Swede your Favorite Scene

Rationale: When students begin making their own films, they often believe it's the technology that makes the film. This lesson helps students understand the basic elements of film making underlying some of the world's greatest films. The lesson would occur after students had already completed the first semester introductory units on the building blocks of film (narrative, mise en scene, cinematography, editing, sound).

Part One: The Anatomy of a Sequence
Using the "Huggies" sequence from the film "Raising Arizona," students will discuss the techniques of narrative, mise en scene, cinematography, editing, and sound that make the sequence work. Following the discussion, students will use graphic organizers to separate techniques they cannot use (because they're too expensive, or too dangerous, or require unavailable equipment) from those they can.

Part Two: Assembling the Crew
Students will be divided into groups of three, taking on one of three principal roles (cinematographer, editor, sound recordist/editor) for the project. Working backwards from their list of techniques, students will begin brainstorming sequences to reshoot themselves (working from the instructor's pre-approved list, or using a sequence they submit for approval).

Part Three: Planning the Shoot
Once a sequence has been selected/approved, the crew will work on the shot plan. This includes jobs for each individual student. The editor will draft a shot list, detailing each shot that must be captured to complete the scene, as well as the type of shot needed. Based on the shot list, the cinematographer will construct a storyboard, providing a visual representation of the shots to follow on set. Finally, the sound recordist will construct a sound style statement, detailing the types of sounds/music needed to complete the film. Collectively, the group will also build a call sheet, listing any and all needed equipment, actors, props, and locations on campus.

Part Four: Shooting the Plan
Students will have two 100 minute class periods to shoot their sequences. Using the equipment from the Flip Video Lab, the Podcasting Audio Lab, and additional accessories listed below, the students will do their best to reshoot the famous sequence with their own resources.

Part Five: The Edit
Over three class periods, students will use Final Cut/Pinnacle software to upload, edit, mix, and finish their re-imagined sequences. By the conclusion of the third class period, the group must export a final cut of the sequence to their backup drives.

Part Six: Screening and Evaluation
As the students show their "sweded" scenes, they will also peer evaluate each other using the established classroom rubric. The scores will be averaged with the teacher's score, and the students will receive a grade based on their work.

Part Seven: Distribution and Lesson Evaluation
Student work will be included in the year end Film Festival DVD's. They will also complete a lesson plan evaluation to ensure improvement of the project in the future.