Assignment: Create a compelling comedy or dramatic story with just visuals and title cards.
TITLE CARDS
In silent-movie storytelling, the use of title cards is an acceptable method of providing the audience with information (giving a character’s name or brief back story, showing
dialogue, etc.), but over-use of title cards (describing a character as “a bully”, “a loner” or “a fool”, for example) can quickly become a crutch. Effective storytelling, in silent movies as elsewhere, is accomplished by showing things to viewers rather than describing things to them.
Due: 2-3 minute story that works off of action, conflict and redemption and fits into the following categories:
•COMEDY
A genre of film in which the main emphasis is on humor. These movies are designed to make the audience laugh, and most often work by exaggerating characteristics for
humorous effect. Films done in this style usually have a happy ending. Entries must based on an original comedic script written by the student(s) involved in the movie.
•DRAMA
A serious story with settings or life situations that portray realistic characters in conflict with themselves, others, or forces of nature. A dramatic film shows us human beings at their best, their worst, and everything in-between. Entries must be based on an original dramatic script written by the student(s) involved in the movie.
Goal: To work with your class to create a compelling visual story that pushes you to plan and implement a variety of shots and locations. The best video will be submitted to the MMEA Silent Film Festival at the Sanfillipo Foundation contest.
Friday, October 6- Introduce the project, check out the venue, watch through examples and begin the ideation process
Wednesday October 11- 3:30pm Visit the Sanfillipo Estate to hear more about the contest rules
Friday October 13- ideation
Friday, October 20- Pitch/Proposal
Monday October 23- 26 Production
Friday October 27- Class feedback on the latest draft
Monday October 30- Thursday November 2- Final editing
Friday November 3- Submission to the film festival
Ideation/Pre-Production 100 points
Production/editing 100 points
Final Project 100 points