Dec. 20 - Check this out

Look what this television production class did. IT is very cool and I want to start doing this, too. See the video here.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

Dec. 18 - Be sure you know about your 20-Hour Project (it is the first semester exam)

This is PBS Students Reporting Labs on a video shoot.

Today, Adam and others will be working on a Xmas video with "Jingle Bells."

Check out this Kmart commercial here. My niece is in this video. She talks in the "Making of" video on the bottom. She is the person who makes the really cool curtain with the transfer picture of the hula girl.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

December 16 - Plan for the week

Today your group needs to shoot your video and upload it to your computer.

Tomorrow, everyone edits their own version.

Wednesday and Thursday, we view as a class.

Turn in your current events homework quiz today at the beginning of class.

The 20-Hour Project Show and Tell is due on Friday, January 2 and 3rd. Turn in copies of your videos and journals this Friday. It does not have to be all of them. But that will be due on January 2. Something you might have to work on over the holidays, I imagine.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

December 12 - Important Updates

1. Remember that everyone needs to cover a sports or other event before the quarter ends. I am adding it to the Gradebook and won't fill in your grade until you have successfully edited the news package.

2. Your 20-hour project should be ongoing. It looks like we will be presenting pretty soon after the Winter Break and before exams. You should be keeping a record of your practicing through phone video, journal entries, interviews with your family as they see you struggle through this.

THERE WILL BE A SHOW AND TELL OVER TWO DAYS WHEN WE RETURN. BE PREPARED.

3. We are doing a Silent Film Project today, Friday and Monday. Today is planning with story board.

VIDEO-ONLY ASSIGNMENT

Shoot and edit a one-minute, silent video that meets the focus statement you pick.

Storyboard Due: Thursday, December 13, 2013 end of period. Everyone in the group will edit.

Ms. Greer is selecting the groups. Everyone in the group will be involved! Each class will have 4-5 groups.

Rules: No shooting without a storyboard. One storyboard per group

*Must use a tripod

*Cuts-only editing, with no graphics, no captions, no special effects of any kind. *Edit VIDEO only. If you include audio to the project, you will have a 15-point deduction.

*When saving your project, your sequence MUST be labeled with your last name and silent_class Period. Example: Greer_Silent5th.

Any sequence labeled wrong or not labeled, will be a 15-point deduction.

*ALL MEMBERS OF THE GROUP WILL EDIT THEIR OWN VIDEO.

*Everyone will have a timeline with the video.

*You may only shoot five minutes of raw footage.

*No hand-made signs may be used.

*Each person in your group must appear in the video.

*Must add :05 of black before and after your video. Video must be exported to Buffalo file for your period.

The black does not count toward your one minute of time.

:05 at beginning/:05 at the end

*You will draw your focus statement and as a group, you may decide to trade it in once. If you do trade, you are stuck with the second statement you draw. Do NOT reveal your prompt to any other group.

RUBRIC

Storyboard 15
Can we follow the story? _____/20
Camera work _____/20
Quality of video editing (no glitches or jump cuts) _____/10
Exactly 60 seconds (all or nothing) _____/10
:05 Black-beginning and end _____/10
Teamwork-all appear members in video _____/15
Sequence Name greer_silent_5th-example _____/15

TOTAL /100

Group Members:

December 11 - Hour of Code Campaign Week

Today you are going to learn some code.

Go to this web site. Here are some links that I expect you to check out.

This will be fun and informational. Get the certificate for 15 pts formative.

Links to check out:

So who says that you can't film on the cheap? Look at this guy's stuff and innovative approach to shooting on a budget.

Test on current events and the tape on Mandela on Friday. See previous blog entry for the link to Mandela tape from Radio Diaries.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

Dec. 6 - Homework and 20-Hour Project

Today, you need to finish your summative tape. I will grade upon viewing them in your computer.

I am looking for correct use of the vocabulary word, creativity in approach, AND your variety of shots.

Remember, it is 20 pts summative.

Then, you need to listen to this for Tuesday
. THERE WILL BE A QUIZ ON THIS. IT WILL CONSIST OF THE ACTUAL STORY AND HOW IT WAS PUT TOGETHER.

Put the audio on your I-pad or phone and listen while you are running or something. It is an amazing story and one you need to know.

Two years ago, we went to listen to this reporter from Radio Diaries as I had worked with one of the reporters on this team. It is no lie that they are some of the best radio storytellers in the world.

Ms. Greer

Silver Spring, MD

November 26 - Short Video Project Plan today

The New York Times is running a contest on vocab word definitions.

Deadline is Dec. 4.

This is 20 pts. summative.

Here is the mission.

Here are some examples.

