Watch the completed films
The films have been completed. Watch the films here.
About the project
[PLEASE NOTE THE PROJECT IS NOW COMPLETED - THE EDITED FILMS CAN BE VIEWED HERE]
This project is running in September / October 2006 for Media Studies A Level Students at Anthony Gell School. You'll be making a short film between 30 seconds and 4 minutes. We would prefer your film to adopt a local theme or issue.
The Schedule
The project will run as follows:
- Learn about editing your film using Moviemaker in a day long workshop (see moviemaker manual). We'll also look at basic filming techniques and tips (see shooting tips guide)
- Plan your film - You will have to 'storyboard' your film before going out with the cameras. Your film should be anything between 30 seconds and 4 minutes and can be about anything. It could be a drama, comedy, music video or documentary. If you are stuck for ideas, you can choose from these categories of film (if the link doesn't work, click here).
- Shoot your film - We will be filming around Wirksworth. You can also film in your own time.
- Editing your film - The editing will be done on the laptops in Anthony Gell.
- Submit your film online (optional) - You can submit your film to one or more of the short film websites or to wirksworth.net
What does your film need to be about?
It can be about anything. The best you could try and turn a public information message into an 'infomercial'. View a set of professional briefs (if the link doesn't work, click here)
Or, you could make a film on a local issue (e.g. film for the heritage centre or the new skate park)
- Documentary - proposed waste recycling plant / skate park
- Drama
- promotional film (e.g. promote heritage centre)
- Music Video
- Comedy
Get some inspiration from these 30 second film Competition finalists, these short infomercials or this comprehensive list of links to film websites from the bbc film network site (in the right hand column)
What will happen to your film
It's up to you. If you get all the necessary clearances, you can submit it to an short film website such as FourDocs (needs to be a 4 minute documentary), the BBC Film Network, Google Video, Youtube and Atom Films.
Clearances, Consents and legal issues
You’ll only be able to distribute and screen your film in public if it is ‘cleared’. This means that you have written permission to use everything and everyone that appears in your film. This includes script, music, locations, actors, contributors, products, company logos. If you are going to submit your film online, then you'll need to get these consents signed as you go along. You may also get your consents on camera (along with the forms).
- Location Agreement (word doc)
- Contributor's Consent (word doc)
Don't film anything illegal (!) and don't film any defamatory or libellous remarks.
> More information about clearances from the BBC Film Network
Useful film links
- FourDocs - FourDocs is the place to upload or download four minute documentaries. Anyone with a story to tell or an opinion to voice can submit their film to FourDocs. There are also a series of 'rushes' i.e. extra footage / sound effects which you can use and useful filmmaking guides
- CCN Competition Finalists - The winning films from a competition to make a 30 second public information film
- 30 second short film examples - Some professionally produced short films
- BBC Film Network - Similar to FourDocs, this is a place for new British film makers to get their short films seen. Three new films are added to the site each week and users get the chance to comment on and rate films. It also provides filmmakers with tools to create online profiles and exchange tips, advice and ideas.
- BBC New Talent - Films - Showcasing new talent for
- Studentfilms.com - An online student film festival and resource
- Atom Films - One of the first websites to showcase short films
- Google Video - Will host your video for free. You can then embed a video on google onto any website
- Youtube.com - Similar to google video - hosts your film for free
- Spitfire - Band from Wirksworth - maybe they'll allow you to use one of their songs ..? Don't forget the clearance forms
- Propeller TV - propeller provides more than terrific television: it's task is to constantly propel new talent into rewarding film and television careers, aiming to show the best, share the best and be the best. They have an area especially for student submissions
- Wirksworth.net - the local website for Wirksworth
- Good Shooting guide from the BBC - an excellent resource on shooting footage
- Depict - showcasing short films