Video Unit - The "Chase Scene"
During the next few weeks, you will work closely with your group (approx. 4 students) to plan, develop and produce a short chase scene based on the principals of effective video production. Follow the process below to assist you with completing your project.
STEP 1 - INDIVIDUAL VIDEO TREATMENT:
The main goal of this project is to provide information about basic car maintenance for young drivers. The video will be light-hearted in nature, featuring casual dialogue among on-screen talent, humour and up-beat music.
The video opens with a wide shot of the automotive repair shop. The camera will move around the shop, showing various pieces of equipment, etc. The scene will be set to music and will feature voice-over narration describing the general content of the video and subjects to be covered.
Following the introduction, the video will continue with a series of fast-paced segments featuring many quick cuts to maintain audience attention. Cuts will be as short as possible. Each segment will feature a different on-screen actor working in the shop who will provide specific lessons on car maintenance, such as changing a tire, replacing spark plugs, etc. Each segment will be introduced with upbeat theme music and a brief, simple title screen. Plenty of interesting camera angle changes will be used to create a strong sense of excitement for the viewer.
The video will close with voice-over narration as the camera sweeps around a shiny, just-washed sports car gleaming in the sun. The camera will pull back as the video fades to black, closing music starts and the credits start to roll.
STEP 2 - GROUP TREATMENT, SCRIPT & STORYBOARD DEVELOPMENT
VIDEO PRODUCTION PLAN - OUTLINE
STEP 3 - PRODUCTION
STEP 4 - EDITING & POST-PRODUCTION
FINAL VIDEO SPECIFICATIONS
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD/VIEW VIDEO PROJECT RUBRIC
STEP 1 - INDIVIDUAL VIDEO TREATMENT:
- You will produce a detailed, well-written treatment for a potential group chase scene (see sample below).
- You will write a minimum 3-4 paragraph description of all the elements that will be involved in the video and how the video will be constructed.
This should be typed on the computer (double-spaced). - The treatment is a CHRONOLOGICAL description of the video – how it will look and how it will unfold (think of telling the “story” of your video).
- Your treatment MUST cover the following information:
o The overall mood of the video (humourous suspenseful, scary, etc).
o Overview of the setting/location for the video. You should scout locations for your shoot prior to developing the treatment. - o A detailed description of the action.
o An outline of visual effects, camera techniques, etc. as required.
o Should be very easy to follow and understandable.
The main goal of this project is to provide information about basic car maintenance for young drivers. The video will be light-hearted in nature, featuring casual dialogue among on-screen talent, humour and up-beat music.
The video opens with a wide shot of the automotive repair shop. The camera will move around the shop, showing various pieces of equipment, etc. The scene will be set to music and will feature voice-over narration describing the general content of the video and subjects to be covered.
Following the introduction, the video will continue with a series of fast-paced segments featuring many quick cuts to maintain audience attention. Cuts will be as short as possible. Each segment will feature a different on-screen actor working in the shop who will provide specific lessons on car maintenance, such as changing a tire, replacing spark plugs, etc. Each segment will be introduced with upbeat theme music and a brief, simple title screen. Plenty of interesting camera angle changes will be used to create a strong sense of excitement for the viewer.
The video will close with voice-over narration as the camera sweeps around a shiny, just-washed sports car gleaming in the sun. The camera will pull back as the video fades to black, closing music starts and the credits start to roll.
- NOTE - this treatment is NOT a script. It is merely a clear description of what you'd expect to see when you watch the completed video. To help you when writing the treatment, imagine you are trying to describe the project to someone else who will be filming it for you. You'll need to include as much information as possible about location, camera shots, etc.
STEP 2 - GROUP TREATMENT, SCRIPT & STORYBOARD DEVELOPMENT
- After completing and submitting your own treatment to your instructor, you will share your ideas with your group and decide on final ideas for your group video. The final concept can be a revised version of one of your member's individual ideas or a combination of a number of treatment elements.
