Course MAC 223.

Introduction to Television Production (2-credits compulsory

Course Duration: Two hours per week for 15weeks (30 hours) as taught in the 2011/2012 session

Lecturer: La’aro, Oba Abdulkadir

M.Sc. Mass Communication, B.Sc. Mass Communication, (Lagos),
PGD in Education, (Kaduna)

Department of Mass Communication,

Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences,
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

Developer: Oba Abdulkadir LA’ARO

E-mail: obalaaro@yahoo.com
laaro.oa@unilorin.edu.ng

Office Location: First Floor Room 3 Education Technology Building

University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

Consultation Hours: 11am-12noon (Mondays and Tuesdays

Course Content
Various methods of producing television programmes including script writing, filming and directing. The duties
of a producer.

Course Description
Being an introductory course, it starts- off by making conceptual clarifications of the concept of television as a
medium for variety of purposes and television as a medium of mass communication. The characteristics and
attributes of television are adequately laid-out. It also traces the evolution of television in the world and in
Nigeria including the era of regional television,(regional ownership1959-1977) the merger/consolidation years
and the era of state-owned stations.(1977-1992) A discussion of the era of deregulation(1992till date) of
broadcasting as it affects television development in Nigeria concludes the historical excursion. The course
involves the explanation of the functions of television in terms of informational, entertainment, educational,
cultural and religious services to the society. It will examine the television studio’s function and the significance
of how it is structured as well as the equipment and the personnel in the studio. In order to broaden the
understanding of the students, a facility tour of selected studios will be carried out. The production aspect will
involve the understanding of what is meant by production in the context of television, types and basic
production process. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of mastering the peculiar terms use in television
production particularly on camera adjustment, picture compositions and visual transition and the elements of
television production. Also a discussion of scripting process in terms of script structure, types of scripts and the
arts of ‘mechanising’ a production script will be done. The course will also examine the legal/ regulatory and
ethical dimensions of television production.

Course Justification
Television occupies a central position among the mass communication family. It has the capacity to influence
the society in both functional and dysfunctional way, hence the imperative of sensitizing students to the
potentials of television to modern life. Also the production of television entails technical, aesthetic and
communication dimensions which students need to be grasp very well by student for further studies and
production.
Course Objectives
Generally, the purpose of the course is to build, in the students, the correct aptitude that will give the students
solid foundation in the art and science of producing technically and aesthetically acceptable television
production. Specifically, the aims of the course is to:
 Familiarise the student with the nature of television as medium of mass communication.
 Make student identify events and personalities that shape the development of television.
 Help the student acquire and apply the language of television production.
 Make the student use the equipment and function as personnel in the studio.
 Develop in the student the skill and appreciation of the value of script to effective television
production.
 Sensitise student to the legal and ethical dimensions of the television production.

Course Requirements
Every student must meet the following :( 1). Participate actively in class discussion and attain a minimum
attendance of 75% (2). Join an internet discussion group created for the course (3).Be a member of; and actively
participate, in a production group--format shall be announced in class.(4).identify, visit and describe the
operational set up of a television station or a production company in a location proximate to University of
Ilorin.

Methods of Grading
The evaluation criteria, based on the activities of the course, are as distributed below
Grading Criteria Score (%)
Test/ Assignment 10
Practical 20
Participation in rehearsals sessions. 10
Participation in class and online discussion group 10
Final examination 50
TOTAL 100

Course Delivery Strategies.

The delivery style for this course will include a careful analysis and explanation of the conceptual and historical
aspect of the course. This will be done in the traditional class setting. An occasional (unannounced) ‘quick
quizzes’ will be involved. A demonstration of equipment handling and facility visits to selected television studio
will be undertaken.

Lecture Contents

Week 1: Conceptual clarifications.

Objective:
The students are introduced to the course by making distinction between television as a technological invention
and its use for mass communication purposes. This will necessitate giving its definition(s) and situating it
within the mass communication arena. Thereafter we will identify the characteristics and attributes of television
and discuss their implications for mass communication activities and functions.
Description
First Hour
Conceptualizing television: mass communication/technological phenomenon.

