TD 320J Intro to Creating New Media Syllabus | Unique # 25540

Mondays and Wednesdays | 12:30 – (1:45) 2PM | ONLINE Hybrid** (WINSHIP 2.112)
Jeremy Lee Cudd | jeremylcudd@austin.utexas.edu | Winship Building, 2.117

Mission
To broaden the student’s media literacy and understanding of film grammar. To introduce students to a set of
strategies to grow as generative artists. To familiarize students with common media production and post-
production tools through practical exercises and creative projects.

Required Text
Action! Professional Acting for Film and Television by Robert Benedetti

Necessary Tools
32 GB USB 3.0 Drive, Computer with Basic (Free) Editing Software, Video Camera (Phone or other), Phone
Mount, YouTube and/or Vimeo account

Major Topics
Image and Editing Grammar
Pre-production Basics – Story, Vision, Planning, Building Around Available Resources
Production Basics – Camera & Sound, Organization of Labor
Post-Production Basics – Editing Software, Compression
Basic Legal Considerations
Film Acting Basics – Understanding the Demands and Tricks of the Medium
Media & Film Literacy and Craft

Philosophy & Goals

Resource Filmmaking – Exploit your current resources to make something now. Embracing your constraints
gives you creative freedom. Never waiting to be cast. Never waiting until you have the “right” equipment,
location, etc. Everything in this business of show-business seeks to commodify the actor. Gain power and a
voice as an artist by being directly involved in the creation of your own work.

Learn by Doing - As a storyteller, there is no substitute for constantly experimenting with effective ways to
share an experience with an audience. Fail better. The essence of filmmaking is problem solving. Working your
way through practical problems is the only way to earn confidence in a process to guide you through future
unknowns.

Learn by Watching Critically – Understanding the medium requires the student to transcend the default
mode of merely consuming content. Students must challenge their preferences, expand the limits of their point-
of-view, and critically engage with how the medium manipulates your brain. Students will practice tracing the
DNA of ancient story ritual into each form of New Media to root their understanding in the collective wisdom of
storytellers through the ages.

Understanding the Medium – Dabbling in the various creative, organizational, and technical roles of the
filmmaking process grounds you in a more complete understanding of the medium. Learning the
language/grammar and strengths of a medium illuminates the creative path and ultimately helps you manage
your resources and maximize your expressive palette as an actor.

A Creative Force for Change - With actor-generated content, we can stretch the limitations of mainstream
casting breakdowns. We can create a story that asserts something compelling about an actor who doesn’t
currently fit within an easily identifiable commercial type. We have the choice to deal with the complexities of
race, class, gender, and sexuality, which is often sanitized away for popular consumption in mainstream
media.
Major Assignments and Projects
Attendance and Participation - After your fi2 absences, each successive absence will result in a point
deduction from your Attendance points. 3 late arrivals equal 1 full absence.

Reading Action! By Robert Benedetti – See calendar for specific page assignments and due dates.

Discussion Videos/QUIZ – Students must engage with the media listed for each week on Canvas. Some
videos will be viewed in class and will be directly discussed. For the other media, please raise questions in
class for any content/concepts you find confusing. A quiz on major concepts from video and lecture content will
assess your engagement with the discussion videos.

15 Frames to Tell a Story – In pairs, students will make a digital flipbook of 12 to 15 still photos that they have
personally shot for this project. This flipbook of images should tell a simple story. Still photos may be taken on
camera phone or any other camera. Selected photos should be brought to class on a USB drive, organized in
a folder with the following file naming convention: 01.jpg through 15.jpg. ALL PHOTOS MUST BE SHOT IN
WIDE OR LANDSCAPE ORIENTATION. NO PORTRAIT ORIENTATION.

15 Frames on Timeline with Sound – In pairs, students load 12 to 15 still photos into iMovie (or comparable
editor) and add music and sound effects to timed images to tell a simple story. You will export your project
timeline into a self-contained video file suitable for playback. Please bring to class on USB drive.

Individual Film Project - ALL FOOTAGE MUST BE SHOT IN WIDE/LANDSCAPE, NOT PORTRAIT
ORIENTATION.

