Podcast AND Final Exam Movie turn-in instructions - posted 5/19

 PODCAST

Your Podcast is due by the end of next class, but remember, we start GMetrix back up on Wednesday.

To turn it in you need to create a file I can listen to it on. This means a .WAV, .MP3, or another file type that I can open.

To export the file out of iMovie, click the button in the upper right corner: 

Click EXPORT FILE

In the pop-up box:

Change the FORMAT to Audio:

And then change the File Format to WAV or MP3.

Click NEXT

Rename the File to the name of your Podcast. Please include at least one member of your teams name in the file name. For example:

Talkinboutlife_Reeves

Save it to your desktop

Come get a USB drive from me and put the file you just saved onto it and bring it back to me.

DONE!!

Final Exam Instructions

I hope you didn't wait till the last minute to do this, it could take some time.

You will need to take your project and convert it into an .MP4 or a .MOV file.

When the movie is finished exporting - it could take 5-10 minutes or more. It MUST have a .mov OR MP4 at the end of the final designation, ex. Reeves_Final.mov, if it does not look like that, you will need to do it again.

When it is finished, get to a file view mode that you can see how big the file is. It should be something like 40mb to 200mb. If you have something smaller than 30mb or something larger than 200mb, you have something wrong and it needs to redone properly.

Once that is done, you have three options that I am aware of to turn in your final exam.

1. You can get a thumb drive from me and download it there. Make sure you name it properly: Last Name_DM Final Exam

It needs to be a .mov or a .MP4 file

2. You can get it onto your Google Drive and share link with me via your Google Site. You will need to make sure you come tell me that it has been shared. Make sure you share it properly so that ANYONE WITH THE LINK CAN VIEW

3. Share a link to a YouTube channel where you have put your final exam. 

The criteria is pretty basic and getting something done will get you passing grades:

1. The video is between 60 and 90 seconds

2. You "tell a story" or "a sequence of events"

3. There is some sort of sound

4. There is someone in the film (an actor)

5. You must have turned in a storyboard and script/outline

6. It must have been shot away from school (-20 if you shoot on campus)

7. It must be in a form I can watch on my computer - see below for more information (-10 points if I have to watch it on your device)

This will get you at least a 70. Of course quality is important, so the better the creation is, the higher the grade you will get, up to an 85.

To get a grade higher than 85, you need to bring in other elements, like a title, credits, still photos, or some sort of special effects. That portion of the grade is with up to 15 points.

EXTRA CREDIT

There are two separate ways to earn extra credit today. For each, I will do the following:

1. Add points to your final exam 

2. Add points to your overall semester grade

I will determine which will help you the most and apply it appropriately.

Here are the two assignments, you can do both, either or none, it is up to you:

1. Teacher letter – write a letter to an important teacher you had this year. You can choose anyone you want that is a member of the Bowie faculty and staff. I prefer that these are hand written, but I will take a digital version that I print. Make a new Google doc, title it Teacher Letter and share it with me. I will print these letters out, so you can put them in an envelope and I will take these to your teachers. Please write at least 300 words.

Write a greeting, paragraphs, a closing (Sincerely, or Yours, or Thank you) and your full name.  Tell them what they meant to you. Give specific examples and details!

If you need some help, here are some prompts:

“You might not know it, but…”

 “Even though you ________, I want you to know that _________ “

 “I think the most important lesson I learned from you was…”

“The thing I respect most about you is….”

 “One time, when I was _________, you _______ and I……”  

“I have a hard time with _______, and you helped me _______”

“I know you ______, but for my classmates and me, it ________”

 “I appreciate it when you ____________”

“It means a lot to me that you take the time to ____________”

“When I look back on __________,  I realize that you ___________”

2. Personal letters - Make a new Google Doc, title it Personal Letters, and when you are done share it with me correctly so I can print it. You will need to send it via email. You will need to do both to get full credit.

Letter 1 – write a letter to yourself that you will read the first week of school next year. Please write at least 300 words. Here are your prompts to reflect/write:

I did a lot of great things last year that should be repeated: (think of at least 4)

Here are some things to remember: (think of at least 4)

Remind yourself of something that didn’t go so well in school this year and tell yourself how to avoid them in the future. Explain how you worked around the problems.

Letter 2 – write a letter to yourself that you will read in 10 years. Please write at least 300 words. Here are the prompts for that letter and you can start with this:

This is me 10 years ago. I’m sure I’ve forgotten all about this email by now, and I’ve probably forgotten a lot about who I was in 2025. I’m sitting in my digital media class final right now and Mr. Reeves is making me write to myself in the future, so hello future me, I hope everything is great in your life right now.

1. Here’s some fun stuff to remember about me in 2025:

In 2035, I have the following goals for my:

2. Education

3. Family

4. Career

5. Other

6. In case I need some words of encouragement, here’s some things about me now that I like a lot, that I hope you still have:

7. There are also some things about me now that I know I’m still working on that I hope you have figure out by now.

8. At (age) when I write this letter I’ve…..

Love, me on May ??, 2025 (name)

Rest of the year outlined - posted 5/14

 Here is the rest of the schedule for the year.

Wednesday, May 14 - Podcasting, and Storyboard and Scripting

Monday, May 19 - Podcasting, and Storyboard and Scripting

Wednesday, May 21 - 

Podcast is due

Storyboard is due

Script is due

Wednesday, May 28 - Final Exam

60-90 Film in a minute is due by 11 am.

If you want to use an exemption, YOU MUST TURN IN A FILM OF SOME SORT!!

Here is what will be on the 4th 9 weeks grades:

Already assigned and should be done!

Magazine Cover #1 - Minor

Magazine Cover #2 - MAJOR

Sports Exploration - Minor

Sports Current Events - Minor

Newspaper Design #1 - Minor

Newspaper Design #2 - MAJOR

Newspaper Design #2 reflection - Minor

Movie Review Preview - Minor

Movie Review Prep/Planning - Minor

Podcast preview - Minor

Podcast planning - Minor

*Movie Review Story - MAJOR

*Film in a Minute preview - Minor

*Film Storyboard - Minor

*Film Script - Minor

*Podcast - MAJOR

* = not in grade book yet - will be soon!!

