Video 1B

The Chase

 

Concept: 10 points (group score)

Shot List: 20 points (group score)

Video: 100 points (individual score based on production contribution and editing quality)

Length: 90 to 120 seconds (30 separate shots)

 

OBJECTIVE: In this assignment you will work with your row group to brainstorm, write synopsis, create a shot list, and shoot a video comprised of a story that involves an extended chase sequence to three different locations around the school campus. 

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: You will need to pay attention to screen direction.  If a character exist the scene screen left, them he must enter the next scene, screen right. 

 

Chase scenes typically feature fast cutting.  See this film example.

 

Take a look at this contest example from some college students.

 

Take a look at this student example. 

 

This project is composed of the following elements:

1. Brainstorm story concept as a group

2. Write a synopsis as a group (separate grade)

3. Create a shot list (separate grade)

4. Video production

5. Edit project individually (separate grade)

 

PROCEDURE:

1. Brainstorm

You need to brainstorm story ideas in your group about the basic story.  You need to establish the following:

 

  1. Identify Director, person chased and person doing chasing.
  2. Why is the person being chased? (Did they take something from another person; are they trying to prevent something form happening; do they owe something to that person; are they being stalked?).
  3. The beginning should introduce the conflict. The middle should include suspenseful sequences that move the chased person to at least three different locations.  The story should have a resolution: either the person gets away, or is caught. 
  4. This story should be primarily visual, although you may have some dialog. 
  5. Include interesting camera angles, including a variety of different camera shots (XCU, CU, MS, LS, XLS, O/S).  
  6. The story must be suspenseful and creative. 

 

2. Synopsis Writing
See: What is a synopsis?

You should work together on deciding the lines for the characters.  Select a typist who will use Microsoft Word to turn in a synopsis with the names of all three members of the row group on it.  All three co-writers will receive the same score for the synopsis.  All members of the group should be satisfied with the synopsis before it is turned in.  Unsatisfactory synopses will be returned for revision.  The synopsis should avoid violence and other themes inappropriate for a school project.

 

List three names of group members at top.

1.      Director

2.      Chaser

3.      Chasee

4.      Three locations

5.      Describe reason for chase and how it concludes.

 

The file should have the names of all three contributors (Smith_Jones_Gomez_Chase.docx).  Upload this document to the “Chase Synopsis”  assignment link on School Loop.

 

3. Shot List

  1. Select one typist for your group.  This person will download to their desktop the Shot List Form (click here)
  2. The typist will change the document name to all list all three last names of the members of the group.  Example: Smith_Lee_Sanchez_shotlist.doc. 
  3. The group will then work together to discuss each required shot.  Students observed not participating fully in this collaborative effort will receive reduced points. 
  4. The shot list will feature three or more locations around campus. 
  5. Feature one (or more) shot with a handheld camera that shows the point-of-view of the chaser. 
  6. All members of the group are responsible for the final project. 
  7. The typist will turn in the project to the server. 
  8.  

See the example below of a shot list for the student example of this assignment.   

 

4. Video Production. 

  1. Make sure you have all necessary props on the day of your production.
  2. If the production is carried over to an additional day, make sure clothing matches. 
  3. Feature one (or more) scene with a handheld camera that shows the point-of-view of the chaser. 
  4. See grading criteria below for roles and responsibilities. 

 

5. Edit Project.  Each member of the group must submit an individual edit.  You must feature at least two different selections of music, either from FreePlayMusic.com or from GarageBand.  Compress the file as a CD-RM quality QuickTime movie. Give it your last name with the number 8 at the end.  The finished length should be between 90 and 120 seconds and have 30 or more shots). 

 

GRADING CRITERIA

Synopsis (10 points total)

1. The synopsis is creative and entertaining. 

2. The story is primarily visual, with a lot of visual description.

3. Story follows an arc with a beginning, middle, and end.

4. Synopsis is typed in a narrative paragraph format.

5. The synopsis should be saved as a Microsoft Word document. The file should have the names of all contributors.  Place this document on the server in the folder labeled “Chase Synopsis” 

 

 

Shot List (20 points total)

    1. All members of the group collaborated in writing the shot list. 
    2. 30 or more shots are listed.
    3. The shots listed create a coherent story and reflect creativity in shot type selection. 
    4. Features one (or more) scene with a handheld camera that shows the point-of-view of the chaser.
    5. All sections of the form are complete, with clear detail in the description section.
    6. The last names of each member are listed in the document name and the full names are listed at the top of document in the names section. 
    7. The Shot List document is saved as a Microsoft Word document. The document is placed on the server in the folder labeled “Chase Shot List”

 

  Video (100 points total)

  1. Performance (25% of total): 

You are graded on your performance as a director or an actor.  The director/camera operator is responsible for the following:

    1. Director/Camera Operator

                                                              i.      Camera composition (follows rule-of-thirds, proper headroom, proper framing).

                                                            ii.      Camera technique (color balance is correct; tripod is set properly.

                                                          iii.      Direction (shots have motion that will match when cut to; actors directed to give appropriate performance; retake scenes if needed).

                                                          iv.      Coverage (shooting enough footage to edit, including a variety of shots (CU, MS, OTS, LS, etc.)

                                                            v.      Creativity in shot selection.

                                                          vi.      Screen  direction is correct, character exiting a scene to the left of the frame, re-enter it to the right in the next scene.

    1. Actor

                                                              i.      Delivery of lines (phrasing appears natural; volume appropriate).

                                                            ii.      Affect (emotional response is appropriate to the character and the situation).

 

 

  1. Editing (65% of total)
    1. Demonstrate competent use of editing software.

                                                              i.      Effective selection of available takes.

                                                            ii.      Appropriate use of cuts and/or transitions.

                                                          iii.      Appropriate use of sound effects if needed for story

                                                          iv.      Music at start and end of video (over credits).

                                                            v.      Two or more different selections of music from either Royalty Free Music on FRHSVideo server or GarageBand. 

                                                          vi.      Pacing moves the story along without sacrificing clarity.

                                                        vii.      The title of the production (you make this up) follows logo.

                                                      viii.      Credits at the end list the following:

Directed by _________

Starring ________  ________

Edited by __________

 

  1. Professionalism (10% of total) 
    1. Professional attitude.

                                                              i.      Works well with others.

                                                            ii.      Follows classroom and school rules.

    1. Assignment completed in a timely manner.

                                                              i.      Assignment delivered in proper format and properly labeled.