Chapter 1 Motion Picture Language 33
Project: Motion Picture Language
For this exercise, you will begin working in collaborative groups to shoot
complete scenes that will be edited by a group member. Two or more students
will serve as actors in a scene with a prepared script. Others will serve as director,
cameraperson, boom operator, and editor.
A. You have been provided with two scripts from which you will select one.
In the scripts, minimal action and setting details have been indicated.
Your group needs to create actions and determine a specifi c setting for the
scene you choose. You may make changes to the script, but the primary
context of the scene should remain the same. See below for indications
on how to proceed, and devise answers to the following questions:
- Who are these two characters?
- What led up to the event?
- How will the short begin? What action or image will initiate
the scene?
- What will bring about an end to the scene? With what image
will it close?
B. For the fi lm, complete the following preparatory work:
- Th e director meets with the actors, rehearses the scene, and
determines location, actions, and context in consultation with
them.
- Th e cameraperson, editor, and any other crew members
review the script and write out a shot list for the scene. For
the shot selection of the scene, follow these guidelines:
a. Th ere must be a variety of shots, including at least four
framings defi ned in the chapter.
b. Do not use any zooms during shots—any movements must
be done using a dolly or movement of the camera operator.
c. Use a tripod for at least one of the shots, if one is
av ailable.
- Th e production team meets and reviews the prepared
materials to fi nalize the plan for the shoot. If there is lack of
consensus, the director proposes a solution to the plan and
presents the proposal to the instructor for evaluation.
- Th e crew and actors shoot the scene.
- Th e editor cuts the scene in consultation with the director.
C. Guidelines – For all of the projects you do in association with this
textbook, you need to follow the guidelines established by your
instructor and your school. School and community rules concerning
language, controversial topics, defamatory or injurious depictions
of groups, and representations intended to malign or cause harm
to any individual must be strictly respected. Situations that involve
injurious violence, bodily harm, or danger to any person or animal
involved in the making of any motion pictures are not permitted.
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