Acting On Camera – TPP 3264C-0001 (19363)

Spring 2019 - Class Time –M/ F – 3 – 5:20

Location – PAC 115

Enrollment Requirements

PR: PR or CR: "C" (2.0) or better in TPP 4140C. Application of previous acting

training to the TV/Film medium. Occasional.

Theater acting is an operation with a scalpel, movie acting is an operation with a

laser.

Michael Caine

Professor: Be Boyd

Phone – 407 – 823 -0872

Email - belinda.boyd@ucf.edu

Office Hours – MW – 12:30 – 2:30 TTh – 2-3 and/or by

appointment

GTA – Megan Friend – meganfriend@knights.ucf.edu

Academic Calendar Link:

https://calendar.ucf.edu/2019/spring

UCF library link - https://library.ucf.edu/

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will cover three major areas:

Developing and/or advancing basic screen acting skills including playing for various

camera shots and angles, continuity, reaction shots, etc

Television and film genres (i.e primetime drama, sitcom, commercials, romantic comedy,

reality tv, horror, action) and auditioning for film/television (including self- taping and

developing material for website or reel)

Small in class production projects (including acting, directing, editing, camera op, etc –

see list of responsibilities below in syllabus) in order to create material from the

production projects for your reel/website and to gain an introductory understanding and

appreciation for basic responsibilities on a set

Course Goals and Student Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate a comfortable camera presence - to learn to be intimate, personal and

specific for the camera

Develop actors’ skills with on-camera blocking, business, subtext, and reactions

Demonstrate an understanding of performing the various styles for film and television

(i.e. commercials, sit com, primetime, reality TV, popular film styles, mockumentary,

etc.)

To develop critical on-camera auditioning technique and performance evaluation skills.

The auditioning turn-around time will mirror the demands of the business, i.e you might

get a side the day before. The goal is for you to develop and practice a process that will

set you up for success during “tight turn-around” auditions. The expectation is that you

will be performance and audition ready even if you have a 24 hour turn-around time.

Demonstrate a very basic understanding of the on-camera production process

Produce a professional looking on camera acting reel from screenplays, television scripts

or commercial copies that will be uploaded to your website by the due date.

Additional Goals and Expectations for small production projects:

Students will develop skills that will allow them to:

Demonstrate an understanding of basic camera shots in front and behind the camera

Demonstrate an awareness of the production process for on-camera performance in

various genres (see description of responsibilities below)

Acquire very basic production skills for single and multiple camera production

Camera Acting Handout

There is a Camera Acting Handout attached to this email. The handout contains important

material such as: camera acting terms, websites that describe the process for self-taping,

descriptions and images of basic camera shots and angles, a basic description of how to create a

storyboard for directing a film shoot, Television and Film Genres and how to approach

continuity. You are responsible for knowing the material on the handout as well as the material

from the class.

***Students are required to bring your own SD card to class every day to have a record of

your work. You will need at least two SD cards (perhaps more). As you will download, assess

and edit your own work, you will not be allowed to use another classmates SD card. You will

need the SDHC card 32GB. Once we start the production projects you are welcome to shoot

on your I phone if you have the space- however, if you begin the project with your I phone,

you must film the entire piece with it to match up the shots.

MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS

***The syllabus may change according to the needs of the class.

I. UpLoaded Link for Weekly On Camera In Class Exercises

1.Daily In Class On Camera Exercises – 100pts each

You will have daily on camera exercises that will be filmed and recorded on your own

SD card. You will create a link from the class exercises you can share with the professor.

On Mondays of each week, you will upload the link of the on camera work from the

previous week and write an observation paragraph responding to your work on camera.

For example: the first week of class we will have exercises for two days of class. The first

weekend of class you will compile any/all exercises you record in class for that week.

Once your compilation is complete, you should create a link you can then send to

Professor Boyd (you can create links for youtube, dropbox, etc). Your observation

should be between 100 and 150 words for each exercise. The first compilation/link and

written observation should be sent to Professor Boyd through email on Monday Jan. 14,

by 5pm. The rest are due every Monday of the semester by 5pm unless there is a major

assignment due on that same day.

