Exercise #2: Action Sequence

Using the ball provided, you and your group will storyboard, shoot, and edit an action sequence where the ball plays a key role.  All of the action sequences will eventually be edited together to create one long sequence.  The group or groups that will flank your sequence must transition smoothly from, or into, your group’s sequence so it will be necessary for you to plan the transition/s with the other group/s.  Although the sequences will transition into each other, it is not necessary to reveal your concept or location to the other group/s.  Simply figure out a way to make it work from one to another (e.g.: ball rolls across grass out of one frame and into the next; ball is thrown in the air and lands in the next sequence, etc.)  It is acceptable if two groups agree to meet to shoot transition shots.

Each group assigns the following positions:  Director/Producer, Director of Photography (DP), Editor/Storyboard, Sound Designer/Foley Artist

Parameters

• Must pre-produce a detailed, well-designed storyboard.
• Shoot in 4:3 aspect ratio
• 3-4 minutes in length
• Must be turned in on miniDV
• Soundtrack must include the use of some Foley technique. Use only sounds that your group creates.  No SFX from outside sources.  No music tracks.
• No dialogue. 
• No use of weapons in this sequence.  (Push beyond what you’re familiar with!)
• No destroying the ball (property of GVSU J)
• Include countdown at head of project
• End credits include group #, actors, and crew, including positions

The action sequence is to develop in this order:

• Begins in equilibrium (identificationof characters) - CU's, POV's, camera angles.
• Introduction of the characters’ goals (excitation) - movement within shots, movement of the shots (pans, tilts, and zooms).
• Conflict is introduced (crosscutting)
• Two additional barriers are introduced – ONE OF THE BARRIERS MUST BE THAT THE CHARACTERS FIND THEMSELVES IN A CONTRASTING ENVIRONMENT THAT CREATES AN EQUALLY CONTRASTING PACE TO OCCUR.
• Barriers overcome as the action builds to a climax (intensification) - variety of shot lengths, generally shorter shots as the scene reaches the climax.
• Ends with a return to equilibrium or surprise.

Remember these characteristics of an action sequence:

• accelerated movement
• typically, the characters have opposing goals
• should be presented as a clash (opposing each other)
• pacing of shots is varied - generally accelerated
• intensity builds as the characters fight for survival
• one of the characters has the support of the audience - we understand and relate to his/her goals
• you must help the audience become emotionally involved with one of the characters
• the central feature of an action sequence is the crosscutting between characters

Proposal due: February 22nd

Storyboards + 3 overheads due: March 3rd 

First (complete!) cut due at the start of class:  March 17th

Revised Edit due at the start of class: March 24th

Turn in self-critique, peer critique, EDLs, VTR logs, talent release forms

Action Sequence Analysis Presentations – March 1st

To better prepare for the conceptual and technical development of your own action sequence, each group will present a short analysis of an action sequence of your choosing.

Choose a clip of approximately 3-4:00 minutes in length and show it to the class. Then, each group member will present a BRIEF analysis of the aspect of the sequence that corresponds to their position in their own group – Director, Editor, Sound Designer, etc.

Each group presentation should run NO LONGER than 20 minutes (time it!).

Your analysis, as a whole, should identify and break down the components of an action sequence as discussed in class – identification, excitation, conflict, and intensification. How does your selected clip employ these elements? How is it successful (or not)?

In addition, each group member should discuss how his or her area (editing, sound, cinematography, etc.) contributes to the development of the action. What role does this formal device play in building, slowing, contrasting, or resolving the action?

Parameters

• Introduce yourselves and your clip
• Offer some context for the clip – what is the premise of the film, where does this sequence fit it
• Demonstrate preparation and cohesion within your group – show that you’re well prepared for this presentation
• Stay within the 20-minute time limit
• Presentation is worth 5 points of your grade for the Action Sequence assignment

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