Course # COMM-438/638 (004) Production Practicum: Aesthetics/Techniques Editing - Fall 2009 / Brigid Maher, American University, 4400 Massachusetts, Washington DC

COMM 438/638 (004) Aesthetics/Techniques of Editing

TUESDAY AFTERNOON: 2:10 to 4:50 in the Media Production Center, Room 100 Instructor: Brigid Maher Office Hours: Tuesdays 10:30 to 12:30, Wednesdays 10:30am to 12:30pm, Thursday 2 to 4pm E-mail: [email protected] Office: MGC 318 Phone: 202-885-2664

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course surveys the editing aesthetics and techniques used in narrative, documentary, and experimental and video. This includes: Soviet , classical Hollywood style, discontinuity, associational, spatial montage, and contemporary narrative. Through a series of exercises, students develop editing strategies for both narrative and non-narrative work. Students receive in-class and written critiques examining the development of each editing exercise. Students edit the final project using their choice of editing strategies covered in class. Projects develop with increasing complexity and enable students to apply their ideas about editing to the material in order to develop their own style and aesthetic.

Prerequisite: COMM-434/634 Film & Video Production I or permission of school

The student will master the following knowledge:

• Understand historical and contemporary contexts of editing theory and practice • Advanced skills on Final Pro • Intermediate post-production protocols in digital editing • Intermediate level organizational skills necessary to edit a film

The student will learn to do the following:

• To use elements of narrative editing in their work including rhythm, pacing, point- of-view, screen direction, matching cuts, script analysis and communication with collaborators • To develop information-handling skills to deal with large amounts of film and audio material • To acquire the means to apply ideas to their material in order to develop an authorial approach • To use digital, non-linear, equipment to edit their own filmic interpretation • How to apply narrative, documentary, and experimental editing theories • How to work with limited coverage • The positive attributes of being an editor: patience, organization, a willingness to try new things, and a diplomatic grace in dealing with directors

1 Course # COMM-438/638 (004) Production Practicum: Aesthetics/Techniques Editing - Fall 2009 / Brigid Maher, American University, 4400 Massachusetts, Washington DC

The student will learn to be expressive as follows:

• By describing and defending their authorial point of view with regards to their approach to the narrative and non narrative material • Improving a work in progress, by successfully receiving and incorporating criticism to arrive at an important work • By imposing a successful narrative structure on given material including the effective arrangement of time within the work • Demonstrating through their work a control of rhythm, transitions of sound and picture, and creative use of other aspects of editing to reveal and heighten the emotional content of the piece and to help the audience involvement in the drama • Demonstrating through their work the creative handling of all sound elements such as dialogue, sound effects, voice over, music

Required Text (available at the American University Bookstore): • First Cut: Conversations with Film Editors by Gabriella Oldham. ISBN: 9780520075887 • Apple Pro Training Series: Final Cut Pro 6: Beyond the Basics (w/DVD) by Michael Wohl. ISBN: 0321509129.

Recommended Texts (available at the American University Bookstore): • Final Cut Pro 6: Visual QuickPro Guide (Visual Quickpro Guide) by Lisa Brenneis, Peachpit Press. ISBN: 0321502698. • In the Blink of an Eye by Walter Murch, Silman-James Press, 1997. ISBN: 1879505622.

Recommended Texts (available at Amazon.com): • The Technique of , (Second Edition) Karl Reisz and Gavin Millar, Focal Press, 1994. ISBN: 0240514378. • On Film Editing , Edward Dmytryk, Focal Press, 1988. ISBN: 0240517385 • When the Shooting Stops, the Cutting Begins, Ralph Rosenbloom, Da Capo Press, 1979. ISBN: 0306802724. • The Film Editing Room Handbook , (Third Edition), Norman Hollyn, Lone Eagle Publishing, 1998. ISBN: 1580650066. • Selected Takes, Vincent LoBrutto, Praeger Press, 1991. ISBN: 0275933954. • The Grammar of the Edit , Roy Thompson, Focal Press, 1993. ISBN: 0240513401.

Additional Academic Resources:

All course related assignments will be posted through the university’s blackboard system. All handouts and additional links will be hosted on AU’s Blackboard system. Students are invited to actively use the system and participate in the Editing Forums for the class.