There will be a specific focus for the on camera exercises each day/week of class - your

written paragraph should reflect your observation of your on camera work based on the

particular goals of the class for the week.

II.Week 1 – 4 – January 7 – February 1

1.On Camera Exercises- 100pts each

This course will be experiential. Much of the learning will happen in class as you

explore techniques and exercises needed to adapt the craft of acting to the camera. You

will participate in a series of exercises for self-discovery to answer, identify, confirm and

practice the following: Who am I on camera? What is my on-camera presence? What do

I need to change/shift to become camera friendly? Single camera.

You will be assessed on:

o Preparation of Assignment or Exercise

o Development and Demonstration of your on-camera presence/ personality

o Demonstration of addressing the feedback received during the exercises

and assignments

o Demonstration of growth in developing an effective camera presence that

is truthful to the style

o How you approach and receive adjustments

o Development and Demonstration of Talking, Listening and Responding

As we move toward scripted Material for specific television and film styles you will add the

assessment of:

Preparation of Assignment/Exercise

Demonstration of clear interpretation of content in script/scene and navigation of

copy/script

Demonstration of Clarity in Point of View

Demonstration of Character/Personality/Relationship in script/scene

Demonstration of Specificity of style

Demonstration of Vocal and Physical Choices for style

Demonstration of Continuity

Demonstration of adjustments for Camera angles/shots

2. Video Montage Link – 200pts

Upload a 45 second to one minute montage to you tube of the best clips from this section

of class to use as potential material for your final reel. Send your link to professor by

Monday Feb 4 by 5pm.

3. Weekly Compilation/Link and Written Observation

III.Week 5 – 8 – Febrary 4 – March 1

1.Film and Television Styles/Auditioning for Styles– 200pts

each

You will have a series of scenes that cover the variety of styles for television and film

you will also be introduced to self-taping techniques.

You will be assessed on skills developed during on camera exercises, TV/Film style, self-

tape work:

Preparation of Assignment/Exercise

Demonstration of clear interpretation of content in sides/copy and navigation of

copy/script

Demonstration of Clarity in Point of View

Demonstration of Character/Personality/Relationship in script/scene

Demonstration of Specificity of style for the film, television genre

Demonstration of Vocal and Physical Choices for Audition Venue

Demonstration of self-taping technique – you will need a reader for this audition.

They might also double as camera op for your self- taping.

2.Video Montage Link – 200pts each

Select two of the best clips from this section of work and upload. Also, conduct 2 self-

taped auditions. (We will discuss this process in class during this section, in the mean-

time, take a look at the handout for self-taping instructions). You will need to compress

the file and send through Dropbox, YouSendIt, WeTransfer, etc. Send both the link and

file to professor on Monday March 4 by 5pm.

3. Weekly Compilation/Link and Written Observation

IV.Week 9 – 15 – March 18 –April 26

1.Small Multiple Camera Production Projects ***See point value below for each assignment for each project

Each of you will participate in short “one day shoot” production projects as a lead

actor. We will begin the production projects on March 18 (the day we return from spring

break). We will film one project per week with two actors in the leading roles and the

other actors as “co-stars” and crew members. You can choose to write a script or re-

create a pre-existing script. Either way, you must have your script completed/ or cut and

uploaded to the UCF Camera Acting Spring 19 Facebook page by 5pm on Friday

February 15.

Each finished edited project will be no shorter than 7 minutes and no longer than 10

minutes in length when the link is created. This project is designed to have material to

add to your current website for your reel.

When you are not the lead of a project (400 points), the other eight members of class will

function as “costars” and crew members (200 points for costar and 200 points for crew

assignment) you will rotate among these responsibilities, director, camera op, continuity,

script supervisor/location scout, costumes/set dressing/props and 2 editors. As with your

previous acting classes, your group will be responsible for costumes, creating your

set (in this case, selecting a location for the shoot) and any special make-up.

Each project must be shot during class time, which means you have roughly two hours

and 10 minutes to shoot your project per class because you have to factor in set up,

breakdown and travel time to and from location. See the specific breakdown of

responsibilities after Grading below.

