PROJECT 3: CONTINUITY STORYTELLING / MINI-DOCUMENTARY

FILMP/MEDP 160 • SPRING 2014

PROJECT 3: CONTINUITY STORYTELLING / MINI-DOCUMENTARY

You have the option of doing either a MINI-DOCUMENTARY or a CONTINUITY STORY for your final project. You will work in groups of two and create one project together.

OPTION 1

For this project you will work as a team (in groups of two) to write, shoot and edit a film that utilizes the basic principles of continuity shooting and editing. Your film may not be longer than 3 minutes.

We’re looking for a tightly shot and edited film that shows visual control and holds together as a  story.  A tight one minute film is better than a sloppy three minute piece.

We are working with double-system sound, so these stories must be conceived with strong visual continuity, and any dialog needs to be filmed with real care. You may certainly use ambience recorded at your location, as well as music and sound effects in post.

Pre - production involves conceiving of the story, writing a concept, scouting locations, finding actors, and storyboarding your film (required).

Devise your film story around one of the following continuity techniques (your choice):

1) A two person (or three person) interaction; or a person and object interaction (like a task). In this scenario you must observe the principles of continuity that we will review in class (180 rule, 30 degree rule, eyelines, cutting on action, etc.) AND you must include at least one POV shot. The idea here is to create narrative and emotional emphasis through careful control of scene coverage and editing.

2) Moving one person through space: Your character needs to move through space (interior or exterior or both). Their movement can be to accomplish a task (i.e. clean their apartment before someone arrives) or it can be to go toward a specific destination (such as get to a job interview despite encountering obstacles). In either case, the character has a clear objective and they either succeed or they fail or there is a twist at the end. Emphasis will be on proper screen direction, the sharp use of elliptical editing and pacing (and proper shot/reverse shot technique if any interactions are involved). AND you must include at least one POV shot sequence.

3) A chase/follow or meeting sequence: This option involves creating a story that

involves two people moving through space – one person chasing (or following or

meeting) another. The dramatic purpose of the chase or meeting needs to become

clear at some point. Maintaining proper screen direction and landmark details are

important. AND you must include at least one POV shot sequence.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Options 2 and 3 may be interior, exterior or both, but MUST involve several different

locations. (i.e. Exterior Hunter North, interior hallway, interior elevator, etc.)

• You will be expected to maintain cinematic continuity (interactions and movement)

from cut to cut. Some controlled non-continuity sections for dramatic emphasis may

also be employed.

• Framing is important. Take time to create interesting and appropriate frames for

the action.

• You MUST utilize at least ONE looking/POV/reaction sequence during the film.

• You may edit this piece to appropriate music but it is not required (i.e. music

that adds mood, tension, or momentum to the piece).

OPTION 2: MINI-DOCUMENTARY

This assignment involves creating a short portrait of an individual or group here at Hunter.

The idea is to develop a short (1:15 to 2:00) non-fiction piece that involves an interview as well as visual evidence. Hunter College, with its tens of thousands of students and thousands of staff members, is as big as a small town. And as in any small town, there are myriad activities that go into making it what it is. Pick an individual, group, faculty member, student or staff person who you think has something of interest to offer. Remember that you will need to have some visuals that tell a story in addition to your interview.

You should pre-interview, as we did with our audio profiles, and restrict yourself to 5 to 10 minutes of interview material. Remember you will be working with our zoom recorders, with limited capabilities, so you will have to get close and pick a quiet location. In addition you should plan to get some type of visual material that will enrich the interview, whether it is a sports or club activity, a class, or even a particular job on campus. Remember, the visuals are more than just “B-roll.” They should help tell the story on their own.

Narration/Voice-over: While not required, you can add additional info as a narration/voice- over track as you see fit. This can be recorded onto one of the zoom recorders, and inserted during your editing, for example to introduce and perhaps wrap up your story. (No on-camera hosts please!)

Titles. For a story of this sort remember you'll need main titles, as well as “lower third” identifying titles for the people you speak to.

Preproduction for this includes a one-page Treatment or Proposal, a list of interview questions and a shot list of what you hope to get.  

Treatment and storyboard or shotlist due Lab 11

Final Project due Lab 14

NOTE:  Due to the complexities of editing sound and picture, you should expect to do some editing on this project OUTSIDE of class time.