Learn from the industry!
A great way to develop an understanding of storytelling through film is to recreate a scene from a great mentor text. Richard Linklater’s work with young people is unparalleled in Hollywood and he really gets the best out of young talent which is often drawn from casting non-actors. School of Rock is an excellent example of a film I highly recommend to my students. The film mixes comedy, school and many more sensitive issues including relationships, self esteem and relationships. This particular scene, when Lawrence who suffers from low self esteem has a brilliantly directed Jack Black offering kind words of encouragement. It’s simple in it’s execution and a joy to recreate with small groups of children.
Timing: Production 1 hour (ideally cast have learnt lines and rehearsed prior to filming)
Location: Classroom/any school environment
Editing and critique: 1 Hour
Steps: Children shown the scene and are provided with the original screenplay. A production team of four divided into cast and director/cam operator for rehearsals to work out how to shoot/block the scene.
Roles:
Director
Talent X2
Camera operator
sound – boom if available
Film concepts: blocking, composition, directing
