Instructor: Justin Gilbert

Email: gilbertjd@lamarpa.edu

Office Hours: MW 1-2:30 pm TR 6:30-7:30pm

Introduction to video production which includes video field camera set up and operation for broadcast and digital media.

(Optional)

Cinematography: Theory and Practice for Cinematographers and Directors, 4^th Edition, Routledge, 2021. ISBN: 978-0367373450

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

• An external SSD of 512GB or higher capacity
• An SD card of 16Gb or higher capacity 

None

Operate field cameras, tripods, audio equipment, and field lighting instruments; image acquisition; outline and apply aesthetic concepts relating to visual images; classify and produce basic camera shots; summarize and demonstrate and apply key concepts of pre-production, production, and post-production.

PSLO ALPHA: Reading skills – Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading material

PSLO 1: Demonstrate basic proficiency in creating original music and audio that supports the visual narrative

PSLO 2: Demonstrate basic proficiency in short-form video production & editing, media delivery formats, and audiovisual workflow

PSLO 3: Recognize and observe professional best practices in the audiovisual field, including the various roles in film, audio engineering, and media

PSLO 4: Produce a final portfolio and resume suitable for entry-level employment in the audiovisual field

1. Course Introduction, syllabus review

2. Fundamentals & History of Digital Cameras: The CMOS sensor, the image capture process, & indicators of good image quality

3. Fundamentals of Optics: Zoom vs Prime lenses, aperture & F-Stop, depth of field, minimum focusing distance & macro image capture

4. Applications of Camera Technology: Core camera settings, the exposure triangle, crop factor, & capturing a clean image

5. Fundamentals of Image Composition: The rule of thirds, directing the viewers attention, framing, shot distance & angles, image weight

6. Introduction to Digital Video: The illusion of motion, frame rate, shutter angle, and manipulating the rate of motion

7. Composition in Motion: Rack focus, panning, dolly & trucking, and action shots. The 180-degree rule & maintaining story context

Week 1 – None

Week 2 – None

Week 3 – Quiz 1

Week 4 – None

Week 5 – None

Week 6 – Quiz 2, Project 1 Due

Week 7 – None

Week 8 – Quiz 3

Week 9 – Quiz 4, Midterm

Week 10 – Project 2 Due

Week 11 – Quiz 4

Week 12 – Quiz 5

Week 13 – Project 3 Due

Week 14 – None

Week 15 – None

Week 16 – Quiz 6, Final, Project 4 Due

Dec 7, 2026 at 11am

90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B 70 - 79=C 60 - 69=D Below 59 = F

Quizzes & Assignments – 20%

Tests – 20%

Weekly Class & Blackboard Participation – 20%

Projects – 40%

Use of AI on any assignment will not be allowed other than for grammar or spell checking.

Any student more than 15 minutes late will be considered absent. After one absence, all further unexcused absences will cause you to lose credit for the day as part of your weekly participation grade. If there are special circumstances related to your absence such as medical emergency, speak with me as soon as possible and your absence can be excused at instructor discretion.

Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.