The Narrative Film (Groups of 2 People Allowed on this Project)
The Narrative Film Project is a live action short that illustrates a fictional story. This film can be a comedy, action, drama, musical or horror film.
A narrative film begins with an introduction or exposition, where the characters of the film are introduced or the conflict is revealed. Typically there is a protagonist and an antagonist. The setting is also made clear during the exposition. The story unfolds with some rising actions. These are a series of events which allow the plot to thicken. These conflicts can be the primary obstacles and secondary obstacles which stand in the way of the protagonist. The rising actions culminate in the story climax. This is the point at which the protagonist achieves his/her goal. This leads to the falling actions of the story. All loose ends are tied up at this point. The film ends with a resolution or denouement. This is where all outstanding questions are answered and the film comes to a close.
As always it must be appropriate for school in terms of language and content. Films that are not school appropriate cannot be submitted for credit. Your script, screenplay and storyboards need to be approved before you begin production.
Pre-Production:
The preproduction stage of creating a film is where you do all of your planning for every shot that you need to assemble a film. You will create a story map, screen play, and storyboards prior to filming your footage.
Story Map: Before you go out to film anything you will need to develop a story. Begin by plotting a story on paper. Jot down the names of characters, what they are trying to overcome, and the steps that lead to the climax of the film. After the climax, there needs to be an ending that resolves the story.
Screen Play/ Storyboard: Once you plan these points out you are ready to write a script or screen play. The screen play describes camera movements or shot framing, the time of day, actors moods, and actions of the characters.
Storyboard: Create drawings in your sketchbook or on note cards to plan out your different shots. Determine exactly which shots you need to capture your entire story on film. Use all of the different types of shots we learned to make in the film practice assignment. You will use your storyboards to create a list of shots you need to capture during the production stage. The better you plan out your storyboards the easier your experience with filming will be.
Story Map: Before you go out to film anything you will need to develop a story. Begin by plotting a story on paper. Jot down the names of characters, what they are trying to overcome, and the steps that lead to the climax of the film. After the climax, there needs to be an ending that resolves the story.
Screen Play/ Storyboard: Once you plan these points out you are ready to write a script or screen play. The screen play describes camera movements or shot framing, the time of day, actors moods, and actions of the characters.
Storyboard: Create drawings in your sketchbook or on note cards to plan out your different shots. Determine exactly which shots you need to capture your entire story on film. Use all of the different types of shots we learned to make in the film practice assignment. You will use your storyboards to create a list of shots you need to capture during the production stage. The better you plan out your storyboards the easier your experience with filming will be.
Production:
During production you will go out and film your footage. If you were diligent during the preproduction stage then your production will be really easy. When you are in production consider several factors of continuity: is the weather going to drastically change from one day to then next, are your characters wearing the same clothes, will everyone you need for your shots be present? These are all factors you want to consider when you film your projects.
Use a tripod for filming! Use a tripod for filming! Use a tripod for filming! This is stated thee times because it is extremely important!
Capture B-roll while you are on scene. These are shots that can be edited in to help in editing. You can capture B-roll to get sound effects, shots for cut aways, and for use when your visual does not serve well but the audio works for you.
Use a tripod for filming! Use a tripod for filming! Use a tripod for filming! This is stated thee times because it is extremely important!
Capture B-roll while you are on scene. These are shots that can be edited in to help in editing. You can capture B-roll to get sound effects, shots for cut aways, and for use when your visual does not serve well but the audio works for you.
Post Production:
This is the stage when you begin to edit all your footage. Collect all of your clips into a folder on your computer.
Rough Cut: Drag your clips into your time line to see how your footage appears in the order you planned. You can always adjust your film at this point to tell a better story.
Final Cut: At this stage you are now working on editing each shot. Cut them down to include only the actions, motions, or dialogue that propels your story. If a shot does not drive your story....cut it from the film.
After you get your final cut complete export a .mov file. Create a Garageband Project "Podcast" and drag and drop your .mov clip into the project. Use Garageband to create a soundtrack for your film. Add sound effects or a musical score to enhance your film project. Be sure your audio levels are adjusted so they do not overpower your film audio. When you complete your sound track, delete the film clip from the project. Export an .mp3 from Garageband. Import the sound track.mp3 and then import it into your film project. Adjust the audio tracks so they sound okay.
Now you are ready to export your film project.
Rough Cut: Drag your clips into your time line to see how your footage appears in the order you planned. You can always adjust your film at this point to tell a better story.
Final Cut: At this stage you are now working on editing each shot. Cut them down to include only the actions, motions, or dialogue that propels your story. If a shot does not drive your story....cut it from the film.
After you get your final cut complete export a .mov file. Create a Garageband Project "Podcast" and drag and drop your .mov clip into the project. Use Garageband to create a soundtrack for your film. Add sound effects or a musical score to enhance your film project. Be sure your audio levels are adjusted so they do not overpower your film audio. When you complete your sound track, delete the film clip from the project. Export an .mp3 from Garageband. Import the sound track.mp3 and then import it into your film project. Adjust the audio tracks so they sound okay.
Now you are ready to export your film project.
Project Requirements:
- Create a film that is at least 2 minutes but less than 7 minutes
- Follow the steps outlined in the pre-production process.
- Your film will need titles, credits, and an appropriate sound track
- Allow your teacher to approve your script and storyboards before you film.
- Your film must be school appropriate.