Video Production in the Classroom

Contents

Production

Treatment ………………………………………………………………………………..pp 2-3

Storyboarding Samples …….…….………..…………………………………..…pp 4-8

Roles of the Film Crew ……………………………………………………………….…p 9

Evaluation

Sample Movie Rubric ………………………………………………….………….....p 10

Student Self-Assessment ………………………………………………………….…..p 11

Student Goal Setting …………………………………………………………………….p 12

Blank Rubric ………………………………………………………………………………….p 13

Reflection Journal……………………………………………………….………………..p 14

Film Festival Guidelines …………………………………………………..…………….……p 15

Checklist ………………………………………………………………………..………………….…p 16

Submission Form ……………………………………………………………….………………..p 17

Video Release Form ………………………………………………..……………..……….…..p 18

Resources ………………………………………………………….………………………….pp 19-21

Treatment

How to Write a Treatment for a Script/Screenplay

In a nutshell, a treatment is a detailed outline of your film from start to finish - including your basic idea, your characters, the mood, the purpose, and a short version of the story. Some writers love them whilst others loathe them.

No matter what your view on treatments is, there is no mistaking that they are a very powerful tool for scriptwriters that force you into thinking about the path your story will take before you start writing and filming, rather than focusing on the "cool scenes".

Writers who prefer to skip this step and dive straight into the 1st draft of the screenplay tend to write really horrible scripts which, in turn, make horrible movies. It makes good sense to have a good, long think aboutyour story before writing a script for your story.

Treatments are a very good way of presenting your ideas to people before you have started to create a script. Your treatment should be short and snappy so that it grabs people’s attention. If you are writing for a short film, your treatment should be condensed down to one or two pages.

It's an important tool to help you develop your script.

Layout of a Treatment

You are basically writing your film down as a story minus the extra detail. You should keep the length to no more than 1-2 pages. An example to start might be:

A huge passenger ship sails into calm seas. The deck is crowded with holiday-makers and the ships captain looks out to the horizon. The tension builds as we cut between the happy holiday-makers and the countdown on a bomb in the cargo bay.

Suddenly BOOM! A gigantic explosion rips the ship in two. Flames and smoke fly hundreds of feet into the air...

As you can see, some detail but not too detailed. Certain scenes may be simply referred to in this type of treatment whereas key sequences may benefit from fuller descriptions.

Break your script down into five sub-categories: concept, characterization, theme, tone, and story. This allows you to add into your treatment what is unique about your approach, what people will find interesting, as well as telling the story.

Title Film Makers: __ Projected length (time): ______

Concept (the basic premise of your film):

Characterization (the characters and their characteristics):

Character 1
Character 2
Character 3
Character 4

Theme(s) (the underlying idea(s) or messages behind your film- what you are trying to say and/or accomplish):

Tone: (the mood or feeling that you are you trying to create -- humorous, scary, serious, sadness, etc.):

Story- (the basic plot or sequence of events of your film):

Storyboard Template

This template document contains some sample storyboard templates. Choose whichever one suits your needs, and of course you may change the template as you see fit to suit your project.

The idea with storyboards is to block out your video or multimedia project before you go to the effort of creating any of the elements. The storyboard review and approval stage is one of the stages of pre-production that allows all people involved to visualize the final project, to an extent. It provides an opportunity for discussion, and helps you determine your final budget. Storyboards also help you save time and money when you put the elements together because you know what shots can be grouped together, taken at the same time, or with the same resources.

Depending on your organization, storyboards can be very informal – just scribbles and stick figures, or more formal – good looking graphics. One thing to consider is how much effort you’d like to put into a storyboard or whether you efforts could be better appliedto the actual production.

Sample 1:

Video Storyboard

TITLE of Project: ______

SUBJECT: ______PAGE: __ of ____

VIDEO / AUDIO
Rough sketch of the shot. Stick figures acceptable. / Narration, voiceover script, dialogue, sound effects, music, etc.

Sample

Sample 2:

Screen Title:______Date: ______time: ______

800 x 600Screen ______of ______

Links from:

Links to:

Navigation:Graphics:
Animation:
Audio:
Video:
Functionality:
Interactivity:
Hyperlinks: / Screen Description

Sample 3:

Sample 4:

0:00 / 0:45
Titles / Intro / Credits
Video 1 / Picture of finished product.
Video 2 / Making grilled cheese
Audio 2 / Narrate the process
Music / Song…
Sound fx / Sizzle

Roles of a Film Crew

Director

The director is responsible for the overall look and feel of the movie. A director is usually the primary creative force behind a motion picture.

Casting Director

The casting director hires actors for the necessary roles. Sometimes this requires an audition on the part of the actor, but many parts, especially lead roles, are handed out based on an actor’s reputation and star power.

Location Manager

The location manager manages details surrounding filming on location. The majority of a modern motion picture is shot in a studio, but occasionally outdoor sequences will call for filming outside the studio, on location.

Production Manager

The production manager manages the production budget and schedule. He or she also reports on behalf of the production office to the financiers.