2 Course # COMM-438/638 (004) Production Practicum: Aesthetics/Techniques Editing - Fall 2009 / Brigid Maher, American University, 4400 Massachusetts, Washington DC

Students needing additional assistance in Final Cut Pro Training are invited to make use of the New Media Center’s FCP Pod casts located at http://cte.american.edu:16080/weblog/nmc/.

Considerations for Grading

• Class projects must be completed on time. Deadlines are a part of editing. To receive a grade of “A ,” in addition to the other criteria, each assignment must be completed on time . • Projects must be complete with attention to craft. This includes labeling & cueing your work for viewing. • Finally, the raw of a film suggests a number of creative problems. The originality with which you solve the problems that the footage suggests will also be a factor in your grade.

Attendance and Participation (10%):

Attendance and constructive peer critiques are essential components to participation in the course. Absences and tardiness (more than 10 minutes) will not be tolerated and will result in an overall grade reduction.

Missed Sessions: The student is responsible for getting assignments and class notes for any session he/she misses from fellow students, and is responsible for asking the instructor for any missed handouts. Notes from other students do not provide a dictation of the class and is not a substitute for attendance.

Homework: Students who miss class sessions must still turn in homework or other assignments on time.

PLEASE NOTE : ABSOLUTELY NO GRADES OF “I” WILL BE GIVEN. NO INCOMPLETES. YOUR FINAL GRADE WILL BE BASED ON WORK COMPLETED DURING THE SEMESTER.

Assignments

Shot by Shot Analysis Students will choose a film from a provided list and complete a detailed breakdown and analysis on the editing of a scene.

Editing Exercise 1: Trailer for Apology Students will cut a short two-minute trailer for the independent feature Apology.

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Editing Exercise 2: Short Narrative Scene Students will cut a short scene from Law and Order: SVU. Students are responsible to log and capture all footage as well as create a paper edit and provide the instructor with a copy.

Editing Exercise 3: Short Documentary Scene Students will cut a short documentary scene using HD footage. Students will learn how to use a documentary script, work with HD footage, compositing and color correction.

Exercise 4: Your Choice Students can either re-edit a short narrative or documentary 5 to 10 minute project of their own (or for a colleague) or choose to a project to edit from footage provided.

Extra Credit Editing Assignment Students may choose to cut either a short documentary, found footage, or narrative project using provided footage or a project of their choice (with instructor’s permission).

Please Note: All rough cuts and final edits must be laid off to or DVD or VHS (make sure it’s queued) and given to the instructor at the beginning of the class when due.

Graduate Students

Additional Assignment: Shot by Shot Analysis 2 Graduate students will be responsible for completing an additional shot by shot analysis due Tuesday, November 25, 2006. Students will choose a film from a provided list and complete a detailed breakdown and analysis on the editing of a scene.

Graduate Grade Breakdown: Attendance/Participation: 10% Shot by Shot Analysis: 5% Editing Exercise 1: 15% Editing Exercise 2: 15% Editing Exercise 3: 15% Exercise Paperwork and 15% Tutorials: Final Project: 20% Shot by Shot Analysis 2: 5% (additional assignment) TOTAL: 100%

4 Undergraduate Grade Breakdown: Attendance/Participation: 10% Course # COMM-438/638 (004) Production Practicum: Aesthetics/Techniques Editing - Fall 2009 / Brigid Maher, American University, 4400 Massachusetts, Washington DCShot by Shot Analysis: 10% Editing Exercise 1: 15% Editing Exercise 2: 15% Editing Exercise 3: 15% Exercise Paperwork and Tutorials: 15% Final Project: 20% TOTAL 100%

Grading Scale 100-93% A 90-92% A- 88-89 B+ 83-87% B 80-82% B- 78-79 C+ 73-77% C 70-72 C- 60-69 D 59% or less F

Grading Policy: Evaluation

The grade of A is awarded for excellence, the very best work in the class. An A student turns in all work on time with consistently very high standards of quality, creativity, and original thinking. This person produces outstanding products and performs exceptionally in presentations and critiques A final grade of A is earned when tests and assignments average at least A-/B+

The grade of B is awarded to students who have turned in all work on time, and consistently completed work in a high quality manner. The work shows creative thinking, extra effort, and care in presentation. This person has demonstrated knowledge that surpasses the basic material and skills of the course. A final grade of B is earned when there is an average of B on tests and assignments.

