Technical Guidelines

This course is about process, not product. As reflected in course learning goals, I want you to complete the term with an understanding of filmmaking fundamentals and how those tools and methods can be used to creatively address topics in the social sciences. Our overarching theme for this year is "landscape." In focusing on process and fundamentals, my preference is for convenient, easy to use, but appropriate technologies.

I. Cameras and equipment.

You have the following options for cameras and accessories such as microphones and tripods.

• Hamersly Library has equipment for checkout. The typical check-out period is four (4) days. If there are particular cameras or devices available for check out at the library that you would like to be able to use, or you would like a longer check-out period, feel free to let me know and I will see if I can reserve what you want for class use.
• The Social Science Division has equipment I can loan out, including two Sony Mini-DV cameras.
• You may also use your own equipment, including phone cameras.

What matters most in this class is how you use your cameras and related equipment, not what you use. If you are already adept at photography or film and video, and want to use more sophisticated equipment, feel free to do so. If you are just beginning in film and video, I strongly recommend selecting equipment that will be easy to use and understand. That will free you to focus on how to use your camera creatively rather than on the technical details of your hardware.

II. Editing.

In class, we will focus on the art and craft of editing. Editing is, however, best learned through practice, and to do that, you will need to select an editing platform for your project.

As with cameras and equipment, if you are already accustomed to editing with a particular program or service, feel free to use that platform for your work in this class. However, if you are just starting out in film and video editing, I recommend using Apple's iMovie, which is available in the labs at the Digital Media Center (DMC). The DMC is in Hamersly Library 219. iMovie is standard on Mac computers and should be available in any lab with full desktops or on laptops available through the university.

At the DMC, you can also get help using iMovie during scheduled tutoring hours or by making an appointment with a center tutor. Tutors can also provide you access to a more in-depth training on Lynda.com.

Here are resources for getting started with iMovie '11 (the version you will find at the DMC. Other computers may have different versions).

• iMovie Workshop by Nathan Lott at Vimeo (24:36)
• iMovie 11 Getting Started Tutorial by Melissa Navarro at YouTube (20:15)
• iMovie 11 Basics by BSnBBTutorials at YouTube (5:02)
• iMovie 11 FAQs at Macalaster College (pdf)
• Apple support pages for iMovie

The DMC production rooms and labs also provide access to the Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes Premeier (Adobe's film and video editing platform), and Final Cut Pro X, another Apple editing program. My primary experience is with Final Cut Pro 7, which is a different version of the program from what you will have available at the DMC. In addition, DMC staff do not support Premiere or Final Cut Pro like they do iMovie. If you are just getting started in film and video editing, I do not recommend starting with Final Cut (or Premiere).

Of course, if you have a Mac you already have access to iMovie, and you can always purchase a video editor like Final Cut Pro X or Premiere.

Beyond campus resources, and programs for purchase, you can also use online or freeware editors.

Two freeware editors that you can download and use on a personal computer are OpenShot and DaVinci Resolve.

And here, here and here are guides to online (cloud-based) editors.

While freeware and online options have benefits in terms of convenience, you will also lose in-person support and guidance, although I am always available for general editing assistance. In addition, many of these options will be more limited in their features as compared to the editors you can use in university labs or that are available for purchase. Many of these programs or services will have particular limits on what you can do for free.

All of these choices have their pluses and minuses. If you are new to video editing, I recommned that you browse the guides and other materials I have linked to here and try out a few options before deciding on a platform. Ultimately, you only need basic editing functions (organize, cut, combine) for your work in this course.

III. Screening.

Films are meant to be seen. We will be using the service Vimeo for sharing and screening videos in class. Vimeo is primarily for people making original work and has an easy to navigate and stable user interface.

I will have additional instructions for using Vimeo on the Film Project assignments.

Vimeo has a Video School with tutorials, reviews, and guidance on making and working with digital video that you may find useful as a supplement to the course.