Further Planning Ideas for You

For those of you that are editing at home (or are experiencing any temporary technical glitches!), here are some lists of aspects of pre-production planning you should be working on:

The following are essential for your planning:

Storyboard
Script
Shotlist
Film Schedule

Expand your planning by doing some (or all!) of the following:

Title of Film:
Explain your reasoning for the title of your production. Look at some similar films and explore the conventions of the titles, e.g. Social realism: Shameless, Skins, Glue (they’re all single words that link to that lifestyle/culture)

Development of Production Logo:
Create a production logo. Show the development of your designs and explain how you came up with the image and name.

List of actors:
Include a picture and the character they’re playing. You could explain why you chose them to play that specific role.

Music research:
Post the links to the tracks you’re considering using. Screenshot any emails you’ve sent to record labels for permission to use the music. Remember, you can always use Creative Commons or search on YouTube for copywrite-/loyalty-free music.

Character Profiles:
Pick your two main characters to focus on. Create a profile of their age, interests, hobbies, personality. Compare them to characters from similar films.

Production Journals:
Create a ‘diary’ post after every shoot explaining what you did and how it went: what went well? What problems did you encounter? You could include some screencaps or test-shots.

Editing Techniques:
Try out some new editing techniques and post the short ‘practice’ clips to your blog.

Planning: Shot List Example

Here is an example of a shot list for those of you who are unsure:

Blog Feedback: October

Reminder of deadlines:


Pre-production Planning should be completed by 22nd October; the bulk of filming should be completed over half-term, ready for you to begin your editing when we return on 3rd November.

Editing will take place during Term 2 (7 weeks). During this time you can continue with minor filming, concentrating on editing the footage you do have during our lesson time. Don't rush the editing! Leave yourself plenty of time to add in any post-production footage or correct any mistakes.

During Term 2, if you complete the editing early, you can go back and add to your research and planning to ensure your blog hits all the top level criteria.

The deadline for the final (edited) product is Wednesday 17th December.

Name	Comments	Targets
Zach	Could you please check if your posts are on private because the only one I can view is the film schedule still (as discussed the other day). I’ve seen the evidence in the lessons that your blog is strong, but make sure I can view it myself.	-     Ensure your storyboard, shotlist and script is done before you begin filming. Filming is due to start over half term and you be uploading these shots to the Macs first lesson back.
Dan	Great evidence of research and planning! I can’t wait to see the replica weapons…!	Ensure your shotlist and script is done before you begin filming. Google some examples (I’ll Tweet some to you as well).
Rhiannon	Detailed planning posts – love the inclusion of the film titles! Excellent as always – well done.	Ensure your shotlist and script is done before you begin filming. Google some examples (I’ll Tweet some to you as well).
Izzy	Images aren’t showing up on your mindmap process post – make sure you amend this. No evidence of planning - you do not want to fall behind! If you have saved them to Word then make it your priority to upload them.	Ensure your storyboard, shotlist and script is done before you begin filming. Filming is due to start over half term and you be uploading these shots to the Macs first lesson back.
Sophie	Research looks fab!! Great analysis of your audience feedback.	-          No evidence at the moment of your planning! Ensure your storyboard, shotlist and script is done before you begin filming.
Lily	No posts since last update! This is not good enough, Lily; you do not want to fall behind. If you have saved them to Word then make it your priority to upload them.	-          Ensure your storyboard, shotlist and script is done before you begin filming. Filming is due to start over half term and you be uploading these shots to the Macs first lesson back.
Luke	Good inclusion of the draft script. wever, there is no addition evidence of planning!! If you have saved them to Word then make it your priority to upload them.	Ensure your storyboard, shotlist and script is done before you begin filming. Filming is due to start over half term and you be uploading these shots to the Macs first lesson back.

Planning: Narrative Structure

Narrative Structure of Films

Typical narrative structure is often broken down in this way:

1. Opening: establishes setting and introduces character

2. Build up: Relationships established. Development of characters and their world

3. Problem: a dilemma or series of complications. Characters are faced with an obstacle to overcome a mystery to solve, or often more than one

4. Events: a series of events/action as characters try to overcome obstacle, solve problem, discover truth and so on. Further complications may arise in the process

5. Resolution: the protagonists are victorious, problems are solved, truth revealed

6. Ending: characters reflect on events, reinstate relationships and look forward.


Narrative Structure of Trailers


The narrative structure of a film trailer could be simply shortened to this:


Opening
Build Up
Problem
Events

Year 13 Coursework Deadlines

Main Task Dates (Oct-Dec)

Pre-production Planning should be completed by 22nd October; the bulk of filming should be completed over half-term, ready for you to begin your editing when we return on 3rd November.

Editing will take place during Term 2 (7 weeks). During this time you can continue with minor filming, concentrating on editing the footage you do have during our lesson time. Don't rush the editing! Leave yourself plenty of time to add in any post-production footage or correct any mistakes.

During Term 2, if you complete the editing early, you can go back and add to your research and planning to ensure your blog hits all the top level criteria.

The deadline for the final (edited) product is Wednesday 17th December.

Ancillary Tasks Dates (Dec-Feb)

You should begin the research and planning for the ancillary tasks over Xmas break. During Term 3 (six weeks), you need to complete the planning and produce both final  pieces by Wednesday 11th February.

Evaluation Dates (Feb-Mar)

You should beginning planning your evaluation during the half-term break, ready to complete the tasks during the lessons we have in Term 4 (5 weeks). During the first week you will need to collect audience feedback.

FINAL DEADLINE FOR COMPLETION OF TASK AND EVALYATION IS 27th MARCH 2014.

Planning: A list of areas to focus on

The graphic below is an animated mind-map of areas to focus on for your planning. What a fabulous resource to use to display your initial ideas! Thanks Rhiannon :) Go to www.examtime.com.

Planning: How to Prepare for a Film Shoot