Thursday, September 27, 2007

Apple Film Festival Details

http://www.apple.com/education/insomnia/

Insomnia Film Festival

The Insomnia Film Festival is back—and while the world sleeps, you could be making film history.

Calling all high school and college filmmakers.

On Saturday, October 13 at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern time), we’ll post a top-secret list of elements — special props, dialogue, settings — you get the idea. Choose any three to include in your movie. Then all you and your team have to do is write, cast, shoot, edit, score, and upload your 3-minute masterpiece within 24 hours. No problem, right?

Once the films are in, your friends, family, and adoring fans will be able to watch them online and rate their favorites. The 25 entries with the highest rating on November 9 at 12:00 a.m. EST will be screened by industry professionals, including Barry Sonnenfeld, James Mangold, and Nora Ephron.

If your film is the biggest hit with either the public or the pros, each member of your team will receive a MacBook Pro, Final Cut Studio 2, Logic Studio, and Shake so you can get started on that first sequel. How’s that for a Hollywood ending?

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Video 1 Short Movie Due Dates (Period 4)

Raw (unedited) footage: Oct 2nd
Edited Video Due Oct 11th

Abi Word

http://www.abisource.com/download/

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Export to Quicktime and put on Vidstore server

File
Share
Select Quicktime
Select Full Quality Video
Name Clip
Save in Movies folder

Control-click on the file in your movies folder and select get info'. Please click on the down arrow at the bottom of the file and make sure that everything under details and ownerships and permissions is set to 'read-write'. All four sections need to be changed.

Next, log onto to Vidstore.shorelineschools.org and drop it in the period three/four folder.

name:scvideo
password:otis

Select SC Video classes.

Drop your file in the correct period.

Video 1 Treatment

You will make a three-four minute movie. Pick a genre like thriller, comedy, horror, or comedy.

You can work with one other person on this project, but I would prefer as many individual projects as possible.

Each person will edit their own video.

I want each of you to focus on the lighting in this video. Use lighting for a purpose.
Also, get creative with your shots. Combine shots. Make sure each shot is framed with an interesting composition.
Basically these videos should be as"arty".



1. Please describe your story in four to five detailed sentences. Include character descriptions and motivation. What is the conflict? What will get resolved?
2. Who are you working with, if anyone?
3. What is the tone of your movie? What type of Genre are you attempting?
4. What will make this interesting to your classmates? Why will I want to watch the video?
5. What types of shots will you shoot that you haven't done before? How will you improve on this video compared to the music video?

Put your treatments in the correct class folder and make sure you use the naming convention.

The New West Anderson Directed AT &T commercials

http://www.slashfilm.com/2007/09/17/wes-anderson-att-television-commercials/

Monday, September 17, 2007

Sequence Requirements

This is a credit/no credit assignment.

Requirements:
No jump cuts.
A full variety in the 8-10 shots.
Fade in and fade out.
Title over black at the beginning.
Credits over black.
Music or iMovie sound effects..

iMovie Camera Shots Requirements

Fade in and Fade Out
two sound effects added (or music from iMovie)
One video effect added
credits at end over black
titles for each shot

Make sure you have all of the shots for the proper 5-10 second length.

New terms:
Jump Cut
Sequence
Axis Line

Camera Shots

1. MCU
2. MS
3. LS
4. XLS or establishing shot (no zoom)
5. Truck Right slowly with subject
6. Slow Pan Left to object
7. Slow Tilt up to object
8. POV (set up shot first)
9. Selective Focus with two objects
10. Slow Dolly in from LS to CU of subject
11. Heads in Tails Out
12. OTS

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Video 2 SCNN Ideas

Today we will brainstorm and begin filming SCNN videos. You can have class time today, Monday, and Tuesday to shoot and then edit. Final post-production will occur next Thursday. Videos are due at this time.

The first step today is individual brainstorming followed by group discussion. Each person will be responsible for one topic, however, the open will require at least two-three people to work on it.
Here are the topics:

Career Center
Debate Club
Dazed and Confused Open
Senior Yearbook Pics Due Oct 5th
PSAT Test Sat Oct 20 from 8-12. $19
New Lunch items in Scot Shoppe
Homecoming Info
Mr. Shorecrest Highlights: Get Video of program
Exchange Students
Prevent Laptop Theft
GSA Announcement (script is already prepared)

Please brainstorm for 15 minutes individually.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Friday, September 07, 2007

Video 2 reading

Please read the following chapters before you begin brainstorming and writing your treatment for your silent movie. Some will be review, other material will be brand new.

http://cybercollege.com/frtv/frtv011.htm
http://cybercollege.com/frtv/frtv012.htm
http://cybercollege.com/frtv/frtv013.htm
http://cybercollege.com/frtv/frtv014.htm
http://cybercollege.com/makeup.htm

Reading For Today and Homework (Video 1)

This is reading for today and over the weekend. Please take out a piece of paper to take notes on all bold faced words.
Please take the quiz at the bottom of each section. We will discuss all terms in class and you will be tested on the material shortly.

http://cybercollege.com/tvp001.htm
http://cybercollege.com/tvp001-2.htm
http://cybercollege.com/tvp017-2.htm
http://cybercollege.com/tvp022.htm

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Silent Movie Assignment for Video 2 Students

This movie can be between three and six minutes long from beginning to end. You can make a scary movie, a comedy, a thriller, or an action movie. Or if it's really good maybe it will contain elements of all of these.

You can work with one other person on this project, but I would prefer as many individual projects as possible.
Each person will edit their own video.


