INSPIRATION + ASPIRATION = CREATION
English 2332: World Literature 1: Final Project Assignment
You have been on a journey this semester; it began in Greece, the birthplace of civilization. Your readings gave you a look back at an ancient culture that has shaped history. From there, you went to Medieval England and learned the music of dead languages. Your end point is the Renaissance, a time of revisiting what came before in order to reinvent the future. You have seen the parallel between the struggles and triumphs of ancient cultures to our own. This assignment allows you to take that knowledge and to “create” something of your own with it. Inspiration breeds possibility. This assignment is a reflection of your journey.
Directions: Your final project will contain 3 parts that are averaged together to equal > 20% of your final average.
Part 1: Written Component: The written component is creative in nature. You will write a short play, film or television episode built around the plots and characters that we have studied this semester.
The requirements for this part of the assignment are as follows: 1. There must be some allusion to one of the Shakespeare plays that we read, as well as other works we studied this semester.
2. The characters must be OBVIOUSLY inspired by specific characters we studied this semester.
3. At least 1 character should be derived from the Shakespeare play that you are alluding to.
4. There must be at least 1 character that isn’t from Shakespeare.
5. The names and characteristics of the character must reflect the literary characters in an obvious way.
6. The film script must be written in the appropriate format, which we will discuss in class.
7. The script must be approximately 3 pages in length. Less than 3 pages (appropriately formatted) will result in a deduction.
8. You must make a copy of your script for everyone in your group (and 1 for me); you will table read all of the scripts, and as a group, choose the best one to turn into a short “film”.
9. It must be an original creation—not a retelling of the any story that we’ve read.
10. [Elaboration of #5] It must be clearly evident which characters you are referencing (names should be similar [example: I’ve seen Hamlet become “Hamnet” and “Hamlin”, etc.], and personalities/character traits should stay true to the original character [example: Achilles would not put his life in harm’s way for a relationship with a girl; Hamlet would not make decisions easily; The Wife of Bath would not be abstinet… you get the idea]).
[Think of this as placing these characters in a modern-day scenario. I’ve seen this done many ways; I’ve had students reenact “The Dating Game” and “Big Brother” with characters based on the ones we’ve studied; I’ve had students create a soap-opera, a CSI-type drama, etc. I even had one group that told the story of “How Hamlet got Laid”…yes!... and another that wrote an original story all in rhyme. I’ve seen a hippie story, a puppet play, even the Bush/Cheney administration mimicked using the characters we’ve studied. And just when I think I’ve seen it all, another group of my creative students always seems to throw me a curve ball and reach beyond my imagination. I challenge you to be that group!]
Part 2: Visual Component: The visual component is also creative in nature. As a group, you must “film” your chosen script or act in out in front of the class. Obviously this requires that at least 1 member of the group has a video camera; this part of the assignment also requires the group to meet outside of class. Your film can take place during any time period (past or present), in any location (but beware that filming outside can cause technical difficulties—the wind often ruins the sound quality), etc. You may film in an empty classroom at NCTC. However, you may not use any real liquor or real weapons, or harm any animals while making the film! J The film can’t be a direct adaptation of any story we read; it must be original! Multiple characters can be played by the same student if need be.
* I understand that gathering everyone to meet for filming is not an easy task; this is why you are given ample time to work this out and get this done. It is always best if the whole group can meet together; however, it has been done in the past where one person's part was taped at a later time due to scheduling conflicts. Just "make it work"! Every group member needs to have a visible part on screen, as well as an off-screen contribution (directing, filming, props, costumes, script, etc.). You can "employ" outside help, or extras, and give them credit on your "credit" reel, but the bulk of the work and all major roles must be fulfilled by the group members.
The requirements are as follows:
Even before you begin, you must come up with a name & logo for your "production company". It should be creative and related to the material we've studied this semester.
1. All group members must participate in the filming and have visible parts on screen.
2. There must be a title and list of credits, including your production company name and logo; you can either do this with a film editing program (they come with most cameras these days) or by using poster boards.
3. You must give written credit to any music used in the film.
4. You may use “extras” in the film (camera men or women, minor characters, etc.), but the major roles must be filled by the group members.
5. There must be some attempt at “mise en scene”, which is consistency in costumes, props, setting, plot, etc.
6. The film must run for at LEAST 10 minutes long, excluding add-ons, such as blooper reels. [Note: Do NOT extend a scene beyond what is natural for the action in order to fill time].
7. I must be able to OBVIOUSLY tell which work of literature that we read this semester was alluded to, as well as which literary characters are being represented.
8. The video must be transferred to a disc, preferably a DVD (you can burn it to your DVD computer drive), so that it can be played in class.
9. The technical aspects of the film will NOT be graded (how well you act, stage, light, edit, etc.), but creativity will.
10. The video must be appropriate! You may not, for example, consume alcohol in the film, use real weapons as props, use foul language, etc. It is great to be humorous, but be careful to avoid offensiveness.
Part 3: Presentation: Each group will “present” their film. The presentation will be 25 minutes long. The requirements are as follows: 1. You will screen the film (the film must play!).
2. You will discuss the creative process involved in deciding on the script and staging the filming, as well as what you learned from the project.
3. You will tell the class why they should vote for you as best performer or your film as “best film”.
4. You will take questions from the audience.
5. You may bring refreshments to share.
6. You must attend ALL presentations in order to get full credit for your own. Show your classmates respect by showing up to witness their hard work!
7. All students must participate in the discussion of the video; you must talk about what your part was in the video/video making process, what you learned, etc.