1 Minute Film
Story Structure:
1. Establish Character
2. Establish Problem
3. Act on Problem
4. Result
Length: 1 minute max.
Guideline: Minimal to no dialogue.
Submission Format: Follow instructions given in class.
NO UNLICENSED USE OF COPYRIGHTED MUSIC

Tone Poem
A cinematic invocation/abstraction of some idea/feeling/experience. Using sight and sound to communicate
something intangible.
Length: 3 minutes max.
NO UNLICENSED USE OF COPYRIGHTED MUSIC

Group Film Projects - ALL FOOTAGE MUST BE SHOT IN WIDE/LANDSCAPE, NOT PORTRAIT
ORIENTATION

Punchline Film
Story Structure:
1. Setting up an Expectation
2. Surprising Outcome
Length: 5 minutes max. Recommend around 3 minutes.
Submission Format: Follow instructions given in class.
NO UNLICENSED USE OF COPYRIGHTED MUSIC
Genre Spoof
Creative Rules:
Using the visual grammar and common content of a film genre, create a story which uses the “rules” of
the genre to entertain.
Length: 7 minutes max. Recommend around 3 minutes.
Submission Format: Instructions given in class.
NO UNLICENSED USE OF COPYRIGHTED MUSIC

Grading:
Attendance & Participation – 5 points Grade Scale:
95 – 100 A
2-Page Scene – 5 points 90 – 94 A-
15 Frames Project – 10 points 87 – 89 B+
83 – 86
Videos/Discussions (Quiz) – 20 points 80 – 82
B
B-
1 Minute Film – 10 points 77 – 79 C+
Tone Poem – 10 points 73 – 76 C
70 – 72 C-
Punchline Film – 10 points 67 – 69 D+
Genre Spoof Film – 10 points 63 – 66 D
Response Prompt Discussions – 20 points 60 – 62 D-
0 – 59 F
Total Points: 100

Canvas and Zoom

All instructions, assignments, readings, rubrics and essential information will be on the Canvas website at
https://utexas.instructure.com. Check this site regularly and use it to ask questions about the course schedule.

Changes to the schedule may be made at my discretion and if circumstances require. It is your responsibility to
note these changes when announced (although I will do my best to ensure that you receive the changes with
as much advanced notice as possible).

Course sessions that will be conducted via Zoom will be linked on Canvas. You will find links to all Zoom
sessions listed in our Canvas course site by clicking on the “Zoom” link in the navigation sidebar. Please be
prepared to participate in all Zoom sessions in the same way that you would in our face-to-face classes: come
prepared and actively engage in conversations. Please make it a habit to check your Canvas email on a
regular basis (at least once a day) for any updates or changes to upcoming class sessions.

New Media Calendar

WEEK 1
Wednesday, August 26
Syllabus – Mission/Goals/Philosophy
Gather & List Resources Discussion Prompt

Assigned Media:
RocketJump Screenplay Formatting
Screenplay Formatting Basics

Practical Assignments:
Read Action! text - Pages 1-76
Due Monday, September 21

Download & Install FadeIn Software - Write 2-page script, export as PDF.
Fade In Screewriting Software - Download Demo
Due Wednesday, September 2
Feature Film: Shaun of the Dead – Directed by Edgar Wright

Gathering Resources Discussion Thread

WEEK 2
Monday, August 31
Shots, Basic Coverage

Assigned Media:
Film Riot - Visual Storytelling 101 - Phillip Bloom
RocketJump Shots vs. Setups
Film Riot – How to Shoot a Scene!

Practical Assignments:
15 Frames to Tell a Story – Choose Partners
Due Wednesday, September 16

Wednesday, September 2
Actor Process Chat
DUE 2-page script in PDF format

Assigned Media:
Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett - You aren’t at the mercy of your emotions - your brain creates them
Science and Medicine TED Talk - YouTube Link (https://youtu.be/0gks6ceq4eQ)

Curious Minds with Gayle Allen Podcast: Lisa Feldman Barrett on Rethinking Our Emotions
Apple Podcast Link

Practical Assignments:
Neuroscience Response Prompt Discussion Thread

WEEK 3
Monday, September 7
NO CLASS – LABOR DAY HOLIDAY

Wednesday, September 9
Story & Religion by Adam Skelter
Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett
DUE: Shaun of the Dead – Directed by Edgar Wright

Assigned Media
Shaun of the Dead – Character Arc – Vivisection - https://youtu.be/uCCrG1yHfes
Every Frame a Painting – Edgar Wright – How to Do Visual Comedy
Every Frame a Painting – Buster Keaton – The Art of Gag

Practical Assignments:
The Art of the Gag Response Prompt Discussion Thread
Vivisection Response Prompt Discussion Thread

WEEK 4
Monday, September 14
Story Analysis, Genre, Style, Characterization and Archetypes, Visual Comedy
Choosing an Editor
Practical Assignments:
Choose your Video Editing Software

