The Fundamentals of Film

Teacher: Ms. Zoe L Ham

Tags:
Grade Level: 8th

The Fundamentals of Film

Technology and Cultural Expression

Objectives
Write 2-5 objectives stating expected learner outcomes.

Students will have a basic understanding of film vocabulary including film techniques (new and old),
genres, and the roles of the team it takes to make a movie. Students will use knowledge of film
techniques to increase their understanding and appreciation of films as an art form. Students will
increase literacy skills and demonstrate understanding by writing a brief film scene of their own creation.
Students will engage in the creative writing process including brain storming, story mapping, and
characterization. Students will learn the basics of video-making software.

Materials/Resources Needed:
White Board
Laptop or PC with DVD player
Projector
Digital Camera
Video-making software
Anticipatory Set
List specific statements or activities you will use to focus students on the lesson for the day.

Students will watch several movie clips and learn about film techniques.
Students will discuss film techniques and how the director uses these to convey meaning.
Discussion will include how films convey cultural values, and how they expose us to cultures that are
different from our own.
These discussions will be partly student-led.

Objective/Purpose
For the student's benefit, explain what students will be able to do by the end of the lesson and why these
objectives are important to accomplish.

Students will understand film terminology including techniques, and genres.

Students will have a better understanding of how film techniques give films meaning, and transmit
cultural values.
Students will engage in the creative writing process through group efforts at brainstorming, story-
mapping, and characterization.
Students will be given individual writing time in class with one-on-one attention from the instructor.
Students will utilize video-making software to make a short scene.

Input
What information is essential for the student to know before beginning and how will this skill be
communicated to students?

Students may receive an e-mail listing films to view before the STEAM program begins. Students will
have an understanding of film vocabulary before starting the creative writing or video-making process.
This will be communicated via visual depiction (film clip), verbal discussion, and printed page.
Model
If you will be demonstrating the skill or competence, how will this be done?

Students will write a short film scene using creative writing methods, incorporating an understanding of
film vocabulary that can be shared with other students. Students will produce a short film using video-
making software.

Check for Understanding

Identify strategies to be used to determine if students have learned the objectives.

Students will each participate in group discussions about film terminology and creative writing. Students
will prove understanding of film terminology and techniques, cultural significance, and creative writing
methods through completion of a brief film scene. Students will demonstrate understanding of video-
making software by producing a short video with their classmates.

Guided Practice
List activities which will be used to guide student practice and provide a time frame for completing this
practice.

Day 1- Introduction, watch movie clips, discuss film terminology (vocabulary, genres, team players)

Day 2- Watch movie clips, discuss film terminology and cultural significance of film, start discussing
creative writing methods: brain storming, story mapping

Day 3- Movie clips, discussion, creative writing methods, start writing!

– Individual writing time with one-on-one help

Day 4- Individual writing time with one-on-one help

Day 5- Finish film scenes and share

Day 6- Introduction to video-making software

Days 7-8 Making a movie! Shoot, edit, and produce a short movie with group.

Days 9-10 Blogging and sharing video, closure.

Closure
What method of review and evaluation will be used to complete the lesson?

Each student will complete writing a short film scene and help produce a short video with the other
students.

Independent Practice
List homework/seatwork assignment to be given to students to ensure they have mastered the skill
without teacher guidance.

Students will work on writing their film scenes at home on 1 or 2 days.

Accommodations

Hearing-impaired students will have subtitles to read and a projection of class discussions. Autistic
students can participate using low-lighting and “autism friendly” movie viewing (if applicable).

Modifications
In what ways will the curriculum by modified?

Reflective Notes
Post-lesson reflection