Director of Photography/Cinematographer

The director of photography (DOP) designs and coordinates the picture and lighting. He or she cooperates with the director, first assistant director (1AD), director of audiography (DOA) and assistant director (AD). He or she may also be listed in the credits as cinematographer. There is no real difference between the titles.

Production Designer

The production designer creates the look and feel of the setting and costumes.

Storyboard Artist/Graphic Designer

The storyboard artist/graphic designer helps the director and production designer communicate their ideas by creating artwork for the production.

Director of Audiography

The director of audiography (DOA) designs and coordinates the sound and music. He or she cooperates with the director, 1AD, DOP, and AD.

Sound Designer

The sound designer creates new sounds with the help of Foley artists.

Music Composer

The music composer creates new music.

Choreographer

The choreographer creates and coordinates the movement and dance, typically for musicals, although some films credit a fight choreographer.

*double click the template on this page for a larger, clearer Acrobat version

Reflect on your participation in the group. Think about your learning and what your group is trying to achieve.

1. What is one example of your participation that you are proud of and has helped your group?

2. What are two tips you would give someone else doing this role/work?

Student Goal Setting

Goal / Steps / Evidence
What do I want to get out of this? / How do I plan to do this? / How will I know I am on the right track?
Time Frame:
Begin: ______End: ______
Date:______Signed: ______

*Adapted from Knowing What Counts: Self-Assessment and Goal Setting, p. 55. Gregory, Cameron, Davies, 2011.

Planning Sheet
/ Story Board
Organization of Content
Originality
Making Inferences
Making the viewer think
Summarizing
/ Raising Questions
Focus on Important parts of the subject
Lighting/Sound
Camera work
What did I do?
What did I learn?
What will I do next?

PSSD Film Festival Guidelines

Film Entry

The content of the movie must comply with a “G” rating and be suitable for all audiences.

The content must also be suitable for viewing in the classroom as deemed appropriate at the sole discretion of our Film Festival Reviewing Committee. (The committee reserves the right to disqualify a movie based on their sole discretion).

No violence or stunt work, or anything dangerous should be attempted for these films. Basically, anything you can’t do at school must not be attempted for the film.

Any use of prop weapons must already be in place with the original content that the film is based on. Teams and individuals may not introduce weapons as a ‘twist’ or to change the original content. If prop weapons are used in the film they must be non-functioning replicas. All safety precautions must be used.

The content of the film must be original or public domain. Limit filming students or kids not on the team; video release forms must be submitted for all people filmed and all crew members not filmed -anyone who is part of the film. Ask adults for permission to film them prior to filming them. Respect people’s privacy.

The film must be made by the Prairie Spirit School Division students on the team and their original work evident in the production.

The film must not exceed the film category time limit, including credits.
Trailers - 2 minutes and 30 second maximum (2:30)
Short Films (i.e., Documentary, Adaptation) - 5 minute maximum (5:00)
Public Service Announcements - 1 minute maximum (1:00)
Music Videos - 5 minute maximum (5:00)

The film, submission form, and the student release documents, must all be complete, appropriately formatted, and submitted on time to be qualified for entry. Once submitted, the contestants/participants grant Prairie Spirit School Division the right to publish the movie in part or in whole in any medium.

Ideally, all of the film’s content should be original work which includes the music, logos, and artwork. See the list of resources in the reference book for tips and ideas on finding and creating original artwork or use of media from the public domain. Please cite works used.

How to Enter Your Film

By March 18, 2015, teachers must register their intent to submit a film by contacting Corinne Dutka at Prairie Spirit School Division. Please include the film category, content area, grade level, teacher’s name, and school.

On or before May 6, 2015 submit film entries, Submission Forms, and Video Release Form to Jon Yellowlees. Please submit films in the mp4 video format on either a USB drive or DVD. Please label USB drives so they can be returned to you. *Forms are included in the PSSD Film Festival Handbook.

Not all entries will be screened at the Roxy Theatre due to time constraints. Participants will be notified in advance which films have been chosen for screening.

~Above information adapted from the Evergreen School District 2012 Student Film Festival online Handbook

PSSD Film Festival Checklist

____By March 18, 2015: Pre-register by contacting Corinne Dutka with your ‘Intent to Submit a Film Entry’ via email or phone at 306-683-2800 (voice messages are welcome). The only information we would appreciate at this time is:

-the number of films being entered in each category;

-content area the film is based on;

-grade level; and

-teacher’s name and school name.

____ By May 6, 2015: Send the following entry components to Jon Yellowlees:

-mp4 video formatted film entry on labelled USB drive or DVD;

-Submission Form for the entry (p. 15 of FF Reference Book);

-Video Release Forms (signed by students and their parents, p. 18 of FF Reference Book);

ALL crew members, regardless of their role, and any ‘extras’ appearing on camera must submit this form, and

-Storyboard – original version along with notes regarding changes made during production

All forms can be scanned and sent via email to Jon Yellowlees or faxed to306-683-8221.

*Please ensure USB or DVD and paperwork arrives at the division office byMay 6.