Very quickly, break into your groups. You will chose one of these words from a hat:

affliction
venom
anonymity
satellite
revulsion
brunt
ramble
incite
offhand
effigy
accessory
mendacious
scuffle
subdue
ashen
generate
inclusive
pivotal
estranged
chivalrous
regal
misogynist
verbatim
killjoy
Here is a link to the entire list.

Your group needs to act this word definition out.

15 seconds is the total length of the video.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

November 24 - 20 Hour Planning Sheet (10 pts) PLUS you tell me (10 pts)

These students are walking out last Friday for reasons unknown (hint: have a clear mission when you do this).

I will pass out the planning sheet for the 20-Hour Project.

Then I want you to give me two URLs from the web that you think are interesting. Write up why you think they are interesting and why I should pay attention to them. This is a great way for me to see what you guys are looking at and what you think about it.

Both items are worth 20 pts. total (formative).

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

November 22 Commemorative Show

Here is the link to the JFK assassination video from this morning.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

November 19 -- You have until end of block period to get the final edit on the Door Project

This is a summative grade and worth 35 pts.

THE OBJECTIVE IS FOR YOU TO LEARN/PRACTICE EDITING EVEN THOUGH IT IS NOT ALL YOUR FOOTAGE.

When it is completed, you must download it to the Buffalo server. There will be a file for your class.

EVERYONE HAS ACCESS TO THE BUFFALO NOW.

Ms. Greer

November 18 - Edit the Door Projects

You are to edit the Door Projects of everyone in the
file Door Project _3.

Put this file in your Final Cut application. You need to cut the clips to build up the maximum tension.

Remember, sometimes the less we see, the better. Think the shark machine in Jaws.

You need to turn these in to the Buffalo file marked Door Projects. Put it in the period you are in.

If you do not have access to the Buffalo, remind me and I will see to it that Mr. Dullaney gets you in as soon as possible. Meanwhile, YOU WILL GET IT FROM AN EXTRA FLASH DRIVE I HAVE HERE IN THE ROOM.

This edit is worth 20 pts. formative.

It is due on Tuesday at the end of the day.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

November 15 - Homework (Due next Tuesday) 20 pts

Listen to the audio you see in this link. Then you need to transcribe 10 minutes of it. When you do this you will be able to see how it is assembled. Narrator speaks and then you hear their soundbites. Look at the way it is assembled. Type up the sound. Exactly as you hear them.

Unique: Her quote (yes, type up everything she says)

Narrator: Write up the words of the narrator exactly

I want you to pay particular attention to the way the narrator weaves the quotes together. It is conversational but always leads into the next quote.

WHY Do we do this? So that you can start internalizing how these stories are constructed. You will be doing plenty of your own stories. Learn from the masters . . . no need to reinvent the wheel.

Here is a problem you may or may not encounter in your filming future. I don't think I would have been this cool. YOu do not have to comment on the elk video.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

Nov. 15 - Storyboard Example

Check out this Star Trek movie and storyboard -- it uses a split screen.

Nov. 11 - The art of editing

Look at this today.

November 5 - Read the following today to get ready for Block Day surprise

Today is a hunter-gatherer kind of day.

Look for wacky things on the web that could be potential stories like this one. Can you think of comedy scenarios with this? Or a tragic story? Spanish soap opera treatment? Spy thriller?

We need more goat jokes. Check this out. Some have said that a sports team should consider naming themselves "the goats" when you consider the physical feats they can perform. What sports should they be representing?

Yesterday you decided on what you will learn in 20 hours. I will post that list this week.

Click here for a small video on keeping up the fight. Remember this little guy and his resiliency when you think you are messing up.

Make up a plan for your new learned skill and write it up.

(Homework. 15 points. Due Friday).

I will keep it on file.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

November 4 - Project that is personal and due right after Xmas break

This semester you will be a bigger master of your universe and work on projects alone and in groups. You should have one due every two weeks and they will be summative.

But first up, you are going to do a reflection.

Watch the following video and think of what you are going to spend 20 hours learning to do.

What do you want to learn to do? Make it something worth your time. Learn how to bake bread? Play an instrument? Draw? Learn how to code? Then the secret is going to be documenting your journey. How will you do that?

Write a two-paragraph reflection on this before you leave the room today. (10 pts. formative)

Oct. 31Audio vs Visual notes . . .

Feedback I've gotten on radio pieces: "I loved the catch in the woman's voice when she talked about losing her farm, and the way the cup rattled when she put it back in the saucer."

Feedback from when I was a television correspondent: "I saw your piece from Chechnya. Did you get a haircut?"

Hmmmm . . .what do you think? Where is the emotion?

Ms. Greer

Silver Spring, Md.

