Introduction to Film

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Film Reviews

In addition to films we watch in class, students will choose a film from a list to watch on their own and will write a film review. A second film review may be completed for extra credit.

Film reviews are an important element of Introduction to Film. They allow and encourage students to seek out films in genres of interest and to demonstrate independently their knowledge of what they have learned. In order for students to branch out and show what they know, students cannot watch a movie for review that they have already seen before! The library system has most, if not all of these movies which can be requested online from their website.

Films for film review are listed on the instructions. Please be aware of the movies your child chooses to watch for his/her film reviews. Content varies by genre, year of production, and ratings. The list is wide-ranging and includes many movies from the New York Times and British Film Institute's list of recommended movies for children. Plot summaries of most movies are available on the web at sites such as www.imbd.com, www.tcm.com, and www.filmcritic.com. Please note the ratings in parenthesis; PG-13 will require a parents’ signature on the review.

If a student would like to review a movie not on the list, he or she needs to secure my permission BEFORE reviewing the film.

Instructions for the review and list of acceptable movies can be found HERE.

Using the Camera to Tell a Story

Learn about how shots are composed, as well as different camera angles and distances, plus some other types of shots, can be used to tell a story visually.

To review the PowerPoint shown in class, I have shared the folder that has the PowerPoint in it with you.

Look for Cinematography Camera.pptx.

1.Create a simple seven-step story outline.

Using the Camera To Tell a Story: Seven Steps & Camera Angles and Distance Reference

Identify 10 different shots within the seven step outline where you would use a different type of shot for each.

You don't have to tell the complete story, just identify where you think specific shots would be interesting.

Number your 10 different shots.

2. Storyboard your 10 different shots, providing:

Key shot information (camera angle/distance/other, composition)

A brief description of what is happening in the scene

A sketch of the shot's composition (the sketch must match the description)

An explanation for why that particular shot was chosen.

3.Take your photos. You may use your personal devices, so be sure to bring in your cords to connect to the computer. Upload your photos to Google Drive, and share them with your partner and me.

4. Create a Google Slides presentation of your shots.

Blank Slides presentation

Make a copy, share it with me, insert your photos and descriptions, and be ready to present your work when I return from 6th grade camp.

Studying Film

The goal of studying film is to enhance student interest and knowledge about the motion picture development and production process, to engage students in an exploration of film as a medium of communication, and to help students become more visually literate.

Students will watch movies about how movies are made, how movies have evolved over time, adolescent issues and concerns, and various genres. Most movies address more than one strand.

Students will watch and analyze films through the lens of the writers, actors, cinematographers, directors, and editors. Depending on time and the needs of the class, we may not show all of these films and others may be added later (notification will be sent home for parent approval if necessary). For fun, if time allows, we might watch a “bad” movie as well, which can highlight by virtue of its mistakes what a good film looks like.

In keeping with Ladue Middle School policy, any movie (shown in its entirety or a significant portion) rated PG-13 or higher requires a parental signature. The rating for each film is provided in bold and underlined after the movie title. Note: NR means “Not Rated.” Films were not rated according to the Motion Picture Association of America before 1968. However, all films have been screened and I have found them to be appropriate for the course. Descriptions of the films are available at www.IMDB.com or www.TCM.com.

The following films have been carefully screened for inclusion in this class:

As part of this class, students will complete hands-on projects like screenwriting, set and costume design, cinematography, among others.

Script Writing

http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/howtoformatascreenplay