Short+Narrative


 * Week 3 >> Short Narrative

Title:** Short Narrative "Two Thumbs Up!: A Student Video Production" (view the complete article here: http://exchanges.state.gov/forum/vols/vol38/no1/p6.htm)
 * Description:** Create a 1-3 minute short narrative based on a scene from a novel, play or movie.
 * Level:** intermediate to advanced
 * Contributed by:** Elisabeth Gareis


 * Examples:**
 * Example script and shooting script below.


 * Materials and technology:**
 * TV with VHS / DVD player
 * Shotgun or lavaliere microphone
 * DV Camera / Computer with editing software


 * Overview**
 * Select a theme such as a striking passage from a novel or play.
 * Select roles for cast and crew.
 * Draw a storyboard and write a screenplay and shooting script.
 * Use warm-up exercises for acting and teamwork.
 * Start rehearsing.
 * Arrange for props, the set, and possibly makeup, costumes, music, and special effects.
 * Videotape several takes of each scene.
 * Edit the video.
 * Create and exhibit a poster advertising the video screening.
 * Invite guests to the video premiere.
 * Have a party.
 * Watch the video together.
 * Give awards to cast and crewmembers.

**Procedure:**
//**Pre-production**//
 * Select a passage from a novel, play or movie script.
 * Get into groups and discuss the tasks and roles to be carried out. (If the class is small, production members can have multiple roles.)

[Discuss the specifics of each task. This is necessary so that everyone understands how the parts that each student contributes (e.g., story- board, props, set) fit into the master plan. After each task is clarified, students separate to pursue their roles either individually or in groups. These activities can be done during class time or as a homework assignment.]

//**Production**//
 * After the storyboard, screenplay, and shooting script have been finalized and studied by crew and cast, plans are made for the production. The necessary equipment is secured, materials for props and costumes obtained, and the set prepared for action. Most importantly, the director and cast start rehearsing.

//**Rehearsals**//
 * Group chanting of tongue twisters and poems is fun and prepares students to focus on pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation. (Click [|here] to find examples of this in the full article.)
 * Students might also find it helpful to practice upcoming dialogues as choral readings between groups of students instead of pairs.
 * Each actor can imagine how his or her character will walk and talk and which gestures and facial expressions he or she will use.
 * Although cast and crew can provide input, operations will be smoother and less time-consuming if the director has clear ideas about how a scene should be acted and filmed. The role of the director is very complex. I often take on the function of assistant to the student director to aid with the task.

//**Taping**//
 * For everybody to get used to the videotaping process and to allow for problem solving and self-reflection, it is helpful to videotape some of the rehearsals and then view them. These preliminary viewings can be used to constructively critique task performance and eliminate problems before the final taping. Finally, the director determines the call-time for the first day of shooting, and everyone assembles for the main part of the project.
 * Everybody in the cast and crew works to shoot as perfect a video as possible. If editing equipment is available, scenes may be shot out of sequence. Several takes of each scene can be collected so that the best take can be selected later. If no editing equipment is available, the video has to be shot in sequence, so cast and crew should rehearse each scene several times before shooting it. The title of the production should be written on a blackboard or poster and filmed prior to shooting. Similarly, credits can be added after the video is completed.
 * If the shooting extends over several class sessions, dailies (the day’s recordings) can be watched at the end of each session for pleasure and analysis. During this viewing, preliminary decisions can be made as to which takes will be most suitable for the final cut.


 * //Postproduction//**
 * After the final wrap, the director and editor(s) work together to complete the video.


 * //Screening//**
 * When the video is complete, it is time to celebrate. My students have enjoyed staging opening night ceremonies, complete with invited guests, refreshments, and achievement awards for actors and crew. Students create a poster for the performance, make plans for opening night, and act as announcers during the award ceremony. Students also serve as judges. Each student in the class receives an award. Categories include not only “best actor” and “best actress,” but also “most organized,” “most technically talented,” “most laid-back,” and so forth.

