BHS TAG
Film Unit
2015
UNIT OVERVIEW
Students will study a variety of professional screenplays and films,
then write, produce, direct, and star in their own 20-30 minute film.
As fun as the unit sounds (and certainly can be), this is an intense
process that will challenge TAG students to think critically and
creatively. This unit will also force TAG students to demonstrate
leadership, problem solving abilities, and organizational skills.
In short, this will most certainly be one of the most intense and
challenging projects that TAG students have worked on throughout
their high school career. It is my hope, though, that it will also be the
most rewarding.
UNIT STEPS
While many students might be anxious to step behind the camera,
there are steps that must be followed before you yell “action!”
Step 1: Screenplay Reading
Students will select at least one professionally-written screenplay to
read and analyze. The focus of this analysis will be on the
screenplay’s story (vs. the finalized film version of the story), but
students are encouraged to observe screenplay format as well.
Students will then share their findings in an informal “round robin”
seminar, in which each student will discuss the screenplay they
analyzed, examining how it compared to the film that eventually
developed from it. During this seminar, students will be encouraged
to discuss a variety of issues, including scenes that were scripted but
not shot, along with general screenplay formatting issues.
Ultimately, the purpose of this analysis is to become familiar with the
general format and style of professionally written screenplays. While
only one analysis is required, it is highly recommended that students
read multiple screenplays in order to better understand how they are
written. The more students read, the easier it will be to write their
own!
DUE DATE: 03/17/2015
SCRIPT ANALYSIS VALUE: 25 POINTS
STEP 2: Technical Terms
After analyzing screenplays, students will devote a class period to
studying and practicing certain technical terms and formatting issues
exclusive to screenwriting and cinematography.
DATE: 03/19/2015
STEP 3: Director Presentations
Students will analyze the work of a director of their choosing and
prepare a 5-10 minute presentation to the class about their findings.
More details to come.
DATE: 03/27/2015
DIRECTOR PRESENTATION VALUE: 50 POINTS
STEP 4: Outlining/”Beat Sheets”
Before writing your script, you will develop a brief outline called a
beat sheet. This outline, if written well, will make the screenwriting
process much easier. The idea of this outline, typically called a beat
sheet, is to outline each and every scene so that you have an idea of
where your story is going from the very beginning. This is similar to
a storyboard.
This is a critical phase in the development of your short film. Your
beat sheet must be approved by me before you are allowed to advance
to the next phase.
BEAT SHEET DUE DATE: 04/07/2015
BEAT SHEET VALUE: 25 POINTS
STEP 5: SCREENWRITING
Once your beat sheet is approved, you will convert that sheet into a
20-30 page screenplay that adheres to proper format. Though you are
only responsible for analyzing one screenplay during class, students
are encouraged to remember this: screenwriters read screenplays.
PLEASE continue to read screenplays through the writing process—it
will help you more than you realize!
SCREENPLAY DUE DATE: 04/17/2015
SCREENPLAY VALUE: 100 POINTS
STEP 6: ADVERTISING
Students will be responsible for developing advertising for their
upcoming film. This advertising must include a movie poster and a
teaser trailer. It might also include a film website and/or facebook
page or other creative form for extra credit. Students might consider
researching recent unconventional film marketing campaigns, such as
the somewhat bizarre but highly effective viral campaign for The Dark
Knight. Ultimately, it is your job to “generate buzz” for your film.
ADVERTISING DUE DATE: 04/17/2015
ADVERTISING VALUE: 75 POINTS
STEP 7: FINAL FILM
The outline is done. The script is written. It’s show time.
Students will make a 20-30 minute film based on their script. While
the film will certainly deviate from the script at times (much like the
scripts we will discuss during our analysis), it should be a
recognizable rendition of your screenplay.
While all steps in this process are important, your film will represent
the unit—and the class—to those who view it. It is essential that your
film is a finished, polished, well-edited piece that represents only the
highest quality work, craftsmanship, and care.
Students, your film is not only a significant grade, but it is essentially
the legacy you will bestow on the future of BHS TAG. I don’t have film
examples from past years to show you. This IS my first rodeo, so to
speak, so let’s create a body of work to be proud of.
Ultimately, you will determine why I show your film to future classes.
Will it be because it’s something I want them to model or emulate, or
will I show it as a warning of what to avoid?
This has a chance to be more than just a school project, but a learning
experience you will carry with your for a lifetime. I encourage you to
make the most of it.
FINAL FILM DUE DATE:
05/05/2015
FINAL FILM VALUE: 200 POINTS
STEP 8: THE SCREENING – BHS MOVIE PREMIERE MONDAY MAY 7
More to come as we work out more details! In the end, though, I feel
that everyone, in some way, shape, or form, needs to contribute to a
screening of these films. We’ll work out the details on that later. For
now, let’s focus on being film students!
SCREENING DATE: 05/07/2015
SCREENING PARTICIPATION VALUE: 25 POINTS
TOTAL POINT VALUE: 500 POINTS
Award Categories:
Best Overall Film
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Editing
Others: