TEACHING MIDDLE SCHOOLERS FILM
Production Materials
Storyboards
This was the students' first project. They learned the types of shots to use, such as long shot, over-the-shoulder, and close-up shots.
the final products
Students worked in teams to conceptualize short film ideas, draft storyboards, and take on the different roles of a production team to create a final film. The first main project they worked on was the conflict scene, where they had to visually represent an every-day conflict such as waking up late. This project introduced them to the steps of the creative process. Next, they studied French filmmaker George Méliès and his groundbreaking use of in-camera effects, and created their own special effects in disappearing objects. For their final project, they took a trip to the UMD Capital News Service studio to learn all about broadcast journalism. They then chose their own news beats and reported on different classes and activities going on at the youth center.
The students worked hard to learn how to use iMovie throughout the class, and all films are edited by the kids themselves.
From brainstorm...
...to storyboad.
Scripts
The anchors for each class period had to write a script for their announcements. They they had to practice, practice, practice!
Interview Questions
On-the-scene reporters chose another class to report on and prepared their interview questions in advance.
Logos
Other students drafted potential logos for the news report: Summer Star Specials. Next, the chosen logo was drawn on the computer.