Outline for AS creative project

1. Your Options:
Short film/Sequence
Extended Step Outline
Photostory Board

2. The initial stages of research and planning
will be done in class but then you need to
work on your project outside class time.
We will give you a deadline and ask for
regular progress updates.

3. • Candidates are required to create a film sequence or a complete short film that: demonstrates
how the micro features of film construct meaning.
• This comprises of three elements:
 (i) Aims and context
 A clarification of the aims and context of the sequence or short
film
 (ii) Film Sequence or Short Film (40)
 The film sequence may either be an extract from longer film or a
complete short film, with the emphasis on visual communication
rather than on dialogue.
 (iii) Reflective analysis approximately 750 words or
equivalent (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.

4. 1) An extended step outline of 1000 words (representing 5-8 scenes)
2) A photographed (digital or photo-chemical) 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) A film sequence or short film of approximately 2 - 3 minutes and
containing between 10 and 25 different shots (some of which may be
repeated).
 Group work is permitted for the filmmaking option (maximum 4). Groups
of candidates should take primary responsibility for – without precluding
collaboration - one or more micro features of the sequence (such as
camerawork, editing or sound). Each candidate must identify their role
and the micro aspect they are responsible for on the appropriate
coversheet.

5. Tip!
Whichever option you choose your idea
must have a clear concept and meaning.
Think about making a creative project
which will have a strong and clear visual
impact. The idea is that the focus is not
only on dialogue to clarify the meaning.

6.  Traditionally used to outline the narrative of a film
 In the extended step outline it is expected that there is much
more detail describing audio-visual features of each of the 5 – 8
scenes required. So, for example, aspects of mise-en-scene
and cinematography will be carefully imagined, as will aspects
of performance and staging.
 The first part of the template for each ‘step’ in the step outline
contains contextualising (largely macro) information and (letting
the audience know the background and where it fits in the
narrative)this receives no marks.
 The second part describes the scene and makes explicit micro
features (mise-en scène, cinematography, editing, sound,
performance) in creating meaning and produce response. This
focuses on describing the way in which the micro elements and
techniques within them linking to how they been used to create
meaning.

7.  - Photography (with mise en scene, framing, composition etc
evident)
 - A ‘slugline’ describing INT/EXT, location, and time (DAY/NIGHT
will usually suffice)
 - Shot description (what is happening in the shot, including shot
size and angle)
 - Shot duration
 - Camera movement within the shot (indicated in words
underneath the image or by arrows within the frame)
 - Figure movement within the shot (indicated as above)
 - Editing instruction (which may be linked to duration)
- Three soundtracks: speech*; diegetic noise/music; non-diegetic
noise/music
 * Actual dialogue is not required. In an imagined sequence in
which dialogue is highly significant – a very brief commentary
may be usefully added.

8.  Short Films
 Student Examples
 Film sequence - Focusing on the use of micro
elements removes the drive to produce a
narratively complete sequence, and so it is
entirely possible to produce a sequence that
is narratively disconnected, but is a detailed
and crafted exploration of microelements and
their use in making meaning.

9.  Film Sequence or Short Film
 • Understanding of micro features demonstrated in
sequence (to communicate to the audience, provoke
emotional response etc)
 • Creative use of appropriate micro features
 • Visualisation, demonstrating high degree of
understanding of appropriate conventions.
 Quality of written communication (where relevant)
 • Structured and accurate use of appropriate language to
communicate clearly.
 Reflective Analysis
 • 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.

10. Look under: Student Resources, Film, AS
Film, creative project and you will find
examples of past student work.
Evaluate how they have used the
techniques to create meaning.