All locations will be found on campus.

I am also open to a different structure for the production projects.

Schedule for Production Projects:

***Each project should be edited and uploaded a week after completion of the project.

***Upload finished project to UCF Camera Acting 19 face book page.

Filming Schedule for Production Projects

Project One – Mar 18– Final Edited Version Uploaded to Group Facebook Page by

5pm March 29

Project Two – March 25 Final Edited Version Uploaded to Group Facebook Page

by 5pm April 5

Project Three – April 1- Final Edited Version Uploaded to Group Facebook Page

by 5pm April 12

Project Four – April 8 - Final Edited Version Uploaded to Group Facebook Page by

5pm April 19

Project Five – April 15 - Final Edited Version Uploaded to Group Facebook Page by

5pm April 26

You will be graded on:

o Successful Demonstration of your assigned responsibility for each project (actor, director,

etc.) – refer to the details for responsibilities of position listed in the Camera Acting

Handout

o Preparation of Material (including lines, camera shots, location decision, shooting

schedule, etc.) – refer to the details for responsibilities of position listed in the Camera

Acting Handout

o Working Relationship with your team – collaboration, focus during filming, meeting

deadlines

o Demonstration of Camera skills developed from previous assignments/exercises and all

of the bullet points of assessment listed with them

V.Final Project – (Final Exam) – 400pts

A three minute compilation of the work you have done in class over the semester. Material

should come from the previous major assignments and production projects. You can do one

continuous 3 minute montage or 3 one minute montages. Material should be uploaded to your

website and instructor provided with the link for website by Friday April 26 no later than

5pm. (To be fair to the editors of the final project, which is also due Friday April 26 at

5pm, the deadline for your three minute compilation is due Sunday April 28 by 5pm).

CLASS ROOM BEHAVIOR AND GRADING

If you miss class, you must make up the work assigned for the day you

missed and you must be prepared to participate fully in class exercises or

performances upon the day of your return.

If you are absent during a group performance or presentation, you will not be allowed to

make up this assignment, unless you have a certified excused absence. In this case, the

other members of the group will be given an amended list of guidelines for completing

the project without you.

Your first unexcused absence will lower your final grade five points, your second

unexcused absence will lower your grade 10 points (which will lower it a full letter), and

your third unexcused absence will result in a failure of the course.

Participating in a show is not a valid excuse for missing class or lack of preparation for

an assignment.

Cell phone use –Cell phones should only be used for taking notes or reading scripts.

Please refrain from face book, twitter participation during class.

ONLY THE FOLLOWING ARE CONSIDERED EXCUSED ABSENCES:

• university sponsored and excused events

• serious illness that is documented by a doctor’s note

• death or serious illness in the immediate family – please be aware you may be asked to

provide documentation

• Or see excused absences under UCF Core statements.

Attendance

Acting training is a progressive process. Do not miss class. Acting training is about

changing your technique and approach to acting. Every class is a valuable step

toward altering your process.

Punctual attendance for class - as for rehearsal calls - is mandatory. Repeated neglect

of this will result in a lowering of the final grade. You will be given a daily

attendance and participation grade. (Participation is defined as daily in class exercises

and assignments and/or daily constructive, professional feedback for your classmates

that is based on techniques in class.) Instruction / Content

Acting requires the use of mind, voice, and body, therefore there will be situations

requiring a certain amount of physical contact between you and the instructor and the

other students. You will work with the instructor and your partner/s to develop physicality

and/or physical contact that is comfortable for all parties involved and matches the given

circumstances of the script.

The class will include screenplays and materials which may express adult or controversial

themes as well as strong language.

You must inform the instructor during the first week of class if you have any physical

challenges or otherwise that might impede your full participation and development of in

class work. No need to go into details, just basic information to help the instructor

understand your parameters and to set you up for success in the class.

It is imperative that we treat each other with respect in the class. Respect includes:

feedback that is constructive, a working relationship that is collaborative and an

environment that promotes professionalism and focus on everyone’s success. If you

have a communication challenge with a colleague or colleagues in the class, please

discuss the challenge with your professor. Remember, the ultimate goal is classroom

success, respect and collaboration.

