Video Poem Project

This project explores your ability to create an original piece that explores the relationship between the text of a poem and the symbolic images that are associated with the meaning and intent of that poem. The poem should explore the moods or emotions associated with an idea, issue, or interest that have some personal or meaningful connection to you.

Requirements:
1. Original video footage and still frames
2. Soundtrack of collected sounds or instrumental music
3. 1 to 3 minutes in length
4. Creative cinematography/composition.
5. Creative camera angles and movement that capture vectors along the z-axis.
6. Use 5 shots that have dramatic lighting such as cast or attached shadows or silhouettes.
7. Use of at least two filters or effects that add to the meaning or mood of the piece.
8. Minimum 5 text overlays that connect to the words of the poem
9. Narration of your poem.
10. Opening Titles and closing credits

Step 1- The Poem
- The poem for this project will become the script for your piece, so it is very important that you choose something that will allow for creative visual representation.
-You can choose a poem written by someone else or write one of your own.
-Your poem can have a story line or can be a collection of shots that relate to the mood of the poem.
-Make sure your poem is long enough to create a developed piece and appropriate for school. Poem should be a minimum of 15-20 lines.
-Brainstorm a list of at least twenty "dream" shots or images you would could imagine working with your project.
-Do a search for poetry sites and see what you can come up with or go to the library.
-Have poem and brainstorm approved before moving forward.

Step 2- Create Scripted Storyboard
--Your storyboard is a combination of: sketches/ shot descriptions / and script.
-You should format a page with three columns labeled as above.
-Make some notes on your poem as to the shots you like to include in this project and number and list sketches/shots descriptions/words.
-Remember to label and sketch your shots of people or objects using the abbreviations we’ve used in the past:-ELS, LS, MS, MCU, CU, ECU.
-Experiment with color, composition, and lighting.
-All scripted storyboards must be approved before you begin shooting.
-Use lots of close-ups, motion, graphic and index vectors.
-Use props and costumes as well as variety in locations or subject matter whenever possible.

Step 3- The Shoot
-All the footage for this project must be shot by you and be the best video you can shoot.
-Use a tripod.
-Observe cut-off points, head room and lead room. Remember the rule of thirds.
-Find a partner or friend to help you the day of your shoot with composition or props
-Watch the lighting of your shoot.
-Review shot requirements to make sure you have all the footage you need.
-Remember to experiment as much as possible composing and framing shots.
-Gather sound clips to use as background audio for your piece.
-Your talent or camera person can also read or perform the poem

Step 4- Edit Footage
-Import all your clips
-Arrange clips in timeline according to poem script
-Create and edit stills in photoshop
-Complete narration of poem
-Add opening and closing titles and effects
-Add background sound
-Remember to fade in from black at the start and out to black at the end.

All projects will be graded according to how well you’ve met the list of requirements.
No project is complete until it is exported to the master tape.
No credit will be given to incomplete projects.
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printable copy here