This document provides information about a course called "Introduction to Video Production" at the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies. The 3-credit course aims to teach students fundamental video production techniques over 15 weeks. Students will learn skills like operating audio-visual equipment, editing video and audio, writing scripts and storyboards, and working on a production team. There are 3 assignments - a 1-minute in-camera edited video, a 2-3 minute news feature incorporating interviews, and a 90-second PSA or advertisement. The course emphasizes hands-on learning of practical skills needed for careers in broadcast journalism.

1. KEN GORDON SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES 1
C o l l e g e o f S c i e n c e , T e c h n o l o g y
a n d A p p l i e d A r t s
o f T r i n i d a d a n d T o b a g o
Motto: “Transforming lives, transforming communities, transforming the nation…One student at a time”
Vision
To be a student-centred, dynamic and innovative, world-class and multi-campus college,
promoting excellence in teaching and learning, serving diverse communities, and
producing lifelong learners who can compete globally.
Mission
To be the premier educational institution in: providing high quality, affordable and
accessible education programmes serving the needs of business, industry and the diverse
campus communities and facilitating the personal and professional development of its
students, faculty and staff.
Course Title: Introduction to Video Production
Course Code: FILM 290
Number of Contact Hours: 45 (forty-five)
Number of Credits: 3 (three)
Type of Instruction: Lectures and Practical Application
Lecturer Contact Information:
Name: OYETAYO RAYMOND OJOADE
Email Address: oojoade@costaatt.edu.tt
Course Pre-Requisites: JOUR 123: Fundamentals of Reporting, JOUR 281: Broadcast
News Writing
Target Audience: Students pursuing their degree in Mass Communication and/or
Journalism and Public Relations
Course Goal and Description: Introduction to Video Production aims to give students the
opportunity to delve into the intricacies of the technology that govern the broadcast
industry. Students will explore the fundamental techniques and skills necessary to
effectively operate in the fields of radio and television broadcasting through the practical
application of that knowledge.
The course’s major objective is to provide an environment where students engage with the
technology that currently exists and operates in modern newsrooms. Students will be
exposed to voice recording techniques and equipment for both television and radio; video
and audio editing software; and will be taught how to effectively work within and manage
a production team. These are skills that will augment the theoretical knowledge gained

2. KEN GORDON SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES 2
from other courses but more importantly, prepare the student for the fast paced and
technology driven world of broadcast journalism.
Instructional Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Effectively use audio-visual recording equipment
• Know the basics of audio and video editing software
• Write, narrate and edit a news and feature story
• Work within a production team
• Produce a basic news package for TV/Radio
SYLLABUS
WEEK TARGET COMPETENCIES NOTES
1-2
Jan 24 & 31
Jan 25 & Feb
1
Course Review
Intro to AV Recording Equipment
Equipment care and maintenance
Intro to Filmora or Final Cut
The Production Team
Production paperwork
Scriptwriting
Storyboard
Edit Decision List (EDL)
Tape logs, labeling, script
writing, storyboard, EDL
3-4
Feb 7 & 14
Feb 8 & 15
camera operations
- Composition
- Lighting
- Audio
Submit Script and Storyboard
5-6
Feb 21 & 28
Feb 22 & Mar
1
Intro to sound recordings
- Recorders
- Microphones
- Sound Effects
Assignment 1 Due
7-8
Mar 7 & 14
Mar 8 & 15
Recording Vox Pops and Sound bytes Submit tape log & script for
assignment 2
9
Mar 21 & 28
Mar 22 & 29
Writing the Feature Story
Voice and Narration
10
Apr 4
Apr 5
Recording the interview
Logging the tape
Assignment 2 due
11
Apr 11
Apr 12
Editing Submit script and storyboard for
assignment 3