Wednesday, September 16
Editing Basics – Editing Demo
DUE: 15 Frames to Tell a Story

Assigned Media:
Walter Murch and the ‘Rule of Six’ – Film Editing
Language of Editing - Basic Cuts

Feature Film: Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One – Directed by William Greaves

https://youtu.be/atf3rqBuGUM
Due Wednesday, September 23

Documentary: Discovering William Greaves

https://youtu.be/sKRaR7WjVUk
Due Wednesday, September 23

Practical Assignments:
15 Frames on a Timeline with Sound
Due Monday, October 5

WEEK 5
Monday, September 21
Editing Basics – Demo (continued)
Discussion of 1st Section of Benedetti Text
Scalable Production Standards
Prep & Organization, Safety & Legal
DUE: Action! Pages 1-76

Assigned Media:
Film Riot – Prepping for a Short Film
RocketJump Pro Tip – What to Call Out Before Action

Practical Assignments:
Read Action! Pages 77-152
Due Wednesday, October 19

Wednesday, September 23
Symbiopsychotaxiplasm Discussion, Performance & Reality
Class Prompts
DUE: Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One & William Greaves Documentary

Practical Assignments:
Decide Your Group Project Production Teams & Team Name
Due Monday, September 28

WEEK 6
Monday, September 28
Assign and Discuss Film Projects
DUE: Group Project Production Teams & Names
Assigned Media:
D4Darious - How To Write A Short Film: Part 5 - 1 Minute Films
EFAP – Lynne Ramsey – The Poetry of Details
D4Darious - How To Write A Short Film: Part 4 - Punchline Films

Practical Assignments:
Individual Film Project: 1 Minute Film
Due – Rough Cut First Showing Wednesday, October 14
Due – Final Cut Showing Wednesday, December 2

Individual Film Project: Tone Poem

Due – Final Cut Showing Wednesday, December 2
Group Film Project: Punchline Films
Due – Rough Cut First Showing Monday, November 2
Due – Final Cut Showing Wednesday, December 2

Wednesday, September 30
Audio Crash Course
Music/Underscoring
Group Work

Assigned Media:
D4Darious - How to Record for Better Audio for your Films
D4Darious – Zoom H1n
RocketJump Pro Tip – How to Slate
RocketJump Pro Tip – How to Hold a Boom Pole
RocketJump Pro Tip – Lavalier Mics

WEEK 7
Monday, October 5
Surrealism, Dream Language, The Lyrical/Poetic, The Ethic of the Film Set Manifest in the Film, Search for
Divinity

DUE: 15 Frames on Timeline with Sound

Assigned Media:
björk : bachelorette - Michel Gondry - https://youtu.be/JNJv-Ebi67I
Process – Sampha (excerpt) – Khalil Joseph - https://youtu.be/3QH7ZwtMM-Q
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SurrealMusicVideo

Feature Film: Waiting for Guffman – Directed by Christopher Guest

Wednesday, October 7
Cinematography, Camera
Color Correction/Grading
Group Work

Assigned Media:
RocketJump Film School – Cinematography 101: What is Cinematography?
D4Darious – Shots
D4Darious – Lenses

WEEK 8
Monday, October 12
Camera, Lighting, Grip, Gear, Group Work
Assigned Media:
Film Riot – Quick Tips: DIY Lighting Kit!
RocketJump Lighting 101: Quality of Light
RocketJump Lighting 101: Direction of Light
RocketJump Pro Tip – Negative Fill
RocketJump Pro Tip – Harnessing the Sun

Practical Assignments:
Response Prompt: Action! Text Pages 77-152 Discussion Thread

Wednesday, October 14
1 Minute Film Feedback
Creative Process Models

DUE: Rough Cut: 1 Minute Film

DUE: Feature Film – Waiting for Guffman – Directed by Christopher Guest

Assigned Media:
Feature Film: Tangerine – Directed by Sean Baker

WEEK 9
Monday, October 19
Acting for Camera Basics – The demands of the medium

DUE: Action! Pages 77-152

Practical Assignments:
Demo Project

Wednesday, October 21
Compression
Group Work

Assigned Media:
Video Compression As Fast As Possible
Formats, Codecs, Containers
Vimeo Video Compression Guidelines
Vimeo Compression Tutorials
YouTube Recommended Encoding Settings

WEEK 10
Monday, October 26
Demo Project Script Breakdown, Planning

Assigned Media:
Lindsay Ellis - Woke Disney - https://youtu.be/xU1ffHa47YY
Folding Ideas – The Medium is the Message - https://youtu.be/OseOb_wBsi4

