 468
Instructor: Jeff Boortz
Class: MW 5:30p-8:20p Room 468
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.
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.
Disrespect towards the professor or towards other students will not be tolerated in this class.
Disruptive behavior is grounds for dismissal from class. Students should consult the General Catalog for the university’s policy on disruptive behavior. Working (even on projects for this class) while I am lecturing is very disrespectful. 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! If I catch you being disruptive in any of the ways described above I will ask you to leave the classroom for the day.
Plagiarism continues to be a huge problem in most areas of graphic design. Since the invention of the Internet people 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 2015 | GRD 4400 GRD 6400 | Assistant Professor Boortz | Room 468
Instructor: Jeff Boortz
Class: MW 5:30p-8:20p Room 468
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.
The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may be necessary.
This is our tentative schedule, and is subject to change. Any change in due dates will be communicated as soon as possible.
# Class-Date Details
1 M. 08.24 Lecture: Intro to class. Motion Graphics –Clients, Linear Media, and the power of Story.
Assigned: Project 1: TV Commercial
2 W. 08.26
3
4
M.08.31
W.09.02
Lecture: Making great life action using your F.I.S.T: Framing,
Illumination, Space and Time
WIP: Project 1- Brand Research and 3 Concepts
Lecture: The Camera, Available Lighting, and Sound
Project 1: Production Workday for remainder
WIP Critique: Project 1- Script and Storyboards
M.09.07
5 W.09.09
Labor Day Holiday
Project 1: Production Workday

Georgia State University | Spring Semester 2015 | GRD 4400 GRD 6400 | Assistant Professor Boortz | Room 468
6 M.09.14
7 W.09.16
Project 1: Production Workday
Due: Final Critique: Project 1: TV Commercial s
Due: Project 1: Process Pdf.
Assigned: Project 2: Animated Web Viral
8 M.09.21
9 W.09.23
10 M.09.28
Lecture: Motion Graphic Design Essentials
Project 2: Concepts and Style-frames workday
Project 2: Concepts and Styleframes workday
WIP Critique: Project 2- Concepts and Style Frames
11 W.09.30
12 M.10.05
13 W.10.07
14 M.10.12
Project 2- Script and Animation Boards Workday
Assigned: Project 3: Main Title
Lecture: Main Titles- Roles and Structures-Context-
Deconstructions, Research and Creative Briefs
Lecture: The History of Main Titles
Project 2- Submit Script and Animation Boards for Prof Review -
Animatic Workday
Project 3: Main Title -Deconstruction Workday
WIP Critique: Project 3: Main Title- Deconstruction, Research –
Word Doc.
Project 3 Concepts and Style frames Workday for remainder.
October 13
15 W.10.14
Lecture: Project 3: Concepting -Style Frames- Animatic-
Production
Project 3: Main Title Concepts and Style Frames Workday for
16 M.10.19
17 W.10.21
18 M.10.26 remainder.
WIP Critique: Project 2: Animated Web Viral- WIP –Animatic
Project 3: Main Title Concepts and Style Frames Workday for remainder.
Project 3: Main Title Concepts and Style Frames Workday for remainder.
WIP Critique: Project 3: Main Title -Concepts and Style Frames
.PDF

Georgia State University | Spring Semester 2015 | GRD 4400 GRD 6400 | Assistant Professor Boortz | Room 468
19 W.10.28
20 M.11.02
Project 2 or 3: Animatic and Production Workday
Project 2 or 3: Animatic and Production Workday
21 W.11.04
22 M.11.09
23 W.11.11
24 M.11.16
WIP Critique: Project 3: Main Title - Animatic- QT for Critique
Project 2 or 3: Production Workday
Project 2 or 3: Production Workday
Final Critique: Project 2: Animated Web Viral- Final QTs
Due: Project 2: Process PDF
25 W.11.18
-- M.11.23
-- W.11.25
26 M.11.30
27 W.12.02
28 M.12.07
29 W.12.09
Project 3: Production Workday for remainder
Thanksgiving Break- No Class
Thanksgiving Break- No Class
WIP Critique : Project 3: Main Title - Production WIP- QT for
Critique
Project 3: Post-Production Workday
Project 3: Post-Production Workday
Final Critique: Project 3: Main Title Final QT for Critique
Delivery: Project 3: Process PDF