technical requirements students write a script for a documentary film on a topic of film history or...
TRANSCRIPT
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTSStudents write a script for a
documentary film on a topic of film history or theory
Externally AssesedWorth 25% of IB MArk
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTSStudents write a script for a
documentary film on a topic of film history or theory
HL: 12-15 page scriptSL: 8-10 page script
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTSStudents write a script for a
documentary film on a topic of film history or theory
HL: 12-15 page scriptSL: 8-10 page scriptUS letter size paper
12 pt. Courier font, single spaced
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Rationale – a brief, reasoned explanation of the concerns of the topic
in no more than 100 words
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Rationale – a brief, reasoned explanation of the concerns of the topic
in no more than 100 words
Annotated list of sources – as an appendix, including the main source
films
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
At HL, the script must draw on a minimum of 4 films from at least 2
countries
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
At HL, the script must draw on a minimum of 4 films from at least 2
countries
At SL, the script must draw on a minimum
of 2 films from at least 2 countries
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
The target audience for the documentary is film students 14-18
years old
The “voice” of the documentary must be that of the student, who will also act
as the narrator and on screen host
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Scripts must employ an established documentary script format such as “side by side” or “split page” with
columns for audio and video (video left, audio right)
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Scripts must employ an established documentary script format such as “side by side” or “split page” with
columns for audio and video (video left, audio right)
Descriptions of audio and video elements must be detailed and specific
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
The script must clearly indicate the relationship between the audio and
video elements. Audio and Video columns must be “proficiently linked.”
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
The script must clearly indicate the relationship between the audio and
video elements. Audio and Video columns must be directly aligned to
establish the “link”
Use of time code can support the video description but cannot stand
alone
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Sources listed in the bibliography must be annotated to indicate how
they were used in the script. Students must ensure that any comments or ideas coming from others are fully
supported by detailed references in the annotated bibliography.
TOPIC CHOICE
Students are required to engage in an unfamiliar cinematic tradition (artistic
method, style, movement, genre)
TOPIC CHOICE
Students are required to engage in an unfamiliar cinematic tradition (artistic
method, style, movement, genre)
Students must research this tradition and incorporate the research into the
script
TOPIC CHOICEFilm History or Theory
Film History – topics relating to the chronological development of film
TOPIC CHOICEFilm History or Theory
Film History – topics relating to the chronological development of film
Film Theory – topics focusing on what makes film work as a medium and art
form
TOPIC CHOICE
Some topics might include aspects of both, such as the development of
“movements” like Expressionism or Neo-Realism
TOPIC CHOICE
Some topics might include aspects of both, such as the development of
“movements” like Expressionism or Neo-Realism
Film theory includes concepts like narrative, genre, use of light, editing,
auteur film theory, feminist film theory, etc.
TOPIC CHOICE
Start with a big, general idea such as “Editing”
Decide on some arguments or points relating to the general idea – fast
cutting enhances excitement, cutting compresses time and space, cutting
shows reactions
TOPIC CHOICE
Find resources (other than the main films) that will support the general idea – web sites, texts, critical writing, etc.
TOPIC CHOICE
Find resources (other than the main films) that will support the general idea – web sites, texts, critical writing, etc.
Search data bases, web, library for key words – editing, montage,
Eisenstein…
TOPIC CHOICE
Create a list of films that would connect to the general idea: Battleship
Potemkin, Psycho, Kill Bill Vol. I, Crash…
TOPIC CHOICE
Create a list of films that would connect to the general idea: Battleship
Potemkin, Psycho, Kill Bill Vol. I, Crash…
Select extracts from the films that illustrate the general idea – Odessa
steps, shower scene, opening sequence in Crash…
TOPIC CHOICE
Develop a title, making sure it deals with some aspect of film history of
theory – “How Russian Editing Theories Influenced Filmmakers in
America”
TOPIC CHOICE
Develop a title, making sure it deals with some aspect of film history of
theory – “How Russian Editing Theories Influenced Filmmakers in
America”If necessary, limit the topic – “How Editing, as seen in the Odessa Steps
Sequence, Influenced 1960s American Filmmakers”
TOPIC CHOICE
Select the best primary films – Battleship Potemkin and Psycho
Select the “clips” and the “voice over” video to be used from these films
TOPIC CHOICE
Select the quotations or paraphrases to be used as “interviews” or voice over
Audio can be clips, voice over, “interviews,” music
Video can be clips from films, video from films, other appropriate video
TOPIC CHOICE
Topic must be “discussed primarily in cinematic terms”
Go beyond plot, character and setting. Discuss camera, light, sound, editing,
color, movement, composition, etc.
TOPIC CHOICE
Instead of tell who shoots whom in a gun fight, talk about…
How tension is supported by the scoreHow rapid cutting increases suspense
How use of slow motion draws the viewer into the scene
COMMON PITFALLS
Choosing a topic better suited to a literary, social or political discussion
Not discussing the topic in cinematic terms
COMMON PITFALLS
Choosing a topic better suited to a literary, social or political discussion
Not discussing the topic in cinematic terms
Using celebrities or imaginary characters as narrator or host
COMMON PITFALLS
Choosing a topic better suited to a literary, social or political discussion
Not discussing the topic in cinematic terms
Using celebrities or imaginary characters as narrator or hostScripts over or under length
COMMON PITFALLS
Topics that do not represent an unfamiliar cinematic tradition –
comparing Casino Royale and Mission Impossible
COMMON PITFALLS
Topics that do not represent an unfamiliar cinematic tradition –
comparing Casino Royale and Mission Impossible
Limited use of sources, depending on Wikepedia, IMDB, “special features” on
DVDs
COMMON PITFALLS
Topics that do not represent an unfamiliar cinematic tradition –
comparing Casino Royale and Mission Impossible
Limited use of sources, depending on Wikepedia, IMDB, “special features” on
DVDsScripts “padded” by creative spacing
and margins
My Role
Give advice on a first draft, although do not heavily edit. The next version
must be the final one.