Practical Assignments:
Group Film Project – Genre Spoof Rough Cut
Due Wednesday, November 18

Group Film Project – Genre Spoof Final Cut

Due Wednesday, December 2
Wednesday, October 28
Media Literacy, The Medium is the Message, The Optics are the Substance

WEEK 11
Monday, November 2
Punchline Feedback, Demo Project Edit

DUE: Punchline Film Rough Cut

Wednesday, November 4
QUIZ REVIEW

WEEK 12
Monday, November 9
Group Work

QUIZ over major concepts from Readings, Lectures, and Videos

Wednesday, November 11
Group Work

WEEK 13
Monday, November 16
Group Work

Wednesday, November 18
Genre Spoof Feedback, Group Work

DUE: Genre Spoof Rough Cut

WEEK 14
Monday, November 23
Group Work

Wednesday, November 25
NO CLASS - THANKSGIVING

WEEK 15
Monday, November 30
Group Work

Wednesday, December 2
Final Showings

DUE: Individual Film Projects – 1 Minute, Tone Poem

DUE: Group Film Projects - Punchline, Genre Spoof

WEEK 16
Monday, December 7
TBD

NO FINAL EXAM. A complete submission (in the form specified) of each project must be received by
the final class day.
**Hybrid? - Clarity on our Class Plan
I kept the "Hybrid" designation for this class through the summer to retain options for in-person instruction, just
in case there were positive trends in the Covid situation this fall. I honestly hold little hope for things to improve
quickly enough in the fall term for the clear advantages of in-person classes to not be outweighed by the risks.
Arguably, the majority of those advantages are nullified by the required safety measures anyway. Beyond the
safety concerns within the classroom, any decision to meet in Winship escalates the logistical workload and
potential health risk for the staff. For these reasons, I have planned and tailored curriculum for the Online-only
experience.

That being said...I have requested the following dates as potential in-person classes:
Wednesday, October 7, Monday, October 12, Wednesday, November 11, Monday, November 16

To be clear, NO in-person classes will ever be required. I will likely cancel the use of these optional dates
given current trends. I set these dates aside because we were required to request them early or lose the
option. If we are lucky enough to have an effective vaccine or treatment early this fall, then I would discuss with
the class about their potential usefulness relative to risk at that time. In other words, you should expect for this
class to be executed entirely online.

Reach out to me directly as soon as possible with any concerns/questions: jeremylcudd@austin.utexas.edu

Resources for Students

•New COVID 19/university page: https://protect.utexas.edu/
•General coronavirus page: https://coronavirus.utexas.edu/
•Student Emergency Services: https://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/emergency/
•University Health Services: https://healthyhorns.utexas.edu/

Safety and Class Participation/Masks: We will all need to make some adjustments in order to benefit from
in-person classroom interactions in a safe and healthy manner. Our best protections against spreading COVID-
19 on campus are masks (defined as cloth face coverings) and staying home if you are showing
symptoms. Therefore, for the benefit of everyone, this is means that all students are required to follow these
important rules.
• Every student must wear a cloth face-covering properly in class and in all campus buildings at
all times.

• Students are encouraged to participate in documented daily symptom screening. This means
that each class day in which on-campus activities occur, students must upload certification from the
symptom tracking app and confirm that they completed their symptom screening for that day to
Canvas. Students should not upload the results of that screening, just the certificate that they
completed it. If the symptom tracking app recommends that the student isolate rather than coming to
class, then students must not return to class until cleared by a medical professional.

• Information regarding safety protocols with and without symptoms can be found here.

If a student is not wearing a cloth face-covering properly in the classroom (or any UT building), that student
must leave the classroom (and building). If the student refuses to wear a cloth face covering, class will be
dismissed for the remainder of the period, and the student will be subject to disciplinary action as set forth in
the university’s Institutional Rules/General Conduct 11-404(a)(3). Students who have a condition that
precludes the wearing of a cloth face covering must follow the procedures for obtaining an accommodation
working with Services for Students with Disabilities.

COVID Caveats: To help keep everyone at UT and in our community safe, it is critical that students report
COVID-19 symptoms and testing, regardless of test results, to University Health Services, and faculty and staff
report to the HealthPoint Occupational Health Program (OHP) as soon as possible. Please see this link to
understand what needs to be reported. In addition, to help understand what to do if a fellow student in the
class (or the instructor or TA) tests positive for COVID, see this University Health Services link.

