ADV PROJECT: SCENE RECREATION

Group Assignment
Project name:  scenerecreation yourname

For this assignment you will pick a school appropriate scene from a TV show or movie and recreate that scene shot-for-shot.

Learning Targets

• Demonstrate competent directing by recreating a scene shot-for-shot.
• Re-create the lighting, blocking and camera setups for the whole scene.
• Record quality audio and ad appropriate foley and sound effects.

Introduction

Copying a scene can be a valuable insight into the mind of a director and the choices he makes.  This assignment will help you delve into a scene and re-create it as faithfully as possible.  Keep in mind the appropriateness of the scene, props needed, costumes needed and the locations.  It's essential to try your best to get it as close as possible to the original.


Example


Requirements:

The scene must be at least 30 seconds long.

You must generate a script and list for pre-production prior to shooting.

The scene must be approved by instructor.

The scene must be on Youtube or students will provide a DVD copy so instructor can compare.

ALL shots in the reference scene must be included.

You must copy the lighting scheme utilizing our lighting instruments to the best of your ability.

You must record the dialog with correct levels, (if there is any.)

You must edit the video and recreate a frame-by-frame accurate representation of the scene.

Deliverables

1.  Script - 20 points - A screenplay formatted type up of the scene.

2.  Shot list - 20 points - A broken down shot list of every shot, angle, blocking in the scene

3.  Scene Recreation - 100 points - The final exported video in 1920x1080p video in .h264 codec.

4.  Side-by-Side Recreation/Original - 50 points - A side for side exported video of the original scene next to the recreation synced up and exported video in 1920x1080p video in .h264 codec.

Side-by-Side Recreation/Original Example

ADV ASSIGNMENT: SCENE ANALYSIS

Assignment name:  sceneanalysis yourname

Learning Targets

• Analyze and break down all the visual and auditory elements in two different motion picture scenes.
• Dig deep into the choices made by the director to find out how they blocked, shot and designed a scene.
• Breakdown the sound design, music and dialog choices in the scenes to see what choices were made.

Introduction

Directing is often a mysterious and misinterpreted job.  It's not just guy or lady who bosses people around on set.  Directing is about about making choices!  There are thousands of choices that the director needs to make in order to do their job.  It can be a daunting task to have all of this responsibility on their shoulders.

This assignment, will help you peer into the amount of decision making that a director must do in order to make a simple scene.  The more work you put into this, the more you will get out of it.


Video Essay




Resource Article

https://longzijun.wordpress.com/2014/04/03/film-scene-analysis-cinematography-and-mise-en-scene-in-american-beauty/

Requirements

Select at least two scenes from a feature film or TV show to analyze.   The scenes must total at least six minutes of film.

Each scene chosen should not contain graphic language, nudity or violence.

The scene must take place in one location.

Try selecting a dialog scene between two characters.


Handout

Make a copy of the following google doc/table and title it sceneanalysis nameofscene yourname for each scene:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/11agH5hS8PDBlM2Y4HUDDfPctsBvaVLMXJpwHj4EuBxA/edit?usp=sharing

You can submit one google doc with each completed table for each scene.

For each shot in the scenes provide:

A time code for each shot.

A shot description, which should include the characters in (or object of) the shot, the framing (LS, MS, CU, etc.), any significant camera movements, and any image transition other than a cut (dissolve, wipe, etc.). A brief description of the action can also sometimes be useful.
A complete transcription of the dialogue in the shot.

A listing and description of the sound effects. (In an action sequence from recent films, it is unlikely that the list will be completely exhaustive, but try to be as complete as possible.)
A listing and description of the music.

General remarks, which contain more detailed comments about aspects of the blocking, camera movement, sound track, including interactions among the components and how they interact with the images/narrative.

Filling out the form requires making at least five passes through the scene, attending on each pass to one element in each column so that you can focus your energy on pealing back each layer of the direction:

Time code and shot description
Dialogue
Sound effects
Music
Actors Actions/General Comments


Finished Example

See a finished example of what this looks like here:

See more here:  https://hearingthemovies.blogspot.com/2010/03/scene-analysis-assignment.html



Suggestions

Pay close attention to what shots the director selects and in what order.  Also, look for how the director chooses to block their actors to communicate the scene.

Consider the following when observing the actors blocking:

What actions to the actors take in the scene?
Where do they move in relation to their environment or other actors in the scene?
Are they holding/interacting with any props in the scene?
How does camera movement/framing relate to the actors blocking in this scene?

Dig deep into the scene and try to look for the details and choices that the director has made.


Note:  Your work on this assignment will inform your selection of a scene to re-create a scene from a director.

ADV ASSIGNMENT: LIGHTING LOOKS

Group Assignment
Assignment name:  Lightinglooks yourname

Learning Targets

• To experiment with a variety of lights and light modifiers.
• To demonstrate an understanding of how to use lighting and shadow to create a mood.
• To experiment demonstrate an understanding of how to use color with lighting to create a mood.