October 29 -- Listen to this podcast about how to tell a story/write (15 pts. formative)

Here is the link; What is more powerful -- audio or television? Write up what is the difference in radio and television in terms of telling a story. What is the strength of radio (or audio only)? What does the word epic" mean? (Note: The John Biewen piece, Scared, is done by Ms. Greer's teacher at Duke University's Center for Documentary Studies.)

This podcast goes on . . . tell me about it in an essay that is at least three good paragraphs long with enough interesting insights that I know you really paid attention.

Formative 15 pts

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

October 28 - Winding up the week/quarter

So, now that Homecoming is over, it is time to get the business of grades completed. I will be grading and grading and grading.

Make sure that you have your news packages completed. This is very late in the game. Those of you who did the pep rally, you need to upload your footage today and turn that around for a grade.

Current Events Quiz on Wednesday this week to make up for last Friday and no Friday school this week.

October 23 -- Warm-up

Click here. Watch. We should be getting great shots all the time. We have no barriers like this lady does.

Get out there and look. Document.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

October 14, 2013 - How do I start a news package? Due: Oct. 28 (Worth 25 pts. summative)

ASSIGNMENT:

You have two weeks to start and finish a news package that should air on the show or be added to the newspaper online. 2 min. maximum amount of time. You are working solo. This can be a sound slide or a video news package. You must clear the subject with Ms. Greer so that multiple people are not doing the same thing AND to see if it is worth our time.

HINT:

*Start with compelling nat. (natural)sound and strong visuals

OR

*Start with a soundbite that draws the viewer in and leads into the story

OR

*Start with a well-written voiceover that sets the stage

In other words, it's up to you, the student reporter, to figure it out. How will you piece the story puzzle together? Since your are the closest person to it, you must decide. However, you can ask other people to listen and watch and give you feed-back, including Ms. Greer.

In the middle, you pretty much include the things you need to report, those facts that add to the emotions or strong reactions in the piece, which come from sound bites.

The last phase of the story is where you try to tie a bow on it with a strong bite, or a well-written voiceover that is fair, and often is open-ended. Or provides a twist that leaves the viewer thinking.

To sum up:

Beginning: Get my attention (sound helps)

Middle: Tell me some things I don't know

End: Leave me with a strong visual and/or soundbite or VO (voiceover)that will stay with me.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

October 7 - News packages (Due Oct. 18)

We are now moving into a new phase of news packages (they are due at the end of next week).

Make sure that I have uploaded your stuff today for viewing tomorrow.

Today, write up a pitch for some sports team or club you are going to follow. You can have one partner.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

September 30 - ANIMATION

HERE ARE SOME LINKS TO ANIMATION:

Check this one first so that you have a clue.

Here is a whole page on Vimeo with stop-motion making.

Click here for RUNG.

Click here for animation armature blog. See how they are built if you want to get really complicated.

This site is loaded with a list serv and animation films.

Here is another one that has short clips of many artists. This is sort of short exercises, I think.

You will have the chance to make a short animation if you so wish. Several people are beginning a short one for homecoming that involves the Cavalier and a space ship.

Meanwhile, finish your news packages. They are due for the rest of the points at the end of the block day.

Ms. Greer

Silver Spring, Md.

September 25 - Look at these videos and comment on them

Click here for video that is about fashion. Watch the way it is made.

Click here for a link about gum. Think about how stories are everywhere. Sometimes you just need to look down.

Click here for a link on the five-second rule.

Here is a video that Mr. Kirk loves. Why do you think he loves it.

Write up your reactions to these pieces for 10 pts. Not a big deal. I just want you to pay attention to the different ways to do news packages or other videos.

News packages are due on Friday. Watching these will help you figure out what you need to do.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

September 23 - News Package

You need to complete a news package this week. Use your phone. Use a camera. Use a soundslide shoe like "One in 8 Million."

I am in here during lunch and often after school. You need to ask me to make sure.

Interims are coming.

Right now there is no time for playing around or shopping for shoes or checking out basketball.

Today, write up your plan and hand it in to me. I need to get a handle on what you are doing and make sure that you are on the right track.

10 points - formative.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

Sept. 18 and 19

Ms. Gesuwan in the Business Office sent me this link today. This is just an example of how powerful telling stories with video can be. YOu have all the tools you need to build stories. Think about that.

Friday(9/20)is the due date for the green screen project. Make sure you have at least three little announcements with text/picture behind your shoulder. Time the text to come up when you say that part. For example, when you say "Debate Club meeting" the slide will pop up. It is a matter of having the text clip at the right place over your video. If you have any questions, please ask me or another student who has a handle on this.

My wish is that all of you will be taking chances in here. Try new things. Don't be afraid of failing or having something not work. Remember, no one really knows what will work. You have to try it and see. It is like a comedian always trying out jokes to see which ones land with an audience. They have a lot of bombs and just know that is part of the process.

News package (25 Summative) is due on Friday, September 27).

