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What is this activity?
In this exercise, you will plan, shoot, and edit a short scene called The Note.
The purpose of this task is to help you practise Technical codes (SCALE) by:
Planning shots using storyboards
Using different shot sizes
Shooting for coverage
Editing using continuity (matching on action)
This task focuses on how films are constructed, not on dialogue or complex acting.
The Story
You will film the following sequence:
A character walks into an empty part of the school yard.
They suddenly stop in surprise when they notice some money on the ground (Monopoly money works well).
They look around suspiciously. No one else seems to be there.
They slowly reach toward the note, checking again.
Excitement grows as their fingers get closer.
Just before they touch it, another character suddenly snatches the note away.
The thief sneers, folds the note, puts it in their pocket, and walks off confidently.
The original character looks shocked, then sad, and slowly walks away.
SWAT Connections
This task focuses on Technical codes from SWAT.
SWAT → Technical (SCALE)
You will be controlling:
Shot type (long, medium, close-up)
Camera framing
Editing (pace, rhythm, continuity)
These technical choices shape:
How clear the story is
How emotional the scene feels
How professional the final edit looks
Step 1: Storyboarding
Storyboarding is the process of planning your film on paper before you shoot.
Each storyboard frame shows:
-What the camera sees
-Where the character is
-What action is happening
Successful storyboards are:
-Quick
-Simple
-Easy to understand
Storyboards do not need to look “good”.
They need to be clear.
Successful storyboards show:
-Emotion
-Movement
-Shot composition
You do not need to be good at drawing to storyboard.
Let's Take a Look
Storyboard Examples
These examples show the difference between low, medium, and high quality storyboards based on illustration, composition, and annotation.
Low (E–D)
Basic illustrations
Unconventional or unclear composition
Little or no annotation
Medium (C–B)
Clear illustrations
Good sense of composition
Detailed annotation
High (B+–A)
Detailed illustrations
Thoughtful composition
Detailed and purposeful annotation
Step 2: Shot Types
Even a simple scene needs a range of shot sizes.
Successful scenes include:
-Establishing shots to show location
-Medium shots to show action
-Close-ups and extreme close-ups to show emotion and tension
Important rule for this exercise:
-You are not allowed to move the camera
-No pans, tilts, zooms, or tracking shots
You must change shot size by:
-Cutting between shots
-Using continuity editing
Step 3: Coverage
Coverage means filming the same action from more than one shot size or angle.
More coverage gives you more options when editing.
Tips:
Record a few seconds before the action starts
Record a few seconds after the action finishes
Repeat the action carefully for each shot
More coverage = better edits.
Step 4: Continuity Editing
Continuity editing means cutting between shots so the action looks smooth.
For example:
Shot 1: hand reaching toward the note
Shot 2: hand continuing the reach from another angle
If the movement matches, the cut feels invisible.
This allows filmmakers to:
Change shot size
Change angle
Without moving the camera
This is one of the most important skills in film editing.
Step 5: Clean Frame Technique
The clean frame technique means starting and ending a shot with no character in frame.
This helps you:
Capture more of the action
Create cleaner edits
Have more flexibility when cutting
Whenever possible:
Let the character enter the frame
Let the character exit the frame
Your Task
Your Task
What
In groups of 3-4, you will:
Storyboard the entire scene
Shoot the scene using a locked-off camera
Use a variety of shot types
Film with coverage
Edit using continuity (matching on action)
Use the clean frame technique where possible
Why
This activity teaches the foundations of filmmaking.
If you can:
Plan shots clearly
Shoot with editing in mind
Cut smoothly between shots
You can apply these skills to any film task later in the course.
This is professional film practice, simplified for learning.
Tips
As you are storyboarding this sequence, think carefully about:
Shot size
Shot composition
The number of shots you need to communicate this story (at least 24-32)
Work quietly, cooperatively, and respectfully without disrupting others.
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