SVL PORTAL
COM 445 - ADVANCED DOCUMENTARY
Through this virtual lesson portal, COM 445 students will be able to access course material (syllabi, readings, assignments) as well as COM 445 virtual lessons. Each virtual lesson will include a variety of learning activities such as video lectures, narrated presentations, film screening assignments as well as interactive online exams and projects.

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!
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
Have questions and/or concerns, send Sam a message using the form below: