Challenge - The Door Scene: Part V

cc licensed ( BY NC ND ) flickr photo shared by Giampaolo Macorig

Objectives

• Create visual storytelling that communicates ideas in relation to the media and techniques used.
• Edit and solve a challenging visual arts problem independently and collaboratively, using, analysis synthesis, and evaluation.
• Analyze and synthesize elements critical in visual communication, while critically comparing intent and product.   
• Demonstrate understanding in the use of existing technology, with all its limitations and affordances. 

Rationale

Having shot and re-shot the Door Scene based on changes and feedback, it is important to explore editing in the filmmaking process. Part V provides a grounding in Step 4 - Editing, experiencing post-production work, while continuing to strengthen problem-solving, decision-making, and creative thinking.

Challenge

Explore adding transitions, music, titles and effects to enhance the film’s overall impact, making the story clearer, more interesting and more dramatic.

Considerations

• How does using transitions affect the mood, perception of time, and dramatic intent of your scene?
• Does music enhance the overall story of your scene?
• Does the effect distract from the mood or tone of your scene?

Instructions

Import your footage into a software editing system and begin compiling a final cut of your Door Scene, including all of the transitions, effects, music and whatever post production elements that you wish to add. Watch and discuss the edit within the group while making the editing decisions, keeping the following questions in mind:

• Does the final cut conform to the original assignment parameters, including but not limited to time limitations, special requirements?
• Did you address your peers’ suggestions from the rough edit? Is your film better? Why or why not?
• How does the addition of things like music, transitions and effects help tell your story?

Legal

This lesson has been adapted from The 21st Century Educator's Handbook by American Film Institute Screen Education, 2006.

Challenge - The Door Scene: Part IV

Doors to an unknown space in Venasque, France... - cc licensed ( BY NC SA ) flickr photo
shared by Nate Gray

Objectives

• Re-create visual storytelling that communicates ideas in relation to the use of media and techniques. 
• Define and solve a challenging visual arts problem independently and collaboratively, using, analysis synthesis, and evaluation.
• Identify and synthesize principles, both synthesized and analytical, and visual storytelling techniques.
• Demonstrate understanding in the use of existing technology, with all its limitations and affordances.

Rationale

Having shot a rough-cut in camera version of another team's Door Scene, as well as gaining feedback and analyzing the results, it is important to revise your team's Door Scene production. Repeating Step 3 - Production & Filmmaking provides a chance to improve on the original footage. Given another chance to strengthen shooting and production skills, as well as problem-solving, decision-making, and creative thinking.

Challenge

Revise your original storyboard to reflect your intentions for the scene, if necessary. Shoot the Door Scene one more time, this time from your own group's storyboard, continuing to use in-camera edits and the same parameters as in previous steps. Consider the changes and feedback you discussed in the previous steps, especially in shooting another group's storyboard.

Considerations

• Does the scene communicate what you intended?
• Does it clearly tell a story? What is unclear?
• Have you “built” the scene? Is there anticipation? Tension? Conflict?
• What would you change? Why?

Instructions

Reshoot your revised storyboard, taking into consideration changes and feedback. Assemble shots "in camera" as a rough cut of your new version. Keep the following questions in mind:

• Do all group members feel what you want them to feel watching the scene?
• Was the story clear to them? Why or why not?
• Are there any additional suggestions?

Legal

This lesson has been adapted from The 21st Century Educator's Handbook by American Film Institute Screen Education, 2006.

Challenge - The Door Scene: Part III

door and window at the ostrich farm in Melitopol - cc licensed ( BY SA ) flickr photo 
shared by Matvey Andreyev

Objectives

• Create visual storytelling that communicates another's ideas in relation to the media and techniques used.
• Read storyboard, identifying and synthesizing principles, as well as applying decision making and visual storytelling techniques.
• Analyze and synthesize elements critical in visual communication, while critically comparing intent and product.   
• Demonstrate understanding in the use of existing technology, with all its limitations and affordances.

Rationale

Having shot a rough-cut in camera version of the Door Scene it is important to revisit important, proven steps in the filmmaking process. Since the scenario was provided Step 1 - Script Development is already completed. Part II provides a grounding in Step 2 - Screenwriting & Storyboarding, while continuing to strengthen teamwork, peer-to-peer feedback, and critical thinking.

Challenge

Now that all team's storyboards have been completed, all team storyboards are shuffled and redistributed. Each team films another team’s storyboard, exactly as you interpret it. As you film, take notes on what is confusing and why you interpreted the storyboard and made decisions the way you did.

Limitations

• You may not communicate with the team who created the storyboards you are filming.
• You must shoot exactly what the storyboard you have received communicates to you.
• You may not try to improve the storyboard or add your own ideas.

Instructions

Shoot the storyboard given to your team, as received, assembling shots "in camera." Prepare to present the film in class comparing it to the storyboard. When comparing the film to the storyboard, keep the following questions in mind:

1. How closely does the film you shot match the storyboard and how do you know?
2. How well could you interpret what the storyboard artist originally intend?
3. What misinterpretations, miscommunications, and discrepancies arose?
4. What would have made the storyboard clearer?
5. What kinds of adjustments need to be made to the next time you storyboard?
6. What did the group learn?

Legal

This lesson has been adapted from The 21st Century Educator's Handbook by American Film Institute Screen Education, 2006.

