VSAR 303: Introduction to
Video Art
Time:
Wednesday, Lab 3-4:50;
Lecture/Screenings/Discussion, 5:15-8pm
Location:
Arts 340
Instructor:
Prof. Kristine Diekman
Email: kdiekman@csusm.edu;
http://www.csusm.edu/diekman
Office:
Arts Bldg. 301
Telephone:
760-750-4188
Email:
kdiekman@csusm.edu
Office
Hours: Fridays, Noon Ð 2, or by appointment
VPA
Admin. Asst.: Lani Woods, 760-750-4137; lanwoods@csusm.edu
Technician:
Chad Huggins; cehuggin@csusm.edu
Student
Assistant: Tristan Sagun Tsagun2357@hotmail.com
Vpa website: http://www.csusm.edu/vpa
(click on art events for arts info)
Course
description:
This is a beginning level video production course in
which you will learn to make videos within the context of art making. This
semester will be divided between production, screenings, readings and
discussion. You will learn how to operate digital video cameras, various forms
of digital editing equipment,
lighting, and basic audio recording and mixing. Primary applications you will
use are Final Cut Pro 5, DigiDesign Protools and DVD Studio Pro. A series of technical
and conceptual exercises and assignments will provide the matrix for your
course work, equally emphasizing technique and content. You will also become
familiar with historical and contemporary work by video artists.
Production
assignments:
Assignments
include in-class group projects as well as individual production assignments. I
encourage you to work on individual projects so that you can learn the
technology better and develop your own ideas. However, if you want to work with
someone, please be specific as to each personÕs responsibility in the project.
Assignment #1: In camera edit, group project
Assignment #2: Appropriation/Culture Jam
Assignment #3: Film2music Project
Assignment #4: Interview Project (can work in pairs or
threes)
Required
Texts
á
VSAR
303, Reader. This reader can be purchased at CopyServe, 754 S. Rancho Santa
Fe Rd., San Marcos. 760-599-9923. CopyServe is on the corner of Rancho Santa Fe
and San Marcos Blvd. If you are traveling west on San Marcos Blvd., cross
Rancho Santa Fe, take your first right into the mall, and then an immediate
left. Purchase your reader immediately, as when they run out it may take a day
to have them bind a new one. They do not take phone orders.
á
Final
Cut Pro 5, Diane Weynand, Apple Pro Training Series. Available at the CSUSM
Bookstore. You will be using this book every class period to complete
tutorials.
History,
Theory and Research
We will
cover five historical and theoretical areas of video/media art:
á
Video
and Film Art History
á
Video
Installation Art
á
Media
Activism and Art
á
Indigenous
Video and Film
á
Audio
Art and Sound Design
Readings
There
are assigned readings pertinent to each above area. We will discuss the
readings in class and screen relevant work. There are also technical reading
assignments followed by quizzes.
Video production is labor intensive. This class requires
homework in production, reading and preparation for discussion. Lab time will
mostly be dedicated to completing the Final Cut Pro 5 Tutorials, with some
class time for working on your projects. However, you will need to dedicate
time outside of class to complete production assignments. A good rule of thumb
is that for each minute of completed video, it takes about four hours of work.
The video lab is open 24/7 by calling security (you will be on an access list).
The student assistant, Tristan is available in the lab at these times for extra
assistance:
Mondays: 9 - 11:30
Tuesdays: 9 - 10:50
Wednesdays: 9 -
11:30
Thursdays: 9 -
10:30
Research
Everyone
will complete a research/writing assignment and presentation based on
"Surveying the First Decade", a multi-part history of video art in
the U.S. Research paper should be approximately 5 pages. Presentation
approximately 10:00.
Assignment:
"Surveying the First Decade", videotapes and workbook; available at
the Media Library, 2nd Floor of Kellogg Library. Choose one video
(not an entire reel) from this collection you would like to research and
present a clip to the class. Write a five-page paper exploring this video in
its historical, theoretical, aesthetic, or technical context using at least
three sources for your research. Include bibliography. You must use at least
five citations from VSAR 303 Reader, books on video/film in the library, and
online references at the Experimental Television Center, Video History Project,
http://www.experimentaltvcenter.org/history/index.html
Grading
Your
grade is based on total participation in the class including completing and
discussing readings, attending required events, finishing assignments, working
with groups, and helping to care for the equipment and lab. Each assignment
will be given a letter grade. For production assignments, I will grade evenly
on form and content.