- You will complete a detailed GROUP TREATMENT for your final chase scene idea (must be changed from individual treatments). This will be typed on the computer and printed.
- You will produce a PRODUCTION PLAN for the project (see details below).
- Your group will produce a script if your scene requires dialogue (not a requirement for project).The group MUST produce a detailed storyboard for your video that provides excellent information regarding main shots in your video, locations, shot types, etc. The storyboard drawings must be as detailed, accurate and neat as possible. Click here to view a sample of how to draw a storyboard. You can also view the Storyboarding Powerpoint here.
- REMEMBER - you MUST also include information about AUDIO and shot types on your storyboard sheets.
- CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A BLANK STORYBOARD
VIDEO PRODUCTION PLAN - OUTLINE
- Your group will develop a PRODUCTION PLAN before you can start filming. Click here to view the sample Production Planner worksheet (your instructor will provide copies in class).
STEP 3 - PRODUCTION
- During this stage, you and your group will film all required footage needed for your chase scene. You will have approximately 4 (four) classes to complete filming, so use your time wisely.
- Filming must be as professional as possible. Make sure you follow proper shot composition techniques and use equipment to assist with high-quality filming (tripod, microphones, lighting, etc. as required).
- Your filming will feature:
- Excellent variety of shots (close-ups, long shots, interesting angles, natural framing, rule of thirds, etc.).
- Steady shots (unless you are deliberately trying to create an effect with shaky camera work) - USE A TRIPOD!
- Multiple takes of shots when on location. This allows you to choose the BEST shot from all your footage for your final video and helps eliminate the need to go out and reshoot scenes.
- Consistent costume/on-screen talent. Nothing can ruin a video's professional appearance more than accidental changes in costumes, actor appearance, lighting, etc. Pay attention to these details when filming.
STEP 4 - EDITING & POST-PRODUCTION
- Once you have completed your filming, you will upload your footage to the computer (D drive - make sure to create a group folder for the video project). If you are working in a large group (4-6 students), you MUST split into pairs to edit the project. Each pair can work from the same source footage (will need to copy to individual computers).
- You will use Adobe Premiere (either Elements 7 or Pro CS4) to edit your footage. Make sure to use great care when arranging clips in your timeline.
- Make cuts at logical points in the action.
- Try to ensure that you don't have more the 2-3 shots of the same type in sequence (ex. 3 long shots in a row) to help create visual variety/excitement.
- You will use Premiere to add opening title screens, closing credit screens, transitions and effects as needed.
- The video MUST begin and end with 5 seconds of BLACK VIDEO and titles will fade in at opening and fade out at end.
- You will add sound effects and suitable INSTRUMENTAL music to enhance the scene. Music will fade in and out as required (no abrupt cuts). All music used for your project MUST be legal (ie. purchased from iTunes or similar site, original CD, etc.). See instructor for access to class music library if needed. You may also choose to produce your own musical score using Garage Band (MAC), Audition or Band-in-a-Box (not required for final project).
- You may choose to add special effects, etc. using programs such as After Effects. This is not a requirement for the final project, but can enhance your chase video.
FINAL VIDEO SPECIFICATIONS
- Your final video must adhere to following guidelines:
- Must be between 1:30 and 2:30 minutes in length (not including black intro/outro video and opening/closing title screens).
- Must have minimum 40 edits/cuts.
- Edits timed appropriately for action.
- Excellent variety of shots (angles, camera moves, shot types).
- No more than 3 shots of same type in a row.
- Instrumental musical score (audio adjusted for video).
- Sound effects (either original recordings or sound effects library).
- Opening and closing title screens.
- 5 seconds of black video at opening and closing (faded in and out).
- Final video will be rendered as a DV AVI file and a compressed FLV file. You will burn a copy of the video to DVD and hand in the FLV in the class GROUP WORK folder (more details to follow).
- Click here to see student work: Chase Scene Exemplar web page.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD/VIEW VIDEO PROJECT RUBRIC