Workshop 1 may 2011

re@ctStudent Film Festival

So, why are we here? To learn about how to make high quality

short films that convey a powerful message to an audience

To demonstrate the great talent, commitment and enthusiasm that the Barwon South Network schools have for Digital Learning!

The Re@ct Film Festival Each school creates and showcases a THREE

MINUTE short film NO other limits! (genre, style, topic etc)

…..except your creativity! Workshop 2 – Wednesday June 15th – same

place, same time Completed films due by August 5th Red Carpet screening at GPAC on September

21st (evening)

Some basics No surnames displayed during credits All in film will need parental consent as film will be compiled on

DVD and showcased in public. Forms to be distributed workshop 2 No copyright music Screening at GPAC (It is preferred that students haven’t

showcased their films prior to this date as it will lessen the impact at the gala night)

Films need to be submitted by August 5th in the corrext format (details next workshop)

Ultranet coach support will mostly be phone support due to tight schedules of coaches

Where to go for help?

How will we keep collaborating?Join our Ultranet Space in Collaborative

Learning:

BSWR – React Film Festival 2011 -

Barwon South Network

What is a Short Film? A short film is just that –SHORT

A short film has a simple story or PLOT.

A short film has limited Settings, Costumes, and Props.

A short film should only have 2 -3 characters.

Audience The audience for your short film will be

Students Film lovers General public Fans of short films

TIPS! Remember: You have limited time to complete the task

so Don’t waste time. Ensure that the content is appropriate.

Who does what in making a film? On the post-it notes, write down as many

different JOBS that are involved in making a film

The Stages of Film-Making1. Pre-production

2. Production

3. Post-production Sort your post-it notes into these sections. What types of jobs do YOU think you might

like to do? (we will return to this at the end of today)

Techniques of Film Making

A Long Shot shows the audience an overview of the action. It gives more detail about a scene.

A Mid-shot is taken from the middle of the body to the top of the head and is often used to show conversations between characters.

.

A Close-up is taken of the characters face and indicates that their expression and what they say is important to the narrative/story.

An extreme close up is used to show important details in the narrative.

Creating Movement It is BETTER to create movement through

CUTS

Other:- Zoom: move from a wide shot to close up

or vice versa- Pan: move from left to right or vice versa

Count the cuts….

Rule of Thirds The basic principle behind the rule of thirds is to

imagine breaking an image down into thirds (both horizontally and vertically) so that you have 9 parts

With this grid in mind the ‘rule of thirds’ now identifies four important parts of the image that you should consider placing points of interest in as you frame your image.

Audio – creating mood

Bad shots

Let’s have a go! Take your flipcameras and have a go at

filming the following types of shots:

A.     pan with a zoom B.     over the shoulder shot (conversation) C.     wide shot, medium and close up of an

object

The Story is KING!

GENRES

Pre-Production Elements

Script – students write their ideas down in a special way. It is called a script.

Storyboard – students imagine what their video production will look like and draw it in a special way. It is called a storyboard.

Filming Schedule – students work out how they are going to make their video production in regards to time frame and dead line. It is similar to a timetable.

Consent Forms – consent must be granted from all on screen talent, extras and companies, when their logo or product appears, before filming commences.

Writing a Script

Things to include in a script:

1. What is being said?2. Who is saying it?3. What are the characters actions?4. Where is the action taking place?

Sample Script What is said

Actions

Includenarration

Have a go at scripting!You have a copy of the fable ‘The Fox and

the Crow’

Have a go at turning this into a script.

FIRST – choose a genre (documentary,

comedy, action etc)

STORYBOARDS

From Storyboard to Film

© 2007Drift Media

Example Storyboard

Now have a go at storyboarding!

Take the script of ‘The Fox and the Crow’ and draft at least 4 sections of a STORYBOARD for the opening of the film.

Remember that each section is a different SHOT, not a different SCENE

Time to get CREATIVE!

Hook – The beginning must have a hook so the audience wants to find out more

Has structure – clear sequence with a beginning, middle and end

Emotional content – The audience identifies with it because of its emotional content – eg excitement, sadness

© 2007Drit Media

© 2007Drift Media

The Filmmaking Process Pre-ProductionLets start thinking about the film you want to make…

MotivationWhy is this story worth telling ? What makes it unique ?

Target Who are you making the film for ?

Message What will your film leave people thinking about?

Group Planning Time Things to consider:

- what are you learning about?

- locations (at school, outside of school)

- cast, roles of the team, who will do what?

- when will you film?

- what equipment will you use to film and edit?

Discuss ideas for your film

WHAT is the film about? WHO will be in the film (characters)? WHAT is the main message of the film? WHAT type/genre of film will it be? WHO would enjoy your film (audience)?

Sharing Session Feedback in small groups with the Ultranet

Coach who will be supporting your school- What is the main idea of your film?- What genre will it be?- What will you be doing between now and

Workshop 2 (three weeks time)?

Join our Ultranet Space and use it to record and share your experiences/progress

Come to our next workshop with some footage on the computer already

Bring along your planning material – script/storyboard

What’s next?