Lights! Camera! Action!

I. Introduction to script writing, storyboarding
Students are introduced to script writing and storyboarding as a whole class using the story of the Three Pigs. The formats are demonstrated and the class "tells" as a group.
II. Brainstorming for a movie idea
The whole class is introduced to the rules of brainstorming and comes up with a long list of possible alternatives to the original Three Pigs story. Possible sources of ideas are suggested to the class following the brainstorming session: fairy tales and folk tales, nonfiction, picture books, biographies, real life issues around school. Groups are formed who develop a list of brainstormed possibilities and then develop criteria to judge those possibilities. The group then comes to agreement on a topic and scriptwriters are designated by the group. Other members of the group agree to develop the storyboard.
III. Introduction to the camera and filming techniques, tips.
All students are introduced to the video camera and practice long, medium, closeup shots. Consultations begin with groups who have started on the script/storyboard.
IV. Student groups sign up for "studio time". In the beginning studio time consists of a consultation on the script/storyboard, suggestions for improvement, and completion of the scripts/story boards. A list of costumes and props is completed and digital backgrounds are discussed and listed.
V. During subsequent studio sessions, costumes and props are created and rehearsal begins. When costumes and props are ready for first filming, rehearsal with camera and lights begins and continues for as many sessions as needed to film all scenes.
VI. Editing begins as students learn to transfer video to computer and use editing software. Rewriting, refilming of various scenes is planned and executed until editing is complete.
VII. At any point during the process, groups may request Group Intervention Sessions, during which cooperative group techniques are discussed and practiced, problems within the groups are exposed and plans are developed to deal with those problems.
VIII. Completed films are previewed by students from other classes who then retell the story to the authors. Depending on how close the retelling is to the original intent of the authors, scenes may still have to be rewritten and refilmed. When the groups are satisfied that they have conveyed the message they intended, the final format is transferred.
IX. Groups who have completed all the above steps are automatically entered in Academy Award night events. All groups will win something, as decided by a committee of peers and teachers based on criteria set up by the student groups themselves.
X. Academy Award Night is the culmination of the students' hard work. Productions are projected for parents, school and community to view. Awards are presented and much celebration is enjoyed by all. Best of Show winners are entered in county video competition.