Financial Responsibility Video Project

Each class will be divided into groups of 6 (usually 4 groups per class). Each group will appoint a director, producer, writer and actors. Here are the responsibilities of each:

Director - responsible for the shooting, early editing and flow of the project. He or she will oversee blocking and scene disposition. They may choose to work the camera or delegate this task to others.

Producer - responsible for procurement of equipment, props, special effects and any other material needs of the group. He or she makes sure that all things needed on a scene by scene basis are ready and available at the time of filming.

Writer - responsible for final script, stage direction and storyboarding. The writer develops the script ideas and eventually translates them to a word by word text. He or she can also help develop alternative storylines in case preliminary screening do not come out as planned due to technical limitations.


Procedure:

Any and all group members can and should have input into all aspects of the project. Each member is encouraged to contribute both on and off camera. The group should start with a rudimentary brain-storming session for overall concept ideas (i.e. developing a story of some who overcharges on a credit card and the consequences). Although not specifically required, most project will be light in nature and probably involve a high level of comedy. Even project concepts of a darker nature (i.e. a horror movie) should be done “tongue-in-cheek.”

Once the general concept is agreed upon, the producer and writer should begin working on storyboarding to get an overall vision for the project. Storyboarding helps with the blocking of a project and helps the producer get the materials needed for the shoot. The director of course should oversee the process, but not micro-manage. When storyboarding in finalized, a working script should be composed.

The director will then conduct early rehearsals, including mannerisms and body motions, until all actors are comfortable with scenes. After about a week of rehearsing, the director will line up the shoot.

When the shoot day arrives, all cast and crew should know what to bring, what to wear and be prepared with all lines and stage instructions. The director should keep the pace of shooting on task and have location shots picked out a head of time. Once all shooting is concluded, the director and producer should turn in all footage and effects to the teacher.

Post-production:

Once the teacher has completed a rough cut, the director should meet with him to iron out final details and editing. The director should supply any credits and addition voice-over at that time.