2013COBC_0418Hi Everyone, this page will be an ongoing resource for our meetings and discussions. If we’ve forgotten anything, let us know!

If you need help:

Contents:

  1. Google Hangout – Welcome
  2. Google Hangout – Story Development
  3. Google Hangout – Visualization & Cinematography Basics
  4. Google Hangout – Pre-production Wrap-up

Google Hangout 1/7/15 – Welcome

 

Google Hangout 1/13/15 – Story Development

Thanks so much for the call tonight. Great start on your stories. Please take a look at the below video. It’s a great way to summarize the filmmaking journey you’ve embarked on. 🙂

We’re looking forward to working with you to develop your ideas further! Notes and link to the information we discussed are below! Also be sure to check out “other resources” which has the added links to some examples of treatments. If you’re looking for a specific section, we’ve linked the timecodes below in the agenda for you.

Agenda

  • Film Genres. Discussed the different types of genres.
  • What makes a good story? What makes a film memorable or your favorite?
  • The Hook. What makes you want to keep watching in the first 1-2 mins? The playlist.
  • Where do story ideas come from?
    • By topic or style of film. What excites you? What are you curious about?(e.g. the NYC/Ballet mashup)
    • By character or subject (e.g. Kyle Dempster, Climbing, A place)
    • Challenge based. What do you want to learn or try? Build artificial constraints to break new ground. (e.g. finite-films.com)
    • Inspiration & steal like an artist. Watch films! Learn from others, experiment with their ideas. Understand how they use story, light, sound, and visual effects to tell the story. What is effective? What is not?
  • Discussed group story ideas
  • Developing Treatments
    • Title
    • Logline – 1-2 sentences, includes main objective/concept with a big hook, unique/compelling circumstances/content with payoff and entertainment
    • The typical treatment = write your story as an audience would experience it. Who, What, When, Where, Why. If you get stuck, just write. Don’t worry about format or what it is/isn’t doing. You can always clean it up later.
  • What’s Next
    • Next pre-production mtg 1/21 @ 5PM PST
    • If you are ahead, let us know – move to: visualization
    • Angles & Framing
      • Camera movements
      • Storyboarding
      • Shot lists

Other Resources

We’ll check-in at least once before the next meeting to see how things are going, probably this weekend or early next week so you have some time to develop things. Definitely contact us any time if you have any questions.

Google Hangout 1/22/15 – Visualization & Cinematography Basics

Smaller class today, but after chatting with everyone on the phone this week, everyone is in a similar place. GOOD NEWS! Whether or not it feels like it, you’re on the right track.

Writing can be difficult – especially when learning a new technique or skill. If you have felt unsure, bogged down, or not sure how this is going to come together, you’re in the right place. That is part of the process. Like all great ideas, most don’t come with instant clarity. They are crafted and honed over time. It’s a clay block needing to be shaped. This is why we continually ask you what your story is. The process of writing it and saying it will continue to sharpen and refine your idea. So tell your friends, your family, or a random stranger who asks about your day. Practice. Remember – The art of creating, is a muscle that must be developed and exercised. Only then does it become easier. The KEY and most important thing is to continue pushing. What you’re writing now, even if it will be thrown out or is a muddled mess — it is the way forward. So keep going. You’re doing the exact-right-thing. To add more food for thought, take a look at the talk by Austin Kleon below.

Today we discussed visualization & cinematography basics. This is the foundation for where we are heading, and how you will evolve your story into a film. Don’t be too overwhelmed with all that’s said here. We will continue to review these concepts. Right now, familiarize yourself with the terms and start studying films. Steal like an artist. 🙂

Agenda

  • What’s Next
    • Next pre-production mtg 1/28 @ 5PM PST
      • Finalizing your plan.
      • Preparing for Production
    • Shooting & Editing Assignment. Try to do at least one to test out your system before coming on the course.

Resources

  • Slides used in the google hangout
  • Films Referenced:
  • Examples of Shot Lists
    • The point of the shot list isn’t the format. It’s about tracking your ideas during production and communicating with your crew. Certain productions may require more or less detail.
    • For this course: Focus on identifying key shots that make/define your story. Plan your days loosely. When will it be best to do interviews? Do you need sunrise/sunset? Do you need timelapses? Do you need props? People? Can you group use of props/people/location to make shooting more efficient?
    • A range of shot list styles provided below:
  • Examples of Storyboards

Books

We will check-in this week for updated progress. Send us drafts as you have them.

Google Hangout 1/28/15 – Pre-production Wrap-up

Resources

When selecting music for your film, consider how your film will be used. There are different licensing considerations. So read the terms, and follow instructions. If you have any questions, we’re happy to review and help.

Premiere Pro Keyboard Shortcuts

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