 Welcome to Videography in Education
Pam Friedman and Laura Paiva
Westfield School District
STORYBOARDS
 It's important for students to spend some time developing a storyboard because it helps to organize and focus their writing. It also helps students decide where each scene will take place and which characters will be in the scene. The storyboard doesn't have to be artistic. Students can use stick figures or rough sketches to depict each scene. It is also just a guide; they can change it later as they are filming. The function of the storyboard is to assist students in determining the resources needed for filming their movie.
SCRIPT WRITING
 The script is simply a compilation of all the parts of the movie: scene locations, characters, dialogue, action, and shots. Once the script is complete, it's a good idea to have students rehearse a few times. Some students will actually memorize their lines, while others will just have a general idea of what they want to say. Usually, students do not begin filming until their script has been approved.
Sample Script: Super Girls Movie
Intro:
Starring-Morgan M. as Recycle Woman and Katie, Sophia G. as Energy Girl and Gabby, Maddie K. as Water Wonder and Olga, Lydia S. as Bully Stopper and Stephanie, Elizabeth M. as Alcohol Preventer and Rachel Scene 1: In the cafeteria
(Rachel and Gabby get up with their trays and go to the garbage cans) (Rachel throws away her water bottle in the garbage can) (Recycle Woman appears) STOP! Don’t throw that water bottle away. Recycle it and help save the environment. Rachel: Hey, thanks, I’ll keep that in mind. Recycle Woman: Now what do you need to do? Rachel: Recycle! And help prevent global warming! I guess I will always recycle now. (walk out)Good thing Recycle Woman was there, now I understand how important it is to recycle. Recycle Woman: I guess my work here is done! (disappear) Scene 2: Bathroom (Stephanie walks out of the stall and over to the sink and washes her hands.) (Gabby walks in.) Hey Stephanie I was looking for you. Stephanie: Oh ok (Stephanie begins walking out with Gabby) (Water wonder appears in ) Stop – don’t leave the water on! Stephanie: It is no big deal someone will turn it off eventually. Water Wonder: How do you know that? We need to save water in this country. Stephanie: Why? No one cares. Water Wonder: Yes, there are some people in this world that don’t have water. How would you feel if you didn’t have water, and someone else was wasting it. Stephanie: I guess you are right. Water Wonder: Now go back turn it off. (Stephanie turns it off.) Water Wonder: Now there is a little more water in the world. MOVIE STUDIO JOBS
 Primary Positions: Producer—The Producer generally oversees the entire production, making sure that all documentation is complete, schedules are adhered to, deadlines are met, and everyone is doing his/her assigned jobs/tasks. The Producer also is expected to serve as liaison for the movie studio and to address and facilitate any and all personnel issues/concerns. Characteristics helpful for this position include: strong leadership and group dynamics skills; organizational abilities; and facility for details. Executive Director—The Executive Director is in charge of the artistic/technical aspects of the movie, establishing filming protocol, quality control, maintaining continuity, and providing motivation to actors. Characteristics helpful for this position include: strong leadership and group dynamics skills; the ability to give and take constructive criticism; and facility for details. Videographer—The Videographer films the scenes following instructions from the Executive Director. Characteristics helpful for this position include: the ability to follow directions well; good group dynamics skills, a steady camera (camcorder) hand; and an “artistic eye.” Technical Director—The Technical Director assumes primary responsibility for importing movie clips and for editing the movie. Characteristics helpful for this position include: a strong aptitude for technology; ability to learn and utilize movie editing software; facility for details; and the capacity to work well with others. Set Designer/Props Coordinator—The Set Designer/Props Coordinator facilitates the construction of sets and the creation/procurement of props necessary for filming the movie. Characteristics helpful for this position include: good group dynamics skills; organizational abilities; facility for details; and artistic talent.
PROJECT IDEAS
 vPublic Service Announcements
vBiographies
vScience
vSocial Studies
vLanguage Arts
vForeign Language
vCharacter Education
vCommunity History
PROPS
 Students will need to have certain items that will be worn or used during the entire course of filming. A good idea is to provide a bin or box where props can be stored. Many times a prop will be used by more than one group during the course of the year. For example, a group wanted to simulate drinking, so they brought in empty root beer bottles without the labels. These bottles now serve as our "drinking" prop for any group who needs it.
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