EXTRA CREDIT - CAR RAID

FINAL EXAM

YOUR SHORT FILM IN A MINUTE!!

Podcasting continues AND storyboard/script writing. Posted 5/12

PODCASTING CONTINUES

We will continue to podcast today, the first 30 minutes you will sit with your team and make sure you have a plan the next time you go into the room. You can have up to 25 more minutes. I will take volunteers to go into the room once you have had some time today.

IF YOU ARE NOT WORKING IN YOUR PODCAST TEAM - you should be working on your Storyboard and Script for your final exam. The instructions are listed below and they are both a grade that I will be putting in for this 9 weeks. Make sure you get them both done!!

Film in a Minute (Final Exam) Script writing and Storyboarding

The Film in a Minute IS your Final Exam. For the film in a minute, you will use your cell phone and any editing program on your phone you want to use (do not buy anything, there are plenty of free programs). I will outline the expectations for that film in a later lesson, but the basic expectations will be:

1. Between 60 and 90 seconds long - it MUST be in that window. No more than 90, no less than 60.

2. You must tell a complete story.

3. You must have at least one actor.

4. You must have a storyboard, which has to be 5-8 frames long and you post on your Google Site on a subpage called film storyboard.

5. You must have a script/outline, which gives me a good idea of what your film will be about. This must be posted on your Google Site on a subpage call film script/outline. (you can certainly use a Google Doc to write this, so make sure if you do that you SHARE IT PROPERLY and make it a CLICKABLE LINK)

6. It must be turned in to me as a .mov, MP4, or in some other format that I can actually watch on my computer screen. A link to YouTube will be absolutely acceptable.

Later this period I will spend some time brainstorming with you on what this might look like. For now, do your best to come up with your own STORY and plan for your video product.

Today you will be learning about storyboards and script writing. If you are not Podcasting or Editing your Podcast, you should be working on the storyboard and script until it is ready to shoot. You MUST shoot this movie outside of class for full credit. If you use the three class days I will allocate to making your final exam, and you shoot at school, I will take 20 points off your final exam grade. PERIOD!!

Now, get started on today's assignment - make a new Google Site Subpage and title it Storyboarding and script writing and answer all the questions below.

Storyboarding

What is a storyboard and what do they look like? What are some terms that I should use in my storyboard?

Here are the answers:

https://www.vyond.com/resources/what-is-a-storyboard-and-why-do-you-need-one/#:~:text=It's%20made%20up%20of%20a,when%20you%20make%20a%20video.

Here is another resource:

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/storyboarding-your-film.html

When you are ready to tackle your storyboard, check this out. Its an online version where you can make one there instead of on paper:

http://www.storyboardthat.com/

I haven't used it yet, but I bet you can figure it out. I want feedback on how well this site works, so let me know please!!

Now, we need to also keep in mind that storyboarding involves a script, something that you have already created that TELLS the STORY.

How do you do that?

Well, here are some resources you can use as you are trying to TELL the STORY!!!

http://journalism.about.com/od/writing/a/broadcast.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_5323470_write-broadcast-journalism-copy.html

SCRIPT WRITING

I wanted to share with you to the format that professional scripts are written. Below are three links to websites that explain the format, one that has a direct .pdf of a correctly written script and a third with more information.

http://2012.scriptfrenzy.org/howtoformatascreenplay

http://www.oscars.org/awards/nicholl/scriptsample.pdf

http://www.writersstore.com/how-to-write-a-screenplay-a-guide-to-scriptwriting/

I am not going to hold you directly to these standards, but I think its important when you are writing your script to complete some of these tasks.

Specifically I want you to use:

Slug lines to indicate location and times. They do not have to be exactly as shown.

Action - describe the actions that your characters will take

Character names - self explanatory

Dialogue - again self explanatory

You should start modifying your scripts to reflect this. For those of you serious about screenplay/script writing, you should follow the correct style so you have experience.

Today you should start making your story boards and writing your script/outline. You will need to turn in your final storyboards on your Google Site. You may need to take screen shots of them (to do this push and hold the shirt/command/#5 key. this will make a box on the screen. Size the box properly and at the bottom click capture image). Make sure when you put them on your Google Site that they are BIG so I can see them. Your script/outline can go on the same subpage and can be a text box, or a clickable link to a Google Doc.

Idea list I found: https://www.indieshortsmag.com/tutorials/pre-production/2023/08/short-film-script-ideas-for-your-next-short-film/

Car Raid, Extra Credit - posted 5/9 - EXTRA CREDIT

 Car Raid

Some of you might like to earn some extra credit with me. If you complete this assignment, I will add points to either your 4th 9 week grade, your final exam grade, or potentially your semester average if you complete the following writing assignment.

It is actually kind of fun and you only need to have one source to do this task.

Basically you will be writing a story about someone, a personality profile if you will, based on what you find in their car and interviewing them IN THEIR car. The main subject of your story doesn't have to be about their car, but the story should develop from what you found in their car. You will also be required to take 3 photos (1 photo of the subject with their car, 1 photo inside of the car, 1 photo of the item or whatever you found in the car that you focused your story on).

I like to call this assignment the Car Raid

Here is the assignment:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1To1FS3Lgef4thQbRQtQt2hhU0ay0GnFD_0E3uvX3BZI/edit?usp=sharing

To complete this assignment, you will need to make a new Google Doc, call it Car Raid and share it properly. Follow the directions on the link above on your new Doc. When you are ready to turn it in (deadline Wednesday, May 21) share it on your Google Site on a new subpage called Car Raid. Make sure it is a CLICKABLE link to make it easier for me. Make sure you share it properly. Each of these steps contributes to how many points you might get. I will apply the points where it will benefit you the most.

Podcast. Storyboard, Script writing, work day. Posted 5/7

 PODCASTING

Team 1 - Madeline, Margot and Ivy 

You will be going in the podcast room first. You will have 25 minutes. The sub will give you a Micro SD card and a card reader before you go in. You will need to get the SD card into the Podcast machine. Morgan can help you if you need support. The sub will come get you at 25 minutes. You might use your own timer in that room so you know about how long you have. When you are done, get the Micro SD card out and download it onto your computer. Again, Morgan can help.

