Your are planning to graduate this semester? This page is for you! What follows is a list of what you are required to turn in. Note that everyone who exhibits in the gallery will have to hand in a video documentation of their exhibit.
Thesis Paper: Read the Library Guidelines completely.
Be advised that your thesis paper will likely require several revisions before it can be considered "final." This process takes time. Also, always turn in your previous draft (which includes my comments) along with the new draft. Handwrite the date on each draft. On average, I will take between 5 and 7 days to read your paper.
Please note that I will review your paper but not correct grammar issues. Make sure to have your paper reviewed by someone
in the Writing Center (located in North Hall 101) before you turn it in. You can reach them at 718.636.4461.
Do Not consider your paper "finalized" until I give you the go-ahead to print on archival paper.
Hand in two copies of your final paper, printed on archival paper (check here for specifics regarding the paper). Note that you may want a signed copy for yourself in which case you prepare three copies of the paper. Do not bind the paper, staple the paper, or attach a clip, etc.
Place each copy of the paper in an envelope that is labeled properly. Only use printed labels, no hand written labels, please.
Data and Naming Conventions
Follow this naming convention on all files:
Class_YearTerm_LastNameFirstInitial.FileExtension
• PDF files: G_13SP_ShinJ_resume.pdf, G_13SP_ShinJ_doc.pdf
• Image files: G_13SP_ShinJ_1.tif (_2, _3, etc.)
• Quicktime files: G_13SP_ShinJ_1.mov (_2, _3, etc.)
Do not use spaces (use an underscore instead). Do not use punctuation (like apostrophes or accent symbols), even if your name contains them.
Include a Resume and Information Sheet
The information sheet is to be included with your Deliverables as a PDF file on CD.
1. Name - Your full first and last name.
2. Email Address - Your Pratt email and personal email addresses.
3. Phone Number
4. Date of Birth - Month, day, and year.
5. Nationality
6. Title - of your project.
7. Total Run Time (TRT) – the duration of your project, in minutes and seconds Example: 02:44 min/sec
8. Synopsis - A one (1) to three (3) sentence description of your project. (30 words maximum)
9. Summary - A brief* description including information on concepts, themes and techniques used. (between 100 and 150 words)
10. Production Notes - List all components you are responsible for, and include any contributors here. List composers, actors and performers appearing in your project.
11. Hardware and Software – List all equipment and software programs used to create your project.
12. Bio – Write a brief narrative bio in the near-future tense*. Include your most recently earned degree, any notable achievements, awards, honors, where you currently reside and what you do. Use your own words; be succinct and professional. (100 words maximum)
Preparing Animation and Video Files for Graduate Thesis Projects
Do not consider your work "finalized" (e.g., render "final" frames) unless I give you the go-ahead.
Credits
The opening or closing credits on all visual projects must reflect the information contained on the
title page of the thesis. This includes the following:
• Your name
• The title of your thesis
• The name of your thesis advisor
• The name of the department Chairperson
• Credit for contributors or collaborators, if any
• List of software used
• The words “Pratt Institute” (logo required)
• The words “Department of Digital Arts”
• The date (month and year)
• A copyright statement in the following format: “© [year] [Your name]”*
To fulfill departmental requirements, turn in (I may ask you for additional copies of your work for my own records):
One uncompressed Quicktime file of your final project on as many data DVD discs as needed (*For projects containing visual effects work, include a separate .mov file with your complete project).
Two (2) playable DVDs of your project. Do not include DVD menus.
Do not place text close to any edge of the video frame because it will be cut off when it is projected. Turn on the “title safe/action safe” indicators in your video editing software to show the safe areas.
