Bench Project Objectives

Tell a story using images to "show" rather than tell your audience. 2 People meet on a bench...something happens.

Here is the catch:

Shot MOS (without sound-no dialogue)

add music and sound design.

Steps for pre-production:

1. Read this. Brainstorm 25 ideas for the story on a Google document.

2. Pick an idea to shoot. Be sure to get the idea approved.

3. Print a storyboard and draw each shot. Try using the ELS or LS (establishing scene), CU or MS or LS (action), CU or MS or LS (reaction) sequence. Get the storyboards approved.

Storyboard (print this)

Example:

Steps for production:

4. Record video with a camera. Sign out the equipment. Follow your story boards; the story does not need to be shot in order (you can edit and sequence in Final Cut Pro). Start with your establishing shot to show the audience where you are. Then shoot the whole scene from a wide angle of your choice. Run through the scene again and shoot bust shots with appropriate head and nose room (rule of thirds) for each character. Shoot close ups of actions and reactions.

5. Import footage in Final Cut Pro.  Create a new EVENT, then Name it DateBenchStory.  Create a new Project File.

6. Begin post production/editing:

Work through the sequence of shots in order according to the storyboard.  Adjust in/out points of each clip to closely match action and keep continuity flowing.  Remember to avoid places shots back to back in the sequence that have similar scale/angle; it will look like a jump cut. 

7. Music and Sound Design:  Use the music and sound effect tab in FCP to find sounds and place them on your timeline.

8. Finishing touches:

You'll need an opening title graphic.  Think of your favorite films and how they use graphics to open the film.  Most use text titles with designed style and movement.  Watch this tutorial to create motion text with Motion.  Watch this tutorial to create motion text in 3D space with Motion.  Export the graphics in Motion to your project folder, then import the graphic in FCP.

You'll also need rolling credits at the end of the short film.  Use Final Cut Pro>Effects tab>Video Generators>Text>Scrolling Text then type your credits separating each by hitting the return key.  Drag the graphic (from viewer>video tab) down to the end of timeline. 

9.  Approval and Exporting:

Get the final short film approved, then export.  This goes to your Google Drive and Portfolio.

Take a picture of your storyboards.  Add the image to your portfolio under the video.  Also hyperlink out to your brainstorming Google Doc in the same post.  Example.

It's a good time to look over your portfolio and make sure everything created in class is neatly embedded.  If you are missing things update the portfolio.

When the portfolio looks perfect you are ready for the next project!  Good work!