Second Hour
Characteristics and attributes of television

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Study Questions:
1. Give 2 definitions of television
2. What are the peculiar attributes of television?
3. What is the difference between broadcasting and electronic medium?
4. What is the between television as mass medium and television as technology?
5. State functions of television as mass communication.

Reading List
1. Wutzel, A. and Acker, SR. (1989) Television Production, New York, McGraw Hill Book
Company.p494-497
2. Adedire, kayode, (2000), Inside Broadcast Journalism, Osogbo, Sumob Publishers.p.1-5
3. Head, S and Sterling, C. (1982), Broadcasting in America; A Survey of Television, Radio, and New
Technologies (4th Edition), Boston Houghton Mifflin Company.
4. Uche, L. U. (1989), Mass Media, People and Politics. New Delhi; Concept Publishing Co.61--74
5. Uyo, Adidi (1987), Mass Communication Media Classification and Characteristics; New York,
Civiletis International.p1-3.and 24-25

Week 2: History of Television

Objective:
The discussion in this week will survey the scientific inventions that led to the advent of wireless transmission
which is the basis for broadcasting. It will include identifying the contributions of personalities and events to
the advent of television in the world and in Nigeria. For the purpose of clear analysis, the historical
development of television in Nigeria is discussed in segments viz: the beginning of T.V in 1959, the merging of
regional television into NTA and the deregulation of broadcasting that allowed private ownership.
Description
First Hour
Historical excursion: The beginning of television

Second Hour
Television in Nigeria:

Study Questions:
1. When was the beginning of Television in the world?
2. What do you understand by electro-magnetic spectrum?
3. What role did politics play in the establishment of television in Nigeria?
4. Identify the promise(s) of deregulation of broadcasting in Nigeria.
5. Identify the important landmarks in development of television in Nigeria
6. Trace the history of the establishment of television services in Kwara State.

Reading List.
1. Wutzel, A. and Acker, SR. (1989) Television Production, New York, McGraw Hill Book
Company.p494-497
2. Adedire, kayode, (2000), Inside Broadcast Journalism, Osogbo, Sumob Publishers.p.1-5
3. Head, S and Sterling, C. (1982), Broadcasting in America; A Survey of Television, Radio, and New
Technologies (4th Edition), Boston Houghton Mifflin Company.
4. Uche, L. U. (1989), Mass Media, People and Politics. New Delhi; Concept Publishing Co.61--74
5. Uyo, Adidi (1987), Mass Communication Media Classification and Characteristics; New York,
Civiletis International.p1-3.and 24-25

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Week 3: The Functions of Television.
Objective:
The focus of the lecture will be on the educational, informative, cultural, entertainment, and socio-economic
functions of television. After explaining what constitute each of the functions in the context of television
services, emphasis will be on how television programming has been used to perform those functions. Also it
will involve a discussion of the administrative, technological, programming, News and sales dimensions of the
functions of radio and television station. Attempt must be made to sensitize students to the necessity of using
television to foster positive values of the society
Description
First Hour
Overview of functions of television.

Second Hour
Administrative, technological, programming, News and sales dimensions

Study Questions:
1. Do a functional analysis of T.V. station programmes in your locality.
2. How can T.V. station help formal, non-formal and Informal education?
3. Identify two traditional values of the society and explain how T.V can promote them.
4. With the use of Internet search engines, download materials about the functions of television in different
countries.
5. List the importance of the sales function to the survival of a television station.

Reading List
1. Bourgault, M. L. (1995) Mass Media in Sub- Saharan Africa, Bloomington, Indiana University Press. p
103--135
2. Nigeria Broadcasting Code, National Broadcasting Commission, Second Review 2002.
3. Uche, L. U.(1989), Mass Media, People and Politics. New Delhi; Concept Publishing Co.
4. La’aro O.A. (2008), (revised edition) The Basics of Radio and Television Broadcasting. Osogbo,
Positive Impact Communication. p20-23.

Week. 4. The Television Studio-(functions, structure, equipment and personnel.)