60 %
production assignments (form/technical; content; creativity)
20%
reading/research/quizzes
20 %
attendance and participation
Attendance
is taken at the beginning of class (lab) with a sign in sheet. This is my only
record of your attendance; so don't forget to sign in. Four missed classes constitutes a
failing grade. Leaving class early without permission or not attending lab
constitutes a missed class.
Checkout
of Production Equipment
Please read and review checkout policy. Checkout hours are posted in checkout, Arts 239. A complete list of checkout items is available at Checkout. You are responsible for any damage or loss of equipment. Do not keep equipment in your car. Do not keep it in hot or dusty areas. Always check your equipment when checking it out to make sure it works and has all of the parts you are signing for. You are responsible for everything you sign for. If a piece of equipment is damaged, tell us immediately so we can fix it. DO NOT RETURN EQUIPMENT WHICH SEEMS TO BE IN DISREPAIR. PLEASE INFORM CHECKOUT UPON RETURN. Trouble reports for problems with editing workstations must filled out and left at the workstation.
Remember,
if you do not report broken equipment or problems at the workstations, it will
come back to bite you or your classmate.
Supplies
to purchase
á
3
x 60 minutes MiniDV tapes minimum
á
DVD-R,
several
á
Highly
recommended: Headphones (about $20 dollars)-headphones should be of the
enclosed kind
Most of
these supplies can be purchased at Frys, Circuit City, and San Diego Audio
Video.
Arts
Events:
Arts
and Lectures and the VPA department offer many arts and film events which have
been carefully programmed to benefit students. Although not all of these events
are during this class time, I encourage you to go as many as possible. You
are required to attend two of the events which are listed on this schedule. A
one page response is due after you participate in the event.
The
Arts and Lectures website is: http://al.csusm.edu/A&L/index.php
The VPA department events: http://www.csusm.edu/vpa/events.html
Week-to-Week
Schedule
This
schedule may. If you do not attend class, it is your responsibility to find out
if changes to the schedule were made.
Productions
assignments are given prior to the date they are due, and due dates are listed
on schedule.
Research
assignments and reading assignments are listed on the dates they are due.
VPA
listserv: if
you are a student in the VPA department, you are automatically on the listserv.
I send out frequent calls for interns, production job announcements, film
screenings, and competitions. This is sent to your college email. If you are
not a vpa student, I will send info to you through your college email if you
would like.
Week
1
August
30
Introduction
á
Introduction
to the class; look over cameras
Week
2
á
FCP:
Lesson 1ÑWorking with the Interface. Lesson 9ÑCapturing Footage
á
Introduction
to DV Cameras, Tripods, Timecode; Introduction to FCP
á
In
class project: Go over cameras and tripods in groups
á
Assignment
#1: In Camera Edit; In class, group project; shoot material paying attention to
timecode and timecode breaks and shot composition. BRING MINI DV TAPE. Do all
editing in camera. Finish for next week. In this assignment you will be using
shot composition to create a ÒportraitÓ of a place, object or person. These are
your requirements:
1.
Video
must have no more than 15 shots
2.
Must
be edited in camera (you can capture and edit another version if you want)
3.
Must
include at least 1 macro shot, 1 extreme close up, 1 change of focus (rack
focus), 1 wide shot, 1 pan, 1 tilt, 1 tracking shot, 1 zoom, 1 dutch angle.
Create a simple storyboard before shooting to develop shot order.
4.
Sound
must be diegetic (no sound not present in the scene)
á
Screening:
Eames, ÒTopsÓ; Benning, ÒSelected WorksÓ
á
Reading
Assignment due :
VSAR 303 Reader:
Low Budget Video Bible ,
Camcorder Basics (Chapt. 3);
All in Good Timecode
Broadcast Technology Worktext,
Timecode
Editing Techniques with FCP,
Chapter One, pages 1- 29; Chapter 2, pgs. 31 Ð 54
INSIDE IRAQ: THE UNTOLD STORIES
Tuesday, September 12 Arts 240 @ 05:30p.m
The war in Iraq has been showcased as both an example of
American decisiveness and the catastrophic result of failed leadership. But
beyond the debate, what is the reality of life on the ground? This film shows
Iraq as we've never seen it before.
September
13
Introduction
to Montage
á
FCP:
Lesson 2ÑMarking and Editing; Lesson 3ÑDrag and Drop Editing
á
Show
work from last week if we already havenÕt done so.