All time-based projects must be edited using either DV-NTSC or HDTV settings specified below:
DV-NTSC:
Resolution: 720 x 480
Pixel Aspect Ratio: 0.9
HDTV: (720p - not 720i)
Resolution: 1280 x 720
Pixel Aspect Ratio: Square
For both DV-NTSC and HDTV:
• Interlacing: NONE
• Frame Rate: 29.97 fps
• Compression: NONE
• Audio: 48 kHz sampling rate, 16-bit stereo, uncompressed (WAF, AIFF or SD-II)
It is important that the Codec option in the Export options box is set to “None”.
Label al discs clearly with a permanent marker or use LightScribe. CDs and DVDs with adhesive labels
will NOT be accepted.
If your animation/video is too large for a one or two DVDs you may hand in a jump drive (attach a printed label).
Preparing Video Documentation for Graduate Thesis Projects
Documentation: Still Photography
Use a camera which saves raw images at a resolution of at least 5000 x 3000. TIFF only (note that .jpg or .png
formats are not acceptable). Experiment with exposures. Gallery lighting alone may not be suitable for high-quality
photographs. Consider using supplementary lighting. Shoot both with and without visitors. Stills submitted may
also include digital image files of the project.
Documentation: Video (for installations)
Contents of the Installation Documentation video maximum 3 minutes
Formats and Setting 720p format (NOT 720i) .MOV
16:9 aspect ratio
Frame Rate - 29.97 fps
Interlacing - None Compression - None (not DV, not h.246) NONE = “uncompressed”
Pixels - Square
Audio - 48 Khz, 16 bit Stereo, uncompressed
If the uncompressed file does not fit on one data DVD, split the file into 2 parts and make 2 discs.
“Apple Animation” compressor can be used if the file exceeds 9GB. Alternatively, hand in a jump drive (see above).
1. Title screen with the name of the project, your name, and copyright.
Include a one-line statement summarizing the theme or nature of the installation. (4 seconds)
2. Express the aesthetic goal of the work, including a "Beauty sequence" of highlights of the finished installation
in operation, including details. 30± seconds
3. Visitors' Experience. Live footage of participants interacting with the installation. On-the-spot comments and
reactions are a welcome feature. 30-60 seconds maximum.
4. Functional Description. Behind-the-scenes review of the primary technology or special techniques used
in creating the installation, with captions or narration. Include animated diagram of the installation components
and software used. 30 seconds maximum
5. Any additional information (be sure you have included all of the Credits information listed in the Guidelines).
Be sure to use the Hi-Res version of the Pratt logo supplied.
Sections of the video must include either short text captions, or narration, with descriptions of the scenes or the
activity being shown. Music is sometimes used as a backdrop; make a professional and tasteful choice, otherwise
no music. Live sounds from the installation / project are preferred over a “wall-to-wall” promotional music track.
Quality considerations during production:
- Use a tripod.
- You are shooting motion footage. Compose your shots like a cinematographer would. Include closeups.
- Consider the lighting of the space. Very high contrast or very dim scenes do not make good video footage.
- Allow extra time to thoroughly photograph the installation (high-resolution stills and video) while it is running,
without casual visitors. Use supplementary lighting and bracket your exposures!
- If the ambient sound in the installation does not record well through a microphone, be prepared to capture the
sound directly from the software to mix with the visuals during post-production.
- If the installation includes screen or projection imagery, make digital "grabs" or captures of those images directly
from the computer, and edit these into the final reel with your live footage. (Do not count on photos/videos taken
during the installation to convey the quality and details of your graphic work.)
Do not underestimate the time it takes to finalize and prepare your materials for submission!
What do I have to do to graduate?
When all the Deliverables are in order, your advisor will sign the papers, and deliver the packages to the Chair’s office.
Assuming the committee has approved your project...
The Chair’s office will contact you when the Chair has signed your papers.
You then deliver the Library copy (and your copy) to the Pratt Library, in person.
Pay their binding fee (see the Library web site). They give you a receipt.
You take the receipt to the Registrar, where they confirm your graduation.
The Library will have the papers professionally bound. Your copy will eventually be sent to you to keep (included in binding fee).