8. Students should show pride in and passion for their work.
This is a chance for us to relax and enjoy the fruits of our labor. These presentation days are laid back… please be supportive of one another in this process. I hope that you will all come away with some lasting, positive memories of your time with me in World Literature!
Notes:
Each student will turn in component 1; the group turns in component 2 and component 3 will receive a combination group and individual grade. All groups will turn in a "group statement" discussing how each member of the group contributed to the project and what was learned from the project; this should be signed by all students in the group. If a student does not do their share of the work or participate in the project, then their name should not appear on the final product. If there is one member of the group that does not contribute equally to the project, then the group leader should make a note of this when the final project is turned in. For the presentation part of the grade, I will grade how the group presents as a whole, as well as what each individual contributes. I will also be looking at individual participation of the video project; therefore, if one student contributes a great deal to a non-visible role, such as planning, working the camera, gathering props, etc., then that should be noted in your group statement as well.
My copy of the film is due on May 5. You will be able to decide as a class in what order you present; if there is no consensus, then we can draw numbers to decide.
You are competing for “Chaucer Awards”, which will be given in the following categories:
Best Script, Best Performer, Best Film; I reserve the right to add more categories if I feel it is necessary. Each award will come with extra points that will be added to your final point total.
Your grade will break down as follows:
Written Component: Film Script: 50 Points
Visual Component: Film: 100 Points
Presentation: 50 Points
*Students must turn in all components in order to pass the class.
Timeline:
F 16 April: Screenplays are Due! You must have copies for your group, and you must turn a copy into me.
M 26 April: Geoffrey Competition
W 28 & F 30 April: In-Class Study Session
[The in-class study sessions will be a laid back, conversational type overview of everything we’ve covered this semester. We will also play a study-session game in order to prepare for “exam 2”.]
M 03 May: Exam 2
W 05 May-F 07 May: Presentations [Video is due to me after you present]
10-13 May: Final Exam Week. The Chaucer Awards.
* I reserve the right to change the schedule.
Warning: This just may be the most fun project you ever do in college! Yes, it is work… college is work, and maintaining good grades is HARD work…. But work can be fun! Show some enthusiasm… don’t forget to SMILE… the camera will be watching J !
Link to sample film script-- use this as a model for format:
http://www.scripthollywood.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/afterthetruth.pdf
Film Terminology: http://www.psu.edu/dept/inart10_110/inart10/film.html
Contract for Film
BASIC FILM AGREEMENTS
1. UNDERLYING RIGHTS:
I, _______________ consent to the director using my screenplay for production if so be the vote of the cast and crew. I will charge no fee for such usage. The copyright will be transferred to the whole cast/crew upon production of the script into a film.
2. CAST CONTRACTS: I, _______________, ____________, __________,_________, &_____________ agree to appear in this film. I will work a maximum of ___________ (days/hours), for no fee. My name will be credited in the credit reel of the film.
3. PRODUCERS AGREEMENT:
I, ______________ accept the role of Producer for this film. I agree to ensure that everything on set runs smoothly, that the production comes in on time and on budget. I agree to ensure that the film makes it to screening on the day/time it is assigned to do so.
4. DIRECTORS AGREEMENT: I, ________________ am the director of this film. I accept responsibility in assigning roles, making sure everyone is on set, setting production dates/times, delegating roles so as to create a “vision” for this project, maintaining contact with all cast and crew throughout the production time. I also agree to ensure that the final product is delivered on time, and I agree to take no fee for this role.
5. FACILITIES AGREEMENT:
I intend to use ________________facility to shoot this film. If a permit be needed to film here, then I agree to obtain one.
4. CREW AGREEMENT:
Everyone in your crew (not the cast) who gathers props, makes props, handles the camera, prompts the actors with their scripts, appears as an extra, etc. must sign here agreeing to fulfill their roles for no other payment but mention in the credit reel of the film.
_________________,_________________,________________,_________
5. STOCK FOOTAGE/MUSIC AGREEMENT:
I, __________________ & __________________ (Director and Producer) agree to document credit for all music, or footage not shot by the cast and crew, used in the production of this film.
6. COMPLETION BOND AGREEMENT:
I, _______________, _______________, &______________ (everyone but the Director/Producer) agree to ensure completion of this film and that it gets to screening on time.
7. PRODUCER'S INSURANCE PACKAGE:
I, ________________, _____________,____________,agree that the Producer & Director is no liable for any harm that may come from the film.
8. MEALS: If production takes place during typical lunch (11-1) or dinner (6-8) hours, then ______________________ is responsible for providing lunch to the cast and crew. We will allow __________ minutes for food consumption. Signed, __________________________ (Producer’s name).
9. PRE-PRODUCTION : I, _______________,__________________,___________,______________,_____________ agree to be IN CLASS for all pre-production days, including but not limited to, choosing scripts, film organization, and presentation collaborations.
10. PER DIEMS FOR LODGING & Travel: I, _______________ (Producer) agree to ensure that if production go into the late night that lodging will be established for the cast & crew so as to maintain safety. If travel be necessary for filming, I __________ & ______________ (Producer/Director) agree to arrange a way for the cast/crew to be on location.
11. CREDITS: I, ______________ (Director) agree to ensure a mention in a credit reel of all cast/crew who worked on the production, detailing what role they played in production.
11. PROFIT: I, _______________(Director) agree to share profits (extra credit) with all cast members, should awards or accolades be bestowed upon us.
12. I, ________________, ________________, _________________. _________________, & ______________________ agree to be enthusiastic, energetic, and positive about this project, otherwise I may be “fired” by a majority vote of the cast & crew.
