50524 Word, Image, Sound
UTS: Communication: Creative PracticeCredit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks
Requisite(s): 50007 Creative Information Design
Handbook description
This subject emphasises play and experimentation and working collaboratively in media production as well as deepening and extending the range of genres and structures introduced in the subject Creative Information Design. The subject is structured to encourage students to examine the creative possibilities for written text, sound and image. Lectures and tutorials develop skills and techniques in sound, digital photography and video with reference to hybrid or convergent forms of media practice. Students gain hands-on experience with low-end digital camera and low-end digital audio recording equipment. Students also continue to contribute to their course-wide e-portfolio.
Subject objectives/outcomes
Students completing the subject will have the ability to:
- Produce introductory level digital video, photography and sound recording;
- Write appropriately for specific audiences, contexts and purposes;
- Select and apply relevant technologies and creative problem solving to information-based scenarios
- Collaborate effectively in a media production project
- Plan and manage a small media production project
- Reflect on their learning
- Continue the development of their course-wide e-portfolio.
Contribution to graduate profile
- Design and develop information and media content and structures using a wide variety of processes and technologies for diverse audiences in the workplace and society;
- Work collaboratively and strategically to manage projects and implement creative solutions to information problems in the workplace and the broader community;
- Experience a range of professional roles and practices which are the foundation of creative information practice;
- Develop reflective capabilities that underpin innovative information practice and life-long learning.
Teaching and learning strategies
Students will develop their knowledge, technical skills and understanding through lectures and demonstrations, in-class and out-of-class exercises. The emphasis of the teaching and learning is 'learning by doing', ie hands-on and experiential. Ideas and concepts are introduced in lectures and then reinforced through in-class demonstrations, in-class exercises, and out-of-class exercises.
In this subject there will be an emphasis on low-tech, user-friendly technology such as single chip DV cameras, point and shoot digital stills cameras and simple to use mini disc/hard drive recorders. Similarly the software employed tends towards non-proprietary software and / or simple to use programs, eg the I-life set of applications ( I-photo, I-movie, I-Web) .
Content
The course introduces concepts and technical skills integral to creative media production. These include the following:
- Theories relating to creative media production and information design
- Writing style and structure, editing
- Visual storytelling
- Framing and composition
- Screen language/visual grammar
- Basic digital video and photography
- Basic approaches to lighting
- Interviewing
- Location sound recording
- Basic digital stills and moving image manipulation/digital editing
- Introductory post-production sound editing and design
- Working collaboratively on media production projects
- Media project planning and management
- Course-wide portfolio development.
Assessment
Assessment item 1: Creative Sound production (Group)
| Objective(s): | a, b, f |
| Weighting: | 20% |
| Task: | Each group of two students is to develop a creative sound production (two minutes maximum in length after editing) incorporating voice (words), music and/or sound effects in response to an information scenario. Sources used in the production are to be credited verbally at the end of the production and a written document acknowledging all sources must also accompany the work. |
| Assessment criteria: | Students will be assessed on their ability to:
|
Assessment item 2: Thinking Visually - Digital Stills Exercise (Individual)
| Objective(s): | a, b, f |
| Weighting: | 25% |
| Task: | Based on an information scenario or creative brief determined by the subject lecturer, each student is to explore the interplay between image and text to convey a mood, an emotion, a story or an idea using only 7 – 11 digital stills plus text. Students may film more than 11 images but the final presentation cannot include more than this amount. |
| Assessment criteria: | Students will be assessed on their ability to:
|
Assessment item 3: Video Production (Group and Individual)
| Objective(s): | a, b, c, d, e, f |
| Weighting: | Part A 40% (group) + Part B 15% (individual) |
| Task: | Part A: In small groups (maximum of three), students are to develop a creative response (three minutes maximum, after editing) to their chosen scenario using digital video. Students may also choose to record additional sounds and effects using the basic sound recording tools introduced in Assessment Item 1. Each group must develop a planning document providing a production timeframe. Sources used in the production must be acknowledged. Where appropriate these sources should also be credited on screen. Part B: An individual report (1000 words) providing a rationale for all decisions concerning the design and development of the response, its ability to meet the chosen scenario and the production plan and a reflection on the student's learning processes and achievements, collaboration and project management. Reference to relevant literature is required. |
| Assessment criteria: | Students will be assessed on their ability to: Part A:
Part B:
|
Minimum requirements
Participation in class activities form an integral part of this subject; you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. Active participation at all stages will be essential for successful completion of this subject. Should you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence from class (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.
To pass in this subject, students must submit all components of assessment and reach a satisfactory level overall. All assignments should be added to the student's course-wide portfolio.
Indicative references
Allen, R. 2005, How to Write Better English, Penguin.
Cheney, T.A.R. 2001, Writing Creative Nonfiction, Ten Speed Press.
Dancyger, K. 1993, The technique of film and video editing, Focal Press, Boston.
Dancyger, K. 1999, The World of Film and Video Production: Aesthetics and Practices, Harcourt Brace College Publishers, Fort Worth.
Mollison, M. 1997, Producing Videos: A Complete Guide, AFTRS, Sydney.
Murch, W. 1992, In The Blink of an Eye, AFTRS, Sydney.
Vineyard, J. 2000, Setting Up Your Shots Great Camera Moves Every Filmmaker Should Know, Michael Wiese Productions, Studio City CA.
Weis, E. and Belton, J. (eds) 1985, Film Sound: Theory and Practice, Columbia University Press, New York.
Huber, D. M. 2001, Modern Recording Techniques, 5th Ed., Butterworth-Heinenann, London.
Kahn, D., 1999, Noise/Water/Meat : A History of Voice, Sound and Aurality in The Arts, MIT Press.
Toop, D. 2001, Ocean of Sound (5th edition), Consortium.
