OK-Here We Go With Movie Making!

An interdisciplinary unit created by Dr. Karen Kraeger

So, what was the inspiration for this unit?

Unit Plan:From “Let’s make a movie”

to “Premiere Party”

Everything you’ll need to help your students successfully create an original movie

Overview

Timeline: About 9 weekly 60-90 minute work sessions

Technology Needs: at least one recording device (phone, tablet, or digital camera) and at least one device with Movie Software (tablet, laptop, or computer)

Collaboration with teachers in PE, Art, and/or Music is helpful

Week 1: Getting the Kids Hooked!

Start off with a bang to amp up enthusiasm and get all your students engaged!

• Show OK Go: “Writing’s On The Wall” video

• Students share ”3 Cool Things” from the video

• Introduce the unit

Week 1-Part2: Movie Basics

Introduce Moviemaking Basics

Types of Movies

Parts of the Movie Making Process

Storyboarding

Discuss Story, Theme, and Tone

Show various kid-created movies to practice identifying Story, Theme, & Tone

Practice Storyboarding with one of the movie clips

Discuss elements that contribute to the tone

Week 2: Finding Your Story

Using songs as a foundation for original stories

• Discuss the importance of finding your story.

• Play clips from several songs.

• Students will select a song as the basis of their story.

• Brainstorm ideas for stories based on the song lyrics.

• Choose one of these ideas for the story.

• Break into groups –one for each verse of the song.

• Groups brainstorm ideas for their verse.

• Ideas are shared whole group to confirm alignment with the larger story.

Week 3: Planning the Story

In small groups…

Discuss basic ideas for the story of the verse

Create a storyboard for the verse

Design props, costumes, & backdrops

Scout locations for filming

Weeks 4, 5, & 6:Filming the story

How to keep the project on track for completion

In small groups…• Use the storyboard to decide

on an actual script of events • Begin rehearsal of scenes• Complete props, costumes &

backdrops• Take practice video to review:

• Staging• Location• Acting• Costumes & Props• Lighting• Camera Angles

•Other groups &/or teacher will review video to confirm the fit with verse lyrics and overall story

Week 7: Lights, Camera, Action

Finishing touches or modifications on props, costumes & backdrops

Groups will film final cuts

Students will edit video to create short movie segments.

Special effects can be added during final editing

Groups will review movie segments to review production quality

Groups will also ensure fit with verse lyrics and larger story

Week 8: Final Editing

This is where it all comes together to make a finished film.

• Any revisions to filming/editing is done

• Movies are finalized to be placed into final movie project

• Soundtrack/music is added

Week 9: Movie Premiere Party!

Resources

Videos

Cardboard Challenge

OK Go “The Writing’s On the Wall”

We are Hungry

Top 10 Myths of Gifted Education

Our Day at Chalker

Change the World in 5 Minutes a Day

Earth Day- Friday Parody

All About Them Books-Parody

Musical Morning Announcements

Song Possibilitieso “Renegades” by X Ambassadorso “Best Day of My Life” by American Authorso “Beautiful Day” by U2o ”One Week” by Bare Naked Ladieso “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlakeo “Good Day” by Nappy Rootso “ABC” by The Jackson 5o “Dancing in the Street” by Martha & the Vandellaso “Big Yellow Taxi” by Counting Crowso “What’s Going On?” by Marvin Gaye