Team 4 - Brianna, Leanayha, Aubrey and Effie 

You will go in next and do the same things. You will have 25 minutes. The sub will give you a Micro SD card and a card reader before you go in. You will need to get the SD card into the Podcast machine. Morgan can help you if you need support. The sub will come get you at 25 minutes. You might use your own timer in that room so you know about how long you have. When you are done, get the Micro SD card out and download it onto your computer. Again, Morgan can help.

IF YOU ARE NOT WORKING IN YOUR PODCAST TEAM - you should be working on your Storyboard and Script for your final exam. The instructions are listed below and they are both a grade that I will be putting in for this 9 weeks. Make sure you get them both done!!

Film in a Minute (Final Exam) Script writing and Storyboarding

The Film in a Minute IS your Final Exam. For the film in a minute, you will use your cell phone and any editing program on your phone you want to use (do not buy anything, there are plenty of free programs). I will outline the expectations for that film in a later lesson, but the basic expectations will be:

1. Between 60 and 90 seconds long - it MUST be in that window. No more than 90, no less than 60.

2. You must tell a complete story.

3. You must have at least one actor.

4. You must have a storyboard, which has to be 5-8 frames long and you post on your Google Site on a subpage called film storyboard.

5. You must have a script/outline, which gives me a good idea of what your film will be about. This must be posted on your Google Site on a subpage call film script/outline. (you can certainly use a Google Doc to write this, so make sure if you do that you SHARE IT PROPERLY and make it a CLICKABLE LINK)

6. It must be turned in to me as a .mov, MP4, or in some other format that I can actually watch on my computer screen. A link to YouTube will be absolutely acceptable.

Later this period I will spend some time brainstorming with you on what this might look like. For now, do your best to come up with your own STORY and plan for your video product.

Today you will be learning about storyboards and script writing. If you are not Podcasting or Editing your Podcast, you should be working on the storyboard and script until it is ready to shoot. You MUST shoot this movie outside of class for full credit. If you use the three class days I will allocate to making your final exam, and you shoot at school, I will take 20 points off your final exam grade. PERIOD!!

Now, get started on today's assignment - make a new Google Site Subpage and title it Storyboarding and script writing and answer all the questions below.

Storyboarding

What is a storyboard and what do they look like? What are some terms that I should use in my storyboard?

Here are the answers:

https://www.vyond.com/resources/what-is-a-storyboard-and-why-do-you-need-one/#:~:text=It's%20made%20up%20of%20a,when%20you%20make%20a%20video.

Here is another resource:

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/storyboarding-your-film.html

When you are ready to tackle your storyboard, check this out. Its an online version where you can make one there instead of on paper:

http://www.storyboardthat.com/

I haven't used it yet, but I bet you can figure it out. I want feedback on how well this site works, so let me know please!!

Now, we need to also keep in mind that storyboarding involves a script, something that you have already created that TELLS the STORY.

How do you do that?

Well, here are some resources you can use as you are trying to TELL the STORY!!!

http://journalism.about.com/od/writing/a/broadcast.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_5323470_write-broadcast-journalism-copy.html

SCRIPT WRITING

I wanted to share with you to the format that professional scripts are written. Below are three links to websites that explain the format, one that has a direct .pdf of a correctly written script and a third with more information.

http://2012.scriptfrenzy.org/howtoformatascreenplay

http://www.oscars.org/awards/nicholl/scriptsample.pdf

http://www.writersstore.com/how-to-write-a-screenplay-a-guide-to-scriptwriting/

I am not going to hold you directly to these standards, but I think its important when you are writing your script to complete some of these tasks.

Specifically I want you to use:

Slug lines to indicate location and times. They do not have to be exactly as shown.

Action - describe the actions that your characters will take

Character names - self explanatory

Dialogue - again self explanatory

You should start modifying your scripts to reflect this. For those of you serious about screenplay/script writing, you should follow the correct style so you have experience.

Today you should start making your story boards and writing your script/outline. You will need to turn in your final storyboards on your Google Site. You may need to take screen shots of them (to do this push and hold the shirt/command/#5 key. this will make a box on the screen. Size the box properly and at the bottom click capture image). Make sure when you put them on your Google Site that they are BIG so I can see them. Your script/outline can go on the same subpage and can be a text box, or a clickable link to a Google Doc.

Idea list I found: https://www.indieshortsmag.com/tutorials/pre-production/2023/08/short-film-script-ideas-for-your-next-short-film/

Movie Review writing day (Podcast?). Assigned 5/5, due 5/5 - MAJOR

MOVIE REVIEW

Your movie review is due by the end of the period (for full credit, -10 points per DAY after today). You have all period to write as needed.

Please make sure you SHARE your Google Doc correctly so that ANYONE with the link can EDIT and then make it a clickable link on your Google Site, using the Embed function. You have done this a ton of times, so make sure you get it right!!

PODCASTING

If your team is done with their movie reviews, and you would like to go into the podcast room to record, you are welcome to do so. The following teams will get priority:

1. Madeline, Margot and Ivy

3. Ali, Diego and Grace

4. Brianna, Leanayha, Aubrey and Effie

Team 2 and 5 - you will want to listen to what you have done first before going back in - if your team has time and is ready, you can listen together to what you have recorded.

Podcasting begins AND Storyboard/Scriptwriting - assigned 4/30, due 5/7 - Storyboard = Minor, Script = Minor, Podcast = MAJOR

PODCASTING BEGINS

Today you will begin podcasting. We will use the next 4-6 classes to complete all of the audio portions of your podcast. I will make sure you have time to work on the editing when everyone is ready to go. I will take volunteers at the beginning, but every team needs to go in the next two classes. You will have 25 minutes in the room. I will tell you more about this in class, and I will follow up with about how long you have to get all the audio recorded.

MOVIE REVIEW

Don't forget that your Movie Review is due on Monday. You cannot write this review in one class period, but you will have the entire period on Monday to write. Make sure you watch your movie, and start writing this weekend. I will be taking points off for late movie reviews - 10 points PER DAY. This is a MAJOR grade, so you have to get it done to pass this cycle.