á
Introduction
to editing techniques and technology; preparing appropriated imagery for
editing; discussion of montage
á
Assignment
#2: Appropriation and Culture Jam
In this assignment, you will use appropriated footageÑthat is footage from
other sources such as TV, film, web, home movies, etc. You are asked to capture
and re-edit the images to give them a new meaning in a different context. You
can add your own footage to it. The goal is to take footage with a pre-existing
meaning and use, and repurpose it to create a critical, humorous or personal
video. Length: approximately 2 minutes. You can use sync sound, sound you
create, or music.
á
Screening:
Dara Birmbaum, Technology Transformation, Wonder Woman; Craig Baldwin, Sonic
Outlaws
Reading
assignment due, VSAR 303 Reader:
á
Sergei
Eisenstein, Film Form, "The Cinematographic Principle and The
Ideogram"; Prepare for discussion (study questions)
á
VSAR
303 Reader: Low Budget Video Bible, The DV and Mini DV format (Chapt. 12)
á
Editing
Techniques with FCP, Chapter 2, pgs. 55-91
Week
4
September
20
Appropriation
and Culture Jamming
á
FCP:
Lesson 4ÑMarking in the Timeline
á
QUIZ: Camera Basics
á
Outputting
to tape and DVD; intro to DVD Studio Pro
á
Discussion
and work on Assignment #2: Appropriation and Culture Jam; bring footage to work
on in clas
Reading
assignment due, VSAR 303 Reader:
á
Culture
Jamming: Hacking, Slashing and Sniping from the Empire of Signs, Mark Dery; Be
prepared to discuss this chapter (study questions)
Screening:
Media Burn, Ant Farm; Sonic Outlaws, Craig Baldwin
Some links to culture jamming examples
Week
5
Assignment
#2 Due
á
Assignment #2 Due for
screening. Have video ready to show at 5pm. Must be on tape or DVD. Put on
class reel for credit.
Tuesday, October 03 Arts 111 @ 07:00p.m
What if every cell in the body at once has
the potential to perceive the uniqueness and originality of all there is?
LA-based performer/choreographer Hana van der Kolk collaborates with
experimental filmmaker Jesse Johnson and NYC-based performer/choreographer
Layard Thompson to present excerpts from their raucous evening of performance
and film adaptations of dances by groudbreaking choreographer Deborah Hay.
Week
6
October
4
á
FCP
Lesson 7ÑOther Editing Options, Lesson 8ÑBrowser Basics and Project
Customization
á
Introduction
to Video Art History, Theory and Aesthetics
á
I will screen a group
of works which explore some of the historical and contemporary trends in video
art. We will also discuss the differences and similarities video has to film
and new media.
Reading
Assignment:
á
VSAR
303 Reader: ÒVideo as Time, Space
and MotionÓ, pgs. 93-113 (From Digital Currents, Art in the Electronic Age)
á
Assignment
#3: Film2music Project, http://www.film2music.com,
create storyboard for next week. In project, you will use music from the
Film2music website to base your video on. How you approach the video, what
music you choose, if it is abstract or narrative, is your choice. Be as
creative as possible. The project is a competition which you can choose to
submit your work to or not. You can win up to $10,000! Details to be given in
class. I will provide the initial music for youÑbut if you decide to enter the
competition you must purchase and download the music ($9), register at the
site.
Week
7
October
11
á
FCP
Lesson 10ÑApplying Transitions, Lesson 12ÑChanging Motion Properties
á
Work on Film2music project:
DUE: present storyboards to class
á
Continue
Introduction to Video Art History, Theory and Aesthetics
á
I
will screen a group of works which explores some of the historical and
contemporary trends in video art in this reading.
Reading
Assignment:
á
VSAR
303 Reader: ÒVideo as Time, Space
and MotionÓ, pgs. 113-128 (From Digital Currents, Art in the Electronic Age).
Prepare for discussion.
The Tailenders
Adele Horne, filmmaker in person
October 12, 5:30pm to 8:00pm, Arts 240
Filmed in the Solomon Islands, Mexico,
India and the United States, "The Tailenders" explores the
connections between missionary activity and global capitalism. The film
examines a missionary organization's use of ultra-low-tech audio devices to
evangelize indigenous communities facing crises caused by global economic
forces.
October
18
á
FCP
Lesson 13ÑApplying Filters
á
Work
on Film2music project
á
Continue
Introduction to Video Art History, Theory and Aesthetics
á
I
will screen a group of works which explores some of the historical and
contemporary trends in video art in this reading.
Reading
Assignment:
á
VSAR
303 Reader: ÒVideo as Time, Space
and MotionÓ, pgs. 129-151 (From Digital Currents, Art in the Electronic Age).
Prepare for discussion.