Objective:
This class will discuss why studio is structured into control room and performance areas and why the studio is
treated with acoustic materials. The equipment and the personnel in each of the studio will be identified and
their functions discussed. The session will demonstrate the use of the equipment and also make students to visit
the studio where they can observe what has been discussed in class
Description
First Hour
Functions, structure of the studio

Second Hour
Equipment and personnel in the studio.

Study Questions:
1. What are the reasons for treating the studio with acoustics materials?
2. What are the functions the studio perform in the production?.

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 3. Find out what is meant by O.B. Van.
4. Name the equipment that can be found in the control room of T.V station.
5. Write a 3-page report of what is meant by digitalization of broadcasting and its contribution to the
structure and operations of the studio
Reading List
Hassan, R. (2006), Handbook On T.V. Production, Ibadan, Emgee Books. p1-3.
La’aro O.A. (2008), (revised edition) The Basics of Radio and Television Broadcasting. Osogbo, Positive
Impact Communication. p57-74.

Week 5: Facility Tours to Station/studios

The aim of the tour is to provide opportunity for the students to have direct contact with the equipment and
personnel in the production process. It will also ensure interaction with those practicing in the field which will
provide excellent opportunity to share practical ideas with them.

Study Questions
Write a 3-page report about the visit to be presented in class.

Week 6: Television Production--(definitions, types and basic production process.)

Objective: A definition of production in the context of television will be provided, thereafter, different types of
television production will be identified. It will also discuss the four stages of television production i.e. pre-
production, rehearsal, production and post-production and the activities in each of them

Description
First Hour
Basic production process: Pre, production and post production phases.
Second Hour
Types of production

Study Questions
1. What do you understand by production?
2. Articulate the importance of rehearsal in the production process.
3. Discuss the functions of the producer in the TV production process.
4. What are the activities you will be involved in the pre production phase?.
5. Evaluate the role of the Director in the production process.

Reading List
1. Wutzel, A. and Acker, S.R. (1989) Television Production, New York, McGraw Hill Book Company.
2. Hassan, R.(2006),Handbook On T.V. Production, Ibadan, Emgee Books. p1-3.
3. La’aro O.A.(2008), (revised edition)The Basics of Radio and Television Broadcasting. Osogbo, Positive
Impact Communication. p 57--74.

Week 7: Language of Production-

Objective:
Essentially the focus of the lecture is on the terms that have been developed overtime by practitioners of
television. The areas that will be covered are: the terms used for camera adjustment, picture composition and
visual transitions. The necessity of mastering them in order to ensure effective script writing and production
must be adequately stressed
Description
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First Hour
Video and video terms

Second Hour
Composition and transitions terms.

Study Questions
Identify the camera adjustment term that is appropriate for composing medium shots

Week 8: Elements of Production.

Objective:
The creative aspiration in television is achieved through the use of certain symbols and physical objects which
are referred to as elements of production. The lecture will clearly and exhaustively identify all the elements of
production, what constitutes each and how they are used in the production of television. Since television is both
audio and visual the elements that pertain to the audio and those that belong to the visual aspects will be
identified and discussed.
Description
First Hour
Elements of production
Second Hour
Use of the elements as Communication, Aesthetics and technical dimension of TV production.

Study Questions.
1. What are the roles of motion and color in T.V. production?
2. How can silence be used effective in T.V. production?
3. Write a one page script to demonstrate the use of sound effects and music in TV production.
4. List all the composition terms
5. State transition terms and their uses.

Reading List
1. Mayeux, P.E. (1985), Writing For the Broadcast, Boston USA, Allyn and Bacon Inc.
2. Wutzel, A. and Acker, SR. (1989) Television Production, New York, McGraw Hill Book Company.
3. Lee, Roberts and Misiorowski, R. (1979),Script Models, A Hand book for the Media writer,
4. New York, Hasting House, Publishers.
5. Hassan, Roshida.(2006),Handbook On T.V.Production, Ibadan, Emgee Books. p1-3.
6. Hyde, Stuart,(1998),Television and Radio Announcing (8thEdition),Boston, Houghton Mifflin Company.

Weeks 9: Test
Objective: the main of objective of the test is to determine the student understands of the course.
Description
First Hour.
Test administration

Second Hour
Test administration

Week 10: Scripting Process--structure, types, mechanization.

