1. What Makes a Good “Feedback Sandwich?”
Just like a real sandwich, this can be done well or incredibly poorly.
A bad sandwich has…
- insignificant top bread that is discounted by a ‘but’
- meat that is negatively phrased, personal, and not constructive
- bottom bread that struggles to compensate
Example: Dinner was great, but you made it too salty. Thanks though.
A good sandwich has…
- meaningful top bread that highlights successes
- criticism that is positive and constructive
- bottom bread that is encouraging and acknowledging the effort
Suggested Successful Comment Format:
I like the use of __________, it makes the ____________.
Suggested Improvement Comment Format:
I found that _____________, it could be _________ if it __________.
Suggested Acknowledgement Comment Format:
[Say anything positive that affirms their effort!]
Example: Dinner was great, I really liked what you did with the rosemary and lemon on the roast. I think it could have been even better if there was salt on the side as it was a bit salty for my taste. Let me know when you cook it next, I’d love to see how you did it!
2. Peer Critique
Sit back and relax! We will be watching the “Shoot the Shots” films for the the first part of class and will come up with some general guidelines for ourselves afterwards on how we can improve as a class.
3. Conflict Through Dialogue
We will be producing a 60-120 second film that shows a conflict between two people that is resolved through dialogue AND NOT action. We will be working in pairs to produce this film that follows the plot chart we’ve studied this week, including…
- exposition: establishes the location and characters before the story begins
- inciting incident: the conflict that deviates from normal events.
- rising action: as the stakes increase, the conflict intensifies.
- climax: a solution is found! the viewer is given some catharsis.
- falling action: where intensity declines, leading finally to the…
- resolution: that ties up the story nicely and helps clarify the themes, morals, or lessons learned
The three primary areas of focus for this project are:
- storytelling (follows plot structure, captures audience interest)
- writing (believable dialogue, clear)
- audio (capturing good, clean audio)
The three secondary areas of focus for this project are:
- acting (timing, delivery, authenticity)
- cinematography (camera placement, movement, building tension)
- music (source audio that matches the tone/mood)
Here are five great samples from past students:
4. Dialogue Composition
Today, we will come up with a short story based on our personal experiences that follows the plot structure. Fill out the provided form and identify the essential elements of your story. Complete a second draft if necessary. When you are done, you can begin working on your screenplay. I recommend using WriterDuet, a free, web-based and collaborative screenwriting program. Alternately, you can use Google Docs (with the Screenplay Formatter add-on) or Microsoft Word or another cloud-based composition program that you and your partner can access. You will not be marked on proper formatting, but if you are interested in learning, there are lots of helpful videos and even books on the subject (we have copies if you are interested!).
5. Filming Sequence
We will have roughly 30 minutes today and thirty minutes on Monday to work on this first draft of the script. The general plan for next week is…
Today: Brainstorm/write rough draft independently.
Monday: Finish rough draft. Pitch to partner, debate merits, and choose a script you want to produce. Develop that script together.
Tuesday: Complete and print the final draft. Draw your storyboard. Complete a shotlist. Test out and practice using audio equipment. Meet with and prepare actors.
Wednesday: Group 1 shoots, group 2 acts.
Thursday: Group 2 shoots, group 1 acts.
Friday onwards: Reshoots as needed. Begin edit of rough cut.