As a pathway, Audio/Video Production focuses on teaching students how to write, record/direct/act and edit digital videos of a variety of forms.
In A/V classes we cover the real-world technical aspects that go into projects such as interviews, narrative shorts/features, commercials/PSAs, music videos, fight scenes and more!
Due to the vast nature of the subject, the A/V course sequence begins with the “Principals of Arts, Audio/Video Production” which is an overview of a wide range of topics and jobs. The Principals class is taught by Evan Gannaway as well as our Graphic Design instructor, Deann Brown.
In Principals, students will experiment with a wide range of projects, designed to engage and excite students about the potentials of the Audio/Video Production field. Many projects will be individualized but due to the course subject most projects will be done in groups. I feel it is important for students to learn to work collaboratively as the career path of A/V Production is by necessity a collaborative effort. Students should expect to learn about the various roles in A/V production such as camera operator/cinematographer, director, actor, writer, editor, sound engineer, producer, among others. Students will also work with graphic design and animation practices which is an option in Graphic Design courses with our wonderful Ms. Brown.
During the 2nd year of A/V Production, students will take AV Production I and should expect to push their knowledge and skills of the content further. During this year, we dive deeper into the technical side of AV Production with learning things like green screen compositing, sound recording and lighting techniques. Students will have full access to our “Green Screen Room” (classroom across the hall), as well as our sound/lighting equipment. At this time students should begin to lean towards more specific roles, for example one student may prefer to edit while another may prefer to direct and/or use the camera. This will help them progress through to the 3rd and 4th year of AV Production because students typically hone their craft in one/two roles. Each role could take potentially decades to master and the earlier students are able to gravitate towards a certain type of role the more likely they will be able to pursue a successful career in that role.
During the 3rd year, students will take AV Production II. This course deals with topics such as film analysis and auteur theory. During this year, students will watch and discuss movies from different parts of the world and different time periods. We will study film movements, genres and director/writer/cinematographer styles. In addition students will continue to improve on their A/V Production skills and will hopefully become rooted in one or two roles they find most engaging.
It is my intention that by the end of year 4, students will have developed a portfolio of professional level work that they are proud of. During the A/V Practicum course, students are expected to test and become certified in Adobe Premier (editing program) and produce a Demo Reel in which they showcase their highest level work in hopes of securing a job in A/V production outside of high school.
Check out these Course Google Slides
contact:
Evan Gannaway, instructor
ph. 512-414-2532 ext. 72023
email: evan.gannaway@austinisd.org
About your instructor:
I am a proud graduate of Crockett High School and it is incredibly exciting and a bit surreal to be teaching inside the same walls I grew as a young adult years ago.
After pursuing the traditional art and AV Production pathways in high school, I moved to Denton where I studied Studio Art and the Radio,TV, & Film at the University of North Texas. In 2016, I received a BFA in Visual Arts Studies and moved back to Austin after student teaching in the DFW area. Since then I have been working primarily with AISD and after a couple long term sub positions I happily accepted the position for AV Instructor at Crockett in 2019.
Being a new full time teacher here at Crockett has been exhilarating and challenging in the best way. As a former student who sat in Crockett’s “Studio 44” classroom nearly a decade ago, I find the task of educating and working with film students of this new generation rewarding and ever evolving. I am in close contact with many other AV teachers in AISD and am constantly working towards developing curriculum for today’s high school students. I look forward to learning with Crockett students and to hopefully help them actualize their creative and career potential in the Audio/Video Production field.