Unit 5. Video Project. Total Points: 150
Project: Video Narrative (Short Film)
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Objectives: Technical: To gain a basic understanding of filming and editing techniques and the technology and methods associated with film / video production.
Conceptual: To use motion pictures (video / film) as a narrative device to tell a story.
Overview: Your challenge is to work in a collaborative environment – sharing all responsibilities to produce an original short-film (two minute minimum without credits) narrative.
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References:
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/insideindies/shortsfest/index.html - PBS Shorts
http://www.48hourfilm.com/filmcatalogue/ - 48 hour film fest
http://www.thesmalls.com / - lots of online short films
http://www.studentfilms.com/ - lots of student films online
http://www.cremaster.net/ - conceptual video artist, Matthew Barney.
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Materials:
Computer with video editing software, video camera, media for video camera, computer cables supplied with camera, external hard drive. Optional (but helpful): Tripod, lighting, props, costumes, friends.
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Process:
1. Break into groups of 3 people. For the entirety of the assignment you will work together in this group. All group members must be present and actively contributing to all aspects of the project.
2. As a group brainstorm ideas about a possible storyline for your film. Remember, the idea here is to communicate a specific idea or tell a story. What ideas can be better expressed though the medium of motion pictures? What ideas can only be
expressed through video / film / motion? Your story can be dramatic, comedic, mysterious, whatever – it’s up to you.
3. Write your idea down in one or two sentences, and bring it to class. And example might be: A story of a man who is perpetually addicted to his computer, the internet, and social-networking websites. One night a power failure causes him to go mad, resulting in him running through the streets shouting his facebook status.
4. Share your ideas with your group. Agree on one idea to pursue, and begin to rough out your timeline using a storyboard or scripts. They don’t have to be pretty, but they should communicate your idea and story line effectively. Include camera shots (long, bird’s eye, etc), movements (pan, track, etc), and transitions (wipe, dissolve, etc). Do your chosen shots, movements, etc. help or distract from your story?
5. As a group gather your materials: props, people, etc., and start shooting! Remember to consider lighting, color balance, and consistency. Shoot lots of footage. It’s always better to over shoot, and edit down than to have to go back and re-shoot. Be sure to leave “space” before and after each clip for transitions / editing. i.e. Start recording - wait 5 seconds - yell action - scene takes places - yell cut - wait 5 seconds - stop recording. Keep your shots short and to the point. A scene broken into many small shots may be more interesting and easier to watch than one big long shot.
6. As a group edit your video using Final Cut Pro. Add transitions, sound effects, and music as necessary. This “post-production” phase can make or break a film. How slow or quick are your edits? How do your scenes transition from one shot to
another? How do these choices affect the final overall feeling of the finished piece? Add credits if you like, but remember the edited piece (minus credits) must be a minimum of 2 minutes long.
7. Export your finished video as a Quicktime file. To do this go to file > export > by “Quicktime conversion” . Under the video settings, select Compress : “Best Quality” in the subsequent dialogue box. Hit “Save.” Upload the video to the Video project folder. Go through the same process to make a low quality video. Upload this version to the blog with a brief synopsis of your project.
