Senior Portfolio Presentation
Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology
Portfolio Timeline
Student Name: Casey Jenkins
Major: Entertainment Technology
Title: Silent Films
Description: For my senior portfolio, I plan to express myself through silent films. My videos
will be free of dialogue and contain larger numbers of sound effects. The video must show how
actions are expressed without words through the use of different film techniques, sound effects,
music, and acting. I plan on studying the history of silent films and how they have evolved over
time. I want to learn of different directors such as Thomas Edison and Charlie Chaplin and how
their silent films affected history. I want to try to recreate older silent films and also create
newer, modern silent films with more artistic aspects of my own. I want to focus on creating
more movement in my shots. I want to use fewer static shots because that has been a slight
problem of mine. I plan on researching how editing of silent films changed over the years and
when sound started to take over silence. I also plan on researching how movie scores changed
and how films began to be edited better with the music or how scores were written specifically
for the film. I want to get better at writing video scripts. I will write 12 scripts for my
presentation and use 6 of them to make into actual videos. I must make a PSA that expresses the
theme of silent films. I also have to make a documentary, promotional video, and a music video.
My presentation will include a PowerPoint that will exhibit my work done in my senior year. I’ll
also try to get extra credit by speaking to my academic teachers about the topic of silent films.
Rationale for Choosing Topic: I want to use the topic of silent films because a modern silent
film can be made in a very creative, artistic way. I think it is important to master silent films
because they express feelings and stories through the way the camera is set up for each shot and
how it’s edited and lit. This will help me with my camera movement because it’s difficult to
focus on camera movement when there is a lot of dialogue going on. I also want to get better at
creating music and scores to go with the videos I make. I want to make my videos edited in sync
to the music that I use. I want to find sound effects and get better at using those. I want to grow
in making videos, and focusing on silent films will help me not only in terms of filming but also
artistically to show emotions in videos. Researching silent films in depth will be very interesting
because what was taught in class only scratched the surface of all the silent films that are actually
in circulation. There are still silent films made today that are usually more artistic, and I’d like to
learn about them and showcase those as well. Silent films are a unique way to get my idea across
because I can’t use dialogue. I can use more symbolism and unique shots or have melodramatic
actors with many sound effects to get my message across. I’ll spend the year researching and
filming for silent films.
Senior Portfolio Presentation
Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology
Portfolio Timeline
June Through August: I will begin my research and write most of my paper in my free time to
get an easier start to my senior year. I’ll also write a PSA and music video script on days I’m not
working.
September: I will film my PSA and edit it. I’ll storyboard the PSA before I film it so I’m better
prepared for editing and getting my idea across. I’ll have the majority of the paper done by the
end of September, and my third script should be finished.
October: My 4th script will be finished. I will try to find interning to help me with my topic, and
I’ll start working on my second project.
November: I’ll complete and submit my 5th script and finish the 2nd video project. I’ll start the
next over winter break.
December: I’ll finish the 6th script and finish my 3rd video project.
January: I’ll begin my 4th video project and have my paper finished by now. I’ll also join TSA
and the Tech Fair.
February: I’ll begin my 5th video project and finish it by the end of the month.
March: I’ll finish my 6th video project and begin my speech.
April: I’ll finish my speech and be prepared for my presentation.
Senior Portfolio Presentation
Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology
Portfolio Timeline
Ethics: Be truthful and trustworthy with self, information, relationships, and resources; maintain
high standards of conduct in business and personal transactions; have integrity and follow
through on commitments.
I’ll have to have a strong work ethic to get through 6 video projects, 12 scripts, my research
paper, TSA, and my presentation. I have to use good time management and stick to my timeline
and work as hard as I can.
Creativity: Approach new and perplexing problems with positive energy, uniqueness, and
originality of thought; develop worthwhile ideas and creations.
I should make my videos as unique as possible. I should use my own ideas and express myself.
Communication: Articulate thoughts and ideas effectively using oral, written, and nonverbal
skills in a variety of contexts; listen effectively to decipher meaning, knowledge, values,
attitudes, and intentions.
I must use as many different ways to get my point across. I’ll have to find different ways of
communicating messages without words to express different topics.
Technology Operations and Concepts: Understand and use technology systems; select and use
applications effectively; transfer current knowledge to learn new technologies; practice safe,
legal, and responsible use of information and technology.
I will research the different technologies that have filmed and edited silent films over time. I’ll
also learn to use a different editing system like Final Cut to edit my own videos to educate
myself with more advanced technologies. I’ll get better at using a MAC computer and maybe get
better at using a PC, too. I’ll understand my camera and other cameras better and learn as many
aspects about filming as possible.