Lighting Review

Watch the following video review what lighting can do and some of the techniques to use.


Introduction

Lighting can set many different kinds of moods!  Watch the following videos to see what kinds of looks you can come up with.

See how the lit these scenes here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI208YxW0JAlxJV5zGT2HaQ/videos

Watch this quick behind the scenes video to see how they did it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEvVUlUwTYg



Lights available

Arri lighting kits
Lowell lighting kits
Fiilex Q1000 bi-color LED light
Kino flo Diva 21 LED light
Luxli Viola, Cello and Timpani LED lights

Light modifiers

blackwrap
gels
4x4 frames
flags
scrims
nets
6x6 butterfly
silks
cookies

Requirements

1.  Film your scene in 1920/1080p 24p
2.  Total film should be under 2 mins in length
3.  Have an actor sit on stage in the same position, setup lights and record a 30 second video of them lit for the following moods:

• Happy - Upbeat
• Angelic - Glowing
• Beauty - Woman
• Mysterious - Dark
• Film Noir
• Cold and Distant - Artificial Intelligence
• Sci-Fi
• Sadness
• Horror
• Interrogator/Secret Witness
• World Leader - Higher Contrast
• Dramatic

4. Title each shot with a thematic name (the names i've provided or be creative!)

Post Production

1.  Build the following folder structure:  lightinglooks yourname --------->lightinglooks   raw yourname

2.  You will import your footage into a project labeled:  lightinglooks yourname

3.  Import your footage onto a 1920x1080P 24P formatted timeline (this should match your shooting resolution)

4.  Locate an appropriate rights free music track to edit your footage to to create a video experience.

5.  When done, export your finished video as:  lightinglooks yourname and upload it to Jupiter.

ADVANCED ASSIGNMENT: LIGHTING WITH GELS

Group Assignment
Assignment name:  gelslab yourname

Learning Targets

• To experiment with a variety of gel types.
• To demonstrate an understanding of how to modify lights with gels.
• To experiment with combining different gels to create a desired effect.

Introduction

Gels are a key piece of lighting equipment that helps filmmakers modify the color and quality of their lights.  A good working understanding of gels can help you put another key tool in your filmmaking arsenal.

Read the following articles to introduce gels to you below.

Article Resources

Lighting Gels and How They Work
https://www.videomaker.com/how-to/lighting/lighting-gels-and-how-they-work/

Creative Ways to Use Gels
https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/6-creative-ways-use-gels/

How to use Colored Gels
https://www.dummies.com/photography/video/how-to-use-colored-gels-and-filters-in-digital-filmmaking/


Video Resources

Cinematic Lighting - Color Gels




Lighting with Color Gels




Using Colored Gels for Video




Enhance your Next Film with Gels




Lee Filters Color Effects Filters

Explore the digital swatches for Lee Filters below on their site to see how they can be used.

https://www.leefilters.com/lighting/colour-list.html


Requirements

1.  Film your scene in 1920/1080p 24p
2.  Total film should be under 2 mins in length
3.  Label all your shots with text on screen
4.  Have an actor sit on stage in the same position on the set, setup lights and record a 30 second video of them lit using lights that are gelled to create the following looks:

Orange/Teal "Movie Poster Look"
Golden Hour
Two Tone - Use complimentary colors!
Moonlight
Neutral Skin, blue background
A party scene
Candle light
Horror scene

Use the following instruments along with any modifiers, stands and mounts needed to achieve the look.

Arri Fresnel Kits
Lowel Light Kits
Fiilex Q1000
Luxli Timpani (Try not to use gel modes)
Luxli Cello
Luxli Viola
Kinoflo Diva 21
Intellytech Light Canon Pro (Daylight)

Note:  Please make notes on your placements of lights, modifiers and gels on Diagram paper and save for reference during editing and discussion after.

Post Production

1.  Build the following folder structure:  gellab yourname --------->gellab  raw yourname

2.  You will import your footage into a project labeled:  gellab yourname

3.  Import your footage onto a 1920x1080P 24P formatted timeline (this should match your shooting resolution)

4.  Locate an appropriate rights free music track to edit your footage to to create a video experience.

5.  Label all of your shots with the light, type of gel/look that you lit it with.

5.  When done, export your finished video as:  gellab yourname and upload it to Jupiter.

ADV ASSIGNMENT: DIFFUSION LAB

Group Assignment
Assignment name:  diffusionlab yourname

Learning Targets

• To experiment with a variety of diffusion techniques and material types.
• To demonstrate an understanding of how to diffuse hard lights when lighting a model.
• To experiment with distance between the light and the diffusion material.

Introduction

Soft light is key to creating flattering filmic style lighting with actors.  Now that most cameras record images in digital high definition or 4k this has become even more important.  Watch the following videos to get a better understanding of how to use soft lighting below.


