SHORT Film Project
Create an original short film of any genre!
Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash
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PROJECT OVERVIEW
The goal of this project is to create an original short film.
The film should be between 1-5 minutes in length and will be created with a specific genre in mind. You can work solo, in partners, or in a group of up to 3 people (not including actors). No matter which option you choose, by completing this project you will demonstrate how to:Â
Create a storyboard
Film scenes using different angles and shot types
Edit using Adobe Premiere Pro
Use Illustrator or Photoshop to create a movie poster for your film
At the start of each class, you will have a 5 minute meeting with your group to plan your goals for the day and you will track your goals and progress.Â
Helpful links
Helpful links
Pexels - Free stock photos and videos
Sound Trap - Link to student account where you can create your own music. The invite code is: CLMKVL2
Pixabay - Royalty free music, stock photos and videos
Adobe Stock - Free stock photos and videos
Imuno - Royalty free music
Recommended Timeline
Recommended Timeline
1-2 days for story/storyboarding (and script, if you have dialogue)
3-4 days for filming
3-4 days for editing, finding music/sound FX, titles/credits, and poster
This timeline is based on a group project where all group members can be working on different aspects of the project at the same time.
Part 1: Brainstorming & Story Development
Part 1: Brainstorming & Story Development
The brainstorming process is going to help you come up with your story ideas and develop your script. This part is not graded, however it is VERY useful for coming up with an idea before moving onto the storyboarding phase (which is graded).
For this part of the project, it is suggested you complete:
Brainstorm/mind-map
Story arc diagram (worksheet)
If you plan to have dialogue in your film, you will want to start developing a script once you have your story arc/plot diagram.
As you are brainstorming, you and your group should ask yourselves (and agree on):
What genre of film do we want to use?
What is the main idea of the film (one sentence)?Â
Who are your characters? Do they have a backstory?
What are your main story points?Â
Working solo? Check out these one-person short film ideas.
Part 2: Storyboarding
Part 2: Storyboarding
What is a storyboard?
A visual representation of a film sequence broken down into panels, like a comic book, and includes camera angles/shot types, dialogue, and other key details.Â
A storyboard sketches out how a film will unfold, shot by shot.
Note: Your film must have AT LEAST 5 different shot types/angles.
For this part of the project, you will complete the following:
Storyboard (downloadable template here)
Optional: Shot List (downloadable template here)
*Printed templates available in class
STORYBOARD SIDE-BY-SIDE:
BIG HERO 6
STORYBOARD SIDE-BY-SIDE:
MOANA
STORYBOARD SIDE-BY-SIDE:
TOY STORY
STORYBOARD SIDE-BY-SIDE:
THE LION KING "HAKUNA MATATA"
Part 3: Filming
Part 3: Filming
Grab your storyboard, get to your location and grab your actors. It's time to film. Don't be afraid to film multiple takes of a shot so that you get the right one. When it comes time to editing, you will thank yourself for having options! Oh, and don't forget to make sure your shot is in focus! ACTION!
Remember: Your film MUST have at least 5 different shot types/angles.
Part 4: Editing & Audio
Part 4: Editing & Audio
Editing is being able to take your story, storyboard, and shot list, and transform it into a moving picture. This is your film brought to life. The way you edit your story can really take your film to the next level. Pay attention to timing, cuts, pacing, and transitions.
Part 5: Title & Credits
Part 5: Title & Credits
For this part of the project, you will complete the following:
Opening/main title (can be done in AE for more advanced effects)
End Credits
If you have it: The company logo you created in After Effects (AE Logo Design)
Title and credits (and logo) are to be included in your film (not handed in separately).
End Credits Must Include:
Actors' names
Cinematographer, director, and editor name(s)
Music including song name, artist, and publisher/record label
Locations you filmed
Any special thanks
Part 6: Poster Design
Part 6: Poster Design
Every movie has a movie poster!
Your movie poster must contain the following elements:
11" x 17" vertical format
Created in Illustrator or Photoshop (or both)
Movie Title
Your group member's names
A "production house"/film company name -- this can be made up (ie. Actual examples: Fox Searchlight Presents; Sony Pictures Classics Presents)
Optional: Adding additional credits for "Starring", "Directed by", "Produced by" etc. (these might all be the same name; if you are using friends in your film, you could add their names here).
Imagery that represents your film in some way
Tips:
Look up movie posters for inspiration
Keep it simple!
Make sure the title is the focus
Play around with different fonts (Try Adobe Fonts in Creative Cloud!)
Big, bold, red font for the title makes it stand out and seem daunting. Simple imagery to convey what the film is about. Actor's names bold at the bottom.
Balanced layout. Triangular shape from the Palme D'Or logo down to the main Parasite title. Covered eyes adds a mysterious element.
The title is the focus with big, bold letters. Visual interest is added by having a face in the words. Simple design. Sans serif fonts.
Requirements & Rubric
Requirements & Rubric
When you are finished you must hand in:
Mind Map, Plot Diagram, Storyboard
Film Poster (.jpg or .png) created in Illustrator or Photoshop
Final Film file
Export as h.264 / High Quality 1080p HD / .mp4Â
Must have audio (music and/or sound FX)
Must include title and credits
Must include at least 5 different shot types/angles
File > Export > Media...
Make sure your settings look like this (change the file name to your name, and make sure you save in your PR folder on the E drive).
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