Filming

Cinematography
[|Camera Shot Types]

[|Elements of Cinematography] Explanation of types of shots and camera angles.

[|Rule of Thirds Explanation] [|Rule of Thirds Examples]

Strategies and Activities For Teaching Students
//Strategies//

• Teach points of view and shots and angles (good source is Shriek 3 Bonus feature) • Distance – help students be aware of appropriate distance • Clapboards (White boards work well) – good for multiple takes, can be assigned as a job, set up with a cue system (3, 2, a silent 1…Clap and then start shot) • One camera – rotate groups using one video camera, place time limits on projects, parents volunteers for time management • Be aware of background noise, shadows, and background • Tripod Instruction • Possibly no zooming at first or panning • Discuss use of or lack there of transitions – many films use transitions sparingly • Teach filming procedures: “Quiet on the Set” with a megaphone, film clapboard for 3 seconds, director says “Action” and shot begins • When filming over a few days, have the kids bring their clothes that they will wear the entire length of the film (clothes can stay at school in a bag) • Ensure that students make eye contact with the camera • Teach elements of positive and negative space when choosing their backdrop prior to filming • Check out and check in procedures for video camera • Director needs to keep a copy of script- take with while shooting • Teach the “rule of thirds"

//Activities//

• Watching good samples of videos on IVIE or other sources – discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of video making • Learn about different shots and angles using graphic organizer and then view films to identify different types • Show the end of Ever After with Drew Berrymore to discuss continuity of clothing and costume • Find an example in a magazine that shows good/poor backdrop

[] This is a youtube video on filmmaking. It is pretty entertaining, and the kids learn a ton. Please stop it when the bloopers begin - to avoid some bad language.