Academic Catalogs

FILM A155: Television Production 1

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 02/21/2024
Top Code 061220 - Film Production
Units 4 Total Units 
Hours 144 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 36; Lab Hours 108)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee Yes
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S)

Course Description

Introduction, orientation, and use of digital television studio equipment and other basic tools in television production. The course will focus on theory, terminology, and operation of all television equipment and the responsibilities of television personnel. Students will be assigned projects to produce and will experience all major functions of the production team. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Produce a live television program.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of studio lighting instruments and techniques.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of television studio camera operation.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Identify/describe the roles and responsibilities of the television studio production team.
  • 2. Identify/demonstrate knowledge and use of television studio production equipment.
  • 3. Explain/demonstrate hand signals utilized by the studio floor director.
  • 4. Propose/plan/organize the production elements of a studio-based television program.
  • 5. Discuss/demonstrate the role and responsibility of the television producer.
  • 6. Identify/demonstrate knowledge and use of television studio lighting equipment, operation, and production techniques.
  • 7. Identify the talent and technical unions associated with television production.

Lecture Content

The roles and responsibilities of the television studio production team The television camera and its function The television studio intercom system: Control room intercom Floor director intercom Camera operator intercom The role of the studio floor director Hand signals used by the studio floor director The role of the technical director Television script formats The role of the television producer Proposing a television program concept Television studio lighting equipment theory: Spotlights Floodlights Television studio lighting production techniques: Drama/Mystery Comedy Talk Show Variety Show Development of graphics for television programs Television studio floor plans Television studio audio equipment theory: Microphones Cables Mixers Television audience research: Target audience Demographic data Unions affiliated with television production: SAG AFTRA IATSE IBEW Teamsters Developing television budgets

Lab Content

A.    Camera shots composition and camera movement as they relate to the television studio camera B.    Operation of the studio camera systems: 1.     Pan 2.     Tilt 3.     Dolly

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

1.    Lecture 2.   Demonstration 3.   Videotape examples 4.   One-on-One Instruction 5.   Individual Assignments 6.   Group Assignments 7.   Assignment Critique 8.   Examinations

Reading Assignments

Selected handouts provided by instructor.  The students will spend 3 hours per week to read these handouts, class notes during the course of the semester.

Writing Assignments

Students will be required to write treatments for project proposals, scripts for projects, graphic pages for on screen text, lighting and floor plans, and critiques for project evaluation.   Proficiency will be demonstrated by incorporating production elements and by demonstrating proper use and techniques in the operation of television production equipment.   Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills through production development, production techniques, and by working through production problems.

Out-of-class Assignments

The students will spend 3 hours per week during the course of the semester for preparation, planning discussions and creative meetings for their TV productions.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

1.    Assigned Individual Projects 2.   Assigned Group Projects 3.   Examinations

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students will be required to write treatments for project proposals, scripts for projects, graphic pages for on screen text, lighting and floor plans, and critiques for project evaluation.   Proficiency will be demonstrated by incorporating production elements and by demonstrating proper use and techniques in the operation of television production equipment.   Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills through production development, production techniques, and by working through production problems.

Eligible Disciplines

Media production (also see broadcasting technology): Any bachelors degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Andrew Hicks Utterback. Studio Television Production Directing, 3nd ed. Focal Press, 2023

Other Resources

1. Selected handout materials will be provided and distributed by the instructor.