I want each of you to focus on the lighting in this video. Use lighting for a purpose.
Also, get creative with your shots. Combine shots. Make sure each shot is framed with an interesting compostion.
Basically these videos should be "arty

1. Please describe your story in four to five detailed sentences. Include character descriptions and motivation. What is the conflict? What will get resolved?
2. Who are you working with, if anyone?
3. What is the tone of your movie? What type of Genre are you attempting?
4. What will make this interesting to your classmates? Why will I want to watch the video?
5. What types of shots will you shoot that you haven't done before? How will you improve on this video compared to other projects?
6. What kind of sound effects can you use to enhance your silent movie?

Please put this treatment in the Period 4 folder on the server. You can use your laptop to type or Abiword on the main computers.

Hints for Success in this class

1. Use your time at home with a camera wisely. Having your own camera is very helpful, but if you need to check out a camera from me make sure you plan your video shoot ahead of time.
2. Do not rely on your friends. Your friends are not receiving a grade and therefore are not as motivated as you are.
3. Do not wait until the last minute to shoot. Procrastination will hurt you in this class.
4. Shoot multiple takes of your shots from different angles so you have more to work with when you edit. It is highly recommend to shoot a wide "master shot" of the whole scence and then shoot close-ups after.
5. Make every shot count. Do not shoot random footage.

Classroom Expectations

Classroom Expectations
Mr. Mitchell
Shorecrest high school 2007-2008


1. Be on time to class.
2. Show up ready for the job. Have paper, pencils, pens, videotapes, cameras, USB Cables & any related material you need to do class assignments everyday.
3. Food & liquids are not permitted in the computer labs.
4. You will rarely need laptops in this class. Only take them out when I give permission. Do not test me on this.
5. Clean up your station area before you leave.
6. Return equipment to its proper place.
7. Turn off monitors when instructed.
8. Use headphones to monitor sound. Bring headphones to class everyday.
9. Games on the computer are not allowed ever.
10. Listen respectfully. You will be given the same respect when you speak.

Academic Plan

COURSE SUMMARY
This course will provide students with a basic foundation in the principles of video production. This course will emphasize the three elements of the video production process. During pre-production students will learn camera composition, effective lighting techniques, treatment and script writing skills, and proper storyboarding techniques. During the production portion of the course the students will direct their own video using the camera skills and theory learned during the pre-production portion. During the post-production, the students will edit their videos using IMovie. This section will emphasize the importance of music, sound effects, and narration in video. Throughout the course the students will get an opportunity to critically analyze films, commercials, TV News, Public Service Announcements, and movie trailers.

ESSENTIAL LEARNINGS
The Essential Academic Learnings in Art for this course
1. The student applies the creative process with arts knowledge and skills to reason
and solve problems.
2. The student uses at least one of the art forms to communicate ideas and feelings.
3. The student understands how the arts connect to other subject areas, life, and work.

The Essential Academic Learnings in Writing for this course
1. The student will learn to write clearly and effectively.
2. The student will write in a variety of forms for different audiences and purposes.
3. The student will analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of written work.

The Essential Academic Learnings in Communication for this course
1. The student uses listening and observation skills to gain understanding.
2. The student communicates ideas clearly and effectively.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS
• Assisting students in establishing lifelong habits of reliability and promptness is one of the instructional objectives of this particular course. Progress toward this goal will be measured, at least in part, by tracking student attendance. Therefore, a student's grade or credit in this class may be adversely affected by reason of tardiness or absences to the extent defined by the current Shorecrest High School Attendance Policy, which is hereby adopted for this class. In accordance with this policy, students with 9 or more absences will lose credit.

• If you are not in class when the bell rings, you are tardy. Tardies cannot be made up. It is your responsibility to be in class on time and prepared to go to work.

• You cannot have more than:
3 tardies per semester to earn an “A”
6 tardies maximum per semester to earn a “B”
9 tardies maximum per semester to earn a “C”
12 tardies maximum per semester to earn a “D”
13 or more tardies, student will fail

• Demonstrate good leadership and citizenship through your actions in class.
• Keep a notebook including any and all assignments, notes, and all handouts.
• Keep up with the assignments.

CRITERIA USED TO DETERMINE GRADES
Assessment of student progress toward mastering the Essential Learnings identified for this course is critical to student success. In addition to traditional assessment strategies (e.g., pencil and paper testing), assessment of students’ work in this class will include one or more of the following assessment strategies: student exhibitions, class presentations, artistic representation of core concepts, and multimedia presentations.

Grades:
Video projects are worth 50% of your grade.
Tests and quizzes are worth 30% of your grade.
Attendance, attitude, and participation are worth 20% of your grade.

A = 100 – 93% B- = 83.9 - 80% D+= 69.9 - 67%
A- = 92.9 - 90% C+ = 79.9 - 76% D = 66.9 - 60%
B+ = 89.9 - 87% C = 75.9 - 72% F = 59.9 - 0%
B = 86.9 - 84% C- = 71.9 - 70%

PROCEDURES AND EXPECTATIONS RELATED
TO HOMEWORK

Students will be assigned written homework on a regular basis. Homework is expected to be handed in on the date given. Late work will receive a reduction of one grade per day late. Work will not be accepted five school days after the due date.

Equipment

Students, and therefore parents and guardians, are responsible for any and all equipment checked out during class or after school. This may include cameras valued at $400, Tripods valued at $80, and lighting reflectors valued at $60. If equipment is damaged or lost it must be repaired or replaced immediately.
Laptops will be used in this class only as directed by instructor.