Video Production in the Classroom
Contents
Production
Treatment ………………………………………………………………………………..pp 2-3
Storyboarding Samples …….…….………..…………………………………..…pp 4-8
Roles of the Film Crew ……………………………………………………………….…p 9
Evaluation
Sample Movie Rubric ………………………………………………….………….....p 10
Student Self-Assessment ………………………………………………………….…..p 11
Student Goal Setting …………………………………………………………………….p 12
Blank Rubric ………………………………………………………………………………….p 13
Reflection Journal ……………………………………………………….………………..p 14
Film Festival Guidelines …………………………………………………..…………….……p 15
Checklist ………………………………………………………………………..………………….…p 16
Submission Form ……………………………………………………………….………………..p 17
Video Release Form ………………………………………………..……………..……….…..p 18
Resources ………………………………………………………….………………………….pp 19-21
1
Treatment
How to Write a Treatment for a Script/Screenplay
In a nutshell, a treatment is a detailed outline of your film from start to finish - including your basic
idea, your characters, the mood, the purpose, and a short version of the story. Some writers love
them whilst others loathe them.
No matter what your view on treatments is, there is no mistaking that they are a very powerful tool
for scriptwriters that force you into thinking about the path your story will take before you start
writing and filming, rather than focusing on the "cool scenes".
Writers who prefer to skip this step and dive straight into the 1st draft of the screenplay tend to
write really horrible scripts which, in turn, make horrible movies. It makes good sense to have a
good, long think about your story before writing a script for your story.
Treatments are a very good way of presenting your ideas to people before you have started to
create a script. Your treatment should be short and snappy so that it grabs people’s attention. If you
are writing for a short film, your treatment should be condensed down to one or two pages.
It's an important tool to help you develop your script.
Layout of a Treatment
You are basically writing your film down as a story minus the extra detail. You should keep the
length to no more than 1-2 pages. An example to start might be:
A huge passenger ship sails into calm seas. The deck is crowded with holiday-makers and the ships
captain looks out to the horizon. The tension builds as we cut between the happy holiday-makers
and the countdown on a bomb in the cargo bay.
Suddenly BOOM! A gigantic explosion rips the ship in two. Flames and smoke fly hundreds of feet
into the air...
As you can see, some detail but not too detailed. Certain scenes may be simply referred to in this
type of treatment whereas key sequences may benefit from fuller descriptions.
Break your script down into five sub-categories: concept, characterization, theme, tone, and story.
This allows you to add into your treatment what is unique about your approach, what people will
find interesting, as well as telling the story.
2
Title
Projected length (time):
Film Makers:
__
__________
 Concept (the basic premise of your film):
 Characterization (the characters and their characteristics):
o Character 1
o Character 2
o Character 3
o Character 4
 Theme(s) (the underlying idea(s) or messages behind your film- what you are trying to
say and/or accomplish):
 Tone: (the mood or feeling that you are you trying to create -- humorous, scary,
serious, sadness, etc.):
 Story- (the basic plot or sequence of events of your film):
3
Storyboard Template
This template document contains some sample storyboard templates. Choose
whichever one suits your needs, and of course you may change the template as you
see fit to suit your project.
The idea with storyboards is to block out your video or multimedia project before you
go to the effort of creating any of the elements. The storyboard review and approval
stage is one of the stages of pre-production that allows all people involved to
visualize the final project, to an extent. It provides an opportunity for discussion, and
helps you determine your final budget. Storyboards also help you save time and
money when you put the elements together because you know what shots can be
grouped together, taken at the same time, or with the same resources.
Depending on your organization, storyboards can be very informal – just scribbles and
stick figures, or more formal – good looking graphics. One thing to consider is how
much effort you’d like to put into a storyboard or whether you efforts could be better
applied to the actual production.
4
Sample 1:
Video Storyboard
TITLE of Project: ________________________________________
SUBJECT: _________________________________ PAGE: __ of ____
VIDEO
AUDIO
Rough sketch of the shot. Stick figures acceptable.
Narration, voiceover script, dialogue, sound effects, music, etc.
Sample
5
Sample 2:
Screen Title:
800 x 600
__________________________________________________
Date: _______
Screen ______
Links from:
Links to:
Navigation:
Screen Description
Graphics:
Animation:
Audio:
Video:
Functionality:
Interactivity:
Hyperlinks:
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time: ________
of _________
Sample 3:
7
Sample 4:
Titles
0:00
0:45
Intro
Credits
Video 1
Picture of finished product.
Video 2
Making grilled cheese
Audio 2
Narrate the process
Music
Song…
Sound fx
Sizzle
8
Roles of a Film Crew
Director
The director is responsible for the overall look and feel of the movie. A director is usually the
primary creative force behind a motion picture.
Casting Director
The casting director hires actors for the necessary roles. Sometimes this requires an audition on
the part of the actor, but many parts, especially lead roles, are handed out based on an actor’s
reputation and star power.
Location Manager
The location manager manages details surrounding filming on location. The majority of a
modern motion picture is shot in a studio, but occasionally outdoor sequences will call for
filming outside the studio, on location.
Production Manager
The production manager manages the production budget and schedule. He or she also reports
on behalf of the production office to the financiers.
Director of Photography/Cinematographer
The director of photography (DOP) designs and coordinates the picture and lighting. He or she
cooperates with the director, first assistant director (1AD), director of audiography (DOA) and
assistant director (AD). He or she may also be listed in the credits as cinematographer. There is
no real difference between the titles.
Production Designer
The production designer creates the look and feel of the setting and costumes.
Storyboard Artist/Graphic Designer
The storyboard artist/graphic designer helps the director and production designer
communicate their ideas by creating artwork for the production.
Director of Audiography
The director of audiography (DOA) designs and coordinates the sound and music. He or she
cooperates with the director, 1AD, DOP, and AD.
Sound Designer
The sound designer creates new sounds with the help of Foley artists.
Music Composer
The music composer creates new music.
Choreographer
The choreographer creates and coordinates the movement and dance, typically for musicals,
although some films credit a fight choreographer.
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*double click the template on this page for a larger, clearer Acrobat version
10
Reflect on your participation in the group. Think about
your learning and what your group is trying to achieve.
1. What is one example of your participation that you are
proud of and has helped your group?
2. What are two tips you would give someone else doing
this role/work?
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Student Goal Setting
Goal
Steps
Evidence
What do I want to get out of this?
How do I plan to do this?
How will I know I am on the right track?
Time Frame:
Begin: _________________________________________ End: ________________________________________________
Date: __________________________________________ Signed: ______________________________________________
*Adapted from Knowing What Counts: Self-Assessment and Goal Setting, p. 55. Gregory, Cameron, Davies, 2011.
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Pre Production
Planning Sheet
Story Board
Content
Organization of
Content
Originality
Making Inferences
Making the viewer
think
Summarizing
Film Elements
Raising Questions
Focus on Important
parts of the subject
Lighting/Sound
Camera work
13
What did I do?
What did I
learn?
What will I do
next?
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PSSD Film Festival Guidelines
Film Entry