Example




Introduction to Diffusion Filters

How and Why You Should Use Soft Light

Diffusion Types

Stage key lights
Bouncing Light
Using a soft box
Using diffusion gels (grid, opal, 1/2 difusion)
Using diffusion fabric (full silk, magic cloth)
Book light
Diva 21 LED light


Requirements

1.  Film your scene in 1920/1080p 24p
2.  Total film should be under 2 mins in length
3.  Have an actor sit on stage in the same position, setup lights and record a 30 second video of them lit using the following diffusion conditions:

• Using the light without diffusion as a control
• Bouncing a light against foam core
• Using a softbox
• Using diffusion gel pinned onto the light or barn doors
• Using a 4x4 frame with 1/2 diffusion, grid cloth, opal
• Using a 6x6 butterfly with full diffusion and magic cloth
• Setup a booklight

4.  Try these techniques while using the following lights:  650w arri fresnel, Luxli Timpani, Q1000, Diva Lite 21
5.  Record which light+diffusion combinations are used in what order for labeling of shots during the edit.

Post Production

1.  Build the following folder structure:  diffusionlab yourname --------->diffusionlab  raw yourname

2.  You will import your footage into a project labeled:  diffusionlab yourname

3.  Import your footage onto a 1920x1080P 24P formatted timeline (this should match your shooting resolution)

4.  Locate an appropriate rights free music track to edit your footage to to create a video experience.

5.  Label all of your shots with the light, type of diffusion/technique that you lit it with.

5.  When done, export your finished video as:  diffusionlab yourname and upload it to Jupiter.

ASSIGNMENT: NOIR LIGHTING LAB

Group Assignment
Assignment name:  filmnoirlab your name

Learning Targets

• Students will experiment with lighting and grip equipment to experiment with lighting on the set to gain a greater understanding of the principles of lighting.
• Students will experiment with soft, hard lighting and their effects on actors.
• Students will experiment with lighting modifiers and grip equipment to obtain different effects.
• Students will shoot a long, medium and close up test shot effectively lit to demonstrate a mood reminiscent of what film noir is famous for.

The Basics of Lighting for Film Noir




Requirements

The scene must be shot in one location or set.
The scene must have only one actor sitting or standing on the set.
There must be several takes using different lighting effects in black and white.
There must be a long, medium and close up test shot included in the final video.
The video must include deliberate shadows and create a mood.
The video must include appropriate film noir music in the end product.

Resources

Lighting for Film Noir
https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/lighting-for-film-noir/

 



Post Post Production

Create a correct folder structure for the project:

Unit Cinematography-------->filmnoirlab yournamE------------>filmnoirlab raw yourname------->filmnoirlab yourname raw card1


You will submit the final video via jupiter as a completed video under 1 minute in length.

ADV ASSIGNMENT: GREATEST FOCUS PULLS EVER!

30 Points
Individual Assignment

Learning Targets

• Students will explore the concepts of pulling focus and depth of field.
• Students will experiment with aperture, focal length and distance with an actor to shoot a variety of shallow depth of field shots.
• Students will utilize composition, depth of field and movement with an actor to craft several rack focus shots.

Introduction

Review the following video and article below.


Three Must-Have Skills for Pulling Focus and How to Improve Them
http://www.theblackandblue.com/2012/04/04/pulling-focus-skills/


Focusing on Depth of Field and Lens Equivalents




The Art of the Focus Pull

 

Walkthrough Videos

 


The Art of Pulling Focus

 

Example

Requirements

1.  Film your scene in:  1920x1080P 24P
2.  Film should be 1-2 minutes in length.
3.  Film a variety of shots, angles and compositions.
4.  The video must involve an actor performing an action or reacting to an action.
5.  Final video must have a slate.
6.  Final video must have a soundtrack without lyrics.

Production

1.  You will utilize the following minimum equipment:

Sony FS5

Benro Tripod

Doorway Dolly/Tripod Dolly (Depending on shots)

2.  Go out on campus, (or checkout a camera and shoot elsewhere.)  Shoot a wide variety of shots with various compositions, framing and angles.  You must have a model in your shots or shoot landscapes and objects.  Shoot at least 10 different rack focuses

Note:  We are shooting Movies!  So try to incorporate motion by the object, model or the camera moving.

3.  Compose your images using the techniques mentioned in the video's above.

4.  Measure and calculate your depth of field with a DOF calculator.  There are several free one's online or in the iOS/Android store.

5.  Mark your lens with tape so you can nail the focus pull.  If you are operating, have someone else pull focus for you.

6.  Figure out how to have the actor and object in the fore and background.

7.  Record a log of your aperture and focal length for each shot.



Post Production

1.  Build the following folder structure:  yourname_greatestfocuspullsassignment --------->your name_greatestfocuspullsassignment_raw

2.  You will import your footage into a project labeled:  yourname_greatestfocuspullsassignment

3.  Import your footage onto a 1920x1080P 24P formatted timeline (this should match your shooting resolution)

4.  Locate an appropriate rights free music track to edit your footage to to create a video experience.

5.  When done, export your finished video as:  yourname_greatestfocuspullsassignment and upload it to Jupiter.

ADV ASSIGNMENT: EXPLORING DEPTH OF FIELD

30 Points
Individual Assignment

Learning Targets

• Students will explore the concept of shallow and deep depth of field.
• Students will experiment with aperture, focal length and distance to shoot a variety of shallow depth of field shots.
• Students will utilize composition, depth of field and movement to craft interesting images.

