TECHNIQUE REVIEW

Reviews of commercial media program
(Shot and angle: patterns and what you think about as an audience)
Business memorandum format

Complete three technique reviews of commercial media programs/projects. These reviews are intended

to encourage student awareness and analysis of media production technique.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Each student will write two page reviews of program/project examples from formats/genres of your

choice. Reviews should consist primarily of an analysis of the aesthetic treatment of

program/project content.

At minimum, technique reviews should include a description and evaluation of shot composition,

transitions, pacing, audio, set/location, blocking, lighting, graphics, effects, and structure.

Reviews should also include an opening and closing paragraph.

Do not sequentially list every production element in the program/project. Do mention patterns,

including specific examples of those patterns, as well as your reaction to those patterns. The

goal is to observe as an artist, and recognize and respond to the creative/aesthetic design

elements in the program/project you are viewing.

Reviews should be written in business memorandum format.

Month day, year

MEMORANDUM

TO:

FROM:

RE: Technique Review (One, Two, or Three)

Opening Paragraph

Include program/project name and venue
Include a brief program/project description
Include your analysis of the intended purpose/goal of the program/project

Include your analysis of the intended program/project audience

Page 2

Shot Composition

* Include information about patterns observed in shot composition design

such as use of field of view, camera angle, focus, and framing
*
*

Transitions

* Include information about patterns observed in transition design such as use

of electronic transitions, camera movement transitions, performer movement

transitions, and content transitions
*
*

Pacing

* Include information about patterns observed in the perceived pace of the
program/project as well as elements used to enhance the speed of the
program/project
*
*

Audio

* Include information about patterns observed in audio design such as use of

music, sound effects, and natural sound
*
*

Set/Location

* Include information about patterns observed in set/location design such as

use of setting, colors, textures, patterns, materials, props, and logos
*
*

Blocking

* Include information about patterns observed in placement of talent in

relation to one another and the set, and talent movement on set
*
*
Page 3

Lighting

* Include information about patterns observed in lighting design such as use

of shadows, highlights, backlights, and accents
*
*

Graphics

* Include information about patterns observed in graphic design such as use

of color, font, texture, layering, and timing of graphic elements
*
*

Effects

* Include information about use of special effects
*
*

Structure

* Include information about patterns observed in content structure design

such as content elements present and general time allotment in the
program/project for these elements
*
*

Closing Paragraph

Include a review and summary of findings
Include your reaction to the effectiveness and aesthetic appropriateness

of the treatment used in the program/project

In general, use a heading and bullets for each topic listed above – shot composition, transitions,

pacing, audio, set/location, blocking, lighting, graphics, effects, and structure. Do not use a

heading for the opening and closing paragraph. You must address each topic to receive full credit

for this assignment. In addition, your use of memorandum formatting must be correct.

Technique reviews must be typewritten and correctly formatted, unless alternatives are presented

and approved by the instructor. Technique reviews also must exhibit
Page 4

professional presentation and writing skills. Further, reviews must meet the criteria specified in

the guidelines for this assignment. Technique reviews that do not meet these requirements risk

substantial point deductions or may be returned without evaluation.

Technique Reviews are worth 50 points each and are due as noted in the course schedule.