The grade of C is earned when all class work is turned in and the student has mastered the basic material and skills of the course. This person participated in class and demonstrated knowledge of the basic material and skills. This is the average grade in the class.

The D or F is given for work that is incomplete, late, and/or does not demonstrate mastery of the basic material and skills of the course. A grade of D or F may also be given to students with more than three unexcused absences.

Extra Credit Options

Students are encouraged to attend screenings at American University (in particular screenings sponsored by SOC and the Center for Social Media) and write a one-page

5 Course # COMM-438/638 (004) Production Practicum: Aesthetics/Techniques Editing - Fall 2009 / Brigid Maher, American University, 4400 Massachusetts, Washington DC paper describing how the film used the editing techniques learned in class. Students are encouraged to check out the SOC website (http://www.soc.american.edu) as well as the Center for Social Media (http://www.centerforsocialmedia.org) website for more information.

Submit to the ACE Student Editing Competition Participating students will edit a set of video dailies and entries will be judged by a panel of professional film editors. Three finalists will be guests at the annual ACE Eddie Awards in February. Each will receive a plaque. The winner will receive a special Student Award and publicity in the Hollywood trade papers. ACE does not pay transportation or hotel expenses for out-of-town students. Picture and track from a television show will be provided on video. All entries must be returned on video. The entry fee is $125.00. The competition is limited to the first FIFTY entrants. If your entry is received after the first fifty, your entry will be returned. Entry request is due in October. From: http://www.ace-filmeditors.org/newace/abt_StudentEdit.html

Supplies and Equipment: Digital Storage (Recommended): Each student should purchase writeable CDs and DVDs. Assignments will be turned in on a non-returnable DVD-R. Students should purchase an external FireWire hard disk drive with a storage capacity of at least 200Gb and speed of 400 or 800. Please keep a separate back up of your Final Cut Pro Project files for your assignment on a CD or jump drive. Do not store the project files on the lab computers.

Editing Final Cut Pro is the main editing software for this course. If you would like to cut on AVID, however you may do so. Students may edit in the Media Production Center.

Note : If you bring your own equipment to campus, be certain to guard it carefully as American University will not replace any lost or stolen equipment.

Syllabus Adjustments This syllabus is subject to change at anytime through out the semester. If there are any changes, the instructor will issue a new and revised syllabus for the students the same week. If you have any questions, please bring them to the attention of your instructor.

Office Hours Office hours are scheduled before each class so that I can provide help and feedback on edits. Students are highly, HIGHLY, encouraged to come and visit me during office hours so that I can view your work.

Additional Training Students needing additional assistance in DVD SP, FCP, etc. are invited to make use of the New Media Center’s FCP Pod casts located at http://cte.american.edu:16080/weblog/nmc/.

6 Course # COMM-438/638 (004) Production Practicum: Aesthetics/Techniques Editing - Fall 2009 / Brigid Maher, American University, 4400 Massachusetts, Washington DC

Also, you can seek additional information about editing at http://delicious.com/bamaher101/editing. All course material will be posted to Blackboard.

Academic Support Center If you need assistance with writing or composing the required class assignments the Academic Support Center has a Writing Lab for undergraduate students. The Center also offers study skills workshops, individual instruction, tutor referrals and services for students with learning disabilities. (885-3360, MGC 243).

The Writing Center This center is an additional resource for students in need of writing assistance. (885- 2991, Battelle-Tompkins 228).

Disability Support Services This office provides technical support and assistance with accommodations for students with physical or psychological disabilities. (885-3315, MGC 206)

Counseling Center: If you are experiencing emotional stress or personal problems which are impeding your ability to function in and/or outside of the classroom the counseling center can provide confidential assistance. The Center offers counseling and consultations regarding personal concerns, self-help information, and connections to off-campus mental health resources. (885-3500, MGC 214)

Creative Rights By enrolling in this course, you grant the University permission to have your work, which you created in conjunction with this course, copied and distributed (in print, electronic, and/or any digital medium) and to incorporate your work, in whole or in part, into derivative works for educational, research, archival, promotional, and other purposes consistent with the mission of American University.

