Video Production
You will go through 3 levels of courses to gain the fundamental and advance understanding and knowledge from video production, photography to understanding the science and mechanics behind cameras and sound.
Meet Our Instructors
Jordan Kadow
University of Valley Forge
B.S. with Honors
Digital Media Communications:
Video Production
Bio:
Jordan is freelance Digital Media Specialist with 6+ years of experience in creating documentary shorts, advertisements, live events, training material, and other digital content. His passion is providing people with conceptual frames they can use to navigate their lived experiences. He has a penchant for people, trivia, and the novel.
Joshau Ng
New York University BFA Film
and Television Production
Bio:
Joshua is a Malaysian filmmaker based in Shanghai. His work includes producing videos for Rise of Kingdoms, Bottega General, Doraemon, Crayon Shinchan, and Youku. He has directed some special effects scenes for Chinese movies “looking up” by Dengchao and “My country my people” by Wenmuye. He enjoys teaching during his free time.
Our Courses
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Course Objective
- Gain a fundamental understanding of the principles behind a good story
- Understand the basics about the science and mechanics of cameras
- Gain fundamental composition skills to be able to take high quality photographs
Course Format
Theory: Face to face lecture style courses
Hands-On: Students form groups to work on one set of equipment
Course Structure
- Total 8 Sessions
- Total Hours: 18 Hours
- Theory Courses: 2 Hours/Session
- Hands-On Courses: 3 Hours/Session
- Introduction: Stories and films, form groups
- Storywriting: 3 Sessions 2 Theory, 1 Hands-On
- Camera Operation: 3 Session 2 Theory, 1 Hands-On
- Editing: 2 Sessions 1 Theory, 1 Hands-On
- Final Group Project Presentation: Film a pre-written script
Course Benefits
- Develop a eye for photography
- Improve storytelling skills, presentation skills and communication skills
- Expand imagination and creativity
- Develop collaboration and leadership skills
Introduction
- What makes a good story
- Form groups for final group project
Storywriting
2 Theory, 1 Hands-On
- 3 Act Structure
- Three Act Structure
- Obstacle and Conflict
- Short film script analysis
Camera
2 Theory, 1 Hands-On
- Basic Camera Operation
- Exposure Theory: ISO, Shutter Speed, Iris
- Still photography composition using Principles of Design
Editing
1 Theory, 1 Hands-On
- Any smart phone with HD video recording
- Option DSLR Cameras
- Tripod for video shooting or tripod for phone
Equipment Needed
- Basic Editing Techniques
- Software iMovie and DaVinci Resolve
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Course Objective
- Understand every key elements that build a good movie
- Write a compelling short visual screenplay
- Understand fundamental principles behind convincing acting and good directing
- Develop production crafts such as camera operation, sound mixing, lighting and editing to tell an engaging story visually
Course Format
Theory: Face to face lecture style courses
Hands-On: Students form groups to work on one set of equipment
Course Structure
- Total 14 Sessions
- Total Hours: 30 Hours
- Theory Courses: 2 Hours/Session
- Hands-On Courses: 3 Hours/Session
- Introduction: Film language 1 Session, form groups
- Screenwriting 2 Sessions: 2 Theory
- Directing 3 Sessions: 2 Theory, 1 Hands-On
- Sound 1 Session: Theory
- Camera Operation 2 Sessions: 1 Theory, 1 Hands-On
- Editing 2 Sessions: 1 Theory, 1 Hands-On
- Producing 2 Sessions: 2 Theory
- Final Group Project Presentation: Film a silent short film with music
Course Benefits
- Develop movie literacy, ability to evaluate a movie’s production value
- Develop creative writing skills specifically for films
- Improve storytelling skills, presentation skills and communication skills
- Develop collaboration and leadership skills
- Become ready for entry-level filmmaking production positions
Introduction
1 Session
Film language: Telling stories through sight and sound
Form groups for final group project
Storywriting
2 Theory
- Short script analysis
- Three Act Structure
- Character building: Needs, wants, fears, obstacles, spine
- Writing a short screenplay
Directing Actors
2 Theory, 1 Hands-On
- Repetition Exercises
- Silent acting
- Script Analysis
- Documentary interviews
Camera Work
2 Theory, 2 Hands-On
- Camera composition
- Exposure theory: ISO, Shutter Speed, Iris
- Camera movement
- Lens operation and safety
- Types of light and accessories
- Three Point Lighting
Sound
1 Theory
- Sound mixing
- Foley sound effects
Editing
1 Theory
- Davinci Resolve editing
- Davinci Resolve color correction
- After Effects composition
Equipment Needed
- Mirrorless Camera or DSLR Camera or Cinema Camera (Panasonic, Sony, Canon, Fujifilm)
- Lens Kit: Zoom lens 24-70mm for full frame or Super 35mm Sensor, or 18-35mm for Micro Four Thirds Sensor (Specific to Panasonic and some Blackmagic models), 24mm prime lens, 50mm prime lens, 75mm or longer prime lens
- Video Camera Tripod
- Sound recorder with XLR input and input level controls (ZOOM or Tascam)
- Wireless microphone (Sony)
- LED light with barn doors, (Nanlite)
- Lighting accessories: bounce board, color gels, light diffusers, softbox, light stands.
