Scene Assignment - Due Tuesday, Nov 27

Your task is to take a pre‐written scene from a narrative script (it can be from any source – feature film, television program, web series… and it can be any genre – drama, comedy, horror, action, mockumentary), and direct the scene. You may edit the content of the script as desired, such as changing the location, adding dialog, and even changing the intended genre of the copy, but you may not write your own original script. This is not about creating “a funny little student film” or youtube clip rather, this is an assignment that asks each director to pre‐visualize, pre‐produce, produce, direct, and edit a scene that demonstrates your vision as a director, your ability to communicate your vision to your D.P. (and attempt to push your technical knowledge and skills, understanding we are all students and new to this… at least attempt to achieve the director’s vision), and to collaborate, working as a film production crew.

This assignment challenges you to integrate your creative vision and technical ability, to tell a story visually. This is not about funny dialog or being dramatic or witty. It’s about the vision of the piece – the CONTENT, “the gift” of the story, or the message (what you are trying to say) and its relationship to the FORM (how, technically, you attempt to articulate this creative vision). You cannot do every job; you must delegate roles and responsibilities, and trust your crew.

The Assignment Rules:

Each student must direct one scene.

Each student must D.P./Camera Operate for at least one scene. You may shoot more.

Each student must be a gaffer on at least one scene.

Each student must be a grip on at least one scene.

No directors are permitted to act in the scene that they direct.

Project Guidelines for Director:

•    Direct a 3-4 minute scene (5 minutes max!)
•    Complete project must include credits listing all participants – talent and crew
•    Bring your FULL RES QT file on a hard drive to class on November 27  
•    Video clip must be embedded on your blog before class time on Nov 27

Each production team – Director and D.P. – are required to meet with Dr. Raimist... sign up sheets will be distributed on Thurs, Oct 11 and remain posted on my office. Please sign up in pencil (so you can change if needed)

At this meeting you MUST present the following pre‐production materials:

1. Script (revised with your changes)

2. Shot list

3. Storyboard

4. Shooting script

5. Floor plan ‐ drawing of each location detailing set/location, key props, actor’s blocking, camera setup, and lighting placement (as much as you can plan ‐‐‐ Dr. Raimist with help you with this task).

6. Shooting dates

7. Visual References – examples that inspire your aesthetic vision (photographs, paintings, screen grabs from a feature film, etc)

8. Equipment Wish List ‐ Your equipment will be reserved at the conclusion of your pre‐production meeting. So it’s suggested that you prep early, meet early, and have the best shot at reserving the equipment that you desire. 

Be organized ‐ these materials are best kept organized in a binder, your “production bible,” as called by industry terms. Your thoughtful preparation is the key to this assignment.

Assigned Reading: Chapters 4 Voice & Vision 

(Also, Recommended Reading: Chapters 3 & 4)