Term 4 Week 4: Basic Filming Techniques and Storyboarding

Assigned: 22 May 2012

Chao Cac Ban!

Documentaries. We're moving quickly with this documentary making. Here are some tips for shooting video (which we will start doing next week):

While his tips are a bit funny, his tips are good. So what are we supposed to remember?

• Use a tripod - or other household objects - to get a steady shot
• 6 basic kinds of shots
• Extreme Long Shot
• Long Shot
• Medium Shot
• Medium Close Up
• Close Up
• Extreme Close Up

• Rule of thirds

Let's watch the movie trailer for a documentary on bullying and see what filming techniques we see.

What else did you notice about the documentary trailer?

Today in your groups, you are going to plan out what you need to film to make an AWESOME documentary. We are going to use a technique called a storyboard. A storyboard is a visual progression of what is happening in the film - like an outline but in pictures as well as words. Click here to see some examples.

I know you don't have a complete idea for what your documentary will be yet - but that's where this storyboarding helps.

Your assignment today:

• With your group, make a list of the "scenes" you want for your documentary. Make it on google docs and share it with each other (and share it with Ms. Kris too sis.kristin.romberg@gmail.com ).
• Pick one "scene" that you know you need for the documentary. Make a storyboard of that scene using the computer programs you know (paint for drawing the scenes, paste the drawings into a word document in the correct order, add text explaining what the camera and subject are doing in the scene.
• Save it and send it to everyone in your group and Ms. Kris (sis.kristin.romberg@gmail.com). 

Keep in mind, next week we are going to start filming. If you have a camera that takes high quality video, please bring it for your group to use. If you have a tripod, bring it for your group to use. EVERYONE should bring headphones after next week - you need to have headphones plugged into the computer in order to open the movie making program! 

Good Luck!
-k