WARNINGS/RULES OF THE ROAD
Basic Expectations
Throughout the semester— but especially during the first half of the term— you will be given a number of short assignments. Some of these may even be done in class or during workshop periods. While these exercises will not be graded individually, completion of them is mandatory and they constitute an important part of your participation in the course.
You are expected to attend all lectures and workshops. Lateness and unexcused absences will have a substantial effect on your participation grade. At a minimum, you must attend at least two-thirds of the class sessions to receive credit for this course. Critiques are a vital part of this class. Everyone is expected to be a vocal participant in class discussions. Late assignments will be marked down. You must complete the three major production assignments as well as the written test to receive credit for the course.
As in all production courses, you are expected to demonstrate a responsible, respectful demeanor in class, in the field and while dealing with the staff of Film Production Services. The equipment that you will be using needs to be cared for properly. Unprofessional behavior will be reflected in the class participation grade and, in more grave cases, will result in a hearing before the Academic Affairs Committee.
Except in extreme and verified cases (requiring the review and consent of the instructor), equipment malfunctions not acceptable excuses for turning in work late for this course. Cameras, microphone cables, recorders, computer drives and printers are fragile and finicky. You must therefore expect delays and build them into your schedule. Under no circumstances are problems with actors an acceptable excuse for turning in work late. Actors (especially friends who agree to act) are notoriously prone to canceling plans. Expect the worst: have plans “B” and “C.”
Use of Laptops in Classroom
Laptops may only be used in class for taking notes. Unless instructed to do so, you are not permitted to connect to the Internet during class time.
Prohibition Against Synchronous Sound and Dialog
In this course, we will explore the vast potential for audio-visual communication through means other than dialog. While it is possible to record synchronous (“sync”) sound with the equipment we will use, you should not employ sync sound in your projects. At the same time, you should take every opportunity to create precise correspondences between picture and sound through careful and clever editing, and this may include editing sound effects in synchronization with on-screen actions (a door closing, a rake scraping, etc.).
Cinematheque Requirement
The BU Cinematheque is the Department’s primary series of screenings and Q&A’s with directors, writers and producers of film and television.
All Film/TV students are required to attend a minimum of two events in the series per semester. The total of two attendances will fulfill the requirement for all courses that you take in the semester. The requirement is not 2 attendances per course.
The Film/TV office has created a simple form that must be brought to the Cinematheque event. It must be signed or stamped by the Cinematheque TA. Students will then turn the form in to the Film/TV office at the end of the semester.
Students will not receive their grades until the forms are turned in.
A Reminder Regarding Academic Honesty
Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Any kind of academic misconduct (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) will result in the filing of academic misconduct charges. Any suspicious act/material/ etc. will be investigated to the fullest extent possible and those found guilty will be punished accordingly. Be sure to read and comply with Boston University’s Universal Academic Conduct Code. It is available at: bu.edu/academics
University Statement on Recordings During Class
Please note that classroom proceedings for this course might be recorded for purposes including, but not limited to, student illness, religious holidays, disability accommodations, or student course review. Note also that recording devices are prohibited in the classroom except with the instructor's permission.
Throughout the semester— but especially during the first half of the term— you will be given a number of short assignments. Some of these may even be done in class or during workshop periods. While these exercises will not be graded individually, completion of them is mandatory and they constitute an important part of your participation in the course.
You are expected to attend all lectures and workshops. Lateness and unexcused absences will have a substantial effect on your participation grade. At a minimum, you must attend at least two-thirds of the class sessions to receive credit for this course. Critiques are a vital part of this class. Everyone is expected to be a vocal participant in class discussions. Late assignments will be marked down. You must complete the three major production assignments as well as the written test to receive credit for the course.
As in all production courses, you are expected to demonstrate a responsible, respectful demeanor in class, in the field and while dealing with the staff of Film Production Services. The equipment that you will be using needs to be cared for properly. Unprofessional behavior will be reflected in the class participation grade and, in more grave cases, will result in a hearing before the Academic Affairs Committee.
Except in extreme and verified cases (requiring the review and consent of the instructor), equipment malfunctions not acceptable excuses for turning in work late for this course. Cameras, microphone cables, recorders, computer drives and printers are fragile and finicky. You must therefore expect delays and build them into your schedule. Under no circumstances are problems with actors an acceptable excuse for turning in work late. Actors (especially friends who agree to act) are notoriously prone to canceling plans. Expect the worst: have plans “B” and “C.”
Use of Laptops in Classroom
Laptops may only be used in class for taking notes. Unless instructed to do so, you are not permitted to connect to the Internet during class time.
Prohibition Against Synchronous Sound and Dialog
In this course, we will explore the vast potential for audio-visual communication through means other than dialog. While it is possible to record synchronous (“sync”) sound with the equipment we will use, you should not employ sync sound in your projects. At the same time, you should take every opportunity to create precise correspondences between picture and sound through careful and clever editing, and this may include editing sound effects in synchronization with on-screen actions (a door closing, a rake scraping, etc.).
Cinematheque Requirement
The BU Cinematheque is the Department’s primary series of screenings and Q&A’s with directors, writers and producers of film and television.
All Film/TV students are required to attend a minimum of two events in the series per semester. The total of two attendances will fulfill the requirement for all courses that you take in the semester. The requirement is not 2 attendances per course.
The Film/TV office has created a simple form that must be brought to the Cinematheque event. It must be signed or stamped by the Cinematheque TA. Students will then turn the form in to the Film/TV office at the end of the semester.
Students will not receive their grades until the forms are turned in.
A Reminder Regarding Academic Honesty
Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Any kind of academic misconduct (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) will result in the filing of academic misconduct charges. Any suspicious act/material/ etc. will be investigated to the fullest extent possible and those found guilty will be punished accordingly. Be sure to read and comply with Boston University’s Universal Academic Conduct Code. It is available at: bu.edu/academics
University Statement on Recordings During Class
Please note that classroom proceedings for this course might be recorded for purposes including, but not limited to, student illness, religious holidays, disability accommodations, or student course review. Note also that recording devices are prohibited in the classroom except with the instructor's permission.