ORAL PRESENTATION - 10 points
Assignment: In groups of three, you will present one (or more) films/videos that in some way represent the mode of filmmaking for which you have signed up. Presentations, including a screening of a short clip or two, should run no longer than 15 minutes.
Here’s how it works:
With your group, decide on the film/videos you will research and present. The most successful presentations will include references to the readings assigned for the given mode of production. There are three areas to investigate. Each member of your team will be responsible for presenting one of the following areas:
- Production background and history
- Drawing upon our discussion in class about how economics and the context of production can impact the style and meanings of a film, research the production background of your chosen film/videos. How was it financed? What were the economic conditions like when this work was produced? Did the financial circumstances offer the filmmaker(s) freedom to create, or were they limited in their productions? Any other interesting pieces of information about the production of the film/video? (5 min.)
- Analysis of style/form
- Perform a short analysis of the style and form of your selected work. What is the main message/theme? How do elements like mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, or sound contribute to the meanings produced by the film? Focus on the work’s salient techniques. (5 min.)
- Connection to the mode of filmmaking
- Show us how your selected work represents the particular mode of filmmaking under discussion. What should we know about this mode of filmmaking? Is this particular film typical of the mode? How does it contribute to our understanding of the mode or broaden the concepts discussed in class? What makes it unique, innovative, worthy of study? (5 min.)
Written Requirements:
DUE DAY OF PRESENTATION:
1) An outline of the presentation, including the key points your group will make, to be handed out to the class (bring 30 copies) or presented digitally (via PowerPoint, a word document, etc.). If you present your outline digitally, you must also turn in one hard copy to me.
Each section of the outline should include the name of the person presenting that portion of the presentation. Each individual group member is responsible for their portion of the outline, but the outline should be submitted as a single, comprehensive document.
2) A correctly formatted, MLA-style bibliography that cites the sources of your research and includes citations for the films/videos you are presenting (1 copy). NO WIKIPEDIA ALLOWED.
DUE NEXT CLASS MEETING AFTER PRESENTATION:
3) Each group member prepares a self-evaluation of their participation in their group, which should address the following questions: a) Describe your role and contribution to the group process. What aspect were you responsible for? b) What was your strength in working with the group? What could you have improved? c) What was the group’s overall strength? What could have been improved by the group as a whole? At least one page, typed, double spaced.
Grading:
70% - individual grade
30% - group grade
Each member of the group will receive an individual grade worth 70% of their total grade for their portion of the presentation. This grade will be based on the clarity of the presentation, depth of observations, clarity of outline, preparedness, and thoroughness of your self-evaluation.
In addition, the group will be assigned a grade as a whole, worth 30% of your total grade. This grade will be based on the cohesiveness of your presentation, connections drawn between the separate areas of research, the thoroughness and accuracy of the bibliography, and the ability for the group to stay within the time limit. The group should also determine how you will introduce and conclude your presentation – give us a sense of beginning and conclusion to your report.