The content of the movie must comply with a “G” rating and be suitable for all audiences.

The content must also be suitable for viewing in the classroom as deemed appropriate at the sole discretion of
our Film Festival Reviewing Committee. (The committee reserves the right to disqualify a movie based on their
sole discretion).

No violence or stunt work, or anything dangerous should be attempted for these films. Basically, anything you
can’t do at school must not be attempted for the film.

Any use of prop weapons must already be in place with the original content that the film is based on. Teams and
individuals may not introduce weapons as a ‘twist’ or to change the original content. If prop weapons are used
in the film they must be non-functioning replicas. All safety precautions must be used.

The content of the film must be original or public domain. Limit filming students or kids not on the team; video
release forms must be submitted for all people filmed and all crew members not filmed -anyone who is part of
the film. Ask adults for permission to film them prior to filming them. Respect people’s privacy.

The film must be made by the Prairie Spirit School Division students on the team and their original work evident
in the production.

The film must not exceed the film category time limit, including credits.
o Trailers - 2 minutes and 30 second maximum (2:30)
o Short Films (i.e., Documentary, Adaptation) - 5 minute maximum (5:00)
o Public Service Announcements - 1 minute maximum (1:00)
o Music Videos - 5 minute maximum (5:00)

The film, submission form, and the student release documents, must all be complete, appropriately formatted,
and submitted on time to be qualified for entry. Once submitted, the contestants/participants grant Prairie Spirit
School Division the right to publish the movie in part or in whole in any medium.

Ideally, all of the film’s content should be original work which includes the music, logos, and artwork. See the list
of resources in the reference book for tips and ideas on finding and creating original artwork or use of media
from the public domain. Please cite works used.
How to Enter Your Film

By March 18, 2015, teachers must register their intent to submit a film by contacting Corinne Dutka at Prairie
Spirit School Division. Please include the film category, content area, grade level, teacher’s name, and school.

On or before May 6, 2015 submit film entries, Submission Forms, and Video Release Form to Jon Yellowlees.
Please submit films in the mp4 video format on either a USB drive or DVD. Please label USB drives so they can be
returned to you. *Forms are included in the PSSD Film Festival Handbook.

