This year it will be a lot more difficult to organise the work, not only because we have 3 separate tasks to complete, but also because there isn't a logical order to approaching each of the tasks. Do I research the theories behind narrative and structure? Do I research the conventions of a short film? Do I analyse specific examples? I know I need to complete all of the above, but in what order? Can I analyse specific examples without knowing the conventions? Can I find the conventions without analysing specific examples?
I have decided that the best way for me to structure the main task (the short film), is as follows:
1. Research on narrative theory
This will enable me to gain a broad understanding of story/structure/character. I shall look at the famous theorists but then try to find some who specifically explore short films as oppose to feature films.
2. Conventions of short films
This is probably the most important bit of research, because my own product will have to reflect how I both conformed to and subverted conventional expectation.
3. List of Camera Shots/Angles
From a technical perspective knowing the types of camera shots early on should play an advantage when critically evaluating other work, as well as when planning my own.
4. Types of Editing
Similar to knowing the camera shots, the editing is an area in which my understanding is needed, but at the moment quite uninformed. Learning about it early on should help me to get ahead when planning how to edit my work in a way that is engaging.
5. Researching genre
I do not like the idea of genre. It is far too categorical, labelling a product as one thing or another. However I think that it will help me to come to terms with how conventions are also different depending on the genre. At this point I will not choose a genre of my own because I would not have reviewed the successes and failures of other short films.
This is where I intend to start to shape my own ideas. I will critically look at the works of professional award-winning short films as well as other A-level students to get a broad sense of what works well and what doesn't.
Having looked at specific examples I feel like selecting a genre of my own will be the best step forward. Although I will not have a fixed idea on story and the characters, I hope to have seen enough variety from other sources to be able to decide which genre will be the right fit for me.
8. Finding the story
I have decided that the best way for me to structure the main task (the short film), is as follows:
1. Research on narrative theory
This will enable me to gain a broad understanding of story/structure/character. I shall look at the famous theorists but then try to find some who specifically explore short films as oppose to feature films.
2. Conventions of short films
This is probably the most important bit of research, because my own product will have to reflect how I both conformed to and subverted conventional expectation.
3. List of Camera Shots/Angles
From a technical perspective knowing the types of camera shots early on should play an advantage when critically evaluating other work, as well as when planning my own.
4. Types of Editing
Similar to knowing the camera shots, the editing is an area in which my understanding is needed, but at the moment quite uninformed. Learning about it early on should help me to get ahead when planning how to edit my work in a way that is engaging.
5. Researching genre
I do not like the idea of genre. It is far too categorical, labelling a product as one thing or another. However I think that it will help me to come to terms with how conventions are also different depending on the genre. At this point I will not choose a genre of my own because I would not have reviewed the successes and failures of other short films.
6. Analysing specific examples
This is where I intend to start to shape my own ideas. I will critically look at the works of professional award-winning short films as well as other A-level students to get a broad sense of what works well and what doesn't.
7. Choosing a genre
Having looked at specific examples I feel like selecting a genre of my own will be the best step forward. Although I will not have a fixed idea on story and the characters, I hope to have seen enough variety from other sources to be able to decide which genre will be the right fit for me.
8. Finding the story
At this stage my creativity will take hold. I shall think in terms of what I can use and what locations I have on offer in order to help suit my story to my surroundings, but ultimately I need to find a compelling narrative.
9. Audience Research
When looking at audience we are analysing the product through a financial and industrial perspective rather than a creative one. It will help to give a clearer sense of direction when constructing my product and ancillary tasks since I will know who I'm tailoring it to.
When looking at audience we are analysing the product through a financial and industrial perspective rather than a creative one. It will help to give a clearer sense of direction when constructing my product and ancillary tasks since I will know who I'm tailoring it to.
10. Writing the script
I already know a little bit about screenwriting, however I will need to look at how short fi ms are shaped through dialogue, since they will be dramatically different from a short film. Once this is done I will have a strong overview of the narrative and the journey of the characters.
11. Location scouting
With the script completed, I will have written the scenes in relation to a setting, but I should now find accessible locations that mirror the requirements of my story. Of course I will already be considering this when writing my script, so these planning stages are largely interchangeable.
12. Storyboarding
Camera shots, camera angles and mise-en-scene all need to be considered here. Even though I have done research into these areas in the past, I may do a quick post showing my knowledge of the variety of technical ways to capture a shot. Here I will apply this knowledge by drawing up a visual display of my narrative in the form of a storyboard, which shows what shots I hope to use.
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