Introduction

Review the following video and article below.


Three Must-Have Skills for Pulling Focus and How to Improve Them
http://www.theblackandblue.com/2012/04/04/pulling-focus-skills/

Focusing on Depth of Field and Lens Equivalents



The Science of Deep Focus and the Hyperlocal Distance

Requirements

1.  Film your scene in:  1920x1080P 24P
2.  Film should be under 2-3 minutes in length.
3.  Film a variety of shots, angles and compositions
4.  Record what aperture and focal length you are shooting each shot at. This will be listed on the shot when you edit it later.
5.  Final video must have a slate.
6.  Final video must have a soundtrack without lyrics.

Examples




The Salton Sea- The Riviera of the Imperial Valley from Jon Furtado on Vimeo.


Production

1.  You will utilize the following minimum equipment:

Sony EX3

Benro Tripod

Doorway Dolly/Tripod Dolly (Depending on shots)

2.  Go out on campus, (or checkout a camera and shoot elsewhere.)  Shoot a wide variety of shots with various compositions, framing and angles.  Use depth of field in order to compose shallow and deep depth of field shots.  You can have a model in your shots or shoot landscapes and objects.

Note:  We are shooting Movies!  So try to incorporate motion by the object, model or the camera moving.

3.  Compose your images using the techniques mentioned in the video's above.

4.  Shoot a variety of deep and shallow depth of field shots.

5.  Record a log of your aperture and focal length for each shot.


Post Production

1.  Build the following folder structure:  depthoffieldassignment  yourname --------->depthoffieldassignment_raw  your name

2.  You will import your footage into a project labeled:  depthoffieldassignment yourname

3.  Import your footage onto a 1920x1080P 24P formatted timeline (this should match your shooting resolution)

4.  Locate an appropriate rights free music track to edit your footage to to create a video experience.

5.  Label all of your shots with the aperture and focal length that you shot it at.

5.  When done, export your finished video as:  depthoffieldassignment yourname and upload it to Jupiter.

ADV ASSIGNMENT: DEPTH OF FIELD LAB

30 Points
Individual Assignment

Learning Targets

• Students will explore the concept of shallow focus and deep depth of field.
• Students will experiment with aperture, focal length and distance to shoot a variety of shallow depth of field shots.
• Students will utilize a tape measure, DOF calculator application to calculate the depth of field in a portrait shot.
• Students will edit their footage into a timeline with music and title it with the correct aperture, focal length, distance from lens, and the depth of field in each shot with a Sony EX3 and JVC camera.

Introduction

Review the following article and DOF calculator:
http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html


Review the following video below.

Focusing on Depth of Field and Lens Equivalents





Example

Requirements

1.  Film your scene in:  1920x1080P 24P
2.  Film should be under 1-2 minutes in length.
3.  Film a variety of full, medium and close up shots of the portrait figures.
4.  Record what aperture, focal length and distance of each shot with each camera. This will be listed on the shot when you edit it later.
5.  Final video must have a slate.
6.  Final video must have a soundtrack without lyrics.

Production

1.  You will utilize the following minimum equipment:

Benro Tripod
Libec Tripod

2.  Go onto the stage and set up the Sony EX3 and JVC HM750.  You will utilize the different dragon figurines in a row.

3.  Compose your images using the techniques mentioned in the video's above.

4.  Shoot a variety of deep and shallow depth of field shots.

5.  Record a log of:

Your aperture
Focal length
Distance from subject
Gain used
Camera used

6.  Download a DOF depth of field app on your phone or access the following one online:
http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

7.  Shoot a long, medium and close up focal length shot on each camera.  Try these with the following apertures: f4, f5.6, f8, f11

8.  Calculate your DOF and record your findings.

9.  Experiment with pulling focus from different distances with different focal lengths and distances with each camera twice.  Indicate and label  the focus pulls in the final edited video.

Post Production

1.  Build the following folder structure:  doflab yourname --------->doflab_raw yourname

2.  You will import your footage into a project labeled:  doflab yourname

3.  Import your footage onto a 1920x1080P 24P formatted timeline (this should match your shooting resolution)

4.  Locate an appropriate rights free music track to edit your footage to to create a video experience.

5.  Label all of your shots with the aperture, focal length, distance, DOF that you shot it at.

5.  When done, export your finished video as:  doflab yourname and upload it to Jupiter.

ADV ASSIGNMENT: DOLLY ZOOM/JIB ASSIGNMENT

Learning Targets

• Students will craft a short scene that motivates a dolly zoom and jib shot.
• Students will demonstrate the power of movement in a scene.
• Students will demonstrate their technical and artistic understanding of the dolly zoom technique.