Grading

All work will be based on a 100pt grading scale (See specific points for each assignment). Your overall grade for the class will be based on the accumulation of points for the following areas:

Major Assignments (see weekly schedule)

Possible Quizzes

Participation in daily assignments and exercises

Assignment deadlines and punctuality

Willingness and Consistency when rehearsing with partners outside of the scheduled

class time

Professionalism (including attitude toward criticism, and respect for fellow

classmates, collaboration)

Grading Scale

95 – 100 /A 83 – 80/ B- 69 - 67/ D+

94 – 90 / A- 79 – 77/ C+ 66 - 64/ D

89 - 87 / B+ 76 - 74/ C 63 - 60/ D-

86 – 84/ B 73 – 70/ C- Below 60/ F

Breakdown of Responsibilities for Production Projects Acting -On Camera Talent

o Responsibilities include: providing wardrobe choices, providing personal props

for shoot

o you must be performance ready when your team is ready to shoot – memorized

script, acting choices

o an understanding of basic camera shots before you are on camera so you can

adjust your acting style accordingly as the shots shift

o you must familiarize yourself with the type of script being produced including:

(style of show, basic info for characters and character types in the show/script)

o accepting the director’s choices for the project

o running off your own copy of the script to bring to the shoot once it is uploaded

Director

o director’s primary responsibilities will be:

in charge of the entire shoot

to determine basic camera shots and shooting schedule

create a basic storyboard

with the help of your group the director will create the set design, wardrobe

ideas, props for the project

director must upload shots/storyboard and shooting schedule to group prior

to day of shooting

you must familiarize yourself with the type of script being produced

including: (style of show, basic info for characters and character types in the

show/script)

Running off your own copy of the script to bring to the shoot once it is

uploaded

Camera Operator/Lights

running the camera when assigned for segment or episode- you will be assigned to run

camera many times

familiarize yourself with the equipment before your shoot so you don’t hold up

production

you are responsible for setting up, running and breaking down your camera and lighting

equipment

making sure your group has a new SD card for your project

familiarize yourself with the shots or storyboard the director creates before you shoot

Keep tabs on the sequence of shots for that day and the position of the camera – for

instance- the tilt of the camera – was the height of where the actor was looking in sinc

with where the other actor is standing?

you must familiarize yourself with the type of script being produced including: (style of

show, basic info for characters and character types in the show/script)

Running off your own copy of the script to bring to the shoot once it is uploaded

Continuity/Lights

Take photos of the set once it is set up. Take notes on all the details required to recreate

the continuity of a particular scene, location, or action. (For example: Exactly where the

actor placed the prop, if the actor used the right hand or left, what prop was moved during

the scene, how were the lights for this take? appearance of the actor (did hair fall down in

their face during this take?) In other words, when the piece is edited into one piece, this

person makes sure that there is a flow from scene to scene

Setting up the physical scene of the shoot (the look of the set)– how props are placed on

the set, set pieces, making sure props have been located and arrive on set

you must familiarize yourself with the type of script being produced including: (style of

show, basic info for characters and character types in the show/script)

Running off your own copy of the script to bring to the shoot once it is uploaded

Script Supervisor/location scout

Staying on script to make sure an the lines are consistent

Slating - The script supervisor makes sure that each take of exposed film has a consistent

and meaningful slate. Before each shot the script supervisor must either digitally slate

(there are a number of digital slate apps on line) or verbally say into the camera the scene

that is being shot ( example ‘“How I Met Your Mother – Lilly and Marshall second

bedroom scene – Shot One, Take one”). Once the director decides on the best shots –

for that particular shoot, the script supervisor will note which shot/s were the best – to

give to the editor. This ensures that there is proper identification on the film footage in

the editing room so the editor can find and use the correct takes.

