Documentary Video Group Project

COMF 353 Aesthetics & Techniques

From the syllabus:
Group Project. Group Documentary Project. The class will be divided into groups for the purpose of producing a
selection of the production proposals submitted by the class. Each group will complete the necessary steps
to produce the project on videotape for cable broadcast. Groups will meet with the professor during the
planning stages to help in structuring each project for production. These shows must be 9 to 12 minutes in
length and be ready to air by the deadline given. Project is to be handed in on DVD-R. Use the authoring
software in the edit suites to create a simple menu with one link to your video. You may also use a DVD-R
recorder to create the final project disc. Each group will receive a DVD-R disc for final mastering of the
program. Each student will complete a group evaluation sheet for this project.

Specific guidelines:

1. Project must be a film-style documentary.

2. Each group member must share in the production and post-production activities.

3. Groups will organize themselves and assign responsibilities as follows:

a. Producer – writes script, organizes schedule, casts and works with talent, oversees post-production

b. Director – responsible for production, camera angles, and is primary editor

c. Graphics & effects – responsible for opening, titles, credits, animation, illustrations, and photographic scans, assists in editing, authors DVD

d. Audio specialist – records audio during production, records narration, adds effects and music, masters final soundtrack for finished edit

e. Camera & lighting – operates camera during production, keeps track of equipment, prepares lights and sets, tapes interviews, assists in post-production

f. Production assistant – jack of all trades, fills in for any of the above when necessary, helps with all aspects of production, assists with post-production

4. All material must be original or used by permission. Get talent releases for all talent and interviewees.

5. Final distribution is on ECTV cable channels. Some will be played on movie night, Dec. 11. Include ECTV copyright in credits.

6. Must be 9 to 12 minutes total. No longer than 15 minutes will be allowed. Any time extensions must be approved by professor.

7. The project will be evaluated based on the guidelines given in the Hampe book.