A Few Short Films to Consider

We've spent the last few weeks reviewing grammar, working on improving our timed writing skills and technique, as well as buffing up on our command of academic language. Now that CSAP is here, I thought it might be nice to take a shift in how we work with our materials.

Here are a few videos that we use to discuss the elements of a story, character development, tone, etc.

Just before the Olympic Winter Games 2010 started they posted a wonderful video short, For All the Marbles.

The following film, "Out of the Forest" was created by a film students. Take note of how the story builts and then twists. I hope you like it:

Out Of A Forest from Tobias Gundorff Boesen on Vimeo.

"Wolf and Pig" is a wonderful story with a bit of a twist. I think the creation is very creative.


Here's a brilliant example of how one artist inspired another. The notes on the Youtube.com page say, This is the PEN Story in stop motion. We shot 60.000 pictures, developed 9.600 prints and shot over 1.800 pictures again. No post production! Thanks to all the stop motion artists who inspired us. ... "


This one takes post-it notes to a new level:


Now for something a bit more subtle. I am curious to know what you think about this film. Is it serious, or is it sacastic?

Sign Language - a short film from Oscar Sharp on Vimeo.

That led me to this. It is a bit of a change from the others, but I like the creative approach the creator took to the simple prompt of "Wonderful Workplace."

A Little Grammar and Some Fun Videos to Practice With...

Today I want to focus on a few specific skills:

We're going to review a bit of grammar at ChompChomp.com in the exercise section. We are working on commas today.

Next up, let's talk about author's purpose, tone and message. I'd like you to view the following videos and then create a short written response that explains what you see as the tone, purpose and message. Be sure to include specific details to back up your thinking:

Try out the video from the New Zealand Book Council:


Coca Cola put this ad out in Italy. I wonder why we don't have those kinds of ads showing here:


This is an award winning music video from 2005. What do you think the tone and message are here?


Levi's also has some unusual commercials. Here is one of the best that I have seen so far:


Now, contrast that image with this one:
Sigur Ros: Glosoli

How about this cool music video:



Here's a challenging one:

Nuit Blanche from Spy Films on Vimeo.

If you found that interesting, you might like to view this, too. We are not using it in class, but I thought it was worth posting. I love seeing how this stuff is made:

Making Of Nuit Blanche from Spy Films on Vimeo.