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md

Sept 17 -- Sports Highlights and Reporting (Also Green Screen project due beginning of class Friday)

Click here for an example of a sports package done by other high school broadcast journalists.

The BuzzTV teacher said, "It really isn't that hard to do and it can be used for any sport. All it consists of is a shot-by-shot listing of what happens in the highlight package. This is especially helpful if your talent can adlib their way through the package but is also assumes the talent knows the sport and all the vernacular that goes with it. If they can't, scripting to the video is possible, but the script will need to be timed to match what is being described on the screen."

Click here for some friendly advice about how to do this.

You will receive in the next few days a great worksheet for sports reporting. I am going to put a reel together and you will edit it and do the commentary. Do not be afraid. This will be fun.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

Sept. 11 - Changing the show up

Please analyze this tape. We are going to start moving out of the studio with our reports.

Let's try to invigorate the look and feel of the show. How can we make the meetings and times more interesting?

We are going to try some of the ideas out in front of a camera today.

Look at the script from our teleprompter today. You are going to tape the announcements in front of a green screen and then edit them changing the background to make it interesting.

I don't expect you to be perfect. However, I do expect you to try and be on camera with at least four announcements and to edit. We will save to the Buffalo server and everyone will see them for feedback. Get used to being on camera.

Formative grade: 20 pts. Reminder: Current events quiz on Friday.

I have put in grades. Check your to make sure it is correct. If you have not turned in your planning sheet or the blog assignment from Sept. 6, I suggest you do so asap. I will accept through the end of day on Thursday. New students need to talk to me about this to get a partner and to figure out what to do.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

September 10 - Grading Policy and Expectations

You will get the grading policy today.

Also, you will see posted on the cabinets a copy of the rubric for your first news package. It is due September 20th. I will show you how to submit it to the special server later.

Meanwhile, you need to look at the tutorials on August 27th to make sure you understand what B-roll is. Today, write up a description of B-roll. This is for 5 pts.

What is B-roll?

ALSO, REMEMBER THAT YOU MUST CHECK CURRENT EVENTS ON CNN.COM, NYTimes.com, and Washingtonpost.com.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

Sept. 9 - Work

You need to work on your project AND get ready for a current events quiz. In the past it was with access to the computer so that you could look up events. This year that won't be the case. Be sure that you are cruising nytimes.com and cnn.com throughout the week. I would look at it every morning when I arrive in this class.

Quizzes are on Fridays. Or on Mondays if we have no school on Fridays. That is every week. . . every week.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

Sept. 6 - Super Soak up Media Day AND write notes on it for points

1. Write up your reactions and notes to these media pieces for homework. I want to see that you really watched and reflected on what you learned from them. This is for 15 pts. and is due on Monday.

2. Turn in your planning sheets to the sub TODAY. I want to look at them before we start production next week. These planning sheets are worth 15 pts.

Here are the media clips you are to write about. They re really for you to start thinking about what is possible in your production.

Click here for an animation link from Cornell University's animation studies.

Here is BUZZTV from Fort Mill, South Carolina. You need to watch and see what you think. Make sure you write up some notes on this one, too.

So we start thinking about cool camera angles. Look at this clip. How would you use this around school or during sports?

What is photojournalism? Click here for the answer and write it in your notes with an explanation.

Remember to turn in your planning sheet to the sub today.

Homework due on Monday.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

Sept 4 - Story Ideas and Links to Catch Up On

Yesterday we talked about what stories we could do for the show. You need to pick a partner and then you need to decide what story you want to do. I know that many of you don't have the technical skills you need to be as good as you would like to be. BUT IT IS BEST TO JUMP RIGHT IN AND MAKE MISTAKES.

You are to begin work on a news package.

That is what we call a 1-2 minute news video.

Fill out the sheet I give you and make sure that both of your names are on it.

Start planning today. You will be shooting next week and editing the following week.

Today and Friday, you are planning.

Reporter's Track is the narration you will have to put in between the shots to tell the story. We will get to that last.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

Sept 3 - Planning

Today we are going to work on pitches for the morning show.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

August 29 -- We start editing today

Your mission is to edit a two-minute video on eligibility and how you study. I don't expect you to be a genius at this if you are new to editing. This is to get your feet wet.

Cut out all weird sounds and try to make your subjects look good and smart. Remember your audience is everyone from Mr. Rubens to the newest freshman. You are setting a tone. The administration really wants our eligibility rate to get higher (currently, we have 40% of our students unable to participate in school activities because their grades are too low).

One of these is going to air on Monday.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

August 28, 2013 -- Today is a very important day in our history

Click here for the actual march audio.