____Please ensure the film name is the same on the Digital File as on the Submission Form .

____correctly format film entries – mp4 video format

____include a title frame – part of total film length

____include film credits – part of total film length

____cite all resources included in the final version of the film (graphics, artwork, logos, music, etc.)

____note any permissions granted for inclusion of existing works

____send in each film’s Storyboard and notes regarding any changes made to the storyboard during production – what was changed and why the changes were made.

Learners for Life

Learning without limits in a world of possibilities

2014-2015 Student Film Festival Submission Form

Film Title: ______

Film Category (check one):Brief Description of Submission:

Short Film – 5 min. max.

Music Video – 5 min. max.

Movie Trailer – 2:30 min. max.

Documentary – 5 min. max

Public Service Announcement (PSA) – 1 min. max

Teacher Name: ______

Teacher Signature certifying this submission:______

School Name: ______

Student Team Member #1: ______

Grade: ______Student role in the film: ______

Student Team Member #2: ______

Grade: ______Student role in the film: ______

Student Team Member #3:______

Grade: ______Student role in the film: ______

Student Team Member #4:______

Grade: ______Student role in the film: ______

Please add additional team members on the back of this page using the same formatting.

Thank you for printing neatly when filling in this form.

Box 809 • 121 Klassen St. E. Warman SK CAN • S0K 4S0 Phone: 306-683-2800

Fax: 306-934-8221

Video Release Form

By signing this form, you agree to the terms and conditions of this agreement.

I hereby give my permission to the Prairie Spirit School Division (PSSD) to use my work, videotape, or otherwise record my name, voice, and/or likeness in its publications.

I understand that examples of my work and/or these recordings of me will be used exclusively for non-commercial, educational purposes, which may include, but not limited to, distribution by print, internet, or digital media and open-circuit broadcast, closed-circuit, and/or cable television transmission within or outside of the province of Saskatchewan for the duration of the media.

I understand that there will be no financial or other remuneration for use of my work and/or recordings, either for initial or subsequent transmission or playback, and I hereby release PSSD from any liability resulting from or connected with the publication of such work. Permission is granted for the duration of the media.

I further understand that my permission or consent may be rescinded; however, in order for the revocation of permission/consent to be effective, it must be made in writing and said revocation will not affect the publication or work that has already been produced. PSSD may use my name, likeness, work, and/or bibliographical identification for publicizing and promoting the use of these recordings.

PSSD has permission to videotape or otherwise record my name, voice, and/or likeness for educational purposes and to use my work for educational purposes. ?yes?no

Student Name (Please Print): ______

School (if applicable): ______

Home Address: ______

Town/City: ______

Province: ______Postal Code: ______

*Student Signature: ______

Date: ______

*Parent Name (Printed): ______

*Parent Signature: ______

Date: ______

Resources

*If inappropriate content is found on the links provided please notify Corinne Dutka and Jon Yellowlees immediately.

We welcome any recommendations you have to add to this list of resources.

- Great resources for how to do different types of video and skills involved.

- Professional Resource and Idea on Video Making

- Storyboard Sample Information

- Planning Guides

How to Make RSA Animate Style Videos with Your Class

How to Make Common Craft Style Videos with Your Class

- Free online video production text.

- Storyboarding, AFI’s Lights, Camera, Education! AFI Screennation

- 500 Storyboard Tutorials and Resources

- Digital Video for the Classroom: Print Resources

- The Learning Academy

Learn the Curriculum Through the Wonders of Film Making. Covers many aspects of film making and provides resources.

- Teacher Resources

- Student Resources

Film making guides: Writing, Crew, Cinematography, Sound, and Editing. Excellent resource!

Script Formatting

- Ace Your Audition

- Fine Tune Your Acting Performance on Film

Camera Work:

Make It Look Awesome Guide

Traditional Film Camera Techniques

Deadly Sins of Amateur Video

The Five Deadly Sins of Amateur Video

Framing Your Subject

Lighting:

Three Point Lighting

Make It Look Awesome Guide

Sound:

Make It Sound Sweet

Soundation Studio: create original music

Create and import original music.

Partners in Rhyme: royalty free sound effects and music

General sound effects, public domainsound effects, free royalty free sound effects.

CCmixter: Creative Commons music and remix tracks.

Incompetech: royalty free music and sound fx.

Evergreen School District Online Resource Guide, pages 9 and 10:

Traditional Film Camera Techniques

The Five Deadly Sins of Amateur Video

Video in the Classroom: Closing the Achievement Gap through Video Production

Matthew Needleman teaches in the LAUSD and has produced many sites that support teachers as they use technology to improve instruction. Click on the tab ‘Make Video’ to see a helpful menu on the left sidebar.

The Library of Congress American Memory Project

You can search by time period in history or by subject to find amazing historical photos.

Examples of Student Films

Studentfilms.com

Welcome to Studentfilms.com, the online short film festival and film school for film students and aspiring filmmakers

everywhere.

Videos in the Classroom.com

Video in the Classroom was founded in 2003 by Mathew Needleman to focus on video production in elementary

grades. The site was recently re-launched to showcase the work of elementary educators from across the country and

provide additional how-to information, additional links, and a complete redesign.

My State Student Film Festival

Examples of student made films.