Plagiarism And Copyright All students are governed by American University's Academic Integrity Code (http://www.american.edu/academics/integrity/index.htm). The Academic Integrity Code details specific violations of ethical conduct that relate to academic integrity. By registering, you have acknowledged your awareness of the Academic Integrity Code, and you are obliged to become familiar with your rights and responsibilities as defined by the code. All of your work (whether oral or written) in this class is governed by the provisions of the Academic Integrity Code. Academic violations include but are not limited to: plagiarism, inappropriate collaboration, dishonesty in examinations whether in class or take-home, dishonesty in papers, work done for one course and submitted to another, deliberate falsification of data, interference with other students' work, and copyright violations. The adjudication process and possible penalties are listed in

7 Course # COMM-438/638 (004) Production Practicum: Aesthetics/Techniques Editing - Fall 2009 / Brigid Maher, American University, 4400 Massachusetts, Washington DC

American University's Academic Integrity Code booklet, which is also available on the American University web site. Being a member of this academic community entitles each of us to a wide degree of freedom and the pursuit of scholarly interests; with that freedom, however, comes a responsibility to uphold the high ethical standards of scholarly conduct. Students are forbidden to use any images from the web for class purposes without written authorization from the maker/artist/owner and permission from the instructor.

Academic Integrity Code Standards of academic conduct are set forth in the University's Academic Integrity Code. By registering, you have acknowledged your awareness of the Academic Integrity Code, and you are obliged to become familiar with your rights and responsibilities as defined by the Code. Violations of the Academic Integrity Code will not be treated lightly, and disciplinary actions will be taken should such violations occur. Please see me if your have any questions about the academic violations described in the Code in general or as they relate to particular requirements for this course.

Going Green In an effort to be environmentally sensitive, all assignments will be posted on Blackboard. Each week I will go over the assignment in class and you are required to view and download the assignment description sheet as well as other pertinent material from Blackboard. The syllabus will be the only printed copy of course material that you will receive unless there is no other alternative but to provide a printed copy of the material. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS In the event of a declared pandemic (influenza or other communicable disease), American University will implement a plan for meeting the needs of all members of the university community. Should the university be required to close for a period of time, we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of our educational programs will be delivered to our students. These may include altering and extending the duration of the traditional term schedule to complete essential instruction in the traditional format and/or use of distance instructional methods. Specific strategies will vary from class to class, depending on the format of the course and the timing of the emergency. Faculty will communicate class-specific information to students via AU e-mail and Blackboard, while students must inform their faculty immediately of any absence due to illness. Students are responsible for checking their AU e-mail regularly and keeping themselves informed of emergencies. In the event of a declared pandemic or other emergency, students should refer to the AU Web site ( www. prepared. american.edu ) and the AU information line at (202) 885-1100 for general university-wide information, as well as contact their faculty and/or respective dean’s office for course and school/ college-specific information. DO NOT EAT IN THE CLASSROOM AS PART OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURES.

Additional Notes on this Class: The Techniques/Aesthetics of Editing class is one of the most intensive classes offered in the Film and Media Arts Division. This is a time consuming class and you must be

8 Course # COMM-438/638 (004) Production Practicum: Aesthetics/Techniques Editing - Fall 2009 / Brigid Maher, American University, 4400 Massachusetts, Washington DC able to determine your own capacity for absorption of material, and adjust your schedule to meet the needs of the class. Students are expected to spend 3 to 5 hours outside of class to work on the editing exercises and to spend 2 hours on the readings. Students are also encouraged to view additional on topics covered weekly to accelerate their progress. Students should expect to spend a total of 5 to 7 hours per week outside of class on the assigned work. Students, who have the ability to work on their projects outside of school, may do so with the understanding that it is At Your Own Risk . Facilities and assistance are provided for you at the school. Any problems that arise outside these facilities are the responsibility of the student, not the instructor. No special treatment will be given in these situations.