Check out this from the Neweum. The front pages were different from each newspaper.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, MD

Aug. 27 -- Objective today

Today we are going to begin interviewing each other. Choose a partner and find out three interesting things about them. Remember, most of your job is going to be finding things that are of interest to your audience.

You will have five minutes to get to know your partner. Take notes. You will have to report out at the end of class. Notes must be turned in for credit.

You may be nervous now, but a big part of doing well in media is being able to talk to people.

Ms. Greer

Silver Spring, Md.

Aug. 27 -- LInks to great video tutorials from Austin High School/PBS Student Reporting Lab

Click here for the tutorials.

BTW, Mr. Garcia is the coolest teacher EVER.

August 26

Look at this video to see how we are going to do things this year. We are getting ready for competition. Game on!

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md

June 3 - Quick info on what makes a story work

Click on it here.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

May 30 -- We finally have this tape!!

We got that B-roll! Click here for that crazy tape.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

May 28 - Last project

All 9th, 10th and 11th grade students have one last video project to do. This is a contest for a $1,000 prize. Here it is.

THIS IS MONEY YOUR GROUP COULD SPLIT. THIS MONEY DOES NOT GO TO THE SCHOOL AS I READ IT.

Remember, editing videotape is a skill that can bring you money.

A few tips. They want it to be REGIONAL. That means something specific to our area.

We should use all our abilities to this project (green screen, rap music, Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, sound booth, STOP-MOTION, etc).

Try to be creative, take some chances, make people want to make litter a no-no.

I have put some footage up on the Buffalo with the file name Ferguson Foundation. It is plastic in Rock Creek.

You may work in groups of your choice (no more than five people) or solo.I have shots of pollution in Rock Creek and pictures of salt from the snows on our parking lot that I will put on the Buffalo.

It is due during finals week. (50 pts. Summative)

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

May 16 - Look at this short film done by a senior high school student

Here it is

It just won a big prize and shows autism in an imaginative, cool way. Watch her shot composition.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md

May 15 - Watch these and tell me and then answer a question about it proving that you watched it. (Bonus 15 pts)

For Ira Glass on Storytelling Part 1, click here.

Making Local stories global click here

Click here for pitching a story (from the Associated Press)

Ms. Greer

Silver Spring, Md.

May 14 - Scripts and Storyboards must be done before getting cameras, etc.

You must have scripts for everyone in your group.

Improvisation on the shoot is good and bad. I will be looking at your finished product to see how far you steered away from your script. That is to show you utilized good planning and that you guys thought it out.

Because so many students will be using cameras, you need to get it shot and in the computer before the end of class.

Ask if you have questions.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

May 13 - Just an FYI - Twist Playlist from Magnolia High School in Texas

This teacher also runs a PBS Student Reporting Lab and she sent some of the music videos that her students did for you to check out. Yes, they got permission to use these songs. See list here.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

May 13 - Videos due on Friday of this week

Yes, that is right. They are due on Friday by the beginning of class. They are to be shown off of YouTube in class on Friday.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

May 10 - the internet is killing us . . .

Well, here it is. Click here.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

Last Friday's Big Reveal about Media Madness!

Wo-hoo!! See the reveal here!

And here are the winning videos:

1st place: John F. Kennedy High School's entry is here

2nd place: (Three-way tie)

Fort Mill High School in South Carolina's entry is here

Shenandoah High School in Iowas's entry is here

Desert Pines High School in Nevada's entry is here

Kennedy won $500 in equipment AND a pizza party. Special thanks to Crystal Roach (song composer, lyricist and singer) and Hector Hernandez (green screen guru). We are buying two new Adobe After Effects licenses.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

May 7 - Projects due for viewing on May 17 (we will have popcorn/Promethean)

This is the way it looked in here on group projects before the Mac rehab.

That means it is time to get your project done. Yes, I know you have tests/prom/life in general. Work around them. Get your scripts done so that you can start shooting.

You are required to have a script and all parties must have a copy (actors and crew).

You must have a call sheet. It can look like anything you wish but it must have props, actors, scenes, locations on it.Google it for ideas.

You must reserve a camera (remember that Madaio's classes are also shooting a project with a time limit).

You can use your phones to shoot but make sure that it looks good.

Plan it it being done by the end of your block day next week.

Don't waste your time in here. Work together. If people are not here, carry on and get the project done. You get to affect their grade later with your critique of them. The object is to learn collaboration with people you don't know so well.

Get on with it.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

May 6 - Listen to my audio, critique it on the back of the current events quiz (20 pts)

Today you need to co current events quiz, critique the following audio that is on the Buffalo and work on your script. I realize that people are going to be out for testing, etc., this week. You must keep working on it. Your grade the next two days will be from my seeing you working in class.

The photo is of a man I interviewed for a contest I entered. I have no idea if I will win. The rules are here. I had a terrifically hard time whittling the tape down to three minutes and breaking it into acts. It is about appetitive and should inspire these great chefs to create a new dish with the ingredients.

