Course Descriptions
Video and Film Production
VFP 100
Camera and Cinematography
3 credits
This course is equivalent to VMG 100. In this beginning class on camera and cinematography techniques, students will learn how to use a video camera, camera movement techniques, blocking and staging scenes, with special detail on camera specifications, lenses, camera settings and how lighting affects those settings. On the cinematography side, students will be exposed to shot composition, camera movements and how those choices convey meaning to the audience.
VFP 101
Introduction to Audio
3 credits
This course is equivalent to VMG 101. This course introduces the principles of sound recording and sound design using analog and digital technologies. The course’s aim is to provide the students with the skills necessary to set up and use current equipment and manipulate sound in order to maximize communication. Particular emphasis is placed on using and understanding the concepts of digital sound systems. Also examined are the use of sound design as a communicative medium and the relationship of sound to visuals to create in the student an ''auditory awareness.'' Sound characteristics, acoustics, ergonomics, and basic audio technology professional practices will be introduced.
VFP 200
Adv Camera and Cinematography
3 credits
This course is equivalent to VMG 200. Building on the basics from the first course, Camera & Cinematography Techniques, complex camera movements and equipment, like: group shots with dialog, stead-cam, dolly, and jib shots, vehicle shots, and VFX shots will be covered. All of the techniques will be related to the cinematography aspects, in context to scripts, dialog, feeling, etc.
Prerequisite(s): VFP100
VFP 202
Adv Audio Recording Techniques
3 credits
This course is equivalent to VMG 202. Continuing from the introduction course, students will examine and manipulate audio while recording and see the results in the production room as part of this course. Recording techniques for music, dialog, group dialog, vehicles, and live performances will also be covered. Students will also experiment in the edit room on how their recorded audio could be improved through the use of audio software, or better recording techniques.
Prerequisite(s): VFP101
VFP 203
Intro to Non-Linear Editing
3 credits
This course is equivalent to VMG 422. This course introduces the technology and practice of digital editing, from the conversion of analog video and digital capture to final assembly. The course covers a basic introduction to editing software, including importing files, assembling, applying transitions, and adding titles. Editing techniques and theory are also covered.
VFP 222
Story Design Methods
3 credits
This course is equivalent to VMG 222. Story Design Methods approaches the practice of creating stories as a science, rather than an art, providing a practical set of collaborative tools and methods for planning and defining successful new plots.
Prerequisite(s): ENG121
VFP 240
Music Recording Fundamentals
3 credits
This course is equivalent to VMG 240. This course provides hands-on experience recording instruments and manipulating tracks into a final mix. Students will focus on microphone placement – single chain (including preamps, equalization, and dynamic control), mix routing, music editing, midi basics, mixing and mastering.
Prerequisite(s): VFP101
VFP 301
Lighting for Production I
3 credits
Students will work on lighting only in this course, and utilize cameras only as a production test element. Basics, such as 3-Point lighting, interview lighting, location considerations, and outdoor lighting are some of the topics covered in this course. Students will walk away with lighting diagrams, and templates for most lighting situations. This course is equivalent to VMG 301.
VFP 302
Lighting for Production II
3 credits
Building on the topics in Lighting for Production 1, students will further explore the use of gobos, lighting effects, green screen considerations, and lighting for camera moves using jibs, steadi-cams, and dollys. This course is equivalent to VMG 302.
Prerequisite(s): VFP301
VFP 307
Streaming Media
3 credits
Creating streaming media is a multi-step process incorporating audio, video, and any other visual medium. Students will learn how to create streaming media projects. To create such projects, students will learn compression techniques, embedding techniques, and best practice methods for deploying streaming media. Additional topics of discussion include market research techniques, copyright issues, storyboarding, and scripting. This course is equivalent to VMG 307.
VFP 312
The Modern History of Film
3 credits
This course is designed to introduce students to the art of film and its recent history. It will cover major trends, methods, technologies and issues in theatrical film history from the 1960s to modern-day cinema. Emphasis will be placed on the rapid technology changes in modern film history. This course is equivalent to VMG 312.
VFP 313
Aesthetics of Film
3 credits
The course examines the motion picture as an art form. Elements of film such as writing, photography, acting, and editing are examined with emphases on the director’s role as a manipulator of these elements. To illustrate the interplay of these elements, selected feature films are screened and analyzed. This course is equivalent to VMG 313.
VFP 330
Aerial Cinematography
3 credits
Students will gain a thorough knowledge of drone operation and an understanding of aerial cinematography. This course provides hands-on experience, under the supervision of an experienced drone instructor. Through a series of lectures, in-class demonstrations (hands-on), reading assignments and a series of projects, students will learn the technical skills required to operate a professional level quadcopter with trailblazing video capabilities. Students will also be required to learn and obey all FAA laws and regulation for operation of a filmmaking drone. This course is equivalent to VMG 330.
VFP 350
Journalism in Practice
3 credits
This course covers the basic skills and techniques for creating content based on events and coverage for reporting. Various channels of Communication, such as television, web, documentary, radio, podcasts, and print will be discussed. Differences in the approach for each channel or medium will be explored. Determining the appropriate technology to be utilized for each kind of channel will be explored as well. This course is equivalent to VMG 350.
Prerequisite(s): ENG121 and VFP100
VFP 400
On Location Production Techniques
3 credits
On Location Production Techniques cover site surveys, location scouting, and dealing with unexpected complications of using a location. Proper etiquette, protocol, and professionalism while at a location will also be covered. Lighting, camera, directing and dealing with talent are integrated into the technical aspects of the course. This course is equivalent to VMG 400.
