MfAVComm: Lesson Plan
Week 1
Introduction to the module. Use of the module guide. Making a Showreel. Choosing a Sequencer. Using Logic Pro. Introduction to resources. Blogging and patchwork. Assessment requirements. Media variety, form and purpose in AV communication.
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> (preparation for next class) watch Jekyll and Hyde (the 1932 version), Watch Vertigo by A. Hitchcock.
Week 2
B Films A Music: Telling stories. Jekyll and Hyde, King Kong, Hitchcock. Brief Seminar discussion and presentation from the tutor/ Issues of dramatic sync, writing for a solo instrument to picture, preparing a lead sheet or session score/ Sampling.
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> Watch Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin in preparation for next class.
Week 3
Eisenstein, editing, non-linear compositional techniques/ loop contrast / dramatic tempo /in-class workshop with segments from Battleship Potemkin
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Writing for solo instrument to picture: sampling and synchronous approaches: the players point of view
> seek out and watch collections of commercials, campaigns, etc in preparation for next week. More information to be given in class,
Week 4
Case study: working in the media industry: Visit from TV and fim composer Roger Jackson: working to a brief. For further details on Roger’s work, visit http://www.filmtrax.co.uk/
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Computer Orchestration and Arranging
> watch Forbidden Planet
Week 5
Forbidden Planet vs. Spaceship to Venus: when sound art takes on the role of music.
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> research on Mauricio Kagel, choose one of his films and prepare a short evaluation of it.
Week 6
The composer as filmmaker: The film works of Kagel. Presentation by tutor and short discussions lead by students on their chosen films.
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> investigate Raymond Scott, choose one of his innovations and prepare to present a short contextual evaluation (innovation, technological context, commercial context)
Week 7
Dinner for a pack of hungry cannibals: Raymond Scott and Innovation in commercial music.
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> research branding, bring musical ID sketches for an imaginary company, specify your target and the corporate qualities you seek to communicate.
Week 8
Discuss the student’s sketches and presentation by tutor on Introduction to branding: The ’Arts and Entertainment’ cable channel branding project.
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> watch Delicatessen, start preparing ensemble short scores.
Week 9
Delicatessen and ‘binding sound’. Issues of orchestration in chamber ensembles. Using samples and MIDI instruments to complement. Click tracks, wilds, sampling. Preparing a recording session to picture.
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>prepare ensemble short scores
Week 10
Ensemble Workshop: Session players will work for the composers: realising click tracks, wilds and other devices. Each student will have only 30 mins of studio time to record their cue.
Week 11
Debriefing of the ensemble session. Group Evaluation of work in progress and finished works.
Week 12
Final Portfolio advice and tutorials.