There are 3 distinct parts to your PAL coursework. These are:
1) Aims and context.
A clarification of the aims and context of the sequence to be completed on the appropriate cover sheet.
2) Film Sequence Storyboard
(40 Marks)
A photographed storyboard of between 10 and 25 different shots (some of which may be repeated) plus up to 5 found shots (shots which would be difficult to photograph or where locations need to be established). The 5 found shots must be acknowledged.
3) Reflective analysis - approximately 750 words
(10 Marks)
The reflective analysis should select key micro features of the sequence and demonstrate how they make meaning(s) and aim to provoke response(s) in audiences.
1) Aims and Context
You must include the following information on your aims and context cover sheet:
• Genre of film (or equivalent if it’s not in an obvious genre)
• Whether it’s a short film or extract (and if so, whether it’s opening, climactic sequences etc)
• Target audience
• Key stylistic elements of sequence (cinematography, editing)
2) The Storyboard
Your coursework task will be to put into practice what you have learnt about how the micro-features create effect and meaning in a film sequence. You must create a photographic storyboard for a sequence from a movie using all the micro-elements to create a specific and planned meaning.
Descriptors
The slug line defines interior (INT) or exterior (EXT).
It defines the location.
It defines the time of day (Day or night).
The action descriptor should simply say what is happening in the shot.
It should include what characters and what action are present.
ECU – Extreme close up
CU – Close up
MCU – Medium close up
MS – Medium shot
MLS – Medium long shot
LS – Long shot
ELS – Extreme long shot
H/A – High Angle Shot
L/A – Low Angle Shot
POV – Point of View Shot
OTS – Over the Shoulder shot
ZOOM – Inward or outward movement with lens.
TRACK or DOLLY – Inward or outward movement with camera.
CRANE – Vertical camera movement
The dialogue descriptor simply defines the opening and closing dialogue in the shot as well as who speaks it.
This may be a single line or part of a line. In longer speeches, only the opening word and final word should be indicated.
Both diegetic and non-diegetic sound must be described.
It should give an indication of atmosphere – ambient sound. Perhaps traffic in the distance to show an urban scene or water dripping nearby to indicate a cave setting.
It may give information about the music used in the scene
It may tell us about any specific sound effects needed.
Transition will usually simply state ‘cut’ but where required will indicate particular effects such as:
Fade to or dissolve
Match on Action
Graphic Match
Wipe
BEGIN MONTAGE or END MONTAGE.
The duration of each shot should be expressed in seconds. Try to consider realistic times for the actions you are illustrating.
Getting Started
Begin by considering the genre of film you wish to work in. You can choose any genre or combination of genres, sub-genres or hybrids but make sure that you make a definite decision as this will affect your effect and meaning and target audience.
Think about what sort of characters you will include in your sequence, what will they look like? How will they act? Will they be conventional or non-conventional?
Think about what will happen in broad terms in the sequence.
Begin by creating a list of things that will happen in the sequence. Each of these will translate to a shot so they should be only small moments from the sequence. Number these.
Once this is done, you will have a strong idea of your sequence and will be ready to start filling in the descriptor details. Use the example below to get a feel for how detailed you need to be.
Example
Storyboard Cabin in the Woods (MC)
Advice
Your storyboard should demonstrate how micro-features are used to create meaning.
Your storyboard should consist of indicative images – images that show the intended compositions and content.
The storyboard must also include descriptors which sit against the images and give more information abut the sequence.
Images should be 16:9 (rectangular).
Restrictions are accepted but images should show framing, composition and mise-en-scene.
Break actions into smaller actions – each with a shot accompanying it.
LS pushes audiences away and CU brings them into the action.
30 degree rule.
180 degree rule.
Assessment
Storyboard Sequence
Assessment
Reflective Analysis
Level 4: 8-10
• Excellent, perceptive analysis of how the sequence uses micro features to make meaning(s) for audiences.
Quality of (written) communication
• Excellently structured and accurate use of appropriate language to communicate clearly.
Your coursework task will be to put into practice what you have learnt about how the micro-features create effect and meaning in a film sequence. You must create a photographic storyboard for a sequence from a movie using all the micro-elements to create a specific and planned meaning.
Descriptors
The slug line defines interior (INT) or exterior (EXT).
It defines the location.
It defines the time of day (Day or night).
The action descriptor should simply say what is happening in the shot.
It should include what characters and what action are present.
