Curriculum fit
We suggest you work the methodology into school subjects from areas such as Media Education or Arts and Culture. It can also be woven into standalone projects, seminars, teaching blocks, courses, and similar methods.
The students will learn:
- how not to consume, but understand, analyse, critically approach, and create media content;
- the basics of composition and different types of shots in terms of size, angle, etc.;
- the basics of connecting shots, creating a relationship between them and how to communicate an idea through images;
- how to shoot on a smartphone using an editing app.
About the activity
Whether you create videos as simple snapshots or have ambitions to improve your video-making skills, this two-day workshop will teach you simple tricks and rules that will help you get a better grasp on film language and communication through images. These skills make it possible to connect with different groups of people across linguistic barriers, and to share experiences and feelings through a visual medium.
We’ve put together a short quiz so you can test your film knowledge after the activity – check it out!
What participants gain
- new skills in video production
- basic knowledge of image composition and frame sizes
- new experience working with video and moving images
- learn to combine simple shots into a more coherent format
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What educators gain
- basic knowledge of short video production
- an opportunity to do video work on a smartphone
- learn about current trends in video on social media
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Resources
Venue requirements
- a child-friendly room with enough natural light
- a chair and working space (table) for each participant
- a flipchart or a whiteboard
- a space for catering/snacks (optional)
- an exterior location close to the venue where you can shoot
Technology
- a projector (TV, monitor)
- a laptop (or a different device to screencast from a mobile device)
- Android or iOS smartphones, one for each participant
- a photographic tripod with a phone holder (optional)
- the CapCut app installed on each smartphone
Supplies
- writing utensils (pens, pencils, paper)
- film references (tips below)
Step by Step
Preparation
(15 mins & 30 mins)
(15 mins & 30 mins)
Day 1 (15 mins)
- You need a room with tables and chairs. Prepare writing materials (papers, pens) on the tables.
- Use the aids to prepare a blackboard, flipchart, whiteboard and set up a projector with a computer.
- Have your participants sit down once they arrive.
Day 2 (30 mins)
Arrive at the exterior location early and check out the surroundings. This will help you assist the participants as they look for shots later. – 30 mins
Implementation
(6 hrs)
(6 hrs)
Day 1 (2.5 hrs)
- Get to know each other. (TIP: Encourage everyone to say a few words about themselves, starting with yourself. Say your name and why you decided to run the workshop. Add a film question such as favourite film, series, character etc.) – 10 mins
- Introduce the workshop and describe its different parts. You can also describe the desired outcome. (TIP: A visible outline helps children track the progress of the work.) – 5 mins
- (OPTIONAL) Begin with a short presentation of the three stages of film production (idea, development, film). You can use the guide in