Production Phase

CTS FILMMAKING PROJECT

OBJECTIVES

Our goal is to produce a number of short student films on a classic short story that can be showcased to the class.  You will form a group of three members, decide upon a story, read through the work, and then adapt it to film.  Ultimately we will view these products in class!

By working through the filmmaking process, we will be developing a host of skills and values, including:

  • research skills
  • problem solving skills
  • planning skills
  • creativity
  • use of film cameras
  • editing on iMovie
  • recording on Garageband
  • producing a DVD

Finding a Short Story

You are free to choose any appropriate senior-level story from textbooks and anthologies I have in class.  You might also consider visiting the sites below for other options.

The Three Phases of Filmmaking

The filmmaking process is really a creative journey which can be organized into three separate phases.  The three phases of the filmmaking process are:

  1. Pre-production
  2. Principal photography              (Of course, the last true phase is the
  3. Post-production                                 distribution of your film).

You must understand these phases before you can begin; though the end product for your group will be your actual video, the real goal of this assignment is to appreciate and learn the process of filmmaking.  Thus far in your course you have developed expertise in recording on Garageband, recognizing and filming different camera shots, drafting storyboards, and writing screenplays.  This project will combine each of those skills to produce a masterful short film!

On the next page is a basic list of requirements for each phase of the filmmaking process.  It is imperative that you collaborate with your group to accomplish each one of these tasks.  Come prepared to class each day and do not let your group members down.

Initial Steps of the Assignment

A.    Pre-Production

  1. Define the video project (scope, goals, time, genres)
  2. Choose and read a classic short story
  3. Determine student groups and roles
  4. Develop ideas within groups
  5. Pitch project
  6. Approval
  7. Writing the script
  8. Project approval
  9. Prepare storyboards
  10. Approval of planning documents
  11. Make arrangements to use locations
  12. Create props, costumes, and sets 

B.     Principal Photography

  1. Submit call sheets
  2. Sign out and obtain equipment
  3. Record video and audio
  4. Return equipment
  5. Submit production reports

C.   Post-Production

  1. Footage is logged and captured on computer
  2. Editing:
  • picture editing
  • transitions
  • sound editing
  • titles and credits

D.    Distribution

  1. Organize premiere (Don’t forget the popcorn!)
  2. Students and instructor evaluate the project
  3. Optional: films are submitted to festivals


EVALUATION

A.    Pre-Production Phase                       

  • Pitch (10 marks)

Complete the film “pitch” sheet and explain the synopsis of your film, along with ideas for characters, costumes, themes, etc.

  • Script / Storyboard (30 marks)

Produce a formal screenplay for the project, complete with a title page, sluglines, action lines and dialogue.  An accompanying storyboard should visually depict each shot of the film. This mark will be split between the quality of the screenplay and the storyboard.

  • Call Sheet (10 marks)

Plan out props, costumes, location, etc. out in specific terms on call sheets.

B. Principal Photography / Production Phase

  • Participation (10 marks)

During class time you will be given some opportunity to shoot your film. Group members should help in setting up equipment and locations, and remain on task.  After each film session you will need to submit production reports that explain what work was completed.

  • Camera Work (40 marks)

The quality of camera work will be evaluated here, based on shot usage and variety, focus, lighting and overall mastery of technique.  Note the “Mandatory Shot List”, which dictates a number of shot types that must be used somewhere in the film (in any order). 

C.   Post-Production Phase

  • Quality of Editing (50 marks)

Using iMovie or Final Cut, you will cut and edit your footage.  Marks will be awarded for precision of cuts, and creativity using transitions, overlays of sound, opening and finishing credits, etc. 

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