TECHNIQUE REVIEW

Most of us watch media for content including communication, information, and entertainment. Because of this we are most often focused on the story told by the media we are watching. We started by taking a brief look at telling media stories in Module Two. And make no mistake about it, the story is the most important part of any video or media project. Yet how the story is told technically and aesthetically influence the story content and also become part of the story.

While it is interesting and important to watch media for its stories and content, as budding media artists we need to do more. We need to watch for technique, and develop what I like to call an eye for technique and style. In other words, we need to be aware of, notice, and understand both the technique and style of what we are viewing. This is one way that media artists get ideas and inspiration. It is also one type of formative research for us. Don’t get me wrong, when I am watching a program or project for story and it is well done, I am not paying attention to technique details. But as a content creator, I also have to learn to watch programs and projects and be able to disengage from the story at least a little bit so I can see how the elements of media creation are utilized by that project creator.

The goal of this assignment is to begin developing your eye for media technique and style. As a matter of fact, I hope you never view media in the same way again.

The reality is that making great media takes a lot of work. If you don’t think so, watch the credits on a movie or television program. I love Pixar movie credits. They thank EVERYBODY including their custodians. That is because the contribution of every single person is important, and Pixar recognizes that.

As you work on this assignment, I just want you to become aware of and notice the technical aspects of the video. It is ok if you don’t know the right words yet. Just describe what you notice the best that you can.

Technique Review One Assignment Instructions

Please watch a professionally made video program, project, or movie of your choice. I encourage you to choose a program, project, or movie that you would enjoy watching and that relates to your interests. Your technique review should be written in Memorandum Format as outlined in this assignment, and should be at least two full pages in length. Look at the program or project not as a consumer, but as a fellow artist and observe the technique the creator used. Don’t worry about using the correct terminology at this point. Also, do not worry if you don’t know some of the terminology in the assignment as this point. Just describe what you see as best you can. I want to know what you see without my influence.

See specific project details below.

Remember as you craft your assignment that you are in the top ten percent of the intelligence in the United States. Surprised? That is a description of the students that are admitted to Big Ten Colleges. The quality of your writing should reflect this fact. If it doesn’t yet, now is the time to work on your writing. After all, I don’t know of anyone who lost a job for writing too well.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you!

CAS 209

TECHNIQUE REVIEW 

Complete a technique review of a commercial media program or project. This review is intended to encourage student awareness and analysis of media production technique. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Write a review of a video program or project. Students may review any professionally produced format or genre. Reviews must be a minimum of two pages in length.

Reviews should consist primarily of an analysis of the aesthetic treatment of program or project content. At minimum, technique reviews should include a description and evaluation of shot composition, transitions, pacing, audio, set/location, blocking, lighting, graphics, effects, and structure. Reviews should also include an opening and closing paragraph. 

Do not sequentially list every production element in the program or project. Do mention patterns, including specific examples of those patterns, as well as your reaction to those patterns. The goal is to observe the work as an artist, and recognize and respond to the creative and aesthetic design elements in the program or project. 

Reviews should be written in business memorandum format. Under each heading add bulleted highlights of what you observed. Although this is a form of research, do not submit a traditional research paper or narrative paper. Memorandum format instructions follow.

            Month day, year

            MEMORANDUM

            TO:   Lisa Whiting Dobson

            FROM:   Your Name

            RE:   Technique Review One

            Opening Paragraph Content – Do Not Include This Title              

                  Include program or project name and venue

                  Include a brief program or project description

                  Include your analysis of the intended purpose or goal of the program or project

                  Include your analysis of the intended audience of the program or project

            Shot Composition – Do Include These Titles

            * Include information about patterns observed in shot composition design such as use of field of view, camera angle,

                     focus, and framing

              *

              *

            Transitions 

              *  Include information about patterns observed in transition design such as use of electronic transitions, camera

                       movement transitions, performer movement transitions, and content transitions

              *

              *

            Pacing

              *  Include information about patterns observed in the perceived pace of the program or project as well as elements

                       used to enhance the speed of the program or project

              *

              *

            Audio 

              *  Include information about patterns observed in audio design such as use of music, sound effects, and natural sound

              *

              *

           Set/Location

              *  Include information about patterns observed in set or location design such as use of setting, colors, textures,

                       patterns, materials, props, and logos

              *

              *

            Blocking

              *  Include information about patterns observed in placement of talent in relation to one another and the set, and talent

                       movement on set

              *

              *

            Lighting

              *  Include information about patterns observed in lighting design such as use of shadows, highlights, back lights, and

                       accents

              *

              *

             Graphics

              *  Include information about patterns observed in graphic design such as use of color, font, texture, layering, and

                       timing of graphic elements

              *

              *

             Effects

              *  Include information about use of special effects

              *

              *

             Structure

              *  Include information about patterns observed in content structure design such as content elements present and

                       general time allotment in the program or project for these elements

              *

              *

            Closing Paragraph Content – Do Not Include This Title                

                        Include a review and summary of findings

                        Include your reaction to the effectiveness and aesthetic appropriateness of the treatment used in the program or

                              project

In general, use a heading and bullets for each topic listed above – shot composition, transitions, pacing, audio, set/location, blocking, lighting, graphics, effects, and structure. Do not use a heading for the opening and closing paragraph. You must address each topic to receive full credit for this assignment. In addition, your use of memorandum formatting must be correct.

Technique reviews must be typewritten and correctly formatted, unless alternatives are presented and approved by the instructor. Technique reviews also must exhibit professional presentation and writing skills. Further, reviews must meet the criteria specified in the guidelines for this assignment.