Before we can begin making movies, we need to learn and understand the process behind filmaking. You will need to complete this survey so I can see what you may or may not know coming into the unit and so I can see what you want out of the unit. Take your time with the survey and answer every question as best as you can.

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Once you have completed the survey, I would like you to watch the following video. This video outlines the movie making process and covers key terms that will be utilized as the unit progresses.

(Film Production Stages, 2014)

This image also outlines the process in an easy to read infographic.

(Admin, 2016)

Some of the most important steps of making a movie happen in the pre-production phase. Two we will practice with are storyboarding and scripting. Though idea generation is incredibly important, I believe that we do not need much practice on how to come up with ideas, but we do need practice on how to write them out and frame them in a way for others to understand. The following video goes over the important formatting elements of script writing. Watch the video to get an understanding as to how scripts should look, and what information is needed.

(How to Format a Screenplay, 2013)

Once you watch the video, I want you to try to write a script for a scene from one of your favorite movies. Try to keep the scene you’re writing for less than one minute in length. Also change the character names and settings so it would be tough to know exactly where it is from. For example, if you are choosing a scene from Harry Potter, change Harry’s name to something else, like Frank or something else. When you finish the script, upload it to the class site. You will have 2 days to complete this portion.

After you write a script, you will need to complete a storyboard. Storyboards give visuals to the script. While we all may not be incredibly talented illustrators, I believe that anyone can translate ideas into visuals. The video below outlines storyboarding and shows how to convey ideas into a visual narrative.

(Intro to Storyboarding, 2016)

After watching the video, I want you to open your messages and create a storyboard for the script you received. The script is one of your classmates, and I want you to try to create a visualisation of the script they created. Once you are finished, upload it to the class site. You will have 2 days to complete this.

After submissions are received, your work will be sent to your peer to determine how well their initial script was visualized. This is a great opportunity to discuss why you chose to draw something a specific way, or if there was enough detail in the script to properly translate it into a storyboard.

Now that we understand how to write a script and storyboard, we need to understand how to use framing in our films. Framing helps develop mood and feeling throughout a movie. The following video covers several different shots and techniques that are common in movies. Give it a watch!

(Film Making Basics, 2017)

After watching the video, I want you to find a video clip of a movie or television show, and analyze what shots are being used. The video you find should be between two and three minutes long. In order to analyze thoroughly, I want you to create a storyboard with it, labeling the shot types and other important details needed. Once finished, submit the storyboard along with a link to the video clip to the class site. You will have two days to complete this.

After you have completed and submitted your assignment, I want you to practice these shots. Choose four shots mentioned in the video above and try to recreate them. Your subjects do not have to be the same, just try to capture according to the specific shot type. Once you get your shots finished you will submit them to the class site where they posted. Once videos are posted, you will need to comment on 15 other videos trying to guess what shot type it is, and why you think it is that shot type. 

With an understanding of the pre-production and production process, we need to learn a little about editing videos now. The editor we will use is called WeVideo. It is an inbrowser video editing service that is optimized for use on a Chromebook, but will work well with most other devices. The following video is a complete walkthrough of the editor. Watch the video and after, we will practice some!

(WeVideo Tutorial, 2019)

With an understanding of how the software works, you will now have an opportunity to get some of your ideas to come to life! You are tasked with creating a 5 second film that shows a daily task you complete. The videos below are some examples (possibly explicit) on what they can be. The purpose of this is to practice with the software, but also translate your ideas to the screen. The process is outlined as follows; start with an idea, develop that idea into a script, storyboard it, film it, edit it, then submit it! You will have one week to complete this.

(Missing, 2011)

(Ways to say no, 2009)

After your videos are submitted, they will be posted to the class site to be analyzed by your peers. As you view the videos you will need to cover the following points in your comments

• Does the video successfully show what task the creator deals with? Why or why not?
• What types of shots are used? Are the succcessful in translating the ideas? Why or why not?
• What advice would you give the director for their next film?

You will need to comment on at least seven other student’s films.

Congratulations, you made your first movie in this course! While it may be a 5 second film, it is still a film. Now we will need to put everything we have learned together to create a longer film. The project you will complete is known as a Movie in Minutes, which is a feature length film condensed down to a two and a half to three and a half minute film. You will be choosing a movie, rewriting it to fit into that timeframe, and shooting the scenes yourself. Here are a few examples of Movie in Minutes in action.

(Star Wars Some Hope, 2016)

(Movies in Minutes, 2009)

Refer back to the production process list in the Understand the Movie Making Process section to remind yourself of the steps in creating a film. Outlined below is the timeline for video creation.

Scripting - 4 days

• Think about what movie you will want to recreate and complete your script for it. I would suggest watching the movie to note the key moments in the film, how they are shot, and the important dialogue. Submit a draft of the script to the class site.

Script Review - 2 days

• You will receive two other students scripts to review and edit them. Be sure to look for issues that may be in the formatting, continuity, or anything else that might need to be looked into. This is meant to be constructive, so be sure to provide constructive feedback.

Script Re-Work - 2 days

• You will receive the notes from your classmates on your script and you will need to apply those as needed. If you are confused or need clarification on a note, contact your instructor to help you understand it.

Storyboard - 2 days

• After re-working the script, create a storyboard for it. Be sure to include all of the important details needed to have a successful shoot.

Storyboard Review - 2 days

• Similar to the script review, you will receive two other students storyboards. It is your job to help them review it so it is as clear and concise as possible.

Storyboard Re-Work - 2 days

• You will have two days to apply your peers suggestions/critiques of your work.

Logistics /casting - 3 days

• Logistics include creating a shooting schedule to fit your actors schedules, acquiring props/wardrobe, scouting locations. Casting can consist of asking friends, family, classmates to be in your film.

Filming - 5 days

• You will have five days to complete your filming. This may not seem like enough time, but that is why we create a shooting schedule. Be sure to budget your time!

Editing - 5 days

• Editing should be completed after gathering your footage. You will have five days to finish your edit. After you finish, you will need to submit the final film to the class site.

Your movie is finished, congratulations! The final step is to view and critique your peers work. The following video teaches you how to write a write a film review. Act as if you are a film critic and analyze your peers work. Some key points to include are; shot choices, pacing, editing, sound, story, and how cohesive it feels. You are required to write a 400 word review for three students works.

So You Wanna be a Critic, 2017)