Challenge - The Door Scene: Part II

door - cc licensed ( BY NC SA ) flickr photo shared by Lewis Martin

Objectives

• Create visual storytelling that communicates ideas in relation to the media and techniques used. 
• Identify and synthesize principles, both synthesized and analytical, and visual storytelling techniques.
• Express complex relationships in visual storytelling, defend creative thinking and decision making, as well as organize and plan a revised solution to a visual arts problem collaboratively.
• Demonstrate understanding in the use of existing technology, with all its limitations and affordances.

Rationale

Having shot a rough-cut in camera version of the Door Scene it is important to revisit important, proven steps in the filmmaking process. Since the scenario was provided Step 1 - Script Development is already completed. Part II provides a grounding in Step 2 - Screenwriting & Storyboarding, while continuing to strengthen teamwork, peer-to-peer feedback, and critical thinking.

Challenge

Storyboard a script scenario for the Door Scene in the most visually effective way you can conceive. However, when you create your storyboard, think of a creative, entertaining or surprising new ending for the scenario. The entire film must follow the original script until the character opens the door. From that point on, you are on your to create a new ending within the limitations. Also, write a detailed description of your new ending.

Limitations

• Same general parameters and limitations as in Step One.
• Neither the character nor the audience ever sees the source of the sound
• The film can have only one actor
• The film cannot exceed 90 seconds
• The entire film must take place within five feet of either side of the door.
• You must assemble the shots "in camera,"as you shoot, without any post-production editing.
• You must use at least five different shots.
• Every detail must be included in your storyboard. It must be so visually clear that a stranger, unfamiliar with the scenario, could take your storyboard and shoot the film exactly as you visualized it when creating your storyboard.
• You may write descriptions for each storyboard panel to help with your screen direction. However, as much as you can, try to communicate the information visually. Use your written descriptions to scaffold your visuals, not replace them.

Instructions

Complete a storyboard of the Door Scene independently. Then, rejoin your original production team and pitch your storyboards to one another. Be prepared to defend your creative choices. Why is it the cleanest, most entertaining, and emotive storyboard in your team? At this point, your team has a few options:

1. Select one of your team member’s storyboards to be filmed.
2. Mix and match best shots from each individual's effort in a revised storyboard to be filmed.
3. Create a whole new storyboard as a group to be filmed.

Regardless, create a list of criteria that the whole group can agree upon to help make choices. Be ready to submit your team's criteria list, each group member's storyboard, and your team’s selection or
new storyboard, with written description, at the end of class.

Resources

• Storyboard Template
• Pixar Storyboarding Mini Doc
• Storyboarding For People Who Can't Draw

Sequences (Progress One Step at a Time)

• Step Forward
• Establishing/Wide > Full > Medium > Close Up  (camera - far to near)
• Tease
• Close Up > Truck/Zoom to Full (camera - near to far)
• Inserts
• Medium > Close Up [thematic cutaway connection] > Medium (camera - far to close to far)
• Corresponding
• Medium > Medium [size, angles, relationships stay consistent] (camera - remains consistent and paired)
• Documentary
• Close Up [hands] > Close Up [face] > Wide > Over the Shoulder > Unusual Angle (camera - near to far)

Legal

This lesson has been adapted from The 21st Century Educator's Handbook by American Film Institute Screen Education, 2006.

Challenge - The Door Scene: Part I

Door : 19 - cc licensed ( BY NC ND ) flickr photo shared by Ryan Woolies

Objectives

• Create visual storytelling that communicates ideas in relation to the use of media and techniques. 
• Define and solve a challenging visual arts problem independently and collaboratively, using, analysis synthesis, and evaluation.
• Identify and synthesize principles, both synthesized and analytical, and visual storytelling techniques.
• Demonstrate understanding in the use of existing technology, with all its limitations and affordances. 

Rationale

The Door Scene is a hands-on introductory task of filmmaking. Filmmaking is a collaborative process that involves storytelling, time management, and teamwork, among other skills and literacies. The Door Scene provides a foundation for strengthening these skills, as well as an introduction to peer-to-peer feedback and critical thinking.

Challenge

With production teams of no more than five, you are to use a video camera to interpret and shoot the following scripted scenario:

A person is about to open a door. The person hears a sound and becomes mildly concerned. The person finds the door locked and searches for his or her keys. The person hears the sound again and becomes visibly apprehensive. As the filmmaker, your goal is to build tension and growing panic, using any visual element or device that you can think of. The film closes with the person finally opening the door and getting to the other side safely. Here, you want to communicate to the audience the character’s feeling of relief and safety.

Limitations

• Neither the character nor the audience ever sees the source of the sound
• The film can have only one actor
• The film cannot exceed 90 seconds
• The entire film must take place within five feet of either side of the door.
• You must assemble the shots "in camera,"as you shoot, without any post-production editing. 

Instructions

You have 20 minutes to shoot The Door Scene as a group, using whatever storytelling techniques you can to communicate the scenario.

Additionally, I want you to notice what you notice. Pay particular attention to the challenges that you experience while making this short video individually and collectively. It is someone's job to keep a list of the challenges, issues, and problems that occur while creating the video.

Legal

This lesson has been adapted from The 21st Century Educator's Handbook by American Film Institute Screen Education, 2006.