Sharing of Course Materials is Prohibited: No materials used in this class, including, but not limited to,
lecture hand-outs, videos, assessments (quizzes, exams, papers, projects, homework assignments), in-class
materials, review sheets, and additional problem sets, may be shared online or with anyone outside of the
class unless you have my explicit, written permission. Unauthorized sharing of materials promotes cheating. It
is a violation of the University’s Student Honor Code and an act of academic dishonesty. I am well aware of the
sites used for sharing materials, and any materials found online that are associated with you, or any suspected
unauthorized sharing of materials, will be reported to Student Conduct and Academic Integrity in the Office of
the Dean of Students. These reports can result in sanctions, including failure in the course.

FERPA and Class Recordings

Class Recordings: Class recordings are reserved only for students in this class for educational purposes and
are protected under FERPA. The recordings should not be shared outside the class in any form. Violation of
this restriction by a student could lead to Student Misconduct proceedings.

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN GENERAL INFORMATION

University of Texas Honor Code:

The core values of The University of Texas at Austin are learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual
opportunity, and responsibility. Each member of the university is expected to uphold these values through
integrity, honesty, trust, fairness, and respect toward peers and community.
For information on Scholastic Dishonesty, please visit the Student Judicial services Web site at
http://www.utexas.edu/depts/dos/sjs/.

Services for Students with Disabilities:

Students with disabilities may request appropriate academic accommodations from the Division of Diversity
and Community Engagement, Services for Students with Disabilities, 512-471-6259,
http://diversity.utexas.edu/disability/

University Electronic Mail Notification Policy:

All students should become familiar with the University’s official e-mail student notification policy. It is the
student’s responsibility to keep the University informed as to changes in his or her e-mail address. Students
are expected to check e-mail on a frequent and regular basis in order to stay current with University-related
communications, recognizing that certain communications may be time-critical. It is recommended that e-mail
be checked daily, but at a minimum, twice per week. In this course, email will be used as a means of
communication with students. You will be responsible for checking your email regularly for class work and
announcements.

University Resources for Students

The university has numerous resources for students to provide assistance and support for your learning, use
these to help you succeed in your classes:

The Sanger Learning Center - Did you know that more than one-third of UT undergraduate students use the
Sanger Learning Center each year to improve their academic performance? All students are welcome to take
advantage of Sanger Center’s classes and workshops, private learning specialist appointments, peer academic
coaching, and tutoring for more than 70 courses in 15 different subject areas. For more information, please
visit http://www.utexas.edu/ugs/slc or call 512-471-3614 (JES A332).

The University Writing Center - The University Writing Center offers free, individualized, expert help with writing
for any UT student, by appointment or on a drop-in basis. Consultants help students develop strategies to
improve their writing. The assistance we provide is intended to foster students’ resourcefulness and self-
reliance. http://uwc.utexas.edu/

Counseling and Mental Health Center - The Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) provides
counseling, psychiatric, consultation, and prevention services that facilitate students' academic and life goals
and enhance their personal growth and well-being. http://cmhc.utexas.edu/

Student Emergency Services - http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/emergency/

ITS - Need help with technology? http://www.utexas.edu/its/
Libraries - Need help searching for information? http://www.lib.utexas.edu/
Canvas - Canvas help is available 24/7 at http://utexas.instructure.com/courses/633028/pages/student-tutorials

Important Safety Information

BCAL
If you have concerns about the safety or behavior of fellow students, TAs or Professors, call BCAL (the
Behavior Concerns Advice Line): 512-232-5050. Your call can be anonymous. If something doesn’t feel right
– it probably isn’t. Trust your instincts and share your concerns.

Evacuation Information
(add any that are particular to your building)
The following recommendations regarding emergency evacuation from the Office of Campus Safety and
Security, 512-471-5767, http://www.utexas.edu/safety/

Occupants of buildings on The University of Texas at Austin campus are required to evacuate buildings when
an alarm or alert is activated. Alarm activation or announcement requires exiting and assembling outside,
unless told otherwise by an official representative.
• Familiarize yourself with all exit doors of each classroom and building you may occupy. Remember that the
nearest exit door may not be the one you used when entering the building.
• Students requiring assistance in evacuation shall inform their instructor in writing during the first week of
class.
• In the event of an evacuation, follow the instruction of faculty or class instructors. Do not re-enter a building
unless given instructions by the following: Austin Fire Department, The University of Texas at Austin Police
Department, or Fire Prevention Services office.
• Link to information regarding emergency evacuation routes and emergency procedures can be found at:
http://www.utexas.edu/emergency