GETTING STARTED

To make the best of this semester, let's take a moment to recap several elements of digital film production and ensure you have everything you'll need to get started!

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Complete by August 26th, 2020

PRODUCTION: Camera Gear

Click the "VIEW GEAR" button below to see a list of suggested digital video production equipment based on needs, experience and price. PLEASE KNOW you are NOT required to purchase equipment for COM 445.

PRODUCTION: Editing Software

Click the "VIEW OPTIONS" button below to see the various video editing software options available for you such as iMovie, DaVinci Resolve and the Adobe Creative Suite.

MODES OF DOCUMENTARY

Click the "VIEW NOW" button to explore the six modes of documentary film production as outlined by documentary film theorist Bill Nichols.

INTERVIEWING PT.1

Where to put the camera? Where should the subject look? What light's should I use? All great questions. Click the VIEW NOW button to see the Interviewing Pt. 1 presentation.

INTERVIEWING PT.2

How to be prepared? How to make your subject comfortable? How to formulate questions? How to have a natural conversation? Click the VIEW NOW button to see the Interviewing Pt. 2 presentation. 

COM 445 PROJECT CHECKLIST

Click the VIEW NOW button to see a list of required projects and assignments for Fall 2020 semester.

EDITING THE DOCUMENTARY

Click the VIEW NOW button to see a list of things to remember when editing your documentary project.

EDITING: The Rule of Six

In his book, "In The Blink Of An Eye," Walter Murch (three time Academy Award winning film editor) overviews the six essential reasons for making a successful cut. Click the READ NOW button to view "The Rule of Six" chapter.

WATCH: The Cutting Edge (2004)

The Cutting Edge: The Magic of Movie Editing is a 2004 documentary film directed by filmmaker Wendy Apple and covers the history and art of film editing. Click the WATCH NOW button to view the film.

SAMPLE PRODUCTION BUDGET

Click the VIEW NOW button below to review a sample production budget for a feature length documentary film. Use this sample budget to help you formulate the proposed budget for your Final Production Packet.

SHOWCASE: Peer Documentaries

Click the VIEW NOW button below to watch the various Peer Documentaries created this semester by your fellow classmates. 

Showcase Password: com445