Film in a Minute (Final Exam) Script writing and Storyboarding

The Film in a Minute IS your Final Exam. For the film in a minute, you will use your cell phone and any editing program on your phone you want to use (do not buy anything, there are plenty of free programs). I will outline the expectations for that film in a later lesson, but the basic expectations will be:

1. Between 60 and 90 seconds long - it MUST be in that window. No more than 90, no less than 60.

2. You must tell a complete story.

3. You must have at least one actor.

4. You must have a storyboard, which has to be 5-8 frames long and you post on your Google Site on a subpage called film storyboard.

5. You must have a script/outline, which gives me a good idea of what your film will be about. This must be posted on your Google Site on a subpage call film script/outline. (you can certainly use a Google Doc to write this, so make sure if you do that you SHARE IT PROPERLY and make it a CLICKABLE LINK)

6. It must be turned in to me as a .mov, MP4, or in some other format that I can actually watch on my computer screen. A link to YouTube will be absolutely acceptable.

Later this period I will spend some time brainstorming with you on what this might look like. For now, do your best to come up with your own STORY and plan for your video product.

Today you will be learning about storyboards and script writing. If you are not Podcasting or Editing your Podcast, you should be working on the storyboard and script until it is ready to shoot. You MUST shoot this movie outside of class for full credit. If you use the three class days I will allocate to making your final exam, and you shoot at school, I will take 20 points off your final exam grade. PERIOD!!

Now, get started on today's assignment - make a new Google Site Subpage and title it Storyboarding and script writing and answer all the questions below.

Storyboarding

What is a storyboard and what do they look like? What are some terms that I should use in my storyboard?

Here are the answers:

https://www.vyond.com/resources/what-is-a-storyboard-and-why-do-you-need-one/#:~:text=It's%20made%20up%20of%20a,when%20you%20make%20a%20video.

Here is another resource:

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/storyboarding-your-film.html

When you are ready to tackle your storyboard, check this out. Its an online version where you can make one there instead of on paper:

http://www.storyboardthat.com/

I haven't used it yet, but I bet you can figure it out. I want feedback on how well this site works, so let me know please!!

Now, we need to also keep in mind that storyboarding involves a script, something that you have already created that TELLS the STORY.

How do you do that?

Well, here are some resources you can use as you are trying to TELL the STORY!!!

http://journalism.about.com/od/writing/a/broadcast.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_5323470_write-broadcast-journalism-copy.html

SCRIPT WRITING

I wanted to share with you to the format that professional scripts are written. Below are three links to websites that explain the format, one that has a direct .pdf of a correctly written script and a third with more information.

http://2012.scriptfrenzy.org/howtoformatascreenplay

http://www.oscars.org/awards/nicholl/scriptsample.pdf

http://www.writersstore.com/how-to-write-a-screenplay-a-guide-to-scriptwriting/

I am not going to hold you directly to these standards, but I think its important when you are writing your script to complete some of these tasks.

Specifically I want you to use:

Slug lines to indicate location and times. They do not have to be exactly as shown.

Action - describe the actions that your characters will take

Character names - self explanatory

Dialogue - again self explanatory

You should start modifying your scripts to reflect this. For those of you serious about screenplay/script writing, you should follow the correct style so you have experience.

Today you should start making your story boards and writing your script/outline. You will need to turn in your final storyboards on your Google Site. You may need to take screen shots of them (to do this push and hold the shirt/command/#5 key. this will make a box on the screen. Size the box properly and at the bottom click capture image). Make sure when you put them on your Google Site that they are BIG so I can see them. Your script/outline can go on the same subpage and can be a text box, or a clickable link to a Google Doc.

Idea list I found: https://www.indieshortsmag.com/tutorials/pre-production/2023/08/short-film-script-ideas-for-your-next-short-film/

Podcast training and Final Exam Preview. Assigned 4/28, due 4/30 - Minor

Podcast

I will be taking every podcast team into the room for about 10 minutes so I can teach you how to use the machine and let you try it out for a few minutes. When you aren't in there, take a look at the Film in a minute. This will be your FINAL EXAM in this class.

Filminute - Final Exam planning

Today we are going to start the video unit. We will be looking at Filminute, the international film festival for 1-minute films. These will be the basis for the video you will use your phone and iMovie to make. You will create your own 1-minute film. This will be what you turn in for your final exam project.

First, let's take a look at the festival and some of the recent winners.

Go here: https://filminute.com/festival/filminute-winners-2021/

On your Google Site today, please pick TWO of the filminute movies featured on the website above and answer the following questions.

Use this information to help you with questions 2 through 5.

Theme - what is the central point the director is making sometimes evaluations are based on motifs, which are ideas or symbols that are repeated throughout the product, but are not the full theme.

Story - Analyzing the story is often easier than the theme. A story is presented in film through the plot (simple, complex, timeless, believable), the characters (appearance, dialogue or lack thereof, interplay between characters, actions, names), and symbolic elements.

Plot - is the easiest thing to describe, its the storyline. But critics often get more specific, things like how time is handled (linear, or non-linear) or how the climatic moments are handled (like the ending). Another concept is the believability of the plot; the idea of a universal truth, an internal truth about human nature, or a fantastic version of the truth.

Symbolism - how symbols are used, whether they reinforce the theme or add depth to the story. Are the symbols cliche is often a question one should ask when critiquing a piece.

Character - an essential element - appearance, dialogue, hair, clothing, mannerisms, accent and speech patterns are all used. "Good guys versus bad guys," underdogs,  sympathetic characters, etc are all examples. Relationships between characters are also important.

1. What is the name of the film?

2. What was the theme?

3. Summarize the story in two sentences (plot).

4. Are there any symbols in the film? How are they used?

5. Who characters are in the story and tell me a little about how they interact, if they do.

6. Use the technical evaluation information from below to analyze and evaluate the following technical aspects:   

Lighting - Is the lighting sufficient for the subject/plot?

Sound - Is the sound sufficient for viewers to hear and understand?

Editing - Is the editing done an appealing way to extend the story line and augment viewing?

Cut-aways and transitions - Are the transitions professional and smooth?  

