Our School Programs are designed to provide kids with a hands on experience of filmmaking. They will learn the basics of script preparation, costume and set construction, camera and sound operation, as well as computer editing techniques.

 

The DRAMA STREAM:

Week 1: A showcase of professional films and scripts.  Focus on scriptwriting and story telling

We will look at films made by other people, and in turn, discuss the content and meaning behind each.  Asking questions of the class, to stimulate discussion and critical exploration of what occurs in each film, how the story unravels, and what in turn that reveals about the story being told; the natures’ of stories themselves. 

 

We will use one film as an example and break it down into elements of production for discussion.  We will assess how the Script, Costume and set, Camera operation and Sound, and Edit individually operate and contribute to the film as a whole.  

 

We will then read from a professional script, to detail the nature of them, initiating the script writing process that will be taken up by each member of the class. 

 

The plan; [for example] a three minute script with main characters, crowd scenes, an animal, a fantasy scene and an oval; GO FOR IT!

 

Week 2: Creative scriptwriting session & Casting

This session will determine the film we will make. 

Class members are given the opportunity to offer their script and in turn learn the art of pitching a film.   After much discussion a vote will secure the winning script, which will then be picked to the bone to ensure it meets the professional standard! 

 

Casting will begin and roles will be assigned.

 

Week 3: Costume and Set design

You know that fantasy scene? Well! Then there’s the animal… 
So begins the collaborative nature of filmmaking!

 

Week 4: Camera operation and Sound capture 1

It’s all in the details! Class members will learn the technical skills of camera operation and sound capture, with each student getting a hands-on opportunity.  We will look at how sequences of shots interact, how the camera and actors interact, and different ways of using lighting to convey aspects of a story.

 

Working in groups: the class will be assigned tasks to encourage them to explore the ways in which emotion and mood is conveyed through cinematography and sound.  

 

Working with the script we will create a storyboard detailing the camera shots, sound details and lighting requirements for next weeks’ shoot.

 

Week 5: Camera Operation and Sound capture 2 & Pre-edit logs

READY, SET – ACTION! We will shoot the film and watch what we have shot, making a pre-edit log of the good scenes and the bad.

 

Week 6: Editing techniques and film production to screen
Titles and Credits
Marketing your film

Edited versions of the footage shot in the previous session will be viewed and discussed.  A final component of the film will be reserved to walk through step by step processes of editing, which will occur live in class. 

We will look at the poster art of film history, create merchandise to accompany the class production and advertise the premiere!