About

Ready Camera One is a group contract designed primarily for students interested in exploring visual literacy, television production, performance and media criticism. Students will be introduced to both media deconstruction and media production skills through a series of lectures, workshops, and design problems that focus primarily on collaborative multi-camera studio production. In both theoretical discussions and production workshops we will consider the parameters and influences of television, video art, video activism, music videos, video blogs, microcinema and interactive media. While admission to this program requires an audition and submission of a written application, no prior media production experience is required.

In fall quarter we will take an historical approach, examining and emulating the production style and lessons from the early history of 20th century live television. Students will be expected to perform in front of as well as behind the camera and will explore the logistics and aesthetics of multi-camera direction and design. In winter we will deepen our study of television production, turning our attention to the development of original material and sharpening our skills in preparation for the spring quarter series.

This group contract will investigate the politics of representation, i.e., who gets the camera, who appears on the screen, and who has the power. Therefore, students who choose to enroll in Ready Camera One should be vitally and sincerely interested in the issues and ideas concerning the representation of gender, race, ethnicity, class and sexual orientation in the media. Activities in the group contract also will include training in the multi-camera TV studio facility, instruction in basic digital field production and non-linear editing, and a survey of visual design principles. Additional workshops will include script writing, visual design (costume, make-up and set), lighting and basic acting for television.

A spring quarter option involving the production of a weekly series for public access cable and/or web streaming will be available.

Early Television Recording: 1933