Everybody loves a good story!
Introduction to Narrative Filmmaking
Great filmmaking has impact and is memorable
Narrative filmmaking in its simplest form is fictional film that tells a story. The script, filmmaking team and characters have the responsibility to tell a believable and compelling story in a visually interesting way. The objective of a narrative film is to capture the imagination and elicit an emotional response by the audience.
The Illusion of Reality!
A successful film must create the sense that what is happening is real - it's The Illusion of Reality! The audience becomes involved in the story and its characters and makes an emotional commitment. For that moment in time we believe that what we are seeing is actually happening.
Think of the last film you really enjoyed. Were you focussed on the filmmaking techniques such as specific shots, lighting, costumes and the realism of the film etc. Is what you are actually watching possible in the real world? Or were you drawn into the story itself and the lives of the characters and the obstacles they faced as they move through the film? Filmmaking techniques are present but are creative tools to help a creative world of reality - possible or not.
Think about it...
Why is it that people know they are simply watching a film and not real. Yet people can be captivated and react emotionally while watching a film?
What are the elements that makes for a great film that can captivate us and allow to become immersed in that world?
Introduction to Narrative Filmmaking
Great filmmaking has impact and is memorable
Narrative filmmaking in its simplest form is fictional film that tells a story. The script, filmmaking team and characters have the responsibility to tell a believable and compelling story in a visually interesting way. The objective of a narrative film is to capture the imagination and elicit an emotional response by the audience.
The Illusion of Reality!
A successful film must create the sense that what is happening is real - it's The Illusion of Reality! The audience becomes involved in the story and its characters and makes an emotional commitment. For that moment in time we believe that what we are seeing is actually happening.
Think of the last film you really enjoyed. Were you focussed on the filmmaking techniques such as specific shots, lighting, costumes and the realism of the film etc. Is what you are actually watching possible in the real world? Or were you drawn into the story itself and the lives of the characters and the obstacles they faced as they move through the film? Filmmaking techniques are present but are creative tools to help a creative world of reality - possible or not.
Think about it...
Why is it that people know they are simply watching a film and not real. Yet people can be captivated and react emotionally while watching a film?
What are the elements that makes for a great film that can captivate us and allow to become immersed in that world?
Activity:
Great filmmaking has impact and is memorable
Select a couple of films that you just love. On the linked Google Doc, identify at least 2 films and briefly explain why that film sticks out as one of your favourites. You can do so in jot note form.
If you can, select two films of different "genres." For example, 1 comedy and one serious drama that moved you to tears as opposed to 2 action /superhero films (same genre)
Focus your points on what you love about the story, the characters, the cinematography (lighting and camera work), the setting and set design. Many films are enjoyed because of the ability now to create awesome special effects.
The class will have a discussion about the classes' favourite films.
Great filmmaking has impact and is memorable
Select a couple of films that you just love. On the linked Google Doc, identify at least 2 films and briefly explain why that film sticks out as one of your favourites. You can do so in jot note form.
If you can, select two films of different "genres." For example, 1 comedy and one serious drama that moved you to tears as opposed to 2 action /superhero films (same genre)
Focus your points on what you love about the story, the characters, the cinematography (lighting and camera work), the setting and set design. Many films are enjoyed because of the ability now to create awesome special effects.
The class will have a discussion about the classes' favourite films.
Source: Ted Talks, Emmanuel Dzotsi - Filmmaker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AbM9vH2pHk |
Everyone Has A Story
Emmanuel Dzotsi tells his Story of how he told his first visual film story - on Tedx |
Activity:
In a Google Doc:
1. Identify "elements or components" that were central to Emmanuel Dzotsi's story?
2. Did you enjoy his story of his first story! If so why?
Submit to your Google Drive Class folder in a new folder named "Emmanuel Dzotsi's story"
In a Google Doc:
1. Identify "elements or components" that were central to Emmanuel Dzotsi's story?
2. Did you enjoy his story of his first story! If so why?
Submit to your Google Drive Class folder in a new folder named "Emmanuel Dzotsi's story"
TIFF
Toronto Film Festival
Toronto has one of the most important film festivals for new films being shown for the first time to the world.
The festival takes place every September in downtown Toronto. and features a broad genre of films - from Hollywood releases to short films and documentaries.
Check out their site for films you will see in the very near future.
https://www.tiff.net/
Toronto Film Festival
Toronto has one of the most important film festivals for new films being shown for the first time to the world.
The festival takes place every September in downtown Toronto. and features a broad genre of films - from Hollywood releases to short films and documentaries.
