Write, Shoot, Edit, Repeat!
Students explore and develop a deeper understanding of each stage of fiction film production, with particular emphasis on techniques used for lighting, sound, camera, and editing. Students will exercise their skills through a variety of hands-on location productions, editing assignments, and team development.
Required Equipment List
Hard Drive
This class requires the use of a portable external hard drive of at least 1TB in capacity. It is essential that you purchase a reliable one from a reputable vendor. I recommend the following four drives (click images for online retailer):
Memory Card
You are going to need a solid memory card that has enough capacity to be useful, and enough read/write speed to work reliably in the camera you use. Each of the following SD cards are great for what we will do during the semester (click images for online retailer):
Headphones
For video/audio editing in class and monitoring camera audio while shooting. You should get headphones that physically isolate the sound from outside noises. “Boosted” bass frequencies or sound cancelling features are NOT recommended because they process the sound before they reach your ears. It’s important to have a “flat” signal reach your ears to hear exactly what you are recording. The following are some great options at different price points depending on your needs (click images for online retailer):
Colored Gels
To practice lighting techniques, you need your own kit of colored gels. These are light modifiers that change the color of the lights we use in this class. They are heat resistant and render color in magnificent ways. Lesser quality gels can melt and often do not render color as vividly or with as much punch. Stick with one of these specific kits and you’ll be set (click image for online retailer).
Batteries
To power your wireless microphones, you will need AA batteries. While you can purchase these anywhere, some batteries perform better/longer than others. Outside of what you can purchase at the grocery store, consider the following as other options (click images for online retailer):
Long-lasting single-use Lithium Batteries
Rechargeable Batteries with Charger
Camera/Light/Sound Equipment:
You will check out production equipment from our equipment room located in NQSC 208. Before you do, check out the equipment room policy linked below:
Adobe Premiere
There are two Mac Labs that you can use in the COM building located in Room 218 and 311. There are also a few iMac computers in the Newsroom on the second floor across from 218. You will be authorized for evening and weekend access to the Mac Labs via your passport. The Media Lab in Smith Library (first floor) also has Adobe software.