I am showing you this so that you will consider "output, not outcome" all the time. You have to make a lot of bad work before you get good and I am trying that it in my work, too. It was extremely hard to cut this tape down. I have put it in the Buffalo. It is called Truck Wild. I had to go in and cut myself out constantly. I had to cut up what he said without changing the meaning. It was a tough job and took a lot of time this weekend.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

May 1 - We work on our scripts

This is a line from the Talmud, the great Jewish book of wisdom. Think about this when you feel worried about your ideas and choices in your story development. Remember, we learn from mistakes. If you don't make mistakes, you are not really trying.

Today, the key is collaboration and fleshing out our stories. Prepare to discuss all of your story choices with me.

Worksheet due for 15 points at the end of class. Next is the shot sheet with props and the writing of the script. Please note that you can ask others to be your actors but we are shooting these at school.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

Tuesday, April 30 - Some tips for your script

Crazy puppet that Ms. Howard made 30 years ago.

These are from the book, Save the Cat, by Blake Snyder, a top screen-writing guide.

What do you pay attention to when you start or hear a story? It's the intro, set-up for changes and the changes that happen to the hero as he/she transforms and grows.

THE WORLD OF THE HERO NEEDS TO BE SET UP BEFORE WE START THE STORY.

This is the spine of the story and you should answer these questions before you begin your script.

Who's the hero?
What's the problem?
How does the story begin and end?
What are the tangible goals? (real)?
What are the spiritual goals?
What is the story about?
What is the theme(this is not an English class question- see below)?

According to Blake Snyder, there are two stories in every story.

There is the stuff on the surface which is the PLOT
There is the stuff below the surface which is the THEME.
(The below the surface is spiritual and it is the lessons the hero learns from the plot and the REAL STORY.)

He says that you have an A story and a B story.

A story = PLOT = wants = tangible
B story = THEME = needs = spiritual
WE MUST PUT CONFLICT IN ALL OF OUR SCENES. It can be big stuff or little stuff. Things have to conspire to make your hero have troubles on their journey. Comedy comes out of this, too.

HUMANS WON'T WATCH OR LISTEN IF THERE IS NO CONFLICT.

Put these things on the page before you begin to shoot.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

48-Hour-TYPE project (it is actually two weeks)

Raymond Trang talks to audience at the MCPS Environmental Film Festival about his video on Friday, April 26, 2013.

48 Hour-type project (Due May 10 with total 150 pts):

Objective: You are creating a comedy that will help increase school pride and participation. Preparation is everything so the prep work is worth more than the finished project.

I am making the groups for you. This is because you all don’t know each other and you need to learn to collaborate with all types of people in your work life.

Your grade will be based on the feedback I get from the group about your contribution as well.

Script is worth 70 points
Storyboard is worth 50 points
Video is worth 30 points
Feedback grade from your peers (10)

• You must work from a script that you have collaborated on together.
• That is due at the end of block day May 1 or 2. Storyboards due on Friday, end of period
• Must be in screenplay format (see blog April 24 https://vimeo.com/videoschool/lesson/75/screenplay-formatting)
• Must have a storyboard that shows all shots of the video (must go along with this storyboard or serious deductions will be taken from grades)

Script Requirements:

• Must include the words “If you don’t know where you are from, then you aren’t anywhere.”
• Must include some kind of spirit wear from JFK (team jersey, shakers, etc.)
• Must include some photograph or videotape of Dr. Minus

This is a 3-5 min. tape so keep it simple, keep it funny, keep it disciplined (have a script and a plan). Your character must want something and things conspire against them. You must get the props and the media of Dr. Minus.

Rubric:

• Audio is funny
• Script successfully sells school pride and participation
• Video is not shaky
• Video has varied shots (Close-up, Medium, Establishing)
• Actors are believable and not hamming for the camera
• Audio is VERY good (attention paid to shot location, etc.)
• Video shows care and attention to detail

We will shoot/edit next week. Due at end of day Friday, May 10.

April 26 -- Reads and contest

Check out these articles today.

The guy who was hijacked by the Boston bombers tells his story here. Reads like a Quentin Tarentino film.

Even though it is late in the game and the deadline is May 1, I want you guys to start documenting with your phones for this contest. Click here for information. I am waiting for the contest rules from The New York Times. Meanwhile, you start shooting pictures that you believe document your life as a teen NOW.

Check out the creativity in these living spaces. I want to live there.

Make sure you have your stuff uploaded to the Buffalo. Next week is serious comedy week. You will need to write scripts. No fooling.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

Assignment for April 24 - Green screen Boston report (you are late) AND a summary report of the following web sites.

My grandmother's one-room schoolhouse.