Check out their site for films you will see in the very near future.
https://www.tiff.net/
Activity:
Identifying Film "Genres"
As a class, identify the types or categories of films that you typically like to watch. Films are categorized in "genres." Film genres simply categorizes or sorts film based on their themes or styles of films. For example, movies that are fun/funny and involve stories that make us laugh are categorized as "comedies." Movies that are based on fact/truth are called documentaries. As do many film, they can often cross film genres to other categories. For example, a comedy might be categorized as a "Romantic comedy if it is both funny and is based on close relationships between the characters.
Identifying Film "Genres"
As a class, identify the types or categories of films that you typically like to watch. Films are categorized in "genres." Film genres simply categorizes or sorts film based on their themes or styles of films. For example, movies that are fun/funny and involve stories that make us laugh are categorized as "comedies." Movies that are based on fact/truth are called documentaries. As do many film, they can often cross film genres to other categories. For example, a comedy might be categorized as a "Romantic comedy if it is both funny and is based on close relationships between the characters.
Link to a Class Google Doc.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e3BrFGonDYTgblxkcJFDSP8Vsxsr0rHD7qu11JgbWG0/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e3BrFGonDYTgblxkcJFDSP8Vsxsr0rHD7qu11JgbWG0/edit?usp=sharing
Can I actually become a filmmaker?
Anyone can do it - it takes creative ideas, dedication to learning new skills and passion
Zach King is thought to be "magical" as a visual storyteller.
He began making videos at the age of 7 with nothing more than a camera and a laptop. He began to post tutorials on his website "FinalCutKing.com" in 2008.
His first viral video was "Jedi Kittens" (21 Million views and counting). He has made over 2 Million dollars from that first viral film! His 7 second videos were originally posted on Vine where he built a huge following. He has become a Youtube sensation for his short but extremely creative visual effects videos.
So, can you really become a successful filmmaker? It's up to you.
Key to success is the creative ideas, problem solving skills and lots and lots of determination.
Source: Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_King#:~:text=Zach%20King%20(born%20February%204,%22digital%20sleight%20of%20hand%22.
He has since he moved to instagram where he creates digital content - think magic visual effects.
Watch the TEDx talk with Zach King - ask yourself, why couldn't this be me!
Anyone can do it - it takes creative ideas, dedication to learning new skills and passion
Zach King is thought to be "magical" as a visual storyteller.
He began making videos at the age of 7 with nothing more than a camera and a laptop. He began to post tutorials on his website "FinalCutKing.com" in 2008.
His first viral video was "Jedi Kittens" (21 Million views and counting). He has made over 2 Million dollars from that first viral film! His 7 second videos were originally posted on Vine where he built a huge following. He has become a Youtube sensation for his short but extremely creative visual effects videos.
So, can you really become a successful filmmaker? It's up to you.
Key to success is the creative ideas, problem solving skills and lots and lots of determination.
Source: Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_King#:~:text=Zach%20King%20(born%20February%204,%22digital%20sleight%20of%20hand%22.
He has since he moved to instagram where he creates digital content - think magic visual effects.
Watch the TEDx talk with Zach King - ask yourself, why couldn't this be me!
Source: Ted Talks, Zach King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMIpxqeoI1c |
Zach King's Story
Telling stories on the small screen. This only the beginning, anything is possible. Zach King talks about making his first movie. Reaching the world with today's tools Check him out - guaranteed you'll ask...How'd he do that https://www.instagram.com/zachking/ |
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"Jedi Kittens"
The original Zach King's first mega hit! |
Source: Zach King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z3r9X8OahA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z3r9X8OahA
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"Jedi kittens - The Force"
A sequel, one of many |
Source: Zach King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwT7BHztBIU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwT7BHztBIU
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"Jedi kittens - The Force"
The making of... |
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Zach King Short Film
Zach King's Day Off - spoof of Ferris Beuller's Day Off Fun Fact about Ferris Beuller film - Mathew Broderick plays the Protagonist (lead character.) In fact as so often the case, he was not the studio's first choice. They wanted to hire Robert Downey Jr. for the role. He was unavailable and hence they went with Mathew Broderick. Broderick has become synonyms with the movie and his role! Funny how life works out sometimes. |
Viewing Activity:
Pick one video and watch it in its entirety.
Consider:
Pick one video and watch it in its entirety.
Consider:
- What is the "one moment" of the video that sticks in your mind?
- Briefly summarize the overarching message and its likely impact on viewers.
- What emotions did you feel as you watched this video?
