New Independent Video Assignment

So I know finals are a week away. And I also know that we will be very busy with our documentary project over the next few weeks. But I wanted to introduce our next independent video challenge so everyone can at least have it in their minds. Our next video challenge will also be a good way for the British kids who are coming soon to learn a little bit about us, our school, and the community we live in. So they will definitely be checking out our videos before they arrive the first week of February.

Assignment: Create a 90 second video capturing what it's like to live in Silver Spring, Maryland. The film can hi-lite activities or places in or out of school. You could showcase a particular sport and activity you do. Maybe you could take lots of shots throughout one day and create an interesting montage. The possibilities are limitless. The only requirement is that you have some audio of people talking in the film. If you use any music in your film it must be licensed under Creative Commons. The film cannot be over 90 seconds (before the credits roll). All music or sound effects must be cited correctly in the credits.

Have fun with this assignment and BE CREATIVE. I look forward to seeing what you come up with. Please let me know if you have any questions or need to borrow equipment for this production.

DUR DATE: Sunday, January 27th

Capture the Fall

I'm really enjoying watching everyone's Capture the Fall videos. Check out this one from Katie:

Fallen Leaves

It's been fun watching all the Capture the Fall films pop up in my Google Reader over the last few days. It seems as though most of you enjoyed this independent video assignment. Here's a very nice one posted by Leila titled, Fallen Leaves:

Capture the Fall (Video Challenge)

Sundance Stroll from Katie Morgan on Vimeo.

Now that everyone is wrapping up filming for their dystopian trailers it's a good time to introduce our next video challenge, Capture the Fall. Create a 60-second film capturing what the fall (or autumn) looks like to you. The video I posted above is an example I found on Vimeo.

Include the following elements in your Capture the Fall film:

1. 10 or more different video clips
2. Use a standard transition between every video clip (like a dissolve or cross dissolve)
3. Embed a piece of CC licensed music to help create a distinctive mood for your film
4. Include a Title Slide at the beginning with an original title
5. Add a Credit Slide at the end citing the source of your music

Optional: Experiment with video effects or video apps. Try giving your film an interesting look by adding a video effect in post-production. 

The example I shared above was shot with an iphone using the very cool 8mm iPhone app. The YouTube video editor allows you to add different video effects. iMovie also has different effects you can add over your footage. I'm not sure if wevideo allows you to add video effects or not.

Have fun. Be creative. DUE DATE: Monday, November the 5th.

Here's another example:

Fall Ride from Route Troupe on Vimeo.