Film Year 2 – Unscripted & Documentary
Unit 1 – Photojournalism
[Intermedia Unit] The “Photojournalism” unit provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and techniques used in capturing compelling and impactful images for journalistic purposes. This unit covers key elements such as the use of space, subject placement, angles, and lines in photojournalism.
Modules
• Space and the Decisive Moment This module provides an in-depth focus on composition techniques and the use of space while shooting around campus.
• Angles and Social Change This module provides an in-depth focus on the use of camera angles while shooting around campus.
• Lines and Directing the Gaze This module provides an in-depth focus on the use of dynamic lines while shooting around campus.
LAB
Key Activities: Framing and Composition / Natural Lighting Techniques
- Coverage of campus games and events demonstrating technically proficient shots sizes and captured in different aspect ratios.
- Coverage of campus games and events demonstrating the Rule of Thirds evidenced by Lead Room, Nose Room and Head Room used to balance the subject within the frame.
- Coverage of campus games and events demonstrating execution of a balanced Composition with different Camera Angles while Balancing Space or create Compositional Stress (Creating Tension) within frame.
- Coverage of campus games and events to execute Balance and Symmetry (Center Point Vanishing Point) and contrast with images that emphasize Diagonal Lines (Dynamic Compositions)
CTE Standards
2.1, 2.5, 4.1, 4.3, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 7.4, 10.1, 10.3, 11.5, A1.2, A1.4, A1.7, A1.9, A2.1, A2.2, A2.3, A2.4, A2.5, A2.6, A2.7, A2.8, A2.9, A3.2, A4.2, A.4.4, A4.6, A5.2, A5.3, A5.6, A8.2, C2.3, C4.4
Unit 2 – Interview Coverage
[Intermedia Unit] The “Interview Coverage” unit provides students with the essential skills and techniques required to effectively capture interviews in film and video production. Covers single-person interviews, two-person interviews, and walk-and-talk interviews.
Modules
• Single Person Interviews This module provides essential techniques for filming subjects, such as subject placement, eyeline, and direct address.
• Two Person Interviews This module provides essential techniques for executing background selection, subject placement, compositional techniques, 3-point lighting, multi-camera coverage, and presenting opposing views visually.
• Walk and Talk Interviews This module provides essential techniques for executing walk-and-talk interviews for their documentary project.
LAB
Key Activities: Coverage / Studio Lighting Techniques
- Standup Interviews lighting and the Sun
- Sit Down Interview – Single Subject using a three-point lighting set up
- Sit Down Interview – Two Person using a three-point lighting set up
- Execute coverage following the180 Degree Rule (Establishing the Line).
- Execute coverage that maintains continuity with Camera Direction.
- Establish Spatial Relationship in the wide shot (also known as the “master shot”).
- Execute Clean vs. Dirty Coverage.
- Execute Over the Shoulder shots.
- Execute coverage that demonstrates proficient Mirroring of shots.
- Students will employ professional techniques in maintaining eye line, lead room and negative space while capturing a moving subject.
CTE Standards
2.1, 2.5, 4.1, 4.3, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 7.4, 10.1, 10.3, 11.5, A1.2, A1.4, A1.7, A1.9, A2.1, A2.2, A2.3, A2.4, A2.5, A2.6, A2.7, A2.8, A2.9, A3.2, A4.2, A.4.4, A4.6, A5.2, A5.3, A5.6, A8.2, C2.3, C4.4
Unit 3 – Story Development
[Intermedia Unit] The “Documentary” unit provides students with an in-depth understanding of the elements of non-fiction storytelling in film. This unit covers the fundamental principles and techniques used to create compelling and truthful narratives in documentary filmmaking. Students will learn how to research, plan, and produce documentaries that inform, engage, and inspire audiences.
Module
• Elements of Non Fiction This module covers the key elements of non-fiction storytelling, including research, factual accuracy, narrative structure, interviews, observational footage, and ethical considerations.
LAB
Students will focus on in-depth reporting and interviewing competencies.
Key Activities:
- Research and Development
- Describe and Define the elements of Documentary Filmmaking
- Describe and define the importance of presenting evidence.
- Describe and define the importance of testimony (and how that differs from evidence).
- Compare and contrast evidence vs. testimony and weigh the value of both.
- Describe and define the importance of presenting opposing viewpoints.
- Assess and describe the importance of character development in documentary films.
CTE Standards
2.1, 2.5, 4.1, 4.3, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 7.4, 10.1, 10.3, 11.5, A1.2, A1.4, A1.7, A1.9, A2.1, A2.2, A2.3, A2.4, A2.5, A2.6, A2.7, A2.8, A2.9, A3.2, A4.2, A.4.4, A4.6, A5.2, A5.3, A5.6, A8.2, C2.3, C4.4
Unit 4 – Event Coverage
[Intermediate Unit] The “Event Coverage” unit provides students with the essential skills and techniques required to effectively capture various types of live events, focusing on the unique challenges and strategies involved in filming dynamic and unpredictable events.
Modules
• Sports Coverage This module provides an in-depth overview of sports and game coverage, focusing on the various elements involved in capturing and presenting game coverage. Whether interested in becoming a sports journalist, a camera operator, or simply understanding the intricacies of sports broadcasting, this course will equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field.
• High School Event Coverage This module is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for single-camera event coverage, with a particular focus on capturing auditorium/speaker events and coverage of campus events. Students will learn how to plan, execute, and optimize coverage to produce professional event videos.
• Multi-Source Event Production This module is as an introduction to the audio/visual needs of the most common meetings and conferences. Students will demonstrate ability to setup and operate a multi-source AV breakout room event.
LAB
Establish a wide / master shot – Establish spatial relationship / Capture time elapse b-roll
Key Activities:
- Establish Camera Position In Front of the Action
- Capture Coverage from Multiple Camera Positions and Shot Sizes
- Seek out insert shots, transitions and stylistic shots (i.e. racking focus, macros, extreme angles)
CTE Standards
2.1, 2.5, 4.1, 4.3, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 7.4, 10.1, 10.3, 11.5, A1.2, A1.4, A1.7, A1.9, A2.1, A2.2, A2.3, A2.4, A2.5, A2.6, A2.7, A2.8, A2.9, A3.2, A4.2, A.4.4, A4.6, A5.2, A5.3, A5.6, A8.2, C2.3, C4.4