Film Assignment

This is your lucky day!  Your group has been selected to make a short film for the prestigious studio, Mitchell and Smith Films.  Making a film is a rather intensive undertaking.  It will take much man and woman power, organizational skills, and strict adherence to an established timeline. 

You will be graded in three areas—to be explained later:

30 points—Storyboard Project (group grade)

70 points—Final Film (group grade)

25 points—Individual Work (individual grade)

125 points—Total Overall Grade (This grade will be considered a major test/essay grade)

Here are the basics; your group will:

§         create an ORIGINAL storyline from the elements given (more on that later)

§         design a storyboard in preparation for the film

§         direct and act in your film

§         use the editing equipment at home

§         complete a final product that runs NO MORE THAN 7 MINUTES

In your first group meeting (TODAY); you should begin brainstorming ideas for your film. It should go without us reminding you, but REMEMBER THAT ALL MATERIAL IN YOUR FILM MUST BE APPROPRIATE FOR CLASS.   Refer to the guidelines for CHS Video Productions (attached to this assignment) if you should have any questions.  Keep records of all your group meetings.  You will need to show evidence of your work during the course of the unit.

Much of this project will be completed OUTSIDE of class time; however you will have a several days in class to work on your project. 

A couple of other dates to remember:

¡        STORYBOARD (assignment sheet is attached) is due on Friday March 20^th.

¡        FINAL PROJECT is due on Wednesday, April 2^nd .

Here’s how the project will be graded:

¡        The storyboard project is worth 30 points. (Group Grade)

¡        The film will be given a grade based on how well organized, edited, written, directed, and shot it is.  We will take audience reaction into consideration as we grade.  We expect the “short” to be about 3-5 minutes, NOT LONGER.  This part of the project is worth 70 points. (Group Grade)

There will be a remaining 25 points for both any individual work you turn in (i.e., your script) AND how well you work in the group.  On the day the film is due, YOU will turn in a short paper (one page)

answering the following questions:

1.      What did you do to help make the film?

2.      What were the challenges you faced?

3.      What are the strengths and weaknesses of the finished product?

4.      How could you improve these weaknesses if you were going to do this project again?

(Screenwriters turn in a script in lieu of the short paper.)

Your individual grade will assessed as follows:

• 10 points for group work, based on both the input of your group and observations of teacher
• 15 points for the paper

Your paper will need to be typed, double spaced and one page in length.  You will be graded on the following:

Quality of reflection                                       __/5

Diction, organization of paper                        __/5

Grammar, Mechanics                                      __/5

Total                                                               __/15

Below is a list of jobs that must be dealt with: You should assign people these jobs and begin work on a timeline:

¡        Producer: - Manages the overall project, creates timeline and sets deadlines (which are approved by the teachers)  – works closely with director.

¡        Director: - Makes decisions that effect the artistic whole of the film– works closely with producer.

¡        Screenwriters: - Writes script, makes editorial changes as need be, approved by director/producer, turned in typed copy to me for approval/suggestions before shooting begins.

¡        Costumes/Props: - Reads script, makes drawings of possible costume options, approved by director/producer, makes or procures costumes and gets them on site at the right time.

¡        Set Manager: Manages the on-site needs of the shoot (shooting schedule needs to be in Excel), gets permission to shoot any “public” shots, looks for continuity errors, procures needed props and gets them on site at the right time, becomes a “jack of all trades”

¡        Actors: (3-5) - Memorizes lines, does character study, performs on film.

¡        Editing Team: Takes storyboards and edits film together, creates title and closing, adds “special effects” makes it “flow.”

As you plan, consider the following tips:

1.     Length of film is key to keeping this project manageable.  Plan to shoot three minutes for every minute of film that ends up in the final cut.

2.     Keep set changes to a minimum.  Every set change is a new cut.

3.     Do not forget the importance of storyboards.  We will grade your film with your storyboards in our hands.

4.     Be responsible and flexible!

Storyboard Assignment                                

Using your group’s idea for the short film project, you will develop a storyboard with a shot list and a shot breakdown.  This tool will be very helpful as your begin the shooting aspect of your film.

§        Divide the script of your film into at least 10 different shots.  Select shots that are significant to the plot or created for dramatic purposes.  The shots should be varied.  In other words, don’t choose ALL long shots or all close up shots.  Vary your film; it will create interest.

§        Sketch these 10 shots on white paper (not notebook paper).  Do your best to draw the scene, showing the type of shot you intend to use.  The drawing must be colored.  The drawing should be the same size as a full piece of computer paper.

§        Next, you will write a shot analysis for each shot.  The analysis should include:

a.      Description/Dialogue – please write the description of the scene and a few lines of the dialogue.

b.     Camera angle – what camera angle will your group use? 

c.     Camera movement – describe how your camera will move during the shot

d.     Lighting – describe the type of lighting you have selected

§        Each of the camera shots and the analysis should be presented in a small notebook.  Please include the title of your movie on the cover page.  Remember to neatly bind your work and keep it attractive; don’t wait until the last minute and give me sloppy work.

The storyboard will count as a major project grade for your group.  All group members will receive the same grade, so make sure that all members participate equally.

The storyboard project is worth 30 points. (Group Grade)

DUE ON Friday, March 20^th   

Storyboard Checklist