Prerequisite(s): VFP100 and VFP301
VFP 401
Producing the Documentary
3 credits
This course is an introduction to the theoretical foundations required for creating a documentary. Students will gain an understanding of how this genre is similar to and different from other television programming. The course will further develop scripting techniques and all facets of video pre- and post-production. As part of this course, students will produce a short documentary. This course is equivalent to VMG 401.
Prerequisite(s): VFP100 and VFP301
VFP 402
Studio Production Techniques
3 credits
All aspects of studio production, and how it differs from location production will be covered. Roles and responsibilities of studio personnel, and job functions, are also covered. The students will also be exposed to the use of equipment in a studio environment. Several types of scenes, such as a news, talk show, sitcom, and drama environments will be presented. This course is equivalent to VMG 402.
Prerequisite(s): VFP100 and VFP301
VFP 420
Non-Linear Editing - PC
3 credits
This course introduces the technology and practice of digital editing, from the conversion of analog video and digital capture to final assembly. The course covers a basic introduction to editing software, including importing files, assembling, applying transitions, and adding titles. This course is equivalent to VMG 420.
Prerequisite(s): VFP100 or GMD105
VFP 423
Advanced Non-Linear Editing
3 credits
This second of two non-linear editing courses furthers the theory of editing with the various technical editing skills needed to edit a television show or digital film. Building on the abilities developed in Intro to Non-Linear Editing - Mac, students will exhibit proficiency in all areas of film editing. New techniques learned, but not limited to, will include chroma keying, importing from other programs such as After Effects and Photoshop, troubleshooting, audio sweetening, and color correction. This course is equivalent to VMG 423.
Prerequisite(s): VFP203
VFP 425
Podcasting
3 credits
The ability of audio and video to be globally distributed through the Internet has created exciting technology that is affordable for nearly everyone. With the advance of MP3 players and their availability in just about every imaginable kind of device, the technology has become ubiquitous in today’s society. This course will teach students how to get a quality podcast up and running—from planning to recording, editing and preparing your file, to getting heard, finding clients and making money. This course is equivalent to VMG 425.
Prerequisite(s): DSN210 and VFP101
VFP 440
Cooperative Education for Video and Film Production I
3 credits
The student will learn from first-hand fieldwork experience. This experience will vary from student to student and from company to company. The dynamics of the relationships between student, cooperating supervisor and faculty advisor determine the richness, depth and breadth of the work experience. Prerequisites: Student needs at least 60 credits completed and a minimum GPA of 2.5. This course requires approval from the Dean and the Director of Cooperative Education. This course is equivalent to VMG 440.
Prerequisite(s): Permission Required
VFP 441
Cooperative Education for Video and Film Production II
3 credits
The student will learn from first-hand fieldwork experience. This experience will vary from student to student and from company to company. The dynamics of the relationships between student, cooperating supervisor and faculty advisor determine the richness, depth and breadth of the work experience. Prerequisites: Student needs at least 60 credits completed and a minimum GPA of 2.5. This course requires approval from the Dean and the Director of Cooperative Education. This course is equivalent to VMG 441.
Prerequisite(s): Permission Required
VFP 442
Cooperative Education for Video and Film Production III
3 credits
The student will learn from first-hand fieldwork experience. This experience will vary from student to student and from company to company. The dynamics of the relationships between student, cooperating supervisor and faculty advisor determine the richness, depth and breadth of the work experience. Prerequisites: Student needs at least 60 credits completed and a minimum GPA of 2.5. This course requires approval from the Dean and the Director of Cooperative Education. This course is equivalent to VMG 442.
Prerequisite(s): Permission Required
VFP 460
Topics in Video and Film Production
3 credits
This course surveys contemporary subjects and current events pertaining to Video and Film Production. This course is equivalent to VMG 460.
Prerequisite(s): Permission required
VFP 487
Video & Film Production Senior Project
3 credits
This course is designed to allow senior year students the opportunity to practice their specialization in a production environment. At the start of the project, students will identify a realistic project in their main competency area(s) with a faculty mentor. Having agreed on a timetable for their project’s completion, the students will then begin a required/flexible workshop where they must prepare a clear and comprehensive pre-production plan. The students must also develop an appropriate corporate style and logo to accompany their project. All work must be presented in the best possible manner, with well-designed digitally published pages, a proper use of color, typography, etc., using their own corporate style and logo. This course may be completed as a directed study with an instructor of the student's choice or in a classroom setting. This course is equivalent to VMG 487.
Prerequisite(s): DFM350
VFP 489
Experiential Learning in Video and Film Production
3 credits
This course provides students with an experiential learning opportunity to engage in project-based learning within the student’s current employment context or through a simulated work experience utilizing scenario-based application assessments that align with the competencies of a Video and Film Production professional as identified by the program chair. The course provides students with an opportunity to define, analyze, and apply theories and models to resolve a complex organizational problem(s) and real-world experiences to strategize Video and Film Production related solution and opportunities. This course will also cover phases of career management including preparing for the job market, understanding the job search process, and maximizing effectiveness in career development.
Prerequisite(s): Program Chair Approval
VFP 490
Video & Film Production Internship
3 credits
This course will provide students with real-world experience in the field of communication where they will become acquainted with daily operations, while enhancing their professional skills and interacting with other communication professionals. College of Technology students wishing to complete their internship requirements should review procedures at http://www.wilmu.edu/coel/work-integrated-learning.aspx. This course is equivalent to VMG 490.
Prerequisite(s): Program Chair Approval