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Lesson 4

We will complete a copy of the Understanding a Movie Tool for our original movies, then begin to write the concept and synopsis sections of our pitch packets.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I integrate, synthesize, and organize my ideas to develop a movie concept?

  • Can I summarize my ideas into a synopsis of my movie?

Texts

There are no texts for this Lesson.

Materials

Tools

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Write

We will complete an Understanding a Movie Tool for our movies.

Imagine that you are an audience member or critic who is watching the movie you have conceived.

What would you notice or perceive about the following:

  • genre

  • level of realism

  • setting

  • concept

  • plot and storyline

  • characters

  • conflicts

  • theme

  • use of camerawork and visual techniques

  • use of sound and music

  • style

  • message

Refer to the following:

  • Learning Log

  • completed Movie Concept Tool

  • Movie Character Tools

  • outline of the movie’s story spine and beats

  • final title and logline

Use this information to complete a copy of the Understanding a Movie Tool for your movie.

Feel free to choose the details you will put in the About the Movie section of the tool, such as who you might work with as your cinematographer, sound designer, and actors and what your budget and box-office earnings might be. Keep in mind the genre and concept you have been aiming for. Are you making a beautiful artistic movie, a high-concept fantasy film with expensive special effects, a hard-hitting documentary, an indie comedy, a B horror film, or some other kind of movie?

If time permits, exchange your Understanding a Movie Tool with a partner. Ask them to read through the ideas you have written down, and then to write a one-sentence “critic’s claim” in the final section of your tool.

Activity 2: Write

We will write a first draft of our concept statement for our movie.

Using all the material you have created in this unit, think about what your final concept for your movie has become.

Referring to the guidelines in the Concept section of the Filmmaking Glossary, write a draft of the concept statement for your movie.

Activity 3: Write

We will begin to write a first draft of the three-act synopsis for our movie.

Using the final plan for your movie’s story spine and beats that you developed in Lesson 2, begin to write a three-act synopsis of your movie.

Refer to the entry on synopsis in the Filmmaking Glossary.

Be sure to use filmmaking terminology from the glossary and your Vocabulary Journal to give your synopsis increased credibility.

Your teacher will answer any questions you might have, helping you keep your synopsis interesting but also concise.