HIGH SCHOOL
Course Format
- Become familiar with each department in the film production process, from pre-production to post-production
- Develop craft in directing, cinematography, sound mixing, and editing for professional filmmaking
- Write a more complex short visual screenplay
- Develop an ear for good sound in movies
- Understand the science and mechanics behind cameras and sound
Course Format
Theory: Face to face lecture style courses
Hands-On: Students form groups to work on one set of equipment
Course Structure
- Total 16 Sessions
- Total Hours: 41 Hours
- Theory Courses: 2 Hours/Session
- Hands-On Courses: 3 Hours/Session
- Introduction: Film language 1 Session, form groups for group project
- Screenwriting 2 Sessions: 2 Theory
- Directing 4 Sessions: 2 Theory, 2 Hands-On
- Sound 2 Courses: 1 Theory, 1 Hands-On
- Cinematography 4 Sessions: 2 Theory, 2 Hands-On
- Editing 2 Sessions: 1 Theory, 1 Hands-On
- Producing 2 Sessions: 2 Theory
- Final Group Project Presentation: Film a short film with sound
Course Benefits
- Be ready for higher level professional work
- Further develop project management skills, communication skills, collaboration skills and leadership skills
- Create a high quality personal portfolio
Film Language
- Production crews A-Z
- Pre-production crews, Production crews, Post-Production crews
- Form groups for final group project
Screenwriting
2 Theory
- Story Structure: The Heroes Journey
- Character: Spine and Development
- Subtext in Activities and Dialogue
- Log lines, Synopsis, Screenwriting format
- Storyboarding Principles
Directing Actors
2 Theory, 2 Hands-On
- Listening and Repetition Exercises
- Improvisation
- Script Analysis, Moment by Moment
- Monologue Exercise
Sound
1 Theory, 1 Hands-On
- Boom Operation and Sound Mixing
- Planting Microphones
- Sound Design
- Foley Room Sound Syncing
- Fixing Dialogue
Post-Production
1 Theory, 1 Hands-On
- Art of Editing
- Non-Linear Editing with Davinci Resolve/Premiere Pro
- Color Correction and Color Grading
- CODEC and Formats
- Post-Production Workflow
Producing
2 Theory
- Developing a screenplay, pitching and fund-raising
- Preproduction, budgeting and scheduling
- Managing the production process
Equipment Needed
- Mirrorless Camera or DSLR Camera or Cinema Camera (Panasonic, Sony, Canon, Fujifilm)
- Cinema Camera optional (Blackmagic Pocket Cinema, Sony FX3, Sigma FP)
- Lens Kit: Zoom lens 24-70mm for full frame or Super 35mm Sensor, or 18-35mm for Micro Four Thirds Sensor (Specific to Panasonic and some Blackmagic models), 24mm prime lens, 50mm prime lens, 75mm or longer prime lens
- Video Camera Tripod
- Sound recorder with XLR input and input level controls (ZOOM or Tascam)
- Shotgun microphone with boom mic pole, (Rhode microphone)
- LED light with barn doors, (Nanlite)
- Lighting accessories: bounce board, color gels, light diffusers, softbox, light stands.