Write a couple of sentences about each of these for both films you watched.

a. Lighting

b. Sound, 

c. Editing, 

d. Cut-aways 

e. Transitions

Next class we will start the planning process for making your own 1-minute film - you will storyboard and script. I want you to make these AT home using your cell phones. You can use any video editing software you want on your phones. I encourage you to find actors from your friends and family group. You MUST tell a story that has a beginning, a middle and an ending. You can choose to do this a number of ways, and I would love if you hit on some harder topics like the examples you watched today. I do realize that it's difficult, so do the best you can. I can help you brainstorm ideas and through the next few classes I will be talking with you more about what you could do. This IS your final exam and it will be due on the day of the final in this class. Wednesday, May 28 by 11:00 am.

I want these filmed and created AWAY from school. You may use class time to plan and prep, as well as to edit your video on your phones. You are also welcome to upload clips to Google Drive and use iMovie on my computers to edit the product. 

You MAY choose to shoot this at school, and for some of you, this is probably the only way it will get done. If you do not take care of this on your own at home, and you end up shooting at school, you will take an AUTOMATIC 20 point deduction on the final exam grade. That means the highest grade you can get if you shoot your film here at school is an 80!!!

There will be some extra credit opportunities on the day of the final that will ONLY apply to the final. I will offer some additional extra credit for the 9-week cycle before the end.

Podcast planning and prep. Assigned 4/25, due 4/28 - Minor

Today you will meet with your 3 or 4 person teams to plan your Podcast. You will have this class period to come up with your plan before you go into the office area to create your product. You will have about 30 minutes per team to record your efforts.

I will also expect your team to edit the product using one of the following products:

iMovie - available on your computer now - audio and can be used for video

Adobe Premiere - also available, may need to be downloaded - audio and can be used for video

Audacity - would need to be downloaded - audio only

Do you have one that you like to use? Let me know and I am open to that happening.

We will spend some time next class looking at Audacity so you are prepared to work on that portion of the assignment. You will continue to work with your team during that process so each member of the team can provide input on the final product.

Now, let's come up with a plan of attack to make this podcast happen. 

Here are the steps (the website I used to come up with this plan https://www.buzzsprout.com/blog/write-podcast-script-examples):

1. Brainstorm and come up with a theme-based subject. This is pretty open, so pick something you are all interested in. For example, your podcast could be about food, gaming, sports, or any hobby.

In fact this is the exact place to start; your interests and hobbies as a collective. The more passionate about the topic you are, the better it will be.

Come up with a list of ideas and then narrow it down to 2-3 and put it to a vote. If you need a tie-breaker, I will be the tiebreaker for your team.

2. Now decide what your goals are. Do you want to be factual and help your listeners be more informed from hearing about your subject. This would be very journalistically sound. But perhaps you want to be less structured, you could set it up as a Q&A with a single host asking questions that the others answer. Or you could come up with a longer list of questions and ask them at random so all 4 members would be able to respond.

3. Decide if you want to cover your topic broadly, or in a more specific manner. For example, if you wanted to talk about the latest shows on television, you could generally talk about multiple shows available across several platforms and discuss what you liked and didn't like about that group of shows, OR you could narrow your focus to one show and dig deep on the plot, characters, etc of that specific season.

4. Equal time. Since you will have 4 people on your team, you will need to make sure that everyone gets roughly the same time talking. You will be expected to have 3-5 minutes total, so think about what that turns into. Think about this as you work your way through the next step.

5. Script out your podcast. This should really be an outline, but you can be more detailed if it helps your team out. One thing you want to avoid is rambling. This should include the following:

Intro - briefly discuss the topic and introduce the speakers/guests

A sponsor message - this is where you would tell your listeners that this Podcast is a Dispatch Product and a short sentence about the Dispatch.

Consider using a Segue between segments. This can be a sound effect, a phrase or even a musical note.

Summary - near the end, you should recap the topic and give your listeners the key points they should takeaway from your podcast.

Outro - this could be an announcement, a teaser for the next podcast, a closing jingle, resources to share with your listeners to get more information, or even just a set of Good-byes from the hosts.

Some podcasts include a Call to Action for their listeners. For example, if your group decided your topic was climate change, you could come up with a plan to enlist your listeners into some sort of actionable plan. Or you could solicit your listeners for what your next topic could be, or the guests they want to hear next time. You could give contact information here.

6. Think about the best form for your work. Should this be single host with 3 guests, a Q&A, a rountable discussion, a tutorial or how-to or even freestyle (this could be tougher to do, but is totally possible with the right topics and a guide to keep you moving forward)?

Some final suggestions:

Keep it simple. With a group of 3 or 4, planning is crucial. Don't be too loose, but don't be to scripted. I strongly suggest you do some practice. I will allow you to work in groups around the room and in the hallway, office and back room so you can spend time together with your topic. You will have ALL of this period to work together. Someone should take/keep GOOD notes.

You will be expected to turn in your notes at the end of this unit for a grade for this portion. That grade will be as a group, and you will each earn the same grade for your planning paperwork. I will be happy to hold on to it for you. I will provide folders and yellow notepads for notes/script planning.

TEAMS

Madeline, Margot, Ivy

Zoe, Amalie, Chelsea, Morgan

Ali, Diego, Grace

Brianna, Leanayha, Aubrey, Effie

Kaya, Kylian, Caleb

Next class, we will go over the Podcaster machine in small groups. This will also be your time to go through a couple of Dry Runs. You should have a decent idea of what you are doing by the end of next class. The following class we will start the recording process.

Podcast preview. Assigned 4/23, due 4/25 - Minor

  Podcast Preview

Now we are going to spend a few classes learning more about Podcasting. In this unit we will have a preview activity and a group project where you will team up with a few people to create a short 2-3 minute podcast. 

This unit will be a little more complex that other group projects we have done because I only have one Podcast production machine for you to use. Which means, we will have to schedule times for people to make these podcasts. I am going to dedicate THREE 30 minute time slots per day for your team to create in the office area of my room. So it will take around 3-4 classes for everyone to get their recording done. We will still be working on new things, so when it is your teams turn, you need to get in there and get this recording done. AND you will still need to do the daily assignment for that day. I will spread out the assignments but we still have things to get to.

Now let's get to it....

On your Google Site, please create a new subpage called Podcast Preview.