The script supervisor is responsible for keeping the most current version of the shooting

script. Uploading the script to the cast and crew

you must familiarize yourself with the type of script being produced including: (style of

show, basic info for characters and character types in the show/script)

Running off your own copy of the script and bring it to the shoot once it is uploaded

Secure location for shooting – includes: finding location for the shoot, securing

permission for shoot (if you shoot outside of the PAC in another building on campus –

you will need to secure permission to film in the building (find the equivalent of the

“Sam” in their building), scheduling location through proper channels

Wardrobe/Set Dressing/Props

Responsible for creating costume design, set design and props for your assigned project.

Collaborate with the director and location scout to determine the set design

Collaborate with actors to decides on wardrobe choice for the project, including costume

that matches character and set

Provide props for the project. Not fake props or “doofers” but real props.

Make sure all items for wardrobe, set dressing and props are present, arrive on time and

are struck after the shooting of the project

Along with classmates, clean up area of filming and restore room back to an orderly look

Editor, Sound, Graphics

Part of the creative post-production process.

Familiarize yourself with editing software (there is plenty of free software out there if

your laptop did not come with Movie Edit Pro or some of the other software and upload

to your computer

Work with Director, Script Supervisor, Continuity during production to pre-plan before

you start the editing process

Discuss graphics with director for look and proper titles for the project

Make sound choices that fit each particular scene

Tips on Production Company Requirements and Choosing Group Positions

Think of yourself as a small up and coming production company – you must help each other out

in order to be successful.

Acting and Production Crew – Remember that you will be assigned an acting role and a

production role for each project.

If you are directing, then you should have a small role in the project so that when you

step away from your role as director, your co-director can take over and it doesn’t impact

the project.

Types of television shows that are off limits – sketch comedy shows such and Key and

Peele, Saturday Night Live, Reality Shows

Miscellaneous Crew Roles –There will be miscellaneous crew roles that will pop up as you are

shooting – pitch in, help out so that the production runs smoothly

Location

Your team is responsible for deciding on where the segment/ episode will be shot – in or

outside of the PAC building (because of the time constraints, an outside shoot must take

place close to the PAC building).

Set, Props, Costumes, Lights

You and your team are responsible for designing and locating the set, props and

costumes, and setting up lights for each shoot

Once your segment/s is shot, your Group is responsible for making sure the editor

uploads the completed segment/ episode to the Acting for the Camera Fall 14 Group A or

Group B FB page - schedule includes when edited version is due for each project. It is

considered late if it is sent after that time.

Academic Integrity

Students should familiarize themselves with UCF’s Rules of Conduct at

<http://osc.sdes.ucf.edu/process/roc>. According to Section 1, “Academic Misconduct,” students

are prohibited from engaging in

1. Unauthorized assistance: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study

aids in any academic exercise unless specifically authorized by the instructor of record. The

unauthorized possession of examination or course-related material also constitutes cheating.

2. Communication to another through written, visual, electronic, or oral means: The presentation of

material which has not been studied or learned, but rather was obtained through someone else’s

efforts and used as part of an examination, course assignment, or project.

3. Commercial Use of Academic Material: Selling of course material to another person, student,

and/or uploading course material to a third-party vendor without authorization or without the

express written permission of the university and the instructor. Course materials include but are

not limited to class notes, Instructor’s PowerPoints, course syllabi, tests, quizzes, labs,

instruction sheets, homework, study guides, handouts, etc.

4. Falsifying or misrepresenting the student’s own academic work.

5. Plagiarism: Using or appropriating another’s work without any indication of the source, thereby

attempting to convey the impression that such work is the student’s own.

6. Multiple Submissions: Submitting the same academic work for credit more than once without the

express written permission of the instructor.

7. Helping another violate academic behavior standards.

For more information about Academic Integrity, consult the International Center for Academic

Integrity

<http://academicintegrity.org>.

For more information about plagiarism and misuse of sources, see “Defining and Avoiding

Plagiarism: The WPA Statement on Best Practices” <http://wpacouncil.org/node/9>.

Responses to Academic Dishonesty, Plagiarism, or Cheating

Students should also familiarize themselves with the procedures for academic misconduct in

UCF’s student handbook, The Golden Rule <http://goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu/docs/goldenrule.pdf>.