Not all entries will be screened at the Roxy Theatre due to time constraints. Participants will be notified in
advance which films have been chosen for screening.
~Above information adapted from the Evergreen School District 2012 Student Film Festival online Handbook
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PSSD Film Festival Checklist
____ By March 18, 2015: Pre-register by contacting Corinne Dutka with your ‘Intent to Submit a Film
Entry’ via email or phone at 306-683-2800 (voice messages are welcome). The only
information we would appreciate at this time is:
-the number of films being entered in each category;
-content area the film is based on;
-grade level; and
-teacher’s name and school name.
____ By May 6, 2015: Send the following entry components to Jon Yellowlees:
-mp4 video formatted film entry on labelled USB drive or DVD;
-Submission Form for the entry (p. 15 of FF Reference Book);
-Video Release Forms (signed by students and their parents, p. 18 of FF Reference Book);
ALL crew members, regardless of their role, and any ‘extras’ appearing on camera must
submit this form, and
-Storyboard – original version along with notes regarding changes made during
production
All forms can be scanned and sent via email to Jon Yellowlees or faxed to 306-683-8221.
*Please ensure USB or DVD and paperwork arrives at the division office by May 6.
____ Please ensure the film name is the same on the Digital File as on the Submission Form .
____ correctly format film entries – mp4 video format
____ include a title frame – part of total film length
____ include film credits – part of total film length
____ cite all resources included in the final version of the film (graphics, artwork, logos, music, etc.)
____ note any permissions granted for inclusion of existing works
____ send in each film’s Storyboard and notes regarding any changes made to the storyboard
during production – what was changed and why the changes were made.
Learners for Life
Learning without limits in a world of possibilities
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Film Title: ______________________________________________________________
Film Category (check one):

