Using ShowMe for Micro Analysis

You need to be analyzing a range of films and title conventions constantly.  This means investigating ways that you can highlight this to me and the moderator - that you understand your genre and what to look out for.

The video below was made using ShowMe on the iPad.  I've selected a few screenshots from the internet, although I could have done this watching an opening on Youtube and using the screenshot function.  I can pause, change photos, and continue my recording to create a nice sequence of analysis.  Below I am focusing on how the protagonist is shown in each frame, but I also noted other details.



ShowMe what you can do!

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Using Voice Thread and similar tools for textual analysis

Here is a voicethread I created for a sample analysis about The Ring. 

Watch the clip first then listen to my commentary at the end - once you get the hang of video doodling it really is a  great way to show creativity, innovation and save typing detailed analysis.

 

 

SCRIPTING - BRINGING THE STORY TO LIFE

You should have a firm idea of what happens in your film.  Now is the time to develop this into a working script, your opening two minutes.

Students who go out and film without storyboards and scripts rarely succeed in producing a successful opening.  Good planning will lead to a good production.

http://www.wikihow.com/Write-Movie-Scripts

I am not expecting a full script, but I DO EXPECT to see a script of some sort outlining description and dialogue of what happens in the first two minutes. 

1. Once you have a script you can start to storyboard.
2. Once your storyboard is complete, then you can create an animatic. 
3. Once you have the animatic, you can start to think about where your titles and credits will appear. 
4. Once you have done this, you will create your shooting plan and shot list.
5. Once this is done, and assuming all your other planning materials are complete, THEN you are ready to go out and film.

You should be ready to film on the first day back after Christmas.

Health and Safety Considerations for Filming

Being prepared and well planned is an essential skill for practical productions within the media industry.  Film companies and TV production crew never just turn up at a location unannounced and start filming, they have already a clear idea of what lies on the horizon.

By completing a recce (a pre-visit) of your preferred location, you should be able to identify any potential difficulties when filming.  This can include moving objects like cars and trains, to structures like buildings, steps, etc.  It's also a great way of finding out what the light is like, noise levels, and for collecting ideas together.

Below is a professional template used by film companies when assessing suitability, and below that is a AS Media Studies student exemplar.  READ through it, most of it is common sense.

You must complete one of these before filming, you cannot film without one!

Film production risk assessment form from Graveney School

 

And here's the student exemplar http://anne-mariegmedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/risk-assessment.html 

 

A walkthrough is a very good way of covering yourself, this is where you arrive at location, film and discuss what you can see (hazards, possible shooting locations).  

Given the advent of phones that can do anything, you need to research where you are going to film your masterpiece.  You will know where you want to film, but you should give as much evidence as possible (photographic) showing where you will shoot.  Is it a public place or private home?  If shooting in the public, you should really consider the danger posed to you and by you - ask your teacher for a letter confirming your role as a media student and by no means should you go wandering around town at night with a mask and real knife...you'd be surprised by how many students have done this.