Assignment: Video Project #1•The Episode: writing from your life

Requirements for this assignment: Completed video and writing (see below). Place on class reel. If you have storyboards or other supporting materials, you can submit them. However, my review of them is not required for your grade.

Writing:

In addition to completing the video, I would like you to turn in a 2-page written analysis of your video. This is helpful for me when grading your work, and helpful for you to reflect on your work and process.

Here are some points you can focus on when writing about the work. They are taken from the assignment handout (which is also online).

How does the video use a narrative structure? What are the setup, the conflict or complication, and the resolution? You can use the structure outlined on the assignment to answer this, or you can use any of the definitions of narrative I handed out in the beginning of the semester. Refer to one of them. If your work is experimental, explain how it deviates from a narrative arc.

What is the relationship of plot to story? How are the plot elements used to convey the story?

How is time and duration used? Be specific as to story duration or plot duration, compression or expansion of events.

What kind of character did you develop?

How is point of view used in relation to the voice over narration? Is there more than one point of view in the work? If it shifts, why does it shift? How do the shots and audio convey point of view? Be specific--perceptual pov, internal or external shot construction, close ups, etc. How would you describe the range or depth of narration?

How did you use connotative or metaphoric imagery? If you didn’t (used images for their denotative qualities alone), why did you choose not to?

You can also comment on other factors we have been studying such as mise-en-scene (color, light, costume, props, etc.), composition, unifying themes, shot to shot construction, etc. In order to reflect on these and the above questions, I highly recommend that you review the readings for this class. Film Art will be especially helpful, plus Finding Your Writer's Voice.