Brief Description of Submission:
Short Film – 5 min. max.
 Music Video – 5 min. max.
 Movie Trailer – 2:30 min. max.
 Documentary – 5 min. max
 Public Service Announcement (PSA) – 1 min. max
Teacher Name: ___________________________________________________________
Teacher Signature certifying this submission: _________________________________
School Name: _____________________________________________________________
Student Team Member #1: ___________________________________________________
Grade: _______ Student role in the film: __________________________________________
Student Team Member #2: ___________________________________________________
Grade: _______ Student role in the film: __________________________________________
Student Team Member #3: ___________________________________________________
Grade: _______ Student role in the film: __________________________________________
Student Team Member #4: ____________________________________________________
Grade: _______ Student role in the film: __________________________________________
Please add additional team members on the back of this page using the same formatting.
Thank you for printing neatly when filling in this form .
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Box 809 • 121 Klassen
St. E. Warman SK CAN •
S0K 4S0 Phone: 306683-2800
Fax: 306-934-8221
www.spiritsd.ca
Video Release Form
By signing this form, you agree to the terms and conditions of this agreement.
I hereby give my permission to the Prairie Spirit School Division (PSSD) to use my work, videotape, or otherwise record my name,
voice, and/or likeness in its publications.
I understand that examples of my work and/or these recordings of me will be used exclusively for non-commercial, educational
purposes, which may include, but not limited to, distribution by print, internet, or digital media and open-circuit broadcast, closedcircuit, and/or cable television transmission within or outside of the province of Saskatchewan for the duration of the media.
I understand that there will be no financial or other remuneration for use of my work and/or recordings, either for initial or
subsequent transmission or playback, and I hereby release PSSD from any liability resulting from or connected with the publication
of such work. Permission is granted for the duration of the media.
I further understand that my permission or consent may be rescinded; however, in order for the revocation of permission/consent
to be effective, it must be made in writing and said revocation will not affect the publication or work that has already been
produced. PSSD may use my name, likeness, work, and/or bibliographical identification for publicizing and promoting the use of
these recordings.
PSSD has permission to videotape or otherwise record my name, voice, and/or likeness for educational purposes and to use my work
for educational purposes.
� yes � no
Student Name (Please Print): ______________________________________________________
School (if applicable): ____________________________________________________________
Home Address: _________________________________________________________________
Town/City: _____________________________________________________________________
Province: _______________________________________ Postal Code: ____________________
*Student Signature: _____________________________________________________________
Date: _________________________________________________________________________
*Parent Name (Printed): __________________________________________________________
*Parent Signature: _______________________________________________________________
Date: __________________________________________________________________________________
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Resources
*If inappropriate content is found on the links provided please notify Corinne Dutka and Jon Yellowlees immediately.
We welcome any recommendations you have to add to this list of resources.
www.ymiteacher.com - Great resources for how to do different types of video and skills involved.
http://www.videomaker.com/youtube/ - Professional Resource and Idea on Video Making
http://go.hrw.com/resources/go_ss/teacher99/toolkit/TOOLKT06.pdf - Storyboard Sample Information
http://edtech.guhsd.net/video/videoplan.html - Planning Guides
http://blogush.edublogs.org/2012/12/26/how-to-make-rsa-animate-style-videos-with-your-class/
How to Make RSA Animate Style Videos with Your Class
http://blogush.edublogs.org/2010/12/27/commoncraftvideosmiddleschoolsocialstudies/
How to Make Common Craft Style Videos with Your Class
http://www.cybercollege.org/tvp_ind.htm - Free online video production text.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWPjjoOFIu8 - Storyboarding, AFI’s Lights, Camera, Education! AFI Screennation
http://filmmakeriq.com/2010/10/500-storyboard-tutorials-resources/ - 500 Storyboard Tutorials and Resources
http://digvid4classroom.wikispaces.com/Print+Resources - Digital Video for the Classroom: Print Resources
http://21stcenturylearningacademy.wikispaces.com/ - The Learning Academy
Learn the Curriculum Through the Wonders of Film Making. Covers many aspects of film making and provides resources.
http://mystatefilmfestival.com.au/teachers - Teacher Resources
http://mystatefilmfestival.com.au/students - Student Resources
Film making guides: Writing, Crew, Cinematography, Sound, and Editing. Excellent resource!
http://digvid4classroom.wikispaces.com/file/view/AFIScriptFormatGuide.pdf/35081825/AFIScriptFormatGuide.pdf
Script Formatting
http://www.ace-your-audition.com/auditions-for-film.html - Ace Your Audition
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/finetuning-your-acting-performance-on-film.html - Fine Tune Your Acting Performance
on Film
Camera Work:
http://mystate.com.au/portals/7/documents/MakeItLookAwesome-Cinematography.pdf
Make It Look Awesome Guide
http://www.siggraph.org/education/materials/HyperGraph/animation/cameras/traditional_film_camera_techniqu.htm Traditional
Film Camera Techniques
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkOqzJB-p68 Five Deadly Sins of Amateur Video
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http://www.schooltube.com/video/12c565e433904cf89f27/The%205%20Deadly%20Sins%20of%20Amateur%20Video The Five
Deadly Sins of Amateur Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeKy2SvYpdU Framing Your Subject
Lighting:
http://digvid4classroom.wikispaces.com/file/view/AFILighting.pdf/35081939/AFILighting.pdf
Three Point Lighting
http://mystate.com.au/portals/7/documents/MakeItLookAwesome-Cinematography.pdf
Make It Look Awesome Guide
Sound:
http://mystate.com.au/portals/7/documents/MakeItSoundSweet-Sound.pdf Make It Sound Sweet
Soundation Studio: create original music
Create and import original music.
http://soundation.com/studio
Partners in Rhyme: royalty free sound effects and music
General sound effects, public domain sound effects, free royalty free sound effects.
http://www.partnersinrhyme.com/pir/PIRsfx.shtml
http://www.ccmixter.org/%20 CCmixter: Creative Commons music and remix tracks.
http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/ Incompetech: royalty free music and sound fx.
Evergreen School District Online Resource Guide, pages 9 and 10:
Traditional Film Camera Techniques
http://www.siggraph.org/education/materials/HyperGraph/animation/cameras/traditional_film_camera_techniqu.htm
The Five Deadly Sins of Amateur Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etVxvl6mcJ8
Video in the Classroom: Closing the Achievement Gap through Video Production
Matthew Needleman teaches in the LAUSD and has produced many sites that support teachers as they use technology to improve
instruction. Click on the tab ‘Make Video’ to see a helpful menu on the left sidebar.
http://www.videointheclassroom.com/
The Library of Congress American Memory Project
You can search by time period in history or by subject to find amazing historical photos.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/browse/
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Examples of Student Films
Studentfilms.com
Welcome to Studentfilms.com, the online short film festival and film school for film students and aspiring filmmakers
everywhere.
http://www.studentfilms.com
Videos in the Classroom.com
Video in the Classroom was founded in 2003 by Mathew Needleman to focus on video production in elementary
grades. The site was recently re-launched to showcase the work of elementary educators from across the country and
provide additional how-to information, additional links, and a complete redesign.
http://www.videointheclassroom.com/view_movies/index.html
My State Student Film Festival
Examples of student made films.
http://mystatefilmfestival.com.au/films
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