Unit 2

Plan, Point, and Get Ready to Shoot! Short Film Preproduction.

Lesson Overview:

Collaboratively, students will create a preproduction package for a short film.  Along with screenwriting techniques they learned in “Yes! I wrote a 10 Page Script” unit, digital photography and videography skills they will learn in this unit project, students will be prepared for production in the basic areas of the filmmaking process.  Students will complete smaller projects involving composition, camera shots, angles, points of view, sound, placement rules, movement, supports, exposure, and 3-point lighting.  Students will also explore auditioning techniques, jobs in the entertainment industry, and gain real world experience in the preproduction cycle.

Note!– Please download flash instructional videos to hard drive before playing for optimal viewing.

Lessons to be completed in this Unit:

  1. Creating Artistic Images
  2. Photo Basics
  3. Camera Movement and Sound
  4. Preproduction in a Nutshell

Expected Student Outcomes:

  • Connect the Elements of Art and Design to the Principles of Composition
  • Apply the Rule of Thirds and determine the effects of using this composition technique.
  • Learn Camera Shot, Angles, and Points of View
  • Understand Basic Editing
  • Demonstrate proper knowledge with the tools of industry, standard software for modification of digital images at a proficient or advanced skill level for preproduction, production and publishing.
  • Understand how a camera works, the exposure triangle, and the use of white balance.
  • Demonstrate the use of 3 point lighting and natural lighting when capturing images.
  • Demonstrate ability to work with a client to meet their needs on a photography assignment.
  • Understand and use scanners, digital still and video cameras and other input devices to carry out proper pre-production and production procedures.
  • Use proficient communication and design skills to conceive, develop, produce, edit, critique and revise multimedia projects that inform, educate or entertain while meeting accuracy, project and deadline requirements.
  • Recognize proper output formats for publishing including prepress, video and web with accurate knowledge and practice of correct resolution
  • Understand camera movements, production sound, camera supports, and camera placement rules.
  • Understand Jobs in the Film Industry
  • Collaboratively work together to create and refine a screenplay and see it through preproduction
  • Create an effective usable storyboard for production
  • Undertand the casting process for actors
  • Compile an electronic multimedia portfolio of original work that includes a resume and a researched career plan focuses at current animation and film industry opportunities

Standards for this Unit

  • Lesson Plan: Creating Artistic Images

    California Academic Content Standards (Reinforced)

    • ELA.11-12.LS.C.1.3 Interpret and evaluate the various ways in which events are presented and information is communicated by visual image makers (e.g., graphic artists, documentary filmmakers, illustrators, news photographers).
    • VA.9-12 (Proficient).AP.AAEPD.1.4 Analyze and describe how the composition of an artwork is affected by the use of a particular principle of design.
    • VA.9-12 (Proficient).CE.SPMT.2.1 Solve a visual arts problem that involves the effective use of the elements of art and principles of design.

    California Career and Technical Education Standards

    • AME.A.A1.1.1.1 Proficient – Identify and use the principles of design to discuss, analyze, and write about visual aspects in the environment and in works of art, including their own.
    • AME.A.A2.3 Use technology to create a variety of audio, visual, written, and electronic products and presentations.
    • AME.A.A2.8 Use models, simulations, and other tests to determine optimal design solutions from a variety of options.
    • AME.FS.10.6 Know the appropriate skills and vocabulary of the art form.
    • AME.FS.10.7 Understand and analyze the elements of the art form.
    • AME.FS.5.1 Apply appropriate problem-solving strategies and critical thinking skills to work-related issues and tasks.
    • AME.FS.5.4 Use the elements of the particular art form to observe, perceive, and respond.

    Common Core Standards (Reinforced)

    •  Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 11?12 texts and topics.
    •  Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; summarize complex concepts, processes, or information presented in a text by paraphrasing them in simpler but still accurate terms.

  • Lesson Plan: Camera Basics

    California Career and Technical Education Standards

    • AME.A.A2.2 Know the component steps and skills required to design, edit, and produce a production for audio, video, electronic, or printed presentation.
    • AME.A.A2.3 Use technology to create a variety of audio, visual, written, and electronic products and presentations.
    • AME.FS.10.6 Know the appropriate skills and vocabulary of the art form.
    • AME.FS.4.4 Understand digital applications appropriate to specific media and projects.
    • AME.FS.4.5 Know the key technological skills appropriate for occupations in the arts industry.
    • AME.FS.5.4 Use the elements of the particular art form to observe, perceive, and respond.
    • IT.B.B3.3 Use various types of audio and video equipment (e.g., digital cameras, recorders, scanners, Web cams, and CD and DVD recorders), as appropriate, for different projects.
    • MPD.A.A8.2 Produce black-and-white and color images under natural and studio lighting conditions.

    Common Core Standards (Reinforced)

    •  Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks; analyze the specific results based on explanations in the text.

  • Lesson Plan: Camera Movement and Sound

    California Academic Content Standards (Reinforced)

    • ELA.11-12.LS.C.1.3 Interpret and evaluate the various ways in which events are presented and information is communicated by visual image makers (e.g., graphic artists, documentary filmmakers, illustrators, news photographers).

    California Career and Technical Education Standards

    • AME.A.A2.2 Know the component steps and skills required to design, edit, and produce a production for audio, video, electronic, or printed presentation.
    • AME.FS.10.6 Know the appropriate skills and vocabulary of the art form.
    • AME.FS.11.0 Demonstration and Application
    • AME.FS.4.2 Understand the use of technological resources to access, manipulate, and produce information, products, and services.
    • AME.FS.4.5 Know the key technological skills appropriate for occupations in the arts industry.
    • AME.FS.5.3 Use critical thinking skills to make informed decisions and solve problems.
    • IT.B.B3.3 Use various types of audio and video equipment (e.g., digital cameras, recorders, scanners, Web cams, and CD and DVD recorders), as appropriate, for different projects.

    Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS)

    • WC.T.B. Applies Technology to Task — Understands overall intent and proper procedures for setup and operation of equipment

    Common Core Standards (Reinforced)

    •  Follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks; analyze the specific results based on explanations in the text.
    •  Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem.

  • Lesson Plan: Preproduction in a Nutshell

    California Career and Technical Education Standards

    • AME.A.A2.2 Know the component steps and skills required to design, edit, and produce a production for audio, video, electronic, or printed presentation.
    • AME.A.A2.5 Know the writing processes, formats, and conventions used for various media.
    • AME.C.C1.2 Apply knowledge of equipment and skills related to production in a variety of arts, media, and entertainment occupations.
    • AME.C.C2.7 Understand the audition and review process for artists, actors, musicians, singers, conductors, composers, writers, narrators, and technicians.
    • AME.FS.2.0 Communications
    • AME.FS.3.2 Understand the scope of career opportunities and know the requirements for education, training, and licensure.
    • AME.FS.9.3 Understand how to organize and structure work individually and in teams for effective performance and attainment of goals.
    • AME.FS.9.7 Cultivate consensus, continuous improvement, respect for the opinions of others, cooperation, adaptability, and conflict resolution.

    Common Core Standards (Reinforced)

    •  Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the specific task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.
    •  Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information.

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