Week
9
á
Assignment #3: Film2music
due for screening in class. Please have ready at 4pm to show to class. Put
on class reel for credit. We have discussed the submission procedures for
the competition, and how to place your video on website.
á
Arts and Lectures Event
October 26, 27 Arts 111 @ 09:00a.m
Teri Rueb: "TraceÓ Rueb's large-scale
responsive spaces and location-aware installations explore issues of
architecture and urbanism, landscape and the body, and sonic and acoustic
space. In 1999 she launched "Trace", an interactive GPS-based sound
installation set along a network of hiking trails in the Canadian Rockies. Workshop
on October 26th at 5pm to 8pm in ACD209. Workshop is limitedÑcontact kdiekman@csusm.edu. Workshop is hands-on
with GPS devices.
November1
á
FCP, Lesson 15, Adding
Titles and Graphics
á 3pm sharp! Research Presentations and papers due: Surveying the First Decade (I will have your date assigned in advance of presentation: CLICK HERE)
á
PostmarkedDeadline to
send in your video to Film2music
VPA and COMM Visiting Filmmaker Series
Bill Frieberger, in person
November 7, Tuesday, 5:30pm, Arts 240
Bill Freiberger has written and produced
for some of most innovative animated television shows of the last few decades,
including "The Simpsons," "Gregg the Bunny," and the new
Comedy Central animated reality show spoof "Drawn Together." He will demystify the process of
creating and writing for animated television, including videotape of the rough
scenes of the shows as they are being created.
Week
11
á
FCP,
Lesson 14, Multicam Editing
á
Research Presentations
and papers due: Surveying the First Decade (I will have your date assigned
in advance of presentation: CLICK
HERE)
Arts and Lectures Event
Tuesday, November 14 Arts 240 @ 06:00p.m
The History of the Luise–o People: La Jolla Reservation, Christmas 1990 The American Indian Film Festival award winning production for Best Live Performance? is Luna version of Christmas on the Rez. This film is situated in his living room. Armed with a twelve pack of beer and a phone, Luna, behind sunglasses, reaches out to relatives, friends and lovers while attempting to control him self before Christmas evening. His video paints a compassionate, compulsive and repulsive view of drinking alone during the holidays. 28 minutes.
Week
12
November
15
Assignment
#4: The Interview
á
Introduction
to Assignment #4: Make a Tape Based on an Interview
In groups (no more than 3 to a group) or as individuals,
decide on an interview subject(s) and begin to make plans to interview the
subject including, making a site visit, compiling a list of equipment needed,
reserving equipment ahead, making a list questions. This video can be a traditional
documentary style interview, or you can use the interview to create an experimental
video.
á
Introduction to Microphones,
Recording Audio and Lighting: In-class workshop and demo using mics, cables,
connectors, lighting equipment and cameras.In this class, you will work in
groups to set, light, and shoot an interview. Footage will be edited and EQ'ed
next week.
á
Interview
Genres: Talking Head, Verite, Experimental; Guerilla TV
á
Screening: Stanley, Steven
Matheson; ÒTwilightÓ, Anna Deveare Smith (excerpts)
Reading
Assignment due:
VSAR 303 Reader: Audio
á
Sound
Reasoning: Recording Stereo Sound
á
Low
Budget Video Bible, Audio Basics (Chapter 21)
á
Microphones
FCP Lesson 11, Mixing Audio Tracks
Demo on using audio Filters in FCP. In class editing of interview you shot last week. Practice using audio filters. This class will not run the entire night due to the Thanksgiving break.
Week
14
November
29
á Interview Project: Work in Progress due: have 5 minutes of footage or rough edit to show.
HAND
ON QUIZ TODAY!!! DOWNLOAD.
If you have not seen two film related events on campus, here are other ways of fulfilling this assignment:
Watch any film by Errol Morris (Thin Blue Line, in Media Library--on reserve 303)
Watch films by Fredrick Wiseman (we have some inn our Media Library--they are not on reserve; you will have to take them out)
Watch Sonic Outlaws, Craig Baldwin (media library--not on reserve)
Gunner Palace, Michael Tucker (media library--not on reserve)
Born in Brothels, Sana Briski (media library--not on reserve)
Koyaanisqatsi [videorecording] = Life out of balance (media library, not on reserve)
Señorita
Extraviada, Lourdes Portillo (in media library, not on reserve)
Week
15
December
6, Last day of class
Assignment
#4, Interview Due
á
Last
day class-turn in copies of all your videos to me on class reel. Show your
finish interview project to class.