Go to this website and answer the questions below:

https://www.thepodcasthost.com/listening/what-is-a-podcast/

1. What is a Podcast?

2. What are some of the advantages of Podcast has over traditional radio?

3. Where do most people listen to a Podcast, according to the website?

4. What are a couple of differences between a professional Podcast versus a homemade version?

5. What is the difference between a Podcast and a Podcast Episode?

Now go to this website and answer the following questions:

https://riverside.fm/blog/what-is-a-podcast

6. What are the four most common types of Podcasts?

7. In a sentence or two, please describe each of the four common types of Podcasts. Make sure to give a specific example for each that someone could listen to.

8. List the top-10 Podcasts for 2022

9. Where can you access Podcasts? List 2-3 places where you can find them.

Finally, let's figure out how to actually start coming up with a plan to make a Podcast. Go to this website and answer the questions below:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/blog/how-to-start-a-podcast

10. List the 10 steps the website suggests you follow to create a Podcast.

11. Refer back to the FOUR common types of Podcasts. Which one do you think would be best for you to use for a short 2-3 minute Podcast that you will create with 2 other people? Tell me which one you would use.

11. Think of FIVE topics/themes you think would be interesting to use for a Podcast that you will suggest to your team. Be sure to be specific and zero in on something that you could talk about with other people for 2-3 minutes.

12. Think of THREE names for your Podcast based on a few of your potential topics.

13. What types of equipment do you think you will need to make a Podcast?

Next class we will do a short assignment on creating your first Podcast. This will include: writing a short script, learning how to use the microphones, recording test tracks, and learning how to use our Rode Podcaster Pro, and recording your audio. Then you will meet with your group to plan. You will have that class period to plan your Podcast, and we will start recoding the next class period.

Back up links in case something doesn't work:

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-do-podcasts-work#learn-more

https://www.podcastinsights.com/start-a-podcast/

Movie Review structure and style - Movie Review officially assigned 4/23, due 5/5 - MAJOR

 You should have already created a Google Doc called Movie Review and you should have done some research last class about the specific movie you want to review. This means you should have a lot of information about the movie including the main cast of characters, the producers and writers names, the cost of the film, what movie house produced the movie, etc.

Now it is time to go watch the movie and write the review. Below you will find the structure and information you should include in the review.

On the Google Doc you already created where you took some notes last class begin writing after you read below.

The review must at least be 400-500 words long 

These are things you need to include:

1.    A title (headline for your review; keep it less than 30 characters long) 

2.    The names of the main actors and the names of their characters (top 5 actors/characters). Include both full character name and actor name. Incorporate them into your review. I don’t just want a list. 

3.    A summary of the plot of the story (without giving away the ending) 

4.    A possible theme (or moral) of this story 

5.    Give the “audience demographic” or who would like this movie

6.    Your opinion of the movie as a whole (include details you thought were interesting or awful). 

7.    Use two of the “movie review terms” from below in your review. Use them appropriately to earn full points.

8.    A score/rating system (other than “two thumbs up”)

Extra credit – If you include a clever “pun” in the TITLE OF YOUR REVIEW

·       Note:  Write this review as if you were trying to convince someone who has not seen the movie to either see it or avoid it, and NO SPOILERS!!!

Here are some terms you can use to help your story:

MOVIE REVIEW TERMS

1.     Critic –

·        A professional who publishes his opinion on a particular movie/play/book

·        (ex – Roger Ebert, Richard Roeper, Leonard Maltin, Pauline Kael)

2.     Mediocre –

·        Competent but not especially outstanding

·        (ex – “The film wasn’t bad and it wasn’t good either, it was just mediocre”

3.     Cliché –

·        Something that’s been used so many times that it no longer surprises or interests the audience; overexposure

·        (ex – In a scary movie, a black cat jumps out and scares the character, but the real danger is RIGHT BEHIND HIM/HER!)

4.     Character Driven –

·        When the characters in a fictional work develop over the course of the story into people you care about

·        (ex – “Twilight” is about vampires, but more importantly, it’s the relationship between the characters that makes us care about the story)

5.     High-Concept –

·        When the idea behind the story is interesting enough to get people to see the movie without knowing anything else about it

·        (ex – A young clownfish gets kidnapped and put into an aquarium and it’s up to his father and a misfit group of fish to save him {“Finding Nemo”})

6.     Plot –

·        What the story is about

·        (ex – “Kung Fu Panda” is about a clumsy, overweight panda bear who dreams of becoming the ultimate kung fu warrior, etc… {note that a plot summary is about a paragraph long})

7.     Hype –

·        Using different techniques to get the audience excited about the story

·        (ex – “Come see ‘Coraline’ in amazing 3-D!  It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before!”)

8.       Ensemble effort –

·        When the cast (actors) work well together to tell the story  

·        (ex – the ensemble effort of the cast in Harry Potter sets the stage for the big battle between the wizards from Hogwarts to finally vanquish Voldemort’s henchmen.)

9.       Audience demographics –

·        When the critic recommends that only a certain group of people should see, or not see, the film

·        (ex – “Kids will like ‘Madagascar,’ but adults will get bored.”)

1.       Montage –

·        When a film editor rapidly cuts several shots together to tell a story or communicate a message that is shown through the images.

 (ex – A series of clips that show how someone makes a painting.)

Make sure your Google Doc is SHARED PROPERLY AS A CLICKABLE LINK on your Google Site on a new subpage called Movie Review.

Movie Review Prep. Assigned 4/21, due 4/23 - Minor

MOVIE REVIEW PREP

You will be able to watch any movie you want. I would prefer that you watch something that has come out recently. It must be a full length movie of at least 90 minutes. TV shows and series are not acceptable. This works better if it is a movie that you haven't seen before, but you are allowed to review a movie you have seen before. You should know that on newspaper staff, you will almost always review a movie that you have not seen before. Please make sure you actually WATCH the movie again if you choose one you have already seen.

One thing that I think is important is that you know a little bit about the movie you will be watching. So before you actually watch the movie, go to a little research. Remember you will be writing a review of the movie. The movie itself. Knowing a little about the movie may or may not influence your writing. Think about the books you have read like Harry Potter that have been turned into movies. Some people end up loving the movies despite the fact they might be different from what they read, while others hate some films because they changed the story from the book. The same is true for most every film.