Introduction

Watch the following video on the art of the dolly zoom.

Read the following Filmmaker IQ Article on the Dolly Zoom:

http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/introduction-to-the-dolly-zoom/

The dolly zoom must be motivated.  It is a pretty extreme shot that makes a strong statement on screen.  You will work with your group to craft a short scene that motivates a dolly zoom movement within it.


Requirements

1.  The story will need a setup, conflict, climax and resolution.
2.  The video should be no longer than 2 minutes.
3.  The video should create a mood of:  suspense, fear, comedy.

Production

Film your scene in:  1920x1080P 24P

1.  You will utilize the following minimum equipment:

Sony EX3

Benro Tripod

Post Production

1.  Build the following folder structure:  dollyzoomassignment yourname --------->dollyzoomassignment yourname_raw

2.  You will import your footage into a project labeled:  dollyzoomassignment yourname

3.  Import your footage onto a 1920x1080P 24P formatted timeline (this should match your shooting resolution)

4.  Locate an appropriate rights free music track to edit your footage to to create a video experience.

5.  When done, export your finished video as:  dollyzoomassignment yourname and upload it to Jupiter.

ADV ASSIGNMENT: COMPOSITION & MOVEMENT

Individual Assignment
Learning Targets

• Students will develop their eye to compose aesthetically pleasing shots that follow the compositional guidelines reviewed in the beginning class.
• Students will demonstrate rule of 3rds, balanced/unbalanced composition, selective focus in their shots to emphasis subjects or objects.
• Students will use sliders, dollies or jibs to create cinematic movement in their shots.

Introduction

Developing your eye for composition and movement will help you shoot more cinematic images and develop your skills as a cameraperson.  Your assignment is to go out into the world and find a location that is visually interesting, (a park, the beach, a neighborhood, etc.) and tell the story of that location visually.  It can contain people or not.  Your job is to be an observer.  Look at every object or subject in your frame and its relationship with everything around it.  Try to photograph the world without bringing attention to yourself so that your subjects will act natural in the frame.

Some things to consider:

The rule of 3rds
The Hitchcock rule
The golden spiral
Visual balance/weight of the object or subject on screen
Negative space
Complexity of the frame
Patterns on objects
Color of subjects or objects
Vector lines
How light interacts or bounces off objects or subjects
Silhouettes & shadows

Example

The Salton Sea- The Riviera of the Imperial Valley from Jon Furtado on Vimeo.

Research

Read the following article and watch the following videos to get prepared.

5 Ways You Can Develop Killer "Cinematographer's Eye"

https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/cinematographers-eye/

Requirements

Film your scene in:  1920x1080P 24P

1.  You can use the following minimum equipment (Must pass skills test):

Sony FS5

Benro Tripod

SmallHD monitor

Silder/Benro Slider/Tripod Dolly (Depending on shots)
Jib
Ronin S
Osmo Pro

2.  Final video should be 2-4 minutes in length.

3.  Shoot plenty of shots so that you can select ONLY your best looking shots for the final edit.  This may take you several trips to a location at the same time of day.

4.  Early in the morning and late in the afternoon affords really great lighting.  But it limits how long you can shoot.  Plan ahead.  If you go to location, arrive early so you can get plenty of time in shooting.

Post Production

1.  Build the following folder structure:  compositionmovement yourname --------->compositionmovement raw yourname

2.  You will import your footage into a project labeled:  compositionmovement yourname

3.  Import your footage onto a 1920x1080P 24P formatted timeline (this should match your shooting resolution)

4.  Search out and find an appropriate orchestral music track to edit your video to.  See musicbed.com to find some great tracks.  No music with lyrics!

5.  Place your music track on the timeline and edit your images to the beat/tone of the track.

6.  Export the video as 1920X1080P 24P.

7.  Name your clip:  compositionmovement yourname

ADV ASSIGNMENT: COLOR IN CINEMATOGRAPHY

Learning Targets

• Students will experiment with white balance on the camera.
• Students will experiment with the use of color in a scene.
• Students will use color to create a mood in a scene using props, location, costumes and time of day.

Introduction

Watch the following video on The History and Science of Color Temperature.





Requirements

1.  Student will plan and shoot a scene using the following prompt:

One individual carries a prop and delivers it to another individual sitting at a table.  The prop motivates an exchange between the two characters.  One of the characters leaves, or they both leave together.

2.  The scene must involve two characters.

3.  It is up to each group to determine:

• What the prop is.
• What the conflict is in the scene.
• What the resolution is.

