Film Techies/News Crew Oct. 22

Oct. 22, 2009
Film Techies Class
Hi parents and students!
Today we talked about shot composition. I taught general principles about an establishing shot (wide view), medium shot, close-up, extreme close-up, angled or “Dutch” view, low-angle, and high angle. I also taught them the “rule of thirds.” Have them draw you a diagram and explain it to you. If they teach it, they will retain it much easier. If you are ok with them using a digital camera you own, have them take one or two pictures of each of these shots.
If you are comfortable letting them bring a digital still camera (and tri-pod) to school, I would like some of the students to bring it next week, Oct. 29th. When I asked who thought they could bring one, six students volunteered. If you will let them, have them bring it to my classroom before school starts and I will send it home with them. If you are NOT comfortable sending it, then please don’t. We do have 4 or 5 still digital cameras I am using here at school. They will just need to be taking turns more if we just use the school’s cameras only.
We will view their pictures they took today next week to critique shots, identify again the types of shots, and discuss the rule of thirds.
This is fun stuff!
If you haven’t gotten me the parental permission papers, please do so ASAP!
C C News Crew
Mr. Keeler’s class started their journey of writing the newscast this morning. We will film it tomorrow morning. Eventually, I will teach the students editing also. I will try to post it on School Tube. http://www.schooltube.com
It will be broadcast next Monday, Oct. 26th. We broadcast in the mornings at 9:05 and in the afternoons at 3:25. Next week, Mrs. Ashmore’s class will be up.

Filming "Very Hungry Caterpillar"

I love doing film in my classroom! I prepared for "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" Day by making a film with a 2nd grade class. I read the book, they did the lines holding pictures, and they acted out the story. It was a delightful experience. I edited it and the whole school viewed it on VHC Day. The rest of my drama classes in grades K, 1st and 2nd got to do the same activity in drama that week. They adored the whole thing.
I was lucky enough to be host to Beverley Taylor Sorenson who came with several other people to observe me teach this lesson to a 1st grade class. At our parent advocacy meeting that night she remarked how wonderful it was to hear all the children laughing delightedly at the actor portraying the "big, fat caterpillar." "They were laughing so hard, I'm sure you could hear them clear across the school," she remarked. It was a wonderful experience, and I am blessed to be able to teach theatre at my elementary school. Let's all advocate for the arts to stay in the schools! The legislature holds the key to our funding being continued for the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Program here in Utah.