Logistics
Present each part of the lesson in the following order:
KEY VOCABULARY (10 min.):
Logistics: the detailed coordination of a complex operation involving many people, facilities, or supplies. [New Oxford American Dictionary]
Preproduction: work done on a product, especially a film or broadcast program, before full-scale production begins. [New Oxford American Dictionary]
Filming permits: permits issued by governments to allow the filming of motion pictures. Every city and state has some sort of council or office that handles filming permits. Obtaining film permits is part of the process of location scouting, and they are usually the responsibility of the location manager. Permits are issued prior to the shooting with details about location, date, time, equipment, personnel, special effects, actions, and stunts. [Wikipedia]
Location scouting: the process of looking for locations in which to film your video production. [Steve’s Digicams]
Cast: (1) the actors taking part in a play, movie, or other production;(2) assign a part in a play, movie, or other production to (an actor). [New Oxford American Dictionary]
Crew: refers to those involved in the technical production of a film who are not actual performers. [Film Site Film Terms Glossary from AMC, Written and Edited by Tom Dirks]
Costume: refers to the garments or clothing worn by actors/performers in a film. [Film Site Film Terms Glossary from AMC, Written and Edited by Tom Dirks]
Props: abbreviation for “properties” – refers to the furnishings, fixtures, hand-held objects, decorations, or any other moveable items that are seen or use on a film (or stage) set but that are not a structural part of the set; usually the responsibility of the prop man or property master. [Film Site Film Terms Glossary from AMC, Written and Edited by Tom Dirks]
Set: a collection of scenery, stage furniture, and other articles used for a particular scene in a play or film. [New Oxford American Dictionary]
Lighting: refers to the illumination of a scene, and the manipulation of light and shadows by the cinematographer. [Film Site Film Terms Glossary from AMC, Written and Edited by Tom Dirks]
Equipment: the necessary items for a particular purpose. [New Oxford American Dictionary]
Call sheet: a daily schedule of filming for a movie or television show. [Merriam-Webster Dictionary]
Attention-getter (10 min.):
Play the Youth for Human Rights “The Right to Education” PSA and ask students to make a list of everything they would need to make that PSA. Remind them that this list should include everything, including camera equipment, crew members, locations, permits, props, sets, and cast.
Discussion (15 min.):
Ask students why logistics would be important in making a PSA.
Have students compare their logistics lists from the attention-getter with each other to fill any gaps.
Create a complete list of everything that would be needed to make the sample PSA.
From this list, as a class, create a general checklist of logistics that need to be handled for any PSA.
Activity (10 min.):
Have students utilize the logistics checklist the class has created to make a checklist for their own PSAs, using their scripts, storyboards, and shot lists. Instruct them to write down what they currently have and what they need. If they need a piece of equipment, a prop, a permit, etc., encourage them to begin figuring out how to get it.
Assignment (5 min. in class, TBD. at home):
Instruct students to finish their logistics checklists and check items off of them until they have everything they require to actually film their PSAs. Inform them that the next lesson is filming, and so it is very important that they begin making preparations for this.
∞ End of Lesson ∞