Introduction to the Moving Image (10 credit points)

Pre-requisites for enrolment

A familiarity with the Mac platform would be beneficial.

Special Information

Essential materials or equipment to be provided by the student:

• Headphones,

• Basic writing / drawing materials,

• USB or external hard drive minimum 128gb.

Content of Course

Students will, throughout the duration of this class, gain competency in developing ideas based upon the moving image. Supported through in-class exercises, these will include:

1. Introduction to timeline editing,

2. Adding transitions and visual effects.

3. Planning, shooting and importing footage taken. Looking at editing techniques and concepts behind a non-linear narrative.

4. Using text for narration. Adding titles and credits .

5. Recording sound, importing, editing and manipulation of sound in the editing process.

6. Use of time manipulation, speeding up and slowing down time. Using speed ramps and freeze frames.

7. Basic animation, opacity, overlaying and blending of shots.

8. Colour manipulation, concepts for editing colour and how they can influence work.

9. Exporting, file types and file compression. Producing something that can exist on various platforms be it online or a hard file.

10. Develop and produce a final project between 2-5 minutes suitable for various online platforms.

Teaching method(s)

The first few weeks of this course focus on specific themes or concepts. Technical demonstrations, supported by contextual references, will form the basis for group discussion and critiques. 

Each class will explore a central idea or technical skill, and time will be given to allow students to explore, apply and put into practice the skills learnt. This will be supported through a series of directed study exercises. As the classes progress, the tutor will demonstrate ways in which specific skills or techniques can be achieved via the editing process.

From week seven, students will work on independent projects, developing their concepts and refining their ideas. This will be further underpinned by group critiques and individual formative feedback sessions.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate a contextual awareness and critical thinking to support the planning and development of a project.

• Demonstrate an applied knowledge in shooting, importing and editing video footage, using appropriate digital video editing effects, transitions and sound.

• Show appropriate judgement to create, edit and produce a short 2-5 minute moving image sequence.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• CONNOLLY, M., 2009. The Place of Artists' Cinema Space, Site and Screen Bristol: Intellect.

• ELWES, C., 2005. Video Art: A Guided Tour. London; New York: I.B. Tauris. 

• FIGGIS, M., 2007. Digital Film-making. London: Faber and Faber. 

• NEWTON, D., 2007. Digital filmmaking 101: an essential guide to producing low-budget movies. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions. 

Assessment

Details of the Art and Design assessment requirements can be found on the short course website. Please click on the following link for more information: Submission and Assessment Information

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.