The video production course is part of the “Radio and Tv” section from the “Communications” studies and it’s a practical course. In this course you will have to learn clearly 2 things: the PD170 camera and Avid, a computer programme to edit video. I believe that for students who are interested in video, cameras, those that want to be a director, camera person, editor, it is a great choice to add this course to their path. We have the first contact with the equipment and how they are working. I helped myself with this course and generally it is very interesting because we have to do video productions in groups. Usually the lecturer makes groups (4 students) so everyone has a responsibility like camera person, director A, director B and model.
As a result, in my opinion another one benefit from this course is the opportunity to work in groups and have as a small experience how the professionals work! Do not miss this course, it’s interesting and at the University of Nicosia, & the level is high!!
The Video Production course at the University of Nicosia, gives you the opportunity to:
- Learn the most important functions, step by step what you have to do before you click “record”!!
- Learn to make a plot or a story, for example a “how to..” video, or a “Profile video”
- Learn to write a scenario or script
Mediazone, is the department which coordinates practical courses, offering facilities & equipment for practical courses in Communications studies. In this section of the University, there is the equipment for Video Production courses, like cameras (PD170), camera lights, microphones. See here! http://mz.unic.ac.cy/lending.php
These 3 main points a student should know clearly when finished this course:
For point n.1 there are some functions which are necessary to set on your camera. White balance which sets the colours to be correct, iris, gain, shutter speed which is the number of how many times the shutter opens and closes, are just some of them. All these functions are dependent on the environment, if is dark or day, outside or inside. Additionally, we have to select the type of the cassette, DV or DVCAM are the types that PD170 accepts
For point n.2 students in this course have as a final project must create a “how to..” or “profile” video. “how to..” is a video which gives instructions how to do something, like “how to cook crepes”. The model shows step by step what the viewer has to do, also speaks to the camera and gives details. On the other hand, “profile” is the video which shows the profile of a person, like what is their routine or life.
Finally, for point n.3 students have as final exam, to write a scenario correctly, due to there is a specific way. Firstly we write the “treatment” which is the details for the actors (who is it, where they work, if they are married etc.), the plot, and the actions. The last part, is the “author’s draft” and is the first final type of the scenario. There is a “scene headings” (capital letters) and is the information about the place and time, like the example:
Agathi Klonari – Mediazone Tv & Audio Lab Assistant
I completed the course taught by: Dr. Constandinides Costas
Assistant Professor, Communications
