University of Virginia
McIntire Department of Art
Spring Semester 2004
ART 323-1 schedule 72772 and 423-1 schedule 73908
pre-requisites: two 200-level digital art classes completed, other pre-requisites as defined by the particularities of this project
To register, study the script. Be prepared to work a lot. You will have to get certified for working in the Public Access TV Studios. You are responsible for making arrangements for the certification (this takes a couple of weeks, waiting time included). During the course of the semester you will also have to buy a limited amount of supplies and materials. Occasionally, you will have to borrow various equipments from outside the Department (e.g. cameras from the DML).
Bogdan Achimescu
My office is 103A, Brooks Hall, phone: (434) 243 5581, email ba4y@virginia.edu
Fayerweather Hall,
-Photo Study Room-
Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30 - 10PM
Our lab is Wilson 306,
it is equipped with G4 workstations.
Chek at the beginning of the semester for hours as the ones on the UVA's site
may change.
Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 - 7 PM. Please make an appointment whenever possible.
This is a course for
people with a focus on fine arts like:
experimental TV, cinemathography, painting, video, drawing, sculpture, theatre, performance,
music, etc.
It is not a web or graphic design course. You will take part in an exciting
and fun project.
Read about what you need to do to prepare for class.
The term "Digital Art" is seen here with an emphasis on "Art". It is important to state what this course is not: it is not a substitute or part of a (commercial) design course; it is not a computer (hardware or software) operating course, it is not an opportunity to showcase in a digital format artistic work done in "non-digital" techniques.
Therefore, this course is for students that have a focus on fine arts (like painting of printmaking or film) as opposed to a focus on applied arts (like web, poster or publication design).
To a significant degree, you will find that knowledge and methods from other areas could be necessary (e.g. painting, photography but also, for instance, music). You will be responsible to learn and consolidate a lot of these additional skills by yourselves. The course focuses on the production of an art event, not on teaching methodologies.
To produce a full-featured TV program. To maximize the work efficiency and impact of this production by using digital techniques.
While a wide array of digital techniques will be used, traditional forms of art practice will be also employed.
Skills you are likely to use (the list is not complete): building and painting sets, handling lighting and sound equipment, acting, brainstorming, applying makeup, editing digital video and sound, post-processing digital video, driving a truck, shooting video footage, running errands, duplicating DVD's, putting together a web page, carrying a tripod, holding a ladder, designing and rendering a 3D animation, bragging to all your friends about the above.
Software selection (you don't need all of these): iMovie and / or Final Cut Pro, Adobe AfterEffects, Digidesign ProTools or Macromedia SoundEdit 16, Dreamweaver, 3D package (like 3DstudioMax, Lightwave or the like). If you are a Maya guru, don't be shy. If all of the above sounds scary, don't worry!
I will grade based on the amount of work invested. Where work = being on time and in format with your deadlines, discussing ideas with others, having fun, spending lots of time on the project and repeating as often as possible the words:
"I am ready with my stuff. I did a webpage about it in addition. I also applied for funding for the project. What else can I do?"
Attendance is mandatory.
There is no set number of absences that lower your grade, etc. However, by missing class meetings your fall out of touch with the project"s workflow and this will have a negative impact on your work quality and your grade.
Note that working and studying at home and/or during lab hours will be necessary to complete the assignments. This extra work will however not compensate for missed class meetings.
If for whatever reason you miss a class you are responsible for getting all the necessary information about what was discussed, done, assigned and demonstrated during that meeting. Take two phone numbers of two of your fellow students and ask them when you need such information; ask someone in advance to take notes for you. I will not respond inquiries about the content of missed meetings.
| Final Registration - Wednesday, January 7 - Friday, January 16 Courses begin - Wednesday, January 14 Add/Drop/Withdrawal - Contact the Office in Fayerweather Hall for this info Spring recess - Saturday, March 6 - Sunday, March 14 Courses end - Tuesday, April 27 Examinations - Friday, April 30 - Friday, May 7 Final Exercises - Sunday, May 16
For a complete list see the University Web site. For
more dates relevant to our course stay tuned to discussions in class
and to this website. |
You are responsible for purchasing your own supplies. You will learn during the semester what you need.
While there will be many things you will need to learn (and you will receive handouts covering these and other topics), I will ask you to learn ASAP how to use the home directory service. Information about this can be obtained at the University"s web site.
You are responsible for your belongings (materials, tools and works).
Please observe lab rules! Safety, reasonable use of resources, courtesy to others using the lab. The lab is closed outside class and lab hours. As a courtesy for fellow students and to the technicians, please be ready to leave by the end of the class or lab time and keep the place clean. Whenever you need to work in other spaces (like the woodshop) please observe the specific safety rules and leave the place in order.
No cellphones to be used in class. Turn them off, period.
One final very important rule:
You are the party that should actively seek knowledge and feedback. If something is not clear, ask, interrupt me, request additional explanations, challenge what you don't agree with. This is part of your work in class (see section on grading).