4.  The group must communicate one of the following emotions using color in the scene:

• Sadness
• Anger
• Joy
• Mystery

5.  This can be communicated through:

• The location
• The time of day
• The costumes
• The prop
• The white balance
• The final color correction
• Lighting

6.  This video will not need dialog created.  Try to craft the scene to unfold without any dialog.

7.  Pick an appropriate rights free music track to edit this too.

Production

Film your scene in:  1920x1080P 24P

1.  You will utilize the following minimum equipment:

Sony EX3

Benro Tripod

Post Production

1.  Build the following folder structure:  colorassignment yourname --------->y colorassignment yourname raw

2.  You will import your footage into a project labeled:  colorassignment yourname

3.  Import your footage onto a 1920x1080P 24P formatted timeline (this should match your shooting resolution)

4.  Locate an appropriate rights free music track to edit your footage to to create a video experience.

5.  When done, export your finished video as:  colorassignment yourname and upload it to Jupiter.


Color Correction in Premiere Pro CC

These videos will walk you through the color correction panel in Adobe Premiere.

ADV ASSIGNMENT: FRAME RATES AND SHUTTER SPEED

Learning Targets

• Students will explore over cranking the camera to film slow motion shots.
• Students will explore under cranking the camera to film time lapse shots.
• Students will explore high shutter speeds while filming fast moving objects.
• Students will explore slow shutter speeds while filming in low light.

Introduction

Overcranking, undercranking and shutter speed are powerful technical tools that allow filmmakers to change the audiences perceptions of time.

Here are some examples:

Workflow

PreProduction

Watch the following tutorial video's to prepare for your shoot.

Note:  Refer to the Sony FS5 Masterclass to find out how to engage high frame rate modes on the Sony FS5.


Shoot Tamelapse with XDCAM Cameras

 


Slow Shutter Recording (Night)

 


Production

Film your scene in:  1920x1080P 24P

1.  You will utilize the following minimum equipment:

Sony EX3

Benro Tripod

Doorway Dolly/Tripod Dolly (Depending on shots)

2.  You will go out into the world and film in a location that has people.  A park, downtown, a festival, etc.  You will use the over and under cranking feature of the camera to film slow motion and time lapse shots of the people walking around or doing their thing.

3.  Be aware that time-lapse shots take time.  you will need to set the camera properly and wait for 10+ mins to collect enough footage!

4.  Try to shoot people or objects in motion when filming slow motion.

Post Production

1.  Build the following folder structure:  framerateassignment yourname --------->framerateassignment  yourname raw

2.  You will import your footage into a project labeled:  framerateassignment yourname

3.  Import your footage onto a 1920x1080P 24P formatted timeline (this should match your shooting resolution)

4.  Locate an appropriate rights free music track to edit your footage to to create a video experience.

5.  When done, export your finished video as:  framerateassignment yourname and upload it to Jupiter.

ADV ASSIGNMENT: ASPECT RATIOS

Learning Targets

• Students will experiment by filming the same scene from different aspect ratio's.
• Students will demonstrate the unique feeling of each aspect ratio effectively.
• The differences between each aspect ratio will be clearly felt by the audience by the students framing and choose of shots.

The history of filmmaking is littered with a wide variety of aspect ratio's ranging from 4:3 to 16:9.  Students will experiment by filming one scene multiple times framing for different aspect ratio's.

Composition for Widescreen Aspect Ratio's

The Changing Shape of Cinema:  The History of Aspect Ratio's

Prior to starting the assignment, review the following video and lesson on Filmmakeriq.com:

http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/

Student Example

Production

Film your scene in:  1920x1080P 24P

1.  You will utilize the following minimum equipment:

Sony EX3

Benro Tripod

SmallHD monitor

Doorway Dolly/Tripod Dolly (Depending on shots)

2.  You will film a scene where:

Two characters have some sort of conflict and must solve it by having an old western stand off.  Suspense builds, one character guns down the other character and the winner walks away alive.

3.  You must shoot the same scene multiple times, framing for each of the following aspect ratio's:

1.33:1 (4x3)

1.85:1

2.35:1

1.77:1 (16x9)

Use the framing guides on the Small HD monitor in order to frame your shots correctly.  Warning:  you will need to be aware that different parts of the image will be cut off in post!

Post Production

1.  Build the following folder structure:  yourname_aspectratioassignment --------->your name_aspectratioassignment_raw

2.  You will import your footage into a project labeled:  yourname_aspectratioassignment

3.  Import your footage onto a 1920x1080P 24P formatted timeline (this should match your shooting resolution)

4.  Edit the best takes into the timeline to create your entire complete scene.

5.  Watch the following video to figure out how to matte out your footage to create the different aspect ratio's:

6.  You should have 4 different versions of the scene on the timeline.

7.  Place text labels on each stating what aspect ratio they are:

1.33:1

1.85:1

2.35:1

1.77:1

8.  Select appropriate rights free standoff music and edit into the timeline.

9.  Export the video as 1920X1080P 24P.

10.  Name your clip:  yourname_aspectratioassignment

ASSIGNMENT: RESUME 1ST DRAFT

30 Points
Assignment title:  resume yourname

Learning Targets

• Craft a resume that outlines your work experience and your creative skills.
• Learn what a filmography is and include your best work to date.
• Create a resume that will prepare you to apply for job applications.

