Notes for 10/2 Class
Hey class!
A few notes and an awesome Share & Tell for you all. First things first, a reminder of the workshop groups and initial due dates:
Group 1: Aly, Zach, Emma (first script due 9/23)
Group 2: Claire, Elena, Caroline (first script due 9/30)
Group 3: Darien, Cameron, Kiera (first script due 10/07)
Group 4: Jackie, Emily, Alexa (first script due 10/14)
Share & Tell
Zach has awesomely shared with us this video of Alfred Hitchcock. Hitchcock is famous for his ability to create tension and suspense in his films, and tension and suspense is something I touched on in class on Monday. It’s under 2 minutes, so be sure to check it out.
“Tldw: Let the audience know there's a metaphorical bomb under the table, but don't set it off.”
And Jackie saw a short film on social media today. She says, "This short film is called Where You Are. It's about a mom finding her son after they play hide-and-seek. The story is peculiar but well-structured and well-written with a deeper meaning. Check it out: https://vimeo.com/180000452"
Short Film Example: In a Heartbeat
In class on Monday, I had wanted to watch the short film In a Heartbeat but ran out of time because our workshop was going so well. If you haven’t seen it yet, try to check it out before next class. It’s under 4 minutes long. While watching, think about these points. What’s the: Main exposition? Inciting Incident? Problem/Conflict? Escalation? Climax? Resolution? Deeper Meaner? Then, we’ll talk about it in class; I’ll spend a little less time on Cowgill so we can do this activity.
Cowgill Reading, Coverage Assignments & Helpful Guides
Do your best to have read through to Chapter 10 by class time on Monday. Now that we’re full swing into the semester. A lot of due dates will be coming up fast, so make sure you're keeping track of all of assignments, including film analysis essays and coverage. They’re all available on the website with their rubrics on the Assignments page, so if you have time to get a head start on them, you can turn them in early if you so choose.
I’ve also attached some guides that a colleague of mine shared with me from one of our other Professors. Hopefully, these will help you in your writings. I’ll also post them on the website soon.
The attached example of coverage is for Silence of the Lambs. That's a good industry example and will give you an idea the style you can write your coverage assignment in. HOWEVER, since this is an academic class and not the industry, the emphasis is on the analysis of the script, not the summary. Discuss the overarching desire of the protagonist and what he/she does to achieve them. Professor Thompson’s all about protagonist desire, so just remember how he talks about that. Talk about what the script does well and what needs to be improved using the concepts you've learned in your lecture and workshop. And then tell me whether you'd Recommend it for production or pass over it.
Please, refer to the rubric online and attached for the other areas you should focus on for coverage as well. You'll see the summary is 2 points and the analysis is 6 points. You only have 1 page single-spaced, so don't get so caught up in the summary (still detail a clear beginning, middle, and end) that you neglect your analysis. If you choose to briefly discuss script-to-film differences, this can run into a second page since it's extra credit. And make sure to proofread because that's 2 really easy points to earn.
“Sit down—shut up—and write” Meetups
I mentioned in an earlier class that I would be willing to try reserving a classroom during a set time of the week to provide you all a space to focus on writing your scripts. It wouldn’t be mandatory, just another opportunity for you to focus and be productive. If this interests you, go ahead and just respond to this email. If not, no worries.
As always, let me know if you have any questions or concerns or would like to schedule an appointment with me.
Best,
Rebecca