toolbox :: nuts-n-bolts

software tutorials
Writing with Video is not a software-intensive course. Students are not expected, nor intended, to become advanced software users, and instructors will not spend large amounts of class time engaged in software training.

Apple has excellent iMovie and iLife tutorials online and students will be expected to use these resources to gain familiarity with the course tools. Here's a useful tutorial, published on YouTube, with some advanced tips on exporting videos from iMovie.

WordPress is the technology behind the Writing with Video student journals. Again, although instructors will provide an introduction to using this tool, students are expected to be independent learners. There are excellent online resources for learning and exploring wordPress.

equipment access + checkout
Camcorders, microphones, tripods, audio recording decks, and various cords can be checked out at the Art+Design Facilities checkout window, located on the 3rd floor of the Art+Design building. Sometime during the first week of classes students will be informed about important policies such as duration of checkout periods, reserving equipment, and late fees.

Students are encouraged to consider providing their own camcorder since demand for the Art+Design machines is high. Writing with Video does not require the use of expensive equipment. The main concern in purchasing a camcorder is to consider a model that has a jack for an external microphone.

Some tips for checking out A+D equipment:

• ask for one of the Panasonic camcorders, either the 300 or 500 model. they use mini DV tapes.
• if you want to connect the camcorder to your laptop, YOU NEED TO ASK FOR A FIREWIRE CABLE when you check out the camcorder - the cords do not come with the cameras
• be sure to ask for a small lightweight video tripod (not a still camera model)
• the ZOOM audio recorders are recommended for their small size and ease of use. these decks record onto SD cards, which you will need to provide for yourself (> $20 for 1 GB). you will need to check out a multi-card reader, which you can connect to your laptop when you're ready to transfer your audio files. You might also consider purchasing one for yourself (> $20).
• one of the most common microphones used in WwV is a hand-held omnidirectional mic that picks up sound in a spherical pattern in all directions
• another popular mic is what's called a shotgun mic, which is a directional microphone that picks up sound in a tight pattern in front of the mic (it requires a AA battery).
• YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT A CABLE TO CONNECT YOUR MIC TO YOUR CAMCORDER. ask for a 'XRL to mini' cable. the XLR is the fat end and connects to the mic. the mini is the small jack and it connects to the camcorder.
• If you'd like to learn more about how microphones work, visit the audio-technica site, and here's a link to information on basic sound principles.
  

video production process + journaling template
Beginning with module 02, students will be introduced to a four-step video production process that includes specific directed writing activities during each step. Here's a convenient link to this journaling template.

guidelines for the group critique process
Group discussion and critique of artwork is a process that many students have little or no experience with. Here is an online guideline to help those seeking a model for how and why this method is used in most art schools.

The choreographer Liz Lerman has also developed a very effective critique method that students may learn more about from individual section instructors. Here is a link to more information on the Liz Lerman critique method.

release form
It is always a good idea to obtain formal permission from the people who appear in your videos (not people on the street but, for instance, people that you interview). here is a very simple release form that can be used for this purpose.

current tv
has some great online resources for new video authors. Their producer training section is probably the most useful resource, but also be sure to poke around in other parts of the site.

storytelling tips
Ira Glass, from This American Life (NPR) has some great advice online about creating interesting narratives:
part 01 (anecdote and reflection)
part 02 (finding a good story)
part 03 (good taste and persistence)
part 04 (two common pitfalls)

interviewing tips
Here's a selection of advice on getting, and doing, a good interview:
the question man
cbc expert interviewing tips
radio diaries
loosening lips

creative commons
has done some very important work in the area of intellectual property rights for electronic work, particularly content distributed within electronic communities. This is a great site for understanding the importance of respecting intellectual property rights. And you can also license your own work here. Also, here are some ideas about a code of best practices for fair use of video content that has been produced by others, compliments of the Center for Social Media.

copyright-free music source
Speaking of respecting intellectual property, Moby created a nice resource for legally downloading music specifically for use by independent, non-profit video authors. And there's more: asimplesound + soundsnap.

storyboards
are a very effective tool for organizing and visualizing ideas. They are in common use by nearly all time-based media authors. If you google 'storyboards' you'll find many templates available for download. Here's an example of a very simple but useful storyboard.

readings
Most, if not all readings, will be available through the ART 250 electronic library reserves. Users must have a University of Illinois login to access this content.

ece storeroom
If you're looking for a place to buy stuff like video tape, other storage media, and other accessories on campus, try the Electrical and Computer Engineering Storeroom: 60 Everitt Lab, 1406 W. Green Urbana. Good prices and you can use your iCard. 217.333.1916 :: ece-stores@illlinois.edu

laptops
You can pickup your Mac laptops at the Oregon CITES facility. Remember that you will be legally liable for returning this machine in good working order. Read the rental agreement closely and note the fees for non-return, late return, and recall due to irregular attendance.

If your machine malfunctions you should return it to the CITES facilities for assistance and/or repair. Be sure to back up your content, since it may be necessary to erase the hard drive. CITES staff does not offer assistance with learning and/or using course software.

setting up electronic journals
Students: here's a link for setting up your electronic journal. Once you have this page on your screen, click the login link (don't use the create a new blog link, it doesn't really work). Login using your netid and your Instructional Computing Services Password. In most cases, this is the same password you use for email and everything else. If you don't know or can't remember this password, try going to the CITES Password Manager to reset it or to set it up. The first time a student logs in a new journal will be created.