Source: Zach King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZVHL_GhaEw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZVHL_GhaEw
Jason Reitman is a Importance of Storytelling
Pre-Production
The beginning of the Filmmaking Process
Understanding the "3 Act" Story Structure
Hollywood's time tested structure of films.
Introduction to Storytelling in filmmaking. The 3 Act Story Structure is much more than just having a beginning, middle and an end - but that is a great beginning!
The 3 Act structure in its simplest form is based on the idea that all story forms (film or books) etc. have to have some structure in order for the audience and readers to be able to follow the story.
In the case of filmmaking stories will almost always follow the "3 Act Story Structure." Although not written in stone, this is a proven and long followed "formula" for filmmaking. In fact, this is not a "formula" but a pattern in filmmaking which audiences have become accustom. Your audience will most likely not notice the structure as they watch films - but that's good because it means they are following the story through its structure.
The beginning of the Filmmaking Process
- What is the basic the Story - Story Outline
- Planning the idea and characters
- Plotlines
- Writing the Script
- Great Stories must have conflict - multiple struggles for the Protagonist to overcome
- Great stories have an "Ah-ha" moment where the character discovers the strength or power to finally achieve the goal
Understanding the "3 Act" Story Structure
Hollywood's time tested structure of films.
Introduction to Storytelling in filmmaking. The 3 Act Story Structure is much more than just having a beginning, middle and an end - but that is a great beginning!
The 3 Act structure in its simplest form is based on the idea that all story forms (film or books) etc. have to have some structure in order for the audience and readers to be able to follow the story.
In the case of filmmaking stories will almost always follow the "3 Act Story Structure." Although not written in stone, this is a proven and long followed "formula" for filmmaking. In fact, this is not a "formula" but a pattern in filmmaking which audiences have become accustom. Your audience will most likely not notice the structure as they watch films - but that's good because it means they are following the story through its structure.
Source: Darious Britt,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6QD5Pbc50I |
"Story Arc" of a 3 Act Film
Organizing a overall narrative film into 3 Acts
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Story Arc in simplest form
Source: WikiMedia.org
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Studio Binder is an Excellent Resource for filmmakers
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Source: Studio Binder
Source: Pixar in a Box
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKrCKg9ggVI |
Story Structure - Finding Nemo
Just because a story has structure doesn't mean that it can't be told many different ways or in a different order. The video below is about story structure and how the order of events in the movie "Finding Nemo" changed in pre-production as the film was being developed. The Producers and writers had sound reasoning behind the changes they made to the order of the story events. Take note that changes were made based on how well the film tested with audiences prior to release and were made to satisfy the audience's desires. This is an inside look into the story structure of Finding Nemo." |
Source: Film Riot
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3 Act Story Structure
Practical Example Feature film "The Ring," (available for rent on Prime Video & Youtube) |
Assignment:
Identify the 3 Act Story Structure in "The Trotsky" feature film
Identify the 3 Act Story Structure in "The Trotsky" feature film
Word For PC version
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Pages for Mac version
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Character vs. Story
Developing and Writing a Narrative Film
Where to start writing a narrative film. Should one start with the story and all the details and then fill in the characters? Or should a character already be top of mind driven by the need of that character and his or her character traits? Does it matter. Is there a rule or preference? Where do writers get their film ideas? What inspires them?
We will take a look from the perspective of Hollywood screenwriters and directors.
Developing and Writing a Narrative Film
Where to start writing a narrative film. Should one start with the story and all the details and then fill in the characters? Or should a character already be top of mind driven by the need of that character and his or her character traits? Does it matter. Is there a rule or preference? Where do writers get their film ideas? What inspires them?
We will take a look from the perspective of Hollywood screenwriters and directors.
"The Story Idea"
The absolutely hardest part of being a filmmaker is telling a story that others want to watch. Where do great ideas come from? How can you begin the process of telling a great story through film?
In this class you will write the script for a short film (approx. 4 pages.)
So what will your short film be about? Where can you draw inspiration for your film story? Who will be the characters in your film? Why will others be interested in watching your film if it were made.
The absolutely hardest part of being a filmmaker is telling a story that others want to watch. Where do great ideas come from? How can you begin the process of telling a great story through film?
In this class you will write the script for a short film (approx. 4 pages.)
So what will your short film be about? Where can you draw inspiration for your film story? Who will be the characters in your film? Why will others be interested in watching your film if it were made.
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Film Riot - Outstanding Filmmaking Resource
Ryan Connolly shares his filmmaking experiences on his site. |
Inspirational Stories
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