Write up a short one-paragraph response to each of the following web sites. 20 pts Summative

Watch this before you begin the others. Stop the negative talk in your head.

Click here for first video.

Click here for second video.

Click here for third video.

Click here for proper screenplay formatting. You will have to do this next week.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

April 24 - revised and updated

Comedy Project (50 pts summative)

Since so many people will be missing due to LTI's retreat and the Penn Relays and other field trips, we are delaying this project until next week. I will break you into groups next Monday and the script will be due on Tuesday. Shooting the video will happen on block day. Editing on Friday.

You are doing a video that will help increase school pride and participation. Think of it as a muscle that hasn’t been used much so by creating this exercise program you will be increasing school pride.

This is a 2-3 min. tape so keep it simple, keep it funny, keep it disciplined (have a script and a plan). You may want to bring props.

I have made groups for you.

Rubric:

Audio is good
Video is not shaky
Video has varied shots (Close-up, Medium, Establishing)
Script has a good premise and possibility of being funny
Actors are believable and not hamming for the camera

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

April 23 - Green screen today

Be sure that you have your script for the Boston bombing in the Handin folder AND that you have shot a green screen report. Be sure to practice what you say a couple of times.

It should only take each of you one minute to shoot your stand-up. Don't waste time. Then find your images for the story and add them to Final Cut.

First thing during your block period, you will load your video and put together with images you have found from the Boston story. Upload to the Buffalo.

This is the first thing we will do on Block AND then you will get your comedy piece together that has been assigned.

Ms. Greer Silver Spring, Md.

April 22 - Boston Marathon quiz in the form of a stand-up report (30 PTS FORMATIVE)

Picture is from Day of Silence last Friday.

Very dramatic happenings since we talked about the bombing coverage on Friday.

The objective today is to research the events and turn it into a 30-45 sec. report to be shot in front of the green screen.

This does several things that are beneficial to you. It helps you figure out what facts are important and then put them into your professional voice.

We will put up scenes from the story behind you in Final Cut's green screen.

Grade will be 20 points on your script and 10 on your delivery.

So here is your mission:

1. You are to research and write a script re-capping all the facts of this episode so far.

2. You will be the reporter doing a stand-up with your notes in your hand in front of the green screen (we will shoot tomorrow).

3. Type this up and save to your documents file. Turn your script into my Handin File before the end of the period. Make a copy for yourself so you can practice.

4. Your tone is factual and serious.

5. Write script using active verbs.
For example: "The suspect hid in a boat." --NOT-- "The suspect was hiding in a boat." Go though your script and change all passive (or "to be") verbs.

Again, you will be able to refer to your notes as you do the stand-up.

Preview: WE WILL SHOOT ANOTHER COMEDY SEQUENCE ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY. SAME GROUPS. DIFFERENT CHALLENGE.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

April 19 - Day of Silence PLUS what projects need to be done before end of day

I am postponing the current events quiz until Monday so that we can see where this story in Boston goes. I want you to follow it and watch how social media played a part in it. At this time we know there is a huge manhunt going on for Suspect #2 in Watertown, Massachusetts. Be an expert on all things regarding this story by Monday.

Today, before the end of your class period, make sure that your green screen project AND your comedy piece is on the Buffalo. I am uploading them to my hard drive immediately after your classes. Then, fill out the the comedy de-briefing.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

April 18 and 19 - Quick Fire Project

Comedy Project (This is a Quick Fire) 50 pts.

Your mission is to create something funny that is clean and won't offend.

Names in Group:

Today you must shoot a funny scene and edit it by tomorrow, Friday. It must be in the Buffalo by end of day tomorrow. Do not mess around and waste time.

YOU MAY USE THE GREEN SCREEN OR NOT. You are responsible for getting it into your computer.

You will critique the contributions of all the members of your group at the end and write up what went right and what went wrong with the project.

Rubric

Uses several different shots (that may mean you have to reshoot from different angles as you will only have one camera)

Audio is clear

Scene is funny and makes sense

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring >/br>

April 13, 2013 - Green screen assignment (25 pts formative) Due end of day on Tuesday

Yesterday, classes that had block worked on green screen clips that they did of themselves. Everyone will be doing this project.

You must add audio to your piece and get it ready for showing. We will build a compilation and load to YouTube. If you do not like what you shot, then you may shoot your green screen again.

Several things about safety. The lights cannot be touched. They are very hot and the oil from you hand can make the bulbs explode.

Again, the lights are very hot and we don't want them on unnecessarily. So work fast.

The goal is to be able to tell stories with the green screen.

For example, could you tell a children's story with the green screen? What would you need to insert yourself in The Three Little Pigs, for instance?