Log into your school email account. Send me an email telling me and list your top 3 movies that you would like to watch for this assignment. My email address is mreeves1@austinisd.org. I will respond with the movie you have been assigned from your list of three. Any movie is open as long as it is school appropriate and you are willing to watch it again. The only reason I want to approve your choice is that I don't want to read about the same movie 3-4 times.

Once I approve your movie, start on the tasks below

Let's do some research:

I would recommend that you start with wikipedia and branch out from there. You are then free to use Google to do independent research. Type in the name of the movie and start reading.

On a new Google Doc titled Movie Review, please answer the following questions:

1. Who is the director?

2. What company produced the film?

3. Is the film based on anything like a book, or a real life event? If so, do some research about that book or event and write a few sentences about it.

4. Where is the movie set (the places they filmed)?

5. What is the movie rated?

6. Who was the producer?

7. What awards did it win?

8. How much did it cost to make?

9. How was it received by audiences?

10. What did other movie reviews think about the movie?

11. List five main characters by the actor's name and the part they play.

NOW GO WATCH IT!!

This may be your first time or your 10th time seeing that film, but you still need to watch it again to refresh your memories.

As you watch the movie you might want to take some notes about the plot, timing of the movie with high points and low points, thoughts about the specific actors and the characters they play and your general feelings about the movie as you watch it.

At some point you should transfer those notes to your Google Doc to refer when you are writing your review. 

Next week you will get the specific structure and style for a movie review so you can start writing.

Your Completed Movie Reviews will be due to me by Monday, May 5.

Movie Review Preview. Assigned 4/16, due 4/21 - Minor

 Movie Review Preview

DIRECTIONS: Using the Web sites listed below, read TWO movie reviews. You will identify the high points, low points, and a provide a quote that sums up the author's opinion about the movie.

Step 1: Read a movie review from the links provided below

Step 2: Post the headline of the movie review on your Google Site on a new subpage called Movie Review Preview. Make the headline a clickable link (if you need help doing this, ask me please) that takes the readers to the full review on the original Web site where it was published online.

Step 3: Under the headline for the movie review, provide the following information:

1. Name of the publication where the review was found

2. Name of the writer who wrote the review

3. Grade or score the movie review on a 1-10 scale in your opinion

4. High Points of the movie (performances, cinematography, plot, etc.) according to the writer

5. Low points of the movie (performances, cinematography, plot, etc.) according to the writer

6. Quote a paragraph from the review that you think expresses the overall opinion of the reviewer about the movie.

7. Repeat for another movie from a different 

Rotten Tomatoes
Movie Review Query Engine
Roger Ebert
The Guardian
Mr. Qe

Video Movie Reviews:
Richard Roeper

Newspaper Design Reflection - posted 4/9, due 4/14 - Minor

 Please take the time to look closely at your Newspaper Design #2 and complete the following reflection. On your Google Site, please make a new subpage called Newspaper Design #2 Reflection and answer the following questions there:

1. How many headlines are on your page and is there one for each story?

2. How many captions are on your page and is there one for each photo?

3. Are there any big white spaces on your page, especially ones that are "trapped" between objects and not planned white space that would be along the outsides of the page?

4. Did you include a byline for every story, photo and graphic?

5. Did you put a story stop on each story?

6. Did you view your page in Preview mode? You should and take a look at what you are actually turning in.

7. Tell me two frustrations you had while trying to complete this task?

8. Tell me two things you enjoyed about completing this task?

9. Rate your page on a scale of 1-10. Compare your page to a real Dispatch page as you rate yourself. Do you think your page compares to what current page editors have created this year?

10. Rate this assignments difficulty versus other practical applications we have done i.e. magazine covers, King Pica, etc. Was this easier or harder? Explain your answers.

For those people who are moving onto Newspaper next year and will be in Dispatch staff, please write a paragraph explaining what you thought about this process and tell me if this is something you might be interested in learning more about.

Finally, if you want to go to ILPC this weekend, I won't see you again, but you can STILL GO. Just bring me a check or cash for $40 by Friday!! I will have more information to give you when you bring me the check.

Newspaper Design #2 Checklist. Assigned 4/4, due 4/9 - MAJOR

Do you have the following:

1. A headline for every story
2. A caption for every photo
3. Are there any big white spaces?
4. Have you written all the headlines? Do they fill the entire space required? If not you will have to write more - make the headline fit the ENTIRE space allocated.
5. Have you used FILL TEXT to completely fill all white spaces in text boxes where stories go?
6. Do all captions have a photo by?
7. Do all stories have a byline?
8. If you used art (any .jpeg without a caption that I wrote for it), does it have an art by?
9. Are the entire stories there? Please read the story and make sure it doesn't cut off somewhere weird.
10. Did you put a stop into place at the end of every story?
11. Did you view your page in Preview mode? You should and take a look at what you are actually turning in.

Some of the things I saw last class that I wanted to point out to you to fix/work on today:

Make sure that every headline is written fully so that it fills the entire space. Make sure those headline boxes in InDesign are made big enough to cover the entire space required.

Make sure you use FILL text to completely fill all text boxes/blocks.

Make sure you have stops at the end of every story.

Look and see that you can draw a box around all elements that go with the same coverage, i.e. headline, story, photo/art, caption. You should be able to draw a box around it.

Make sure that you have NOT gone outside the pink/purple lines, but also make sure that all of your objects are touching pink/purple lines.

When you are done:

When you have your newspaper design done, please follow the instructions listed below to turn your projects in. FOLLOW THEM SPECIFICALLY AND EXACTLY. It may look complex and it isn't simple, but if you follow them carefully you will need no help from me.

You must have your page open in InDesign (NOT photoshop)

>File>Adobe PDF presets>Smallest File Size

>Rename your magazine cover as follows: Last name_first name_Newspaper Design 2_period #

Make sure to save it in your folder ON THE DESKTOP.

