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Day 1
The Film Production Crew

Your first lesson will be dedicated to learning about film-making terminology and to familiarizing yourself with the film crew. 

Warm-up Activity: Scene Taboo

You will complete this activity with a partner. First, one person selects one of the four scenes from below without telling the other person what it is. As you watch the scene, describe what you see to your partner. Your partner must guess what the film is. You can describe the characters, the setting (time/place), and the characters' actions. Each scene also has a list of taboo words that you must not use when describing the scene.

Film Posters

Take a look at the film posters below. Can you identify the genres? Think of some examples of films that correspond the same genres.

Now, discuss the following questions with your partner:

  1. Do you like fantasy films? Why or why not?

  2. Why do you think some people do not like horror films?

  3. What are some common themes we see in science fiction?

  4. What was the last action film you saw? Did you enjoy it?

Talking About Setting

Riddle Me This

Did you notice anything about the verbs in each description? What do they have in common? Each one is composed of two elements--can you identify them?

Trivia Time

Passive Quiz

Answer the following questions by writing your answering in the passive voice.

  1. Who directed the film Psycho?

  2. Who played the role of Indiana Jones?

  3. Who composed the music for Star Wars?

  4. Which film features an unexplored planet called Pandora?

  5. Which actress received an Oscar for the film Still Alice?

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Types of Camera Shots

Types of Camera Angles

Who's Who on a Film Crew?

Watch the following video with a partner and answer the questions that pop up as you watch. If you get an answer incorrect, you can go back and rewatch the segment.

Putting It All Together

Now you will have time to form your film crew group with 5 other people. First, you should decide on the roles each person will have. Everyone must participate as a SCREENWRITER and ACTOR. At the end of the lesson, each member must have chosen one of these second roles:

  • PRODUCER: Organizes meetings and makes sure all work is completed on time.

  • DIRECTOR: Supervises the crew and creates the storyboard.

  • CINEMATOGRAPHER: In charge of filming, lighting, and sound production.

  • EDITOR: Edits the film, creates credits, adds music, and finalizes the film.

  • ART DIRECTOR: Choose filming locations, costume design, and props.

At the end of this first meeting, you should already have a second meeting organized.

Homework

For the next lesson, read the article "Teach Yourself Filmmaking" and answer the activity below.

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