Media Project Checklist

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Category: Media Class with Mr. Swallow

Published on Tuesday, 12 January 2010 12:54

Written by Quin Swallow

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Pre-Production

1. Research:  Eveyone in the group begins to gather information relating to the topic.  All notes are recorded in journals. 
   
2. Development:  Everyone in the group meets to discuss the movie's topic, share the best information collected during research, and exchange ideas.  During "brainstorming," all ideas are written down.  After all ideas are recorded, ideas that won't work are eliminated and favorite ideas are circled.
3. Organization:  The producer creates a new project folder on the Cubserver, and a new Celtx master project file inside that folder.  ALSO inside that folder, the director makes new files labeled "script drafts," "images," "sounds," and any other folders your group will need along the way.
   
4. Storyboarding:  All concepts and ideas are arranged into storyboard sheets.  Everyone in the group work together on storyboard frames.  Each frame is scanned onto the Cubserver and imported into Celtx.
5. Scriptwriting:  Led by the lead writer, all members of the group work on pieces of the script, as assigned by the lead writer.  Those on the writing team (everyone) can create their own Celtix file to write their own piece of the script  The lead writer proofreads individual scripts.
6. Layout:  Editors and programmers create slideshows with labeld but unfinished slides to be filled with content later on.
   
7. Art rendering:
1. Art design is finalized and polished-  Paper, paint, pencil, clay, models, CGI (computer-generated images)
2. Background stills for use in green-screen photography are created
3. Scenery and props are built
   
8. Music composition-  Sound specialists assemble and record music clips (using GarageBand and other tools)
9. Rehearsals-  Performers (for sound or video) practice with the director.
   

Production

1. Record voice tracks- Sound specialists supervise the recording of voice narration.
2. Music recording-  Live vocals and instruments are recorded for the music track
3. Principal photography- Still photos and video photography is done (on-location or on a set).  Video editors are the cinematographers.  Dailies are reviewed by the producer and director.
   

Post-Production

1. Video editing and effects-  Video clips are assembled and trimmed.  Effects and appropriate transitions are added.
2. Sound mixing and editing-  Music tracks, sound effects and voice narration are mixed and added to video clips (using Audacity and iMovie).
3. Credits and text-  Writers create credits for video, and text for presentations. 
   
4. Promotion-  Advertising materials, logos, posters, etc. are created for the project.
5. Last-minute additions (i.e. music, artwork, etc.) are added.
6. Rendering-  Video files are rendered for uploading, buring onto DVD or placement into presentation file.
7. Assembly and Packaging- Multimedia projects are finalized with all elements (slides, video clips, sounds, hyperlinks, etc.)
   
8. Printing and/or broadcasting-  Final project files are burned to disc, uploaded, and/or presented for an audience.
   

Ideas for projects and how to make them

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Category: Media Class with Mr. Swallow

Published on Tuesday, 02 March 2010 12:51

Written by Quin Swallow

Hits: 147

Project Ideas

• Do a game show. (Real OR pretend!)  Create questions, answers, puzzles and games that teach what you want to teach.  Invent some fun characters and a game show host!
• Do a fun science show, Bill Nye-stye, with fast edits, amusing skits and fun sound effects.
• Make a spoof of a book, movie or TV show.  (You see spoofs that teach things all the time on Sesame Street.)
• Make a music video. (Compose and perform your own song for the video.)
• Make an infomercial.
• Make a puppet show. You don't need fancy puppets.  Simple homemade ones will do.

Production Ideas

• Use miniature models to replace a green-screen background!  To do this, build a diorama in a box.  Add wind, water, twinkling stars, etc.  Film just the background with the video camera, and add foreground characters and objects with greenscreen video later.
• Use close-ups! Vary the shot so it's not just a static picture that never changes.
• Use your band and orchestra instruments in and record multiple tracks using GarageBand.  (You can adjust each instrument's level later.)
• Compose a song.  Record accompaniment and voice tracks in GarageBand.  Need rhyming words? Find them at rhymezone.com!
• Go old-fashioned! Use video effects (like scratches and skips, or sepia / brown tones) to make your video look like an old movie.  Mr. Swallow can show you how.
• Use costumes. They don't have to be perfect or expensive.  Have fun dressing the part.

Media Lab / Stage / Set Rules

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Category: Media Class with Mr. Swallow

Published on Thursday, 25 February 2010 13:12

Written by Quin Swallow

Hits: 144

Copy these rules down on an index card, or in your planner or journal.  Sign your agreement to the rules.  You must write and agree to these rules before working in the media lab, or on a production set. Be ready to show them to your teacher, producer or director.

Media Production Rules:

• I will use equipment respectfully and appropriately.
• I will assist my crew and follow my teacher's, director's and producer's instructions without complaint or argument.
• I will neither do nor touch anything for which I do not have permission.
• I will not engage in horseplay of any kind.
• I will do my own job and not take over someone else's.

Research Report Guidelines and Resources

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Category: Media Class with Mr. Swallow

Published on Tuesday, 23 March 2010 12:07

Written by Quin Swallow

Hits: 269

World Fair Research Report Guidelines

Resources

• Minimum of five sources, including 2 or more print sources (not electronic)
• Work cited / bibliography page in correct format

Format

• Table of Contents
• Body
  
• Outline
• Double-spaced
• All formatting as outlined in Write Source 2000
• Font:  Font size of 12 suggested, no larger than 14, in basic font (Times Roman or Arial), black ink, on plain white paper
• Photos are acceptable but must be cited / credited

Resource Links

You don't need to use these resources, but they are possibilites.

Bibliography Cards-  How to make them, and examples of cards different resource types

Remember that you may use Wikipedia to help you find information, but it should not be used as a source itself.  Why?  Wikipedia publishes user-submitted information FIRST, then others MAY correct it.  Reputable sources of information check first, then publish.  

Write Source Student Models- These are great examples of finished reports and other student projects.  (Be sure to look under sixth grade-  All grades are listed on this page.)

CultureGrams for Kids-  Decent site, but may not have your country.

National Geographic Kids -Fun, with pretty photos, but may not have your country either.

CountryReports.org-  THIS site has a really thorough list of countries.  Basic facts, mostly ... you will need to look elsewhere for really cool, detailed information.

EmbassyWorld.com-  This is a HUGE site listing all (or at least almost all) of the world's embassies and consulates.  Find an embassy or consulate for your country here!