3. KEN GORDON SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES 3
12
Apr 18
Apr 19
Editing
13
Apr 25
Apr 26
Editing
14
May 2
May 3
Submit final project
Grading Schemes:
% Points Notation Grade Quality Points
90-100 Excellent A 4.0
85-89 Very Good B+ 3.5
80-84 Good B 3.0
75-79 Satisfactory C+ 2.5
70-74 Average C 2.0
65-69 Below Average D+ 1.5
60-64 Minimum Passing Grade D 1.0
0-59 Fail F 0.0
Required Text or Readings:
• Musburger, Robert B. Single Camera Video Production. Fourth Edition. (Focal
Press, 2005)
• Owens, Jim and Millerson, Gerald. Video Production Handbook, Fourth Edition
• Thompson, Roy. Grammar of the Edit. (Focal Press, 1993)
Recommended additional texts and learning resources for students:
• Boyd, Andrew. Broadcast Journalism – techniques of radio and television news.
Sixth Edition (Focal Press, 2005)
• Block, Mervin. Writing Broadcast News--Shorter, Sharper, Stronger. Revised
edition (Bonus Books, 1997)
• Bliss, Edward. Writing News for Broadcast, Third Edition (Columbia University
Press, 1994)
• Hewitt, John. Air Words: Writing for Broadcast News. Second Edition (Mayfield
Publishing, 1995)
Audio-Visual Resources – Multi-media and Internet resources.
ASSESSMENTS:
Assessment 1 - 1 Minute Movie (in-camera edit) 25%
Assessment 2 - Feature Story with vox pops 35%
Assessment 3 - 90 second (PSA)/ Advertisement 40%
ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTIONS:

4. KEN GORDON SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES 4
Assignment # 1.
Working in pairs, students will produce a 60-90 seconds movie based on a concept
approved by lecturer. The movie should be shot without interruption (in camera edit) and
students should pay particular attention to storyboarding and scripting. It should be
submitted on SD card.
Students will submit a dual column script & storyboard in week 7. Individual critique
sheets listing roles and responsibilities along with SD Card to be submitted in 9.
Weight: 25%
Assignment # 2.
Based on topic assigned by lecturer, each student will write a 2-3 minute news/feature
story. Students will then record:
1. 4-6 sound bytes to incorporate within the script. Soundbytes should be drawn from
vox pops and one prearranged interview with an expert. Sound bytes should be
from no more than 2 students and/or staff member of COSTAATT. Particular
attention should be paid to sound quality and relevance of sound byte.
2. Record B-roll for cutaways/cover shots to supplement voiced narrative.
3. Record voice over of script in Audio lab to be used in postproduction.
Students will submit the following documents for each option:
SD card or flash drives with assignment, tape log and TV script with time code.
Weight: 35 %
Assignment # 3
Each student will Conceptualize, storyboard, script, film, narrate and edit a 90 second PSA
or advertisement for a product or service based on pre-approved concept. This will follow
the process from pre-production to post-production and would incorporate all the skills
learnt in this module.
Students will submit pre-production paperwork: Storyboard, Treatment and Dual
column Script. The edited video should be submitted on flash drives along with all pre-
production paperwork. Each group member should submit individual critique sheets
listing roles and responsibilities.
Weight: 40%
Expectations of Student Performance:

5. KEN GORDON SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES 5
• ATTENDANCE: The College has established a minimum 70% attendance
requirement for all students enrolled in degree programmes. Those of you who do
not meet the 70% attendance may be prohibited from sitting the final examination.
• ASSIGNMENTS: All assignments must be type-written and double-spaced using
size 11 or 12, ‘easy to read’ fonts (eg Times Roman or Arial). All pages must be
numbered and submitted in a file/folder.
• ABSENCE: If you miss a continuous assessment assignment, you must provide the
instructor with documented evidence that provides compelling reasons for your
absence from class. Failure to provide such evidence will result in an “F” grade
being assigned to the assessment in question.
• PUNCTUALITY: Instructors are not obligated to review material for those of you
who routinely arrive late for class.
• CELL PHONES: The use of cell phones is prohibited during class-time.
• ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Any student found plagiarizing or cheating can incur
sanctions ranging from failure of the course to expulsion from the College.