Introduction: THE REELY STUDIO

About: I'm a High School Technology teacher with Creativitis, a disease that doesn't let my brain sleep. I spend my days trying to infect my student's minds with a desire to learn. I lead by example and hope that my …

"Welcome to the REELY STUDIO. This is going to be a REELY fun ride. Fasten your seat belts and hold on tight. We'll see you at the end of the semester for the REELY AWARDS. Will you be the recipient of one of the REELYS? I can't REELY wait."

*The course outline is available in its entirety in the PDF below. It is your responsibility to review this information and print off the appropriate pages when needed. SAVE TREES!



Step 1: LOGOMOTION

Many movies, television shows, and short films produced by major studios include an animated logo at the beginning of the production.

Here are some great examples to get you started.

REELY STUDIO LOGO ANIMATION (PHOTOSHOP, PREMIERE)


3D ANIMATED LOGO - PIXAR STUDIOS



BAD ROBOT


STOP MOTION LOGO ANIMATION


AFTER EFFECTS LOGO ANIMATION

ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR/PREMIERE ANIMATED LOGO







Step 2: THE PITCH

What's your idea? What genre of film are you interested in making?
  • Comedy
  • Drama
  • Action
  • Sci-fi
  • Documentary
Check out this LINK for a more exhaustive list of genres, topics and styles. 


So.....the pitch is where it all begins. You might have the best studio equipment in the world, but if you don't have a great concept and the drive see it through, you're destined for doom. Furthermore, your great concept must be pitched successfully so that it's not simply overlooked. A great concept won't necessarily sell itself. Make sure that your idea shines by using all the creative energy that you and your group can muster.

EXAMPLE ONE



MR. STACHE PITCH



MR. STACHE FILM


MR. STACHE - BEHIND THE SCENES

Step 3: PRE-PRODUCTION


Okay, you've pitched your idea......

Now you better get that script completed so that you can start your film. The easiest and most efficient way to complete your script and storyboard, is using a program called CELTX.




Pay close attention to the types of shots that are used in some of your favourite movies. Shot selection is very important in film. Simply setting your camera up on a tripod and shooting static scenes will be a very boring way to present your concept to your audience.
  • Check out the various types of SHOTS you might consider using in your film.

You're probably not accustomed to watching short films, but you should definitely watch some to get some inspiration for your film.
You can find them on youtube for sure, but you should also check out SHORT OF THE WEEK, and FILMSSHORT.

Here are some really great short films to help you get started.

The Black Hole


Caine's Arcade



PIXELS



The Adventures of a Cardboard Box



43,000 Feet from Campbell Hooper on Vimeo.




Here are some examples of Previous THS Students

A Chance - Nick Roy


The VG Files - Rebecca Robichaud, Ryan Sweanor, Matt Bailey, Jorden Labossiere




The Name of the Band - Nick Maurice, Alex Clark, Connor Ordish, Jordan Condette





Step 4: PRODUCTION

  • Once you've starting filling out your production schedule, you can sign out equipment and get started with your shoots.
  • Please remember to transfer your video files ASAP to the editing system assigned to your group/camera.

During your production schedule you will be responsible for contributing 1 film related instructrable to the REELY STUDIO group.

You may choose from the suggested categories:


You will find an abundance of information on the internet about film-making techniques. You don't have to invent something totally new, but make sure you give credit to the people who you borrow ideas from.

Here are some great resources to start with.



Step 5: POST PRODUCTION

Opening and end credits are the bun to your hamburger. The burger is your movie of course. A great film will be so much better if you can grab the viewer's attention at the beginning of the film and keep it at the end of the film.

If you're anticipating using Live Action for your opening credits, or bloopers for your end credtis, make sure that you plan the shots that you'll need, and even save the shots you don't think you'll need.

Here are a few great sites that categorize some of the best opening credits in movies and television.

Napolean Dynamite Opening Credits

Wall-E End Credits


Step 6: MOVIE RELEASE - CULMINATING ACTIVITY

Please remember that your culminating activity is worth 30% of your final mark.  You will be evaluated on your movie release materials and your final short film. As long as you have been working hard all semester, you already have the bulk of the work completed.