Unit 58 Specification: Introduction

The Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) format is becoming commonplace in the media sector. DVD provides so much more of an opportunity to produce the quality of image and sound so often lacking in tape-based formats. DVD also enables interactivity and allows for a range of additional material to be added to a project. Many feature film producers now provide ‘extras’ on their DVD products such as directors’ commentaries, trailers, and ‘how it was made’ features. DVD can also provide an opportunity to add subtitles and a variety of dubbed languages. The graphic design element is important in the development of a DVD menu as still or moving images can be imported into a menu design as well as a choice of text styles.

The DVD formats provide an opportunity for learners to present their work in a new and exciting way. They can make a product and add extra features that demonstrate their skills in choosing material, re-editing and graphic design. Learners will be able to develop skills in designing the interactive elements of buttons and links to other material.

Authoring is the process of collecting audio, video, menus, subtitles and other material into an interactive branching structure that will eventually become a DVD, playable on a number of platforms.

Learners will be able to use the skills developed in this unit to prepare DVD menus and finished DVD products for their moving image work. Learners may be able to take on a commission from another learner or a client who wants their moving image product in an appropriate DVD format.

The DVD format allows learners to provide evidence of their evaluative skills as they may be able to add a commentary track to their product. This commentary track could provide them with a vehicle for talking about their choice of shot, style of editing or reasons for the initial idea.

This unit encourages learners to develop skills that will enable them to progress in the world of moving image and interactive media production.