9 Course # COMM-438/638 (004) Production Practicum: Aesthetics/Techniques Editing - Fall 2009 / Brigid Maher, American University, 4400 Massachusetts, Washington DC

SCHEDULE WEEK 1: Tuesday, Aug ust 25, 2009 Topic Editing Relationships Activity Class Introductions, go over syllabus. Reading Review lecture notes, and FCP by Wohl. Getting Started and Lesson 1 and The Conversations: The Intro and pages 1-10. Assignment Shot by Shot Analysis Due Week 3 (work on it this week because you won’t have time during week 2)

Week 2: Tuesday, September 1, 2009 Topic The Role and Responsibilities of an Editor Activity Review Final Cut Pro Reading FCP by Wohl Lessons 2 and 3 (Creating a ) and First Cut, Introduction and pages 322-339. Assignment FCP Tutorials from Wohl (must turn in project files to Blackboard’s Digital Drop Box

Week 3: Tuesday, September 8, 2009 Due FCP Tutorials from Wohl (must turn in project files to Blackboard’s Digital Drop Box) and Shot by Shot Analysis Topic Basic cutting strategies Activity Introduce Exercise 1 Reading First Cut: 15-39 Assignment View Apology, Select Sheet and Paper Edit for Exercise 1

Week 4: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 Due Select Sheet and Paper Edit for Exercise 1 Topic Soviet Montage and Editing in Early Cinema View Excerpts from Griffith’s Intolerance , Battleship Potemkin and October by Sergei Eisenstein Reading First Cut: 78-99 Assignment Rough-cut for Exercise 1

Week 5: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 Due Rough cut for Exercise 1 Activity Critique Rough Cuts and Introduce Exercise 2 Reading First Cut: 150-169 Assignment Final-Cut for Editing Exercise 1

10 Course # COMM-438/638 (004) Production Practicum: Aesthetics/Techniques Editing - Fall 2009 / Brigid Maher, American University, 4400 Massachusetts, Washington DC

Week 6: Tuesday, September 29 , 2009 : Class hel d on Blackboard Due Final Cut for Editing Exercise 1 Activity View Final Cuts of Exercise 1 via Vimeo.com and Blackboard Reading FCP by Wohl Lesson 7 and 8 Assignment Log and Capture Exercise 2

Week 7: Tuesday, October 6, 2009 Due Log and Capture Exercise 2 Topic Classical Hollywood Editing and Cutting Dialogue View Excerpts from: It Happened One Night , Chinatown , and Woman Under the Influence, TBA Reading FCP by Wohl Lessons 5 and 6, First Cut pages 199 to 218 Assignment Rough cut for Exercise 2

Week 8: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 Due Rough cut for Exercise 2 and Lessons 4 and 5 Project Files Topic Cutting comedy, action sequences, parallel editing Activity Critique Ex. 2 Rough Cut View Excerpts from Harold and Maude , Magnolia and additional selections Reading First Cut 61-77 Assignment Exercise 2 Final Cut

Week 9: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 Due Exercise 2 Final Cut Activity Critique Cuts and Introduce Exercise 3 Reading FCP by Wohl Lessons 12 and 13 Assignment View Rushes and Paper Edit for Exercise 3

Week 10: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 Due Paper Edit for Exercise 3 Topic Editing the Documentary and Introduce Final Exercise View Clips TBA Reading The Conversations: First Cut 42-59 and 132-149 Assignment Exercise 3 Final Cut

11 Course # COMM-438/638 (004) Production Practicum: Aesthetics/Techniques Editing - Fall 2009 / Brigid Maher, American University, 4400 Massachusetts, Washington DC

Week 11: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 Due Rough Cut Exercise 3 Activity Critique Exercise 3 Assignment Exercise 4 Proposals

Week 12: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 Due Exercise 3 Final Cut and Exercise 4 Proposals Topic Editing Audio and preparing for a sound mix View Scenes from The Conversation and more!!! Assignment Exercise 4 Paper Edits and Assemblage

Week 13: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 Due Shot by Shot Analysis 2 (Graduate Students Only) and Exercise 4 Rough Cut Activity Working in HD, Online, Color Correction, and final up-rez Assignment Exercise 4 Rough Cut

Week 14: Tuesday, November 24, 2009: Tuesday classes cancelled; Friday classes meet.

Week 15, Tuesday, December 1, 2009: Last Day of Class Due Exercise 4 Rough Cuts View Exercise 4 Rough Cuts Assignment Complete Exercise 4 FINAL Cut

Week 16: Exam Day, Tuesday, December 8, 2009 View and Critique Exercise 4 Picture Locked Cuts

Note from the Dean’s Office: Evaluations of instructors will be administered during the last weeks of the semester.

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