Film–Making Humanities Elective w/Julia 2008
Goals: To study the art of story-telling through film, to become critical viewers of films, and to practice analytical thinking and writing skills. Final goal: to collaborate and make films with original visual and story elements.
The below list of activities are all required in order to earn credit for this course:
Activities:
- Watch three movies (on your own) from the “Movie list” (separate handout) and analyze them, using handout: Watching Closely
- Collaboratively, create a short silent film (in groups, working in science and this class)
- Keep a story idea/writing journal for a week
- Write short dialogues as assigned
- Write an in–class film analysis
- Write a screenplay for a 5-7 minute film
- Pitch your rough screenplay/concept to the class (2 minute oral presentation)
- Collaboratively, produce a film using some of the screenplays (there will be time for productions in both science and here)
To Go Above and Beyond:
¤To earn higher grades in personal development and/or writing, but more importantly, to cultivate your growing knowledge and awareness of quality film-making, you can do any or all of the following:
- Attend a viewing of a film or more from the Brattleboro Women’s Film Festival going on this month; see the Reformer for schedule or call the Latchis. Write a quick—2oo word-- summary of what you saw on the back of your popcorn box (or some paper).
- View more than the required 3 films from the list and write more, Watching Closely
- Read (online or from picky New Yorker) film reviews of any films you have seen (yes, even something bad). Write a response to that review. Do you agree or disagree? What might you add to a review of that film? Clip the review and your 1 page response together and hand in. Easy as that.
Assessment:
The realms most emphasized in this course are:
- Communication (Writing, Presenting in a variety of formats)
- Critical Thinking (Creative thinking, Making Connections)
- Community Involvement (Collaboration, Leadership)
However, you will also be graded on your HW Completion, Self direction, Problem solving, Respect for self and others and Knowledge of film making terms, screenplay format, and production process.
Approximate Schedule for class:
Week of 3/5 (3 hour-length classes): start generating ideas for your screenplay; discuss what makes a good story for a short film; write some practice dialogue and learn screenplay format; watch a short film in class
Your Weekend HW: Start writing your screenplay; maybe watch a film from the list and complete the handout: Watching Closely DUE by WED., 3/12
Week 3/10: Work on Screenplay; Start (and complete) silent film in groups; possible in-class film analysis essay; pitch your film on Friday, 3/14 with rough draft of screenplay ready to turn in.
Your Weekend HW: watch a film from list and complete, Watching Closely:
DUE MON., 3/17
Week of 3/17: Writing and revising script; cast your preferences for films and people to work with on Wednesday; meet with production groups and revise script, make production schedule; discuss casting
Guest Screenplay Reader We will have an experienced film-maker/writer read the five scripts that get the most votes in order to feedback before production. You can then use that feedback for the revision, which will be due the following Monday, 3/24.
Special Note: In order to ensure that groups have a completed script to work with, you will pitch your script idea (with a rough draft on Friday, 14th, but if it’s not typed and ready to go by Wednesday, 3/19, then no one can vote to work on that film. Sorry—that’s the rule.
Your Weekend HW: watch a film from list and complete, Watching Closely:
DUE MON., 3/24
Week of 3/24: Start Production (casting, storyboarding, shooting)
Week of 3/31: In production (shooting)
Week of 4/7 : In production (editing)
Deadline for (rough cuts) films: Friday, April 11 (these will be taken to judges for a preview)
Week of 4/14: Complete film titles, credits; festival poster; Festival on Wed.; Thursday, clean up and reflect; Friday=vacation starts!!
FILM FESTIVAL:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008
7-8 p.m.
Invite your family and friends!!
