STEP 01: DOOR SCENE

Introduction to Visual Storytelling

CHALLENGE:

Form production teams of no more than 5 people. (Three is ideal.) Using a phone, preferable an iPhone, interpret and shoot the following scripted scenario:

SCENARIO:

A person is about to open a door. The person hears a sound and becomes mildy concerned. The person finds the door locked and searches for their keys. The person hears the sound again and becomes visibly apprehensive. As the filmmaker, your goal is to build tension and growing panic, using any visual element or device that you can think off.

The film closes with the person finally operning the door and getting to the other side safely. Here, you want to communicate to the audience the characters feeling of relief and safety.

PARAMETERS/ LIMITATIONS:

• Neither the character nor the audience ever sees the source of the sound.
• The film can have only one actor.
• The film may not exceed 90 seconds.
• The entire film must take place within five feet of either side of the door.
• You must assemble the shots using a video editor quickly and efficiently and then submit.
• Your edit can have music, sound effects and voice over. No talking from the character. Tell the story using visuals only.
• Put the title as “THE DOOR”

LETS DISCUSS:

Each production team screens its finished film for the entire class for feedback. Some questions to consider:

1. Did the film communicate the script?
2. Did it communicate the rising tension and relief?
3. What could you shoot differently?
4. What would make your film more understandable?
5. What would give your film more emotional impact?

YOU ARE NOW READY TO MOVE ONTO STEP 2 BELOW:

STEP 02: “L&M”

CREATE A FINAL FILM

Create your own script and treatment for your final film with the keyword being EMPTY using the resources below.

RESOURCES:

PRE PRODUCTION:

Pre-Production – Your group will create and submit one detailed storyboard. The storyboard should illustrate the planned 10 plus shot sequence for a chase scene (at least 5 different angles) for every shot intended in the finished project, along with a brief written description of the action below each storyboard shot sketch. They need not be elaborately drawn. Stick figures are okay. You must have some dialogue and/or voice over but it’s not to exceed 15% of the project.

MUST HAVE:

• 90% original footage.
• two characters meeting and a point of view shot.
• Post-Production – Each of you will edit your own chase sequence and submit the exported file for marking. Please label your file last name, first name, project title (name_project title_ChaseScene). You will add in your own music/sound effects etc
  to your own individual edit of the chase scene.
• You must use the knowledge to create a visual storytelling sequence.
• Your project must be in this order:
  (1) Five seconds of black (2) Title giving name of film (3) The live action footage (4) “The End” Title (5) Credits title (6) Five seconds of black

SHOT LIST HERE:

DO’S AND BE CAREFUL:

• No projects shorter than 2 minutes accepted!
• A very simple chase of only a few shots will not get full credit.
  Do not use guns or simulated weapons.
• Some shots must contain both chaser and chased subject in the same frame.
• A maximum of 10% of footage submitted may be derived from other sources.
• No dangerous stunts or activities of any kind – you are responsible for your set!

STEP 03: FILM & EDIT TIME

ADD CONSIDER MAKING A LIST OF JOBS FOR EVERYONE. HAVE A SOLID SHOOTING PLAN IN ORDER TO MAKE THE PRODUCTION MORE EFFECTIVE.

SUBMISSION: READ CAREFULLY

Submit the following:

1. Your original groups video “Door Scene”
2. Treatment with script and shot lists/ storyboards
3. Final Video in MPEG 1920 X 1080
   • Every One in the group must edit the chase scene themselves.