Objective:
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The lesson for this week will include the definition of script, the necessity and value of scripting a production,
the script structure (the administrative part and the body). Not all production are scripted the same way, hence
there are different types of scripts--full script format, semi or, half script format, Show format ( routine sheet,
run-down sheet). The heart of the arts of scripting is the mechanization stage. So, what is mechanization and
how to go about it, will be thoroughly discussed. The process of scripting actually starts with a proposal and
followed by the treatment or synopsis.
Description
First Hour
Importance and types of script

Second Hour
Scripting process and mechanization.

Study Questions:
1. How can scripting contribute to a station’s credibility among the audience?
2. Find out the relevance of script to the regulatory functions of the National Broadcasting Commission
(NBC).
3. Choose a TV programme transmitted in a local station and prepare a script for it.
4. Prepare a production script for a magazine programme of your choice.
5. Evaluate the level of script usage among Nigerian broadcasters.

Reading List
1. Lee, Roberts and Misiorowski, R. (1979),Script Models, A Hand book for the Media writer,
2. New York, Hasting House, Publishers.
3. Mayeux, P.E. (1985), Writing For the Broadcast, Boston USA, Allyn and Bacon Inc.p39-77.
4. Nigeria Broadcasting Code, National Broadcasting Commission, Current edition.
5. Wutzel, A. and Acker, SR. (1989) Television Production, New York, McGraw Hill Book Company.p72--
74
6. Hyde, Stuart,(1998),Television and Radio Announcing (8thEdition),Boston, Houghton Mifflin
Company.p39-44.

Week 11: TV Production Team--

Objective:
This lecture will highlight the role and function of the following in production process. Producer, director,
camerapersons, performers, set-designers etc and will emphasize the team work nature of TV production.
There will be a classification of the personnel involved in TV production alongside the Managerial, Technical
and Artistic roles
Description
First Hour
The general production team: - Functions and classification
Second Hour
The peculiar production team for each programme types.

Study Questions:
1. Analyse the producer’s role as managerial and artistic personnel in the TV production process.
2. What are the specific functions of the camera person?
3. Examine this statement: Camera is to television what microphone is to Radio.
4. What are the attributes of a producer in television production
5. Identify and analyse the importance of the camera person in television production.
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Reading List
1. Bourgault, M. L. (1995) Mass Media in Sub- Saharan Africa, Bloomington, Indiana University Press.
2. Mayeux, P.E. (1985), Writing For the Broadcast Media, Boston USA, Allyn and Bacon Inc.p1-21
3. Onabajo, F. (2001), Broadcast Management and Programming, Lagos, Gabi Concept limited.
4. Nigeria Broadcasting Code, National Broadcasting Commission, Currents edition.
5. Wutzel, A. and Acker, SR. (1989) Television Production, New York, McGraw Hill Book
Company.p494-497
6. Hassan, Roshida.(2006),Handbook On T.V.Production,Ibadan, Emgee Books. p1-3.
7. Hyde, Stuart,(1998),Television and Radio Announcing (8thEdition),Boston, Houghton Mifflin Company.

Week 12: Regulation and Restraints: The laws.

Objective:
This class will focus on how the following laws affect the production of television--sedition, copyright,
obscenity, invasion of privacy, libel and slander, censorship, offensive materials, programme and advertising
materials, violence issues, political broadcast, The fairness Doctrine, the role of professional group and pressure
group as well as the NBC.
Description
First Hour
The laws that affect the practice of broadcasting:

Second Hour
Overview of ethics and ethical issues in broadcasting.

Study Questions:
1. What are the justifications for the enactment of the laws guiding the TV production?
2. Find out from any station a recent situation where it was faced with a legal or ethical challenge.
3. Discuss the teleological and deontological theories of ethics.
4. Identify and discuss sources of ethical challenges in Nigerian broadcasting.
5. State the functions of NBC in ensuring professionalism in Nigerian broadcasting.

Reading List
1. Okoye, Innocent,(2007),Nigerian Mass Media Law And Ethics,Lagos, Malthouse Press Ltd.
2. Onabajo Olufemi,(2002),Media Laws and Ethics, Lagos, Gabi Concepts
3. Yakubu, John Ademola (1999),Press Law In Nigeria, Lagos Malthouse.Press Ltd.

