Film Studies

This course will give you some tools to recognize what filmmakers have done to make their films work, and to develop a starting point for what might work in your own films.

This page is an overview of the course; see Daily Lessons for current assignments and Videos for tips.

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Course Overview

We'll explore film basics including some of the technical jargon of the industry. Then we'll look at storyboarding films - establishing plot, character, conflict, and resolution. Throughout, we'll discuss the history of film and have an eye out for recognizing how directorial choices affect film quality of some of the films we watch. 

If you liked this course, then sign up for one or more film course in grade 12:
* If you took ENG 3UI, sign up for ETS 4UX (filmmaking) or ETS 4UY (critiquing).
* If you took ENG 3CI or ENG 3EI, sign up for ETS 4CX (filmmaking) or ETS 4CY (critiquing films). 
* Filmmaking courses focus on making films. Critiquing courses focus on watching films critically and writing film reviews and critiques exploring directorial choices.
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How-To Handouts and Videos:

Technical Help:

• Manuals for the school's camcorders: basics FS31; FS31 manual, FS400 manual
• How to light a shot without lots of lights
• How to edit film clips on iPhone or iPad - basic editing terms are here
• Uploading Video - phone --> WeVideo on a chromebook for practice video
• How to edit using iMovie (library) and using Premier (room 175)

​Filmmaking Help:

• Filmmaking steps and rubrics: Treatment, Pitch, Storyboard, Filming, Post

   Film Treatment:

• How to write a good logline: setting, main character, what they want, what's in the way, and how do they overcome it
• Template for writing a film treatment: characters, logline, acts, scenes, dialogue
• Sample film treatment​

​   Storyboarding:

• Blank storyboard template and you'll need to know the camera terms (here they are illustrated with examples)
• Sample storyboard example​

Writing a Film Review Help

• Useful words when describing a film

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Assignments and Handouts:

camera terms 
editing terms ​
types of comedy powerpoint
history of film handout and powerpoint
​The Wolfpack
Charade
Singin' in the Rain and Hot Fuzz
The Babadook and Get Out
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Run, Lola, Run
3 Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Test: Characterization in Film

And, if you have time, here are some good films to consider watching.