GCSE C2- Attack the Block video resources

C1 SA key scenes

C2SA SWTFA Key scenes and context videos

Yr 12 Booksmart micro elements

EDITING VIDEO - Cuts and transitions 101

FILM SOUND

A-Level Coursework feedback 2019

NEA FEEDBACK 2019                                                                                                                                                                  

·         When making a short film remember this: less is typically more. Do not attempt to compress a feature length plot into a short film of 5 minutes.

·         Think about a subject that you care about: is there something in your local community?

·         Think of a genre that might allow you to shape a story around just one or two characters

·         A page of script roughly equates to one minute of screen time.

·         Emphasise action over dialogue

·         Do not use dialogue to explain a plot point: for these short film projects, it might be productive for any ‘exposition’ or background information to be given as text at the very beginning of the film.

·         Consider a visual motif for your film: a prop, a place, etc that symbolises the entire idea of the story and that you can then bring to life through visuals: placing it within the frame as part of the mise-en-scene. Eg- microphone in Singin’ in the Rain

·         What does your protagonist want: what is their goal and also: consider this: what is their key defining trait: that is to say: how do they react to circumstances? Really think about what they do rather than what they say.

·         When developing your initial idea you might focus on a character as your starting point for developing a script. But, there could be lots of creative potential in developing a storyline that is prompted by a place, or a theme (which would connect to genre) or perhaps even just an image. Sometimes, gathering a range of ‘random’ images from various sources can help stimulate ideas at the earliest phase. Remember, a short film is primarily a visual medium and not a literary one.

·         Keep dialogue in the script very succinct. Even within the short 5 minute format some students may feel the ambition to explore the use of voice over. If so, this might make for a slightly more ‘involved’ production and post-production process as they would need to record clean usable sound separate to their time allocated for filming. In the edit process, combing the voice over with the images may require a little more of a defined idea of time allocation. All of this said, such creative choices and their practical ramifications make excellent learning opportunities.

·         Remember: the script doesn’t only tell the story, it also tells you everything you need to know in terms of what you will need to actually make the short film project happen: number of cast, locations, potentially how involved the edit process might be.

·         With your storyboard think about showing characters in your foreground and background as this will help develop the visual interest of your short film.

·         Remember: to vary the height at which your camera is placed. Try not to film everything at head height.

·         Pay attention to appropriate titling.

YouTube channel

Here is the Department YouTube channel

This is where you can find production work from previous cohorts. Use this as inspiration, motivation and stimulus for your own NEA work.

BBFC Classification

^{The BBFC rating symbols used for film industry regulation}

The film industry in the UK is regulated by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). The BBFC is responsible for classifying films that have a cinema and DVD release.

The BBFC uses published Classification Guidelines for certain age ranges, ensuring that the content of the film is age appropriate and that children or young people do not see films that are unsuitable for them.

The BBFC Classification Guidelines are based on regular research with the public and updated every 4-5 years. The research involves more than 10,000 people from across the UK, including teenagers. The Classification Guidelines are available on the BBFC website.

The classifications are:

• U – Suitable for all
• PG – Parental Guidance
• 12A – Only used for films shown in cinemas and suitable for 12 years and over. However, people younger than 12 may see a 12A so long as they are accompanied by an adult
• 12 – Video release suitable for 12 years and over
• 15 – Suitable for only 15 years and over
• 18 – Suitable only for adults

Occasionally film classifications create controversy.

When The Dark Knight was released, some film critics thought it was too violent for children.

This was a problem for the film's production company, Warner Bros., as the film was based on the DC Comic franchise, Batman, which is popular with younger audiences.

The BBFC gave the film a 12A certification meaning children under the age of 12 could see the film if accompanied by an adult.

Many commentators felt this rating was inappropriate given the film's tone and content, however it remained a 12A throughout its theatrical run.

A film is only reclassified if the company who owns it submits it to the BFC for a new classification.