Week 13: Responsibility: The Ethical matters

Objective: At the end of this lecture student will be able to appreciate the reason for ethics in television
production and be able to appraise television production based on ethical standard.
Description
First Hour
Sources and justification for ethical guidelines in broadcasting.

Second Hour
Ethical issues in Nigerian Broadcasting.

Study Questions:
1. What are the justifications for the enactment of the laws guiding the TV production?
2. Find out from any station a recent situation where it was faced with a legal or ethical challenge.
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 3. Discuss the teleological and deontological theories of ethics.
4. Identify and discuss sources of ethical challenges in Nigerian broadcasting.
State the functions of NBC in ensuring professionalism in Nigerian broadcasting

Reading List.
1. Okoye, Innocent,(2007),Nigerian Mass Media Law And Ethics,Lagos, Malthouse Press Ltd.
2. Onabajo Olufemi,(2002),Media Laws and Ethics, Lagos, Gabi Concepts
3. Yakubu, John Ademola (1999),Press Law In Nigeria, Lagos Malthouse.Press

Week 13: Production of practical schedules.

Objective: At the end of the practical, student will be able to production television with full script.
Description
First Hour
Production
Second Hour

Reading List.

Week 14: Production Editing: Adobe premiere, corel draw etc.

Objective:
At the end of the practical student will be able to edit television material in way that meet the professional
requirement for a mass communication transmission.
Description
First Hour
Editing sessions.
Second Hour

Week 15: Revision/ Productions-rehearsals and studio works

Objective:
At the end of this week student will actually demonstrate their production capabilities in production.
Description
First Hour&Second Hour
Production.

Reading List

1. Adedire, kayode3, (2000), Inside Broadcast Journalism, Osogbo, Sumob Publishers

2. Aspinal, R3 (1971), Radio Programme Production, Paris, UNESCO.
3. Bourgault, M. L. (1995) Mass Media in Sub- Saharan Africa, Bloomington, Indiana University Press.
4. Hassan, Roshida. 3 (2006),Handbook On T.V.Production, Ibadan, Emgee Books.
5. Head, S and Sterling, C3. (1982), Broadcasting in America; A Survey of Tele vision, Radio, and New
Technologies (4th Edition), Boston Houghton Miflin Company.
6. Hyde, Stuart, 3 (1998),Television and Radio Announcing (8thEdition),Boston, Houghton Mifflin Company.
7. Lee, Roberts and Misiorowski, 3 (1979 Script Models A hand book for the Media Writers New York,
Hasting, Publishers
8. Mayeux, P.E. (1985), Writing For the Broadcast, Boston USA, Allyn and Bacon Inc pp163--164 ISBN
0-205-083545-9
9. Nigeria Broadcasting Code3, National Broadcasting Commission, 2002.OR current edition
10. Okoye, Innocent3,(2007),Nigerian Mass Media Law And Ethics,Lagos, Malthouse Press Ltd.

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 11. Onabajo Olufemi3,(2002),Media Laws and Ethics, Lagos, Gabi Concepts
12. Robert McLeish3 (2005), Radio Production, fifth Edition, Focal Press Linacre House Jordan-Hill
Oxford, pp 264-5 ISBN 0-260-51972-8
13. Uche, L. U3. (1989), Mass Media, People and Politics. New Delhi; Concept Publishing Co.
14. Uyo, Adidi3 (1987), Mass Communication Media Classification and Characteristics; New York,
Civiletis International.
15. Uyo, Adidi3 (1989), Mass Media Messages In a Nutshell, New York, Civiletis International.pp34--40
ISBN
16. Wutzel, A. and Acker, S.R3. (1989) Television Production, New York, McGraw Hill Book Company pp
ISBN 0-307-1172121-2
17. Yakubu, John Ademola 3 (1999),Press Law In Nigeria, Lagos Malthouse.Press Ltd.

Legend
1. Available in University Library
2. Available in Local Bookshop
3. Personal collections
4. Available Departmental library

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