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8TH AUG 2008
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 Get creative and inspired with your 5 Step Guide to making Films for Learning inschool…
Making Films for Learning in school may seem like a daunting and lengthy task, but in reality it couldn’t be easier – or fun. This guide has been created to give you some simple tips and advice on how to make a 2-3 minute Film for Learning in school – now all you need are the ideas!
STEP 1: MAKE A PLAN
Ask yourself – “What’s the film going to be used for?”
Plan your film around a key subject or topic, e.g. Photosynthesis, French or Darwinism. A good film can be used again and again as an educational tool for future students
Keep the point of the film uppermost in your mind and ensure that you stick to it – it’s easy to get carried away by filmmaking!
Cameras at the ready! – What equipment will you need?
Computer: A Windows XP or Windows Vista based PC or laptop computer with Windows Movie Maker installed. If you can’t find Windows Movie Maker on your Windows XP or Vista computer, then download for FREE from www.microsoft.com/downloads
Camera: Any inexpensive spec digital camera or video camera can be used. Mobile phones with video capabilities work too. TIP: learn know how to use your camera before you start your filming!
Props: Save time and money by making the most of the props you have available in the classroom
STEP 2: RECRUIT YOUR CREW
Clear casting is essential: Create clear roles for teachers and students, i.e. director, producer, sound technician and actors – and swap roles during filming so everyone gets a go on both sides of the camera
STEP 3: GET INSPIRED & CREATIVE
Teachers should identify a subject and encourage students to think of ways to show the subject on film
Whether it’s a science, theatre or literature project, use the following criteria to cut your ‘long list to a short list’:
o Which idea tackles significant teaching/learning issues?
o Which are realistic in terms of what needs to be shown?
o Which are affordable in terms of their requirements?
o Which are manageable in the time available?
o Which idea would work well as a 2-3 minute film?
Be realistic! Unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment
Bring your ideas to life
· Create a story board for your film: start, middle and end
· Research publicly available music clips, photos, etc.
· Script all talking scenes
STEP 4: LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
It’s all in the detail
Production schedule: Producing a production schedule will ensure you stick to tight timings and get the job done on time – and that your filming fits into the schools schedule
Use the production schedule to document: props | locations | equipment | crew | rehearsal times
The perfect shot
The camera only sees what you point it at, if you need to show detail then get a close-up
Take plenty of footage so when it comes to editing it down you have some choice
Shoot all scenes at the same time if they make use of the same props or location. Even if they’re out of sync, this will save time setting it up again
Piecing the film together – editing
Write a title for each clip that describes the content so you can find it quickly later on
Pace is important – speeding it up or slowing it down can add to the viewers experience
Step back and look at it with a very cold eye. Be ruthless!
Need help with Windows Movie Maker? Find It Here
The soundtrack
Don’t swamp your film with loud, distracting music as this could detract from the message of the film
When using sound make sure it’s copyright free – you can look this up on the internet. Guidelines can also be found on the Films for Learning website: Click Here
The final phase
Messing around with titles, sound levels, fades, graphics and credits can take your eye off the ball – forget them until the film is finished
STEP 5: SHARE YOUR FILM & INSPIRE OTHERS
Once you’ve made your film – the fun can continue!
Share your movie with other schools by posting it on www.filmsforlearning.org. This site is safe with no advertising or inappropriate links
Visit the Community page on the website for a great forum where you can share and swap ideas
Get the chance to win prizes including web cams, digital video recorders and copies of Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate for both schools and students by entering our film competition, Capture It! For more details visit the website and go to ‘Competition’
For film ideas, more information or to get inspired by what other schools across the UK have achieved through Films for Learning, go to: www.filmsforlearning.org
Related Links
Student News
University News
College News
Provided by The Student Zone (United Kingdom) |
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