Your resume will be the primary document a prospective employ looks at before hiring you.  It should include all of your current work history with no gaps.  Include awards you've received, volunteer work that you've done or clubs that you belong to that demonstrate your skills and professionalism.




Student Example

Here is an example of a great high school resume from a student:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MGpbBL5jOnHmhrtrVQi_lBgpgmscIkR465TwLRHB_98/edit?usp=sharing


Template

You can make a copy of this template to create your own resume:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/10b4KCPn0NjcqYeCpjyRMHifEr81Tt8fm-UEfoCMPpoQ/edit?usp=sharing

ASSIGNMENT: FILMS THAT INSPIRE YOU

30 points
Filename:  filmsthatinspireyou yourname

Learning Targets

• Demonstrate your ability to write a short essay.
• Demonstrate and explain what films have inspired you and why they are important to you as an artist.
• Dig deep into the film and find out why these three films are so important to you.

Assignment

We all have films that have changed our lives, I can vividly remember watching the original Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back and Raiders of the Lost Ark as a kid.  These amazing science fiction films kindled my imagination!

You will write an essay on three films have inspired you to become interested in film.  Make sure to have an intro paragraph, a paragraph on each film that has inspired you, and a conclusion paragraph.

Some questions to consider:

1.  What 3 films inspire you?
2.  Why are these your favorite films?
3.  What is the message behind the films plot?
4.  How has it affected your life so far?


You will complete this essay and turn it into Mr. Furtado for credit.

Requirements:

1.  MLA Format
2.  Name, Date, Period
3.  5 paragraph minimum = Introduction, film 1, film 2, film 3, conclusion
4.  Submitted using proper file name.


Advanced Class

Your essay will be centered around filmmakers that you admire and three films that have inspired you.  You will need to become familiar with at least three films from one filmmaker, (Stephen Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Robert Rodriguez, etc.)  This is a great opportunity to watch their films and set goals to become more familiar with their work.

Make sure to research their work online.

Consider the following questions when writing your essay:

1.  What kind filmmaking style is this filmmaker famous for?
2.  Why does this filmmakers body of work inspire you?
3.  What are three of his/her films that you really admire?
4.  What makes each of these films so visually interesting?
5.  What are the unique elements of each of these films made you pick them as inspirations for you?


Submission

*UNLOCK YOUR GOOGLE DOC WHEN SHARING!*

Submit the link to your finished via Jupiter.

ADV ASSIGNMENT: LIGHTING LOOKS LAB

Group Assignment
Assignment name:  Lightinglooks yourname

Learning Targets

• To experiment with a variety of lights and light modifiers.
• To demonstrate an understanding of how to use lighting and shadow to create a mood.
• To experiment demonstrate an understanding of how to use color with lighting to create a mood.

Lighting Review

Watch the following video review what lighting can do and some of the techniques to use.


Introduction

Lighting can set many different kinds of moods!  Watch the following videos to see what kinds of looks you can come up with.

See how the lit these scenes here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI208YxW0JAlxJV5zGT2HaQ/videos

Watch this quick behind the scenes video to see how they did it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEvVUlUwTYg



Lights available

Arri lighting kits
Lowell lighting kits
Fiilex Q1000 bi-color LED light
Kino flo Diva 21 LED light
Luxli Viola, Cello and Timpani LED lights

Light modifiers

blackwrap
gels
4x4 frames
flags
scrims
nets
6x6 butterfly
silks
cookies

Requirements

1.  Film your scene in 1920/1080p 24p
2.  Total film should be under 2 mins in length
3.  Have an actor sit on stage in the same position, setup lights and record a 30 second video of them lit for the following moods:

• Happy - Upbeat
• Angelic - Glowing
• Beauty - Woman
• Mysterious - Dark
• Film Noir
• Cold and Distant - Artificial Intelligence
• Sci-Fi
• Sadness
• Horror
• Interrogator/Secret Witness
• World Leader - Higher Contrast
• Dramatic

4. Title each shot with a thematic name (the names i've provided or be creative!)

Post Production

1.  Build the following folder structure:  lightinglooks yourname --------->lightinglooks   raw yourname

2.  You will import your footage into a project labeled:  lightinglooks yourname

3.  Import your footage onto a 1920x1080P 24P formatted timeline (this should match your shooting resolution)

4.  Locate an appropriate rights free music track to edit your footage to to create a video experience.

5.  When done, export your finished video as:  lightinglooks yourname and upload it to Jupiter.

ADV ASSIGNMENT: DIFFUSION LAB

Group Assignment
Assignment name:  diffusionlab yourname

Learning Targets

• To experiment with a variety of diffusion techniques and material types.
• To demonstrate an understanding of how to diffuse hard lights when lighting a model.
• To experiment with distance between the light and the diffusion material.

Introduction

Soft light is key to creating flattering filmic style lighting with actors.  Now that most cameras record images in digital high definition or 4k this has become even more important.  Watch the following videos to get a better understanding of how to use soft lighting below.


How and Why You Should Use Soft Light

Diffusion Types

Bouncing Light
Using a soft box
Using diffusion gels
Using diffusion fabric
Book light


Requirements

1.  Film your scene in 1920/1080p 24p
2.  Total film should be under 2 mins in length
3.  Have an actor sit on stage in the same position, setup lights and record a 30 second video of them lit using the following diffusion conditions:

• Using the light without diffusion as a control
• Bouncing a light against foamcore
• Using a softbox
• Using diffusion gel pinned onto the light or barn doors
• Using a 4x4 frame with 1/2 diffusion, grid cloth, opal
• Using a 6x6 butterfly with full diffusion and magic cloth
• Setup a booklight

4.  Try these techniques while using the following lights:  650w arri fresnel, Luxli Timpani, Q1000, Diva Lite 21
5.  Record which light+diffusion combinations are used in what order for labeling of shots during the edit.

Post Production

1.  Build the following folder structure:  diffusionlab yourname --------->diffusionlab  raw yourname

2.  You will import your footage into a project labeled:  diffusionlab yourname

3.  Import your footage onto a 1920x1080P 24P formatted timeline (this should match your shooting resolution)

4.  Locate an appropriate rights free music track to edit your footage to to create a video experience.

5.  Label all of your shots with the light, type of diffusion/technique that you lit it with.

5.  When done, export your finished video as:  diffusionlab yourname and upload it to Jupiter.

ADV ASSIGNMENT: NOIR LIGHTING LAB

Group Assignment
Assignment name:  filmnoirlab your name

Learning Targets

• Students will experiment with lighting and grip equipment to experiment with lighting on the set to gain a greater understanding of the principles of lighting.
• Students will experiment with soft, hard lighting and their effects on actors.
• Students will experiment with lighting modifiers and grip equipment to obtain different effects.
• Students will shoot a long, medium and close up test shot effectively lit to demonstrate a mood reminiscent of what film noir is famous for.

The Basics of Lighting for Film Noir




Requirements

The scene must be shot in one location or set.
The scene must have only one actor sitting or standing on the set.
There must be several takes using different lighting effects in black and white.
There must be a long, medium and close up test shot included in the final video.
The video must include deliberate shadows and create a mood.
The video must include appropriate film noir music in the end product.

Resources

Lighting for Film Noir
https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/lighting-for-film-noir/

 
 Post Production

Create a correct folder structure for the project:

Unit Cinematography-------->filmnoirlab yournamE------------>filmnoirlab raw yourname------->filmnoirlab yourname raw card1


You will submit the final video via jupiter as a completed video under 1 minute in length.

ADV ASSIGNMENT: GREATEST FOCUS PULLS EVER!

30 Points
Individual Assignment

Learning Targets

• Students will explore the concepts of pulling focus and depth of field.
• Students will experiment with aperture, focal length and distance with an actor to shoot a variety of shallow depth of field shots.
• Students will utilize composition, depth of field and movement with an actor to craft several rack focus shots.

Introduction

Review the following video and article below.


Three Must-Have Skills for Pulling Focus and How to Improve Them
http://www.theblackandblue.com/2012/04/04/pulling-focus-skills/


Focusing on Depth of Field and Lens Equivalents




The Art of the Focus Pull

 

Walkthrough Videos

 


The Art of Pulling Focus

 

Example

Requirements

1.  Film your scene in:  1920x1080P 24P
2.  Film should be 1-2 minutes in length.
3.  Film a variety of shots, angles and compositions.
4.  The video must involve an actor performing an action or reacting to an action.
5.  Final video must have a slate.
6.  Final video must have a soundtrack without lyrics.

Production

1.  You will utilize the following minimum equipment:

Sony FS5

Benro Tripod

Doorway Dolly/Tripod Dolly (Depending on shots)

2.  Go out on campus, (or checkout a camera and shoot elsewhere.)  Shoot a wide variety of shots with various compositions, framing and angles.  You must have a model in your shots or shoot landscapes and objects.  Shoot at least 10 different rack focuses

Note:  We are shooting Movies!  So try to incorporate motion by the object, model or the camera moving.

3.  Compose your images using the techniques mentioned in the video's above.

4.  Measure and calculate your depth of field with a DOF calculator.  There are several free one's online or in the iOS/Android store.

5.  Mark your lens with tape so you can nail the focus pull.  If you are operating, have someone else pull focus for you.

6.  Figure out how to have the actor and object in the fore and background.

7.  Record a log of your aperture and focal length for each shot.



Post Production

1.  Build the following folder structure:  yourname_greatestfocuspullsassignment --------->your name_greatestfocuspullsassignment_raw

2.  You will import your footage into a project labeled:  yourname_greatestfocuspullsassignment

3.  Import your footage onto a 1920x1080P 24P formatted timeline (this should match your shooting resolution)

4.  Locate an appropriate rights free music track to edit your footage to to create a video experience.

5.  When done, export your finished video as:  yourname_greatestfocuspullsassignment and upload it to Jupiter.