Creative Project

Aims & context, film sequence or short film and reflective analysis (50 marks)

Candidates are required to create a film sequence or a complete short film that demonstrates how the micro features of film construct meaning. This comprises three elements:

(i) Aims and context (no marks)

A clarification of the aims and context of the sequence or short film to be completed on the appropriate cover sheet.

The 'Aims and Context' must be completed on the appropriate cover sheet, otherwise the Creative Project and accompanying Reflective Analysis cannot be adequately assessed.

(ii) Film Sequence or Short Film (40 marks)

The film sequence may either be an extract from longer film or a complete short film, with the emphasis on visual communication rather than on dialogue. It may take one of the following forms:

• an extended step outline of 1000 words (representing 5-8 scenes) (Template & Guidance in individual post)

• a photographed (digital) storyboard of between 15 and 25 different shots (some of which may be repeated) plus up to 5 found shots (shots which would be difficult to photograph or where locations need to be established). The 5 found shots must be acknowledged. (Storyboard Template can be downloaded in post)

• a film sequence or short film of approximately 2 minutes and containing between 15 and 25 different shots (some of which may be repeated).

Group work is permitted for the film making option (maximum 4). Groups of candidates should take primary responsibility for one or more micro features of the sequence (such as camera work, editing or sound). Each candidate must identify their role and the micro aspect they are responsible for on the appropriate coversheet.

(iii) Reflective analysis (750 words = 10 marks)

The reflective analysis should select key micro features of the sequence and demonstrate how they make meaning(s) and aim to provoke response(s) in audiences. Candidates working in a group should focus on the construction and impact of their chosen micro aspect.

The analysis should be presented as a continuous piece of writing, with or without illustrative material.

Weighting of FM1 Creative Project

Starting Point

Before you even begin to think about what project you are going to do, you should start by mindmap ideas for your film. Consider the following:

1. Is your film going to be mainstream or indie?
2. What genre is your film going to be?
1. Here you should consider codes and convention
3. Who is the audience for your film? This should massively impact on the construction of your narrative, characters etc  
4. What the narrative is about?
1. Apply Todorovs narrative theory - beginning, middle (conflict), end (climax)
2. Also consider if it is going to be linear or non linear
5. Who are the characters and how are you going to represent them?
1. Your characters need to be like 'real life' people. They need to have attitude, values, beliefs, past experiences, aspirations
2. Consider their family, life cycle, job, interests etc
3. How would they dress?
4. How would they talk?
6. Where will you set your film (location)?

An idea initially develops into an outline for a story, and as  such may well begin to grow characters. At this stage it is important to keep control of the idea to stop it spiralling off into unstructured developments. This can be done very easily by applying a simple set of questions:

1.  What is the situation? This opens the story and may well be disrupted.
2. Whose situation is it? This defines the lead character (or protagonist)
3. What is the central quest? This relates to the main body of the story and is often defined by a lead character trying to restore what has been disrupted. This is where most conflict and drama arises in a story (and is often described as the conflict)
4. Who stands in the way of success? This defines another principle character, who will be in a opposition to the lead character (the antagonist)

Aims and Context Support

This should be approached like a proposal for your film idea. You should include the following:

• Title: Aims and Context; Extended Step-outline/Digital Storyboard
• Genre: You need to outline the genre of your film. This should include an conventions you intend to adhere to/challenge
• Where are you are taking your sequence from? This should be in direct reference to Todorov’s narrative theory; introduction to the equilibrium/disruption/awareness of the disruption/overcoming the disruption/return to equilibrium
• Who is your target audience? This should include age, gender, other films they would have consumed, whether they like to be challenged, or for conventions to be followed
• What are the key stylistic elements? Consider how you are going to shoot the film; cinematography, editing, lighting etc

This should also be accompanied by a separate sheet which outlines the following:

1. Character development (who are they? What role do they play (villain, hero, helper, etc), what is their past history, their attitudes and beliefs etc)
2. What happens at each stage of Todorovs narrative theory

What is the situation? This opens the story and may well be disrupted

Whose situation is it? This defines the lead character (or protagonist)

What is the central quest? This relates to the main body of the story and is often defined by a lead character trying to restore what has been disrupted. This is where most conflict and drama arises in a story (and is often described as the conflict)
Who stands in the way of success? This defines another principle character, who will be in a opposition to the lead character (the antagonist)