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.