Course Number: ARTD 267
Course Name: Intro to Video Art
Professor: Mr. Bart Woodstrup

Assignment 1 - Alternative View
Due January 27

Objective:
Upon completion of this project you should be able to perform the basic operations of the camera: use of tripod, white balance, focus (depth of field), sound recording, lighting, etc. Conceptually, you should begin to explore time as a tool for expression and thought. Visually you should achieve good composition - elements from your foundations of design will be reviewed.

Assignment:

1. Create a two-minute video using one solitary, stationary shot (un-edited). The shot should be visually interesting and unique.

2. Conceptually the video should address the audience's perception of time and reality. These concepts will be discussed in class.

3. The video will be shot on MiniDV tape. You will capture the video and present the straight clip - without titles or fades. Upload the video as an MP4 video to Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/help/compression). You must email the link to your video no later than midnight, January 27th.

4. The video MUST observe the following rules:

1. The shot must be stationary - you must use a tripod.
2. There can be no edits of any kind for the entire two-minute video.
3. The camera must be properly lit (exposed) and white-balanced.
4. Make sure the camera's auto focus is set to manual (or off).
5. You must not act in front of the camera in any way. You may not cause any action to occur for your filming - you are instead documenting a natural, unaffected passage of time.
6. You should visually compose your shot in an interesting way - which exemplifies good visual balance and depth.
7. You must pay special attention to the audio of the environment in which you are filming - audio is a critical part of any video (50% of video is audio). The use of music will not be allowed - the documentation of the environment's audio should follow the same rules as the visual component.

Documentation:
Written documentation is required for each and every assignment given in this class. You must clearly state your intentions for your work - doing so may very well ensure a higher grade. This documentation is required when handing the assignment in. It should be in sentence form, using terminology explained during lectures. Explain why you chose the location and composition. Does the piece have any symbolic/metaphoric meaning to you? What complications (if any) did you experience during filming? How was the perception of time altered by this work?