Rubric for green screen

Story/sketch/joke was good -- 15 pts
Audio was good -- 5 pts
Illusion was good (no missing hands, etc.) 5 pts.
Use of props is a welcome bonus

Preen in green,

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

April 8 -- Create a Science Rhyme to Win a Shout-Out From Wu-Tang Clan's GZA

Check this out.

Deadline is May 3 for the contest. This is for your information. This is not a grade.

Check out the rap from GZA here.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

April 4, 2013 - Alice Ferguson Foundation Video Contest Project (30 points planning - formative)

So, here is the link. Big prize money. But you must have a good idea. If you chose to do green screen, then come up with a plan that incorporates green screen. If you want to learn stop motion, then come up with a plan for that. If you chose to do a music video, then make it work with this contest.

Everyone in this class is entering this contest. It is for a grade.

Several years ago, we filmed their creek clean-up (it is this weekend). It was shocking how much stuff they pulled out of the creek. Especially PLASTIC.

You have two days to pick several partners. Then you must pitch this with storyboards and a good idea. Those with the first credible ones will be given the opportunity to start first on the green screen and the stop-motion equipment.

The BEST GO FIRST.

So do your very best to come up with an idea that can win the $1,000.

On Monday, we need to see storyboards and script ideas plus any song lyrics or what your individuals would look like. If it were me, I would create a character built out of plastic and how they have a terrible adventure. But that is me. What do you and your group want to do?

Actual production will be worth 50 points but that is later.

April 3 -- Homework (Due April 9)

Here is the link for your homework. It has a link to the one-hour audio piece.

This is appropriate, especially for you seniors who will be launched in just a few short weeks. Homework is for all, however.

It is called "Walking Across America." It is about a 23-year-old guy named Andrew Forsthoefel. He walked across our country and asked people what advice they would give him. He had to cut 85 hours of tape down to one-hour. Listen to his radio story. It is something I hope you learn from and I hope you watch how he edited it.

You need to write a one-page reflection paper on your reaction to this piece. What parts resonated with you? What parts made you wonder and why?

What was the best advice this guy got? Will any of this go with you on your own journey?

This is a homework assignment that will have you think about how you think.

Take some time and really listen to this. Take time and write a truly good paper.

Homework grade (50 pts.)

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

March 20

Finish up your work. News packages, etc. Tomorrow and Friday is make-up day for current event quizzes missed. All outstanding work has to be turned in by Friday this week.

Ms. Greer

March 19 -- Two wonderful videos

Click here for an amazing Radio Rookies piece.

Here is another one. About white people. Enjoy.

What did you think of these?

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

March 18 - Make-up Day (Thursday and Friday)

Make up day has been moved back. It is now Thursday and Friday. Work on your projects that are not finished today.

You will have a quick fire on block days this week.

Check these out.

Flamenco video here

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

March 15 - Piano Music has arrived!

You need to go to the Buffalo and see what the students cooked up for the videos you did in the Piano Project.

Please try to COPY them to your video . . . do not move them off of the Buffalo. Ms. Zmoda is trying to keep them together so she can give them grades.

It looks like they did multiples. For instance, I see three different versions of music for DJ's sad boy video.

Groups, here is what is needed for this 20 pt. project:

Put the music to each of the videos and then load them to YouTube so those kids can see them. After you post to Youtube, send a URL link in an email to Ms. Zmoda and copy the email to me.
In your email, write up your group's cool and warm feedback to the composers. I will give you a grade based on your completing these steps:

Remember to edit the footage with the music.

Post it to YouTube.

Send the link to me and to Ms. Zmoda.

Make sure that your group gave warm and cool feedback to the composers.

NO email, no grade.

Emily_Zmoda@mcpsmd.org
joanna_g_greer@mcpsmd.org

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

March 13 - Study on plastic in our bodies

This (click here)is what I was talking about . . . very scary.

Plastic is everywhere.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

March 13 - To do

Work on a mix of the bird tapes that you read about in the March 12 entry.

Due on Tuesday, March 19. (20 pts summative)

Tomorrow, a current events quiz. Also, Make-up day for quizzes, etc. is Monday and Tuesday during lunch.

You stop-motion homework is due on Friday, March 15.

Field Trip permission slips for Media Festival at Blake on April 10 will be here tomorrow. I need 48 students to go to fill the bus.

April 26th is the Environmental Film Festival field trip. That is at the AFI and we will go via Metro.

Next Tuesday is the last grade for this quarter.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring

March 12 - Contest you might like, all ye musicians

Studio 360, a public radio program about the arts, is hosting a contest for those of you who might be interested in mixing some music. Check out the contest here. It involves bird songs, really beautiful bird song. I think this is one of the coolest contests I have seen in a long time.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.

March 12 - This will wake you up

Check this out.

Ms. Greer
Silver Spring, Md.