(Click [|here] to read the full article – scroll down to locate the above mentioned tips.)
 * //Production tips://**
 * Teachers should consider the following tips for a successful production process:

Sample Screenplay: “A Wedding That Almost Wasn’t”
Bob, the bridegroom Alfred, the best man Susie, the bride Julia, Susie’s mother Ben, Susie’s father wedding guests
 * Cast:**

(Outside a church on a beautiful day in June. The guests for Bob and Susie’s wedding are assembled, but the bride is late. The groom is getting worried.)


 * Bob:** (looking worried) I wonder what’s wrong…


 * Alfred:** Don’t worry, Bob. Susie’ll be here. They probably got stuck in traffic. (In her bathroom. Susie is standing in front of the mirror, applying makeup. Her mother is calling from the other room.)


 * Julia:** Come on, Susie. We’re already half an hour late. Your father is waiting downstairs. He is probably getting nervous.

(In front of the house. Susie’s father is waiting next to the car. He is yawning. In front of the church, Bob looks agitated.)


 * Bob:** (looking frustrated) That’s it. I’m leaving. And to think I trusted her…

(Bob takes off his carnation, throws it to the ground, and leaves.)

(running after Bob) Bob! Darling! Wait! Wait!
 * Susie:**

(Bob turns around, happy to see her; they hug.)

(hugging Bob) I love you.
 * Susie:**

Sample Shooting Script: “A Wedding That Almost Wasn’t”
wedding guests flower girls bridesmaids Bob, the bridegroom Alfred, the best man Susie, the bride Julia, Susie’s mother Ben, Susie’s father preacher
 * Cast:** (in order of appearance)


 * 1. EXTREME LONG SHOT:** Outside a church on a beautiful day in the summer. The guests for Bob and Susie’s wedding are assembled. Many cars are parked in front of the church.


 * 2. LONG SHOT:** Two flower girls are playing marbles. Other wedding guests are standing in groups, talking.


 * 3. FULL SHOT:** Three bridesmaids are standing together, looking impatient. The one in the middle is looking at her watch.


 * 4. MEDIUM, OVER-THE-SHOULDER SHOT:** Bob, the bridegroom, and Alfred, the best man, are standing in front of the church. Bob looks worried.

BOB I wonder what’s wrong…

ALFRED Don’t worry, Bob. Susie’ll be here. They probably got stuck in traffic.


 * 5. MEDIUM SHOT:** In Susie’s bathroom. Susie is standing in front of the mirror, applying makeup.

JULIA (voice-over) Come on, Susie. We’re already half an hour late. Your father is waiting downstairs. He is probably getting nervous.


 * 6. LONG SHOT:** In front of the house. Susie’s father is waiting next to the car. He is yawning.


 * 7. MEDIUM SHOT:** Back in front of the church. Bob looks agitated, frustrated.

BOB That’s it. I’m leaving. And to think I trusted her…

(He takes off his carnation, throws it to the ground, and leaves.)


 * 8. CLOSE-UP:** The carnation is lying on the ground, and Bob’s feet are seen as he walks away.


 * 9. LONG SHOT:** Bob exits the frame. The carnation is lying on the ground in the middle of the frame.


 * 10. Camera PANS** to show Susie running around the corner trying to catch up with Bob.

SUSIE Bob! Darling! Wait! Wait!


 * 11. CLOSE-UP, REACTION SHOT:** Bob turns around, his face showing relief and happiness.


 * 12. MEDIUM SHOT:** Bob and Susie hug each other.

SUSIE I love you.


 * 13. CLOSE-UP:** Bob and Susie kiss. Wedding music starts playing. The camera ZOOMS OUT, and we see that the background has changed. The couple is now in the church in front of the altar.

//Many thanks to Elizabeth Gareis for the use of her lesson and student videos for EVO Video 07 -- Ryan, Nicolas, & Mike//