>Click export (if any messages come up about outside the clipping area or anything else like that during the .pdf creation process, click okay)

1. Open your email (gmail, yahoo, whatever you use), compose new mail
2. The email address to send your Newspaper Design 2 is:  mreeves1@austinisd.org
3. The subject line is: Last name_first name_Newspaper Design 2_period#
4. Click attach file (it often has a paperclip looking item next to it)
5. Attach your Newspaper Design - BE VERY CAREFUL and make sure to send me the one that is a .PDF (It will have a .pdf ending and the file should look like a little grey square) DO NOT SEND ME THE InDesign document which is purple and at the end says .indd.
6. Click send (or mail or whatever your company uses to send mail).

ALSO  -  we want to post this on your Google Site. To do this you have to convert the .pdf into a .PNG file. This is 25% of your grade.

1. Open Photoshop
2. Open the .pdf of your newspaper design 2 (NOT the .indd, it won't work)
3. When the .pdf converter pop-up box appears, click okay
4. >File>Save as

5. Click - ON YOUR COMPUTER
6. Change the format into .PNG - this is located near the bottom of the pop-up box
7. Click save

8. It should default to large file size, if not change it and click OK
9. If you get any other pop-up boxes, click okay 
10. Post it on your Google Site on a new subpage called Newspaper Design #2

Once you have it posted on your blog, you are....

DONE!!!!

Newspaper Design #2. Assigned 4/4, due 4/9 - MAJOR

Last class you did Newspaper Design 1. For that assignment, you had all the pieces with the appropriate content already in place. All you had to do was move the boxes with their content into the correct place on the page. Today, we are going to make another page, but this time, you will have to not only place the boxes where you want them, you will also have to decide what content you want to appear on your page.

Your new InDesign file has a blank page, just like the last one. On the pasteboard around that blank page are a bunch of what we call TEMPLATE OBJECTS. Those objects have all the boxes you need to make your own page from scratch. To use these template objects, instead of just grabbing them and moving them around like you did for Newspaper Design #1, this time you will have to COPY and PASTE each object that you want. In the past this has been the HARDEST step for my intro students. So I am going to repeat these instructions over and over today as you work. COPY and PASTE what you want, don't grab TEMPLATE OBJECTS and move them around. Once you make a copy, you can move the copy around.

There are additional requirements and I will share those with you below.

For now, let's get the pieces you need to complete this task. Click the link below and COPY the entire folder into your folder on the DESKTOP.

NEWSPAPER DESIGN 2

Once everyone has this downloaded, we will open the files together.

Inside the file you are going to find a number of different types of files like an .Indd file, some .docx files, and lots of .jpegs. These files are the CONTENT you will need to use to create your Newspaper Page. You will find images, art, and a pair of Word Files, that have the stories and captions you will need for your page. 

Here is the kicker - you have too much content, and as the editor of this page, you will need to decide what CONTENT you want to use on your page. You have lots of choices.

The first thing you need to do is to use your knowledge of NEWS VALUES to determine which stories you want to use on your NEWS page. Then you will decide what ART/GRAPHICS/PHOTOS you want to use with those stories. Every story on your page must have some sort of visual with it. All visuals must have a credit line and all stories must  have a byline. These items are called a PACKAGE of items.

All elements in a PACKAGE, must be placed near each other in a pleasing MODULAR DESIGN.

Once you have your stories and related visual content selected, now its time to move on to InDesign to create the page.

You are welcome to use a Dispatch newspaper as a sample for your new page. You can access every Dispatch newspapers here: https://thedispatchonline.net/11845/print/print-edition-2021-2022/

I strongly recommend that you use one of the Dispatch pages to help you create this new page.

Begin by COPY and PASTING a main HEADLINE where you want to place it.

Then COPY and PASTE a story box and put it under the headline. You will have to change the size of the story box so it fits right. Just click a white circle on the bottom and make it longer.

COPY and PASTE a photo box that is the size you want (make sure to look at the photo you chose, is it wide or tall? Make the box the approximate shape as the photo you chose - in general you should only have to adjust the height....as there are template pieces in the appropriate widths). You will have to change the size of the story box so it fits right. Just click a white circle on the bottom and make it taller or shorter

I will show you basic steps before you get started. It will take a little time to go through it, but you will have plenty of time over the next few classes to complete this assignment. On the second day, I will be circulating around class to help you with your designs so they look like your sample page. I do NOT expect perfection, but I do want you to get it as close as possible to what you are using as your inspiration. I strongly recommend you use a Page 2, a Page 3, or even Page 4-5 or a sports page. Do not pick a guide page that is page 1 or 8-9 or a photo essay.

Newspaper Design #1. Assigned 3/26, due 3/28 - Minor

Newspaper Design Project #1

Today you will use the entire period to re-create a page from The Dispatch Issue #4.

Here is a link to the file:

Newspaper Design Project #1 24-25

Once you get it downloaded into the Download Folder, you will need to move it to either your desktop, or into your folder on the desktop. It should give you the prompt to DOWNLOAD right when you open the link.

Once you have it in the proper place, open the InDesign file (it has the letters .indd at the end). When you open it, there will be an error message about missing links, you can just click OKAY. This will not impact what you are doing today.

You will see, if you are in Normal view mode, that there are all the parts that were used to create Entertainment page 12 in the 3rd issue of The Dispatch. There are paper versions of the paper at your desks to help you when you recreate this page. I will show you how to get into the proper view mode for this project.

Your job is simple. Move those items into the proper place as you see on Page 12. Everything should move properly into the correct space. You should not have to adjust ANYTHING. Just use the TOP arrow tool and move items into the correct spots. DO NOT CHANGE THE DIMENSIONS OF ANYTHING ON THE PAGE. Be careful and do not grab the little white dots around the borders of the items you are moving. 

In addition, when you are moving photos or art, make sure you DO NOT click the middle of the photograph, make sure you are away from the center circle that will pop up.

HINTS: if you think you made a mistake, you can always use COMMAND-Z to go back one step.

Make sure that you use ALL of the items available and that they are in the right places. Refer to the printed page to help you.

Once you are done putting the puzzle together, call me over so I can take a look.

After I approve it, create a .PDF at the smallest file size and email it to me. Then create a .jpeg from the .PDF in Photoshop and post it on your Google Site on a new subpage called Newspaper Design #1.