UPDATE: 02 APR 2014

Yesterday, after speaking with each section regarding your progress on the TEDTalk-style video-essays, I've decided to cut the NPR RadioLab audio-essay. As such, your video project will be the last assignment of the semester. I would much rather have you complete one project in a coherent, professional manner, than attempt to complete two projects in a less than rigorous fashion.

In order to accommodate this development, I've altered the schedule as follows:

Friday, 03 April: Presentation by Tim Riggs of the Academic Media Resources 

Monday, 06 April: Recording of TEDTalk video-essays

Wednesday, 08 April: Recording of TedTalk video-essays

Friday, 10 April: Recording of TEDTalk video-essays 

Monday, 13 April: Editing of TEDTalk video-essays

Wednesday, 15 April: Editing of TEDTalk video-essays

Friday, 17 April: Editing of TEDTalk video-essays 

Monday, 20 April: Presentation and Critique of "Rough Drafts"

Wednesday, 22 April: Presentation and Critique of "Rough Drafts"

Friday, 24 April: Presentation and Critique of "Rough Drafts" 

Monday, 27 April: Questions, problems, issues regarding revising/editing

Wednesday, 29 April: Evaluations

Friday, 01 May: TEDTalk video-essays due

Since next week and the following week will be designated "Recording" and "Editing" weeks, respectively, that means our classrooms will be open during our sessions. To this end, groups can "reserve" our classrooms (through me) for recording-location purposes. I would request that you only reserve the room on a specific date if your are fully prepared to record (i.e. you have a complete script and you've practiced your material a few times). Also, remember that you'll only have the room for one hour. In other words, be ready to begin recording immediately.

During these two weeks, please feel free to email me if you have any questions specific to your group. If they cannot be answered via email, then we can schedule a meeting to discuss your issues and concerns.

Finally, as I mentioned to several of you yesterday, make sure that you create an interesting and entertaining introduction that captures your audience's attention (do not open your video with bland statistics and complex jargon); likewise, have clearly articulated transitional statements that a) highlight the purpose of your "talk," and b) signal the movement from one section of your video to the next.

UPDATE: 20 MAR 2014

First, I would like to announce that the due date for the TEDTalk video-essay will be pushed back; instead of turning in the assignment on Monday 06 April, the assignment will now be due on Monday 13 April.

I will also move the due date of the RadioLab-style audio-essay; instead of a Friday, 01 May due date, you will turn the assignment in to me on Wednesday, 06 May.

As for the TedTalk, you will be expected to create a 7-9 minute video that concentrates on a specific sub-topic related to your umbrella topic/issue. In addition to delivering to me a video file, I would also like a typed hard-copy of your script (double-space, 12-point Times New Roman font).

You should organize your TedTalk video-essay in a comprehensible manner, employing a rhetorical framework that clearly conveys your message with discernible talking points and smooth transitions. To this end, think about the way in which concrete examples, narratives, and diagrams/images serve to highlight your material. Likewise, consider how editing, cuts, angles, and other technical aspects serve to enhance your language and offer compelling visual stimuli. Finally, consider how the presenter's body language (e.g. posture and hand movements), appearance, and vocals (e.g. cadence, rhythm, and intonation) affect the viewer's understanding and acceptance of the message.

UPDATE: 12 MAR 2014

Since we will not be meeting in class for our Friday session, I would like each of you to watch the assigned TEDTalks (see below) and create two detailed outlines. We will discuss these outlines next week.

The first outline will focus on the rhetorical framework of the TEDTalk. I want you to plot (with time-stamps) the movements of the speaker's argument. Please be as granular as possible when delineating the presentation. By this, I mean, I expect you provide specific information on a minute-to-minute (if not second-to-second) basis. I do not want you to simply write: Intro, Body, Conclusion.

The second outline will focus on editing techniques. Specifically, I want you to document every single cut in the video with time-stamps and the type of shot. Here are some terms that will help you when creating this second outline.

Close-up: a very close look at the subject. Establishes tension or mystery. Also called a “tight” or “detail” shot. 

Mid-range shot: the most common shot, the mid-range shot shows interaction between characters. 

Long shot: also “establishing shot.” Sets the scene, establishes context, sets the mood. 

Camera angle: high, low, and level. Establishes point-of-view. Looking up at or down onto your subject carries huge meaning and can give a scene greater depth. 

Frame: this term has two meanings: First it’s a single still image that describes the smallest unit of a motion picture. Or second, it’s the way in which the content is laid out in the camera’s field of view. In this context the second definition applies. 

Tilt: the camera tilts up and down. 

Pan: the camera moves from side to side. Done slowly, this is a great way to set a scene and involve the viewer. 

Zoom: the camera zooms into or out of a scene. The speed of the zoom has a major effect on the feel of the scene. 

Move: moving across or zooming on a still image. Also known as the “Ken Burns” effect. 

Tracking shot: the camera follows its target. 

Dolly shot: also “crane shot,” “arc shot,” etc. The camera physically moves in relation to the subject, quite often on some type of mechanical conveyance.

Section 10, please watch the following video:

Section 13, please watch the following video:

Section 15, please watched the follwing video: