Module Code - Title:
CS4053
-
DIGITAL VIDEO FUNDAMENTALS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To train students in digital video production within the context of film history, film theory, and contemporary industry practices. The emphasis is on the technical skills required across an integrated workflow, from concept to delivery.
Syllabus:
This module provides a comprehensive overview of practical techniques in digital video, from pre-production (writing a concept, treatment, and storyboard), through production (use of cameras and related equipment) to post-production (media management, timeline editing, colour grading, title creation, delivery). This workflow is supported by technical subjects: camera optics, exposure factors, frame size, aspect ratios, digital file formats, and colour models. The construction of continuity through film grammar (shots and edits) will be studied through scene analysis of classic films.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Analyse a film or video scene according to continuity, describing shots using field-of-view terminology.
2. Analyse the use of sound in a scene, identifying music, dialogue, and sound effects.
3. Plan a successful video shoot, identifying the tasks required and assigning crew roles.
4. Recognise file formats, describe their codecs and colour models, assess appropriateness.
5. Describe a post-production workflow from media management to delivery, justifying choices made to suit the particular product.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Recognise and describe how continuity and montage are used in a film to create the desired affect in the viewer.
2. Recognise and describe how sound is used in a film, considering program music, dialogue, Foley, and other sound effects.
3. Recognise the use of colour grading and discuss the aesthetics.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Ingest, tag, and organise media clips, applying in and out points.
2. Assemble a video timeline from assets, demonstrating continuity editing.
3. Replicate the colour grades in source video clips.
4. Create appropriate titles and credits for a video.
5. Apply music to existing footage, performing appropriate sound edits, mixing for audibility.
6. Create a treatment and storyboard.
7. Assemble and use a simple video rig (camera and tripod).
8. Manage a video shoot by following assigned roles on a team, follow a storyboard in a structured fashion.
9. Complete shooting and sound reports in order to manage media assets.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Various modalities are employed in order to engage students with practical skills while presenting important historical and contemporary context. Lectures introduce the vocabulary of film grammar as well as technical subjects. Labs focus on practical techniques in digital video production. Screenings present video and film for critique. Workshops provide hands-on instruction in camera use. Students must collaborate as part of a film crew, sharing resources.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Monaco, James (2009)
How to read a film: The world of movies, media, and multimedia: language, history, theory, fourth edition
, Oxford University Press
Ascher, Steven and Edward Pincus (2013)
The filmmaker's handbook: a comprehensive guide for the digital age, fourth edition
, Plume
Blackmagic Design (2021)
DaVinci Resolve 18 reference manual.
, Blackmagic Design.
Other Relevant Texts:
Ament, Vanessa Theme (2014)
The Foley grail: the art of performing sound for film, games, and animation, second edition
, Focal Press
Honthaner, Eve Light (2010)
The complete film production handbook, fourth edition.
, Focal Press
Owens, Jim and Gerald Millerson (2017)
Video production handbook, sixth edition.
, Focal Press
Roberts-Breslin, Jan (2017)
Making media: foundations of sound and image production, fourth edition
, Focal Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
robin.parmar@ul.ie