ECU – Extreme close up
CU – Close up
MCU – Medium close up
MS – Medium shot
MLS – Medium long shot
LS – Long shot
ELS – Extreme long shot
H/A – High Angle Shot
L/A – Low Angle Shot
POV – Point of View Shot
OTS – Over the Shoulder shot
ZOOM – Inward or outward movement with lens.
TRACK or DOLLY – Inward or outward movement with camera.
CRANE – Vertical camera movement
The dialogue descriptor simply defines the opening and closing dialogue in the shot as well as who speaks it.
This may be a single line or part of a line. In longer speeches, only the opening word and final word should be indicated.
Both diegetic and non-diegetic sound must be described.
It should give an indication of atmosphere – ambient sound. Perhaps traffic in the distance to show an urban scene or water dripping nearby to indicate a cave setting.
It may give information about the music used in the scene
It may tell us about any specific sound effects needed.
Transition will usually simply state ‘cut’ but where required will indicate particular effects such as:
Fade to or dissolve
Match on Action
Graphic Match
Wipe
BEGIN MONTAGE or END MONTAGE.
The duration of each shot should be expressed in seconds. Try to consider realistic times for the actions you are illustrating.
Effect and Meaning
The purpose of the task is to use the micro-features of film to create a planned and specific effect and meaning. It is important therefore to create a sequence which has a strong effect. Make it an important sequence from the larger (imaginary) film. Make it dramatic and strong in meaning. Think about how you want your audience to feel and react. Do you want them to feel fear? Sadness? Emotion? Romance? Triumph? Excitement? Elation? Repulsion? Love? Hate? Anything else?
Begin by considering the genre of film you wish to work in. You can choose any genre or combination of genres, sub-genres or hybrids but make sure that you make a definite decision as this will affect your effect and meaning and target audience.
Think about what sort of characters you will include in your sequence, what will they look like? How will they act? Will they be conventional or non-conventional?
Think about what will happen in broad terms in the sequence.
Begin by creating a list of things that will happen in the sequence. Each of these will translate to a shot so they should be only small moments from the sequence. Number these.
Once this is done, you will have a strong idea of your sequence and will be ready to start filling in the descriptor details. Use the example below to get a feel for how detailed you need to be.
Example
Storyboard Cabin in the Woods (MC)
Advice
Your storyboard should demonstrate how micro-features are used to create meaning.
Your storyboard should consist of indicative images – images that show the intended compositions and content.
The storyboard must also include descriptors which sit against the images and give more information abut the sequence.
Images should be 16:9 (rectangular).
Restrictions are accepted but images should show framing, composition and mise-en-scene.
Break actions into smaller actions – each with a shot accompanying it.
LS pushes audiences away and CU brings them into the action.
30 degree rule.
180 degree rule.
Assessment
Storyboard Sequence
Level 4 32-40
• Excellent understanding of micro features demonstrated in sequence
• Excellent, creative use of appropriate micro features
• Excellent visualisation, demonstrating high degree of understanding
of appropriate conventions.
Quality of written communication
• Excellently structured and accurate use of appropriate language to
communicate clearly.
3) Reflective Analysis
Brief
Reflective analysis: approximately 750 words. (10 marks)
The reflective analysis should select key micro features of the sequence and demonstrate how they make meaning(s) and aim to provoke response(s) in audiences.
• Excellent understanding of micro features demonstrated in sequence
• Excellent, creative use of appropriate micro features
• Excellent visualisation, demonstrating high degree of understanding
of appropriate conventions.
Quality of written communication
• Excellently structured and accurate use of appropriate language to
communicate clearly.
3) Reflective Analysis
Brief
Reflective analysis: approximately 750 words. (10 marks)
The reflective analysis should select key micro features of the sequence and demonstrate how they make meaning(s) and aim to provoke response(s) in audiences.
Essay Structure
It is important to plan your essay well. Use the following structure to plan what points you will make and how many words you will attribute to each of them before you start writing.
1. Introduce your sequence explaining its macro features - what genre it is and what happens in it (in broad terms). Describe the overall effects and meaning.
2. Go through the sequence chronologically (in normal time order). Begin explaining how you have used the micro-features to create specific aspects of the effect and meaning.
3. Break your points into paragraphs and focus on the larger points in detail rather than trying to cover every single aspect of your sequence.
4. Conclude your account by very briefly summing up your main points.
Assessment
Reflective Analysis
Level 4: 8-10
• Excellent, perceptive analysis of how the sequence uses micro features to make meaning(s) for audiences.
Quality of (written) communication
• Excellently structured and accurate use of appropriate language to communicate clearly.