UCF faculty members have a responsibility for students’ education and the value of a UCF

degree, and so seek to prevent unethical behavior and when necessary respond to academic

misconduct. Penalties can include a failing grade in an assignment or in the course, suspension or

expulsion from the university, and/or a “Z Designation” on a student’s official transcript

indicating academic dishonesty, where the final grade for this course will be preceded by the let ter

Z. For more information about the Z Designation, see <http://goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu/zgrade>.

Course Accessibility Statement

The University of Central Florida is committed to providing access and inclusion for all persons

with disabilities. Students with disabilities who need disability-related access in this course should

contact the professor as soon as possible. Students should also connect with Student Accessibility

Services (SAS) <http://sas.sdes.ucf.edu/> (Ferrell Commons 185, sas@ucf.edu, phone 407-823-

2371). Through Student Accessibility Services, a Course Accessibility Letter may be created and

sent to professors, which informs faculty of potential access and accommodations that might be

reasonable. Determining reasonable access and accommodations requires consideration of the

course design, course learning objectives and the individual academic and course barriers

experienced by the student.

Campus Safety Statement

Emergencies on campus are rare, but if one should arise during class, everyone needs to work

together. Students should be aware of their surroundings and familiar with some basic safety and

security concepts.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Every UCF classroom contains an emergency procedure guide posted on a wall near the door.

Students should make a note of the guide’s physical location and review the online version at

<http://emergency.ucf.edu/emergency_guide.html>.

Students should know the evacuation routes from each of their classrooms and have a plan for

finding safety in case of an emergency.

If there is a medical emergency during class, students may need to access a first -aid kit or AED

(Automated External Defibrillator). To learn where those are located, see

<http://www.ehs.ucf.edu/AEDlocations-UCF> (click on link from menu on left).

To stay informed about emergency situations, students can sign up to receive UCF text alerts by

going to <https://my.ucf.edu> and logging in. Click on “Student Self Service” located on the left

side of the screen in the toolbar, scroll down to the blue “Personal Information” heading on the

Student Center screen, click on “UCF Alert”, fill out the information, including e-mail address,

cell phone number, and cell phone provider, click “Apply” to save the changes, and then click

“OK.”

Students with special needs related to emergency situations should speak with their instructors

outside of class.

To learn about how to manage an active-shooter situation on campus or elsewhere, consider

viewing this video (<https://youtu.be/NIKYajEx4pk>).

Campus Safety Statement for Students in Online-Only Courses

Though most emergency situations are primarily relevant to courses that meet in person, such

incidents can also impact online students, either when they are on or near campus to participate in

other courses or activities or when their course work is affected by off-campus emergencies. The

following policies apply to courses in online modalities.

To stay informed about emergency situations, students can sign up to receive UCF text alerts by

going to <https://my.ucf.edu> and logging in. Click on “Student Self Service” located on the left

side of the screen in the toolbar, scroll down to the blue “Personal Information” heading on the

Student Center screen, click on “UCF Alert”, fill out the information, including e-mail address,

cell phone number, and cell phone provider, click “Apply” to save the changes, and then click

“OK.”

Students with special needs related to emergency situations should speak with their instructors

outside of class.

Make-Up Assignments for Authorized University Events or Co-curricular

Activities

Students who represent the university in an authorized event or activity (for example, student-

athletes) and who are unable to meet a course deadline due to a conflict with that event must

provide the instructor with documentation in advance to arrange a make-up. No penalty will be

applied. For more information, see the UCF policy at <http://policies.ucf.edu/documents/4-

401.1MakeupAssignmentsForAuthorizedUniversityEventsOrCocurricularActivities.pdf>

Religious Observances

Students must notify their instructor in advance if they intend to miss class for a religious

observance. For more information, see the UCF policy at

<http://regulations.ucf.edu/chapter5/documents/5.020ReligiousObservancesFINALOct17.pdf>.

Deployed Active Duty Military Students

Students who are deployed active duty military and/or National Guard personnel and require

accommodation should contact their instructors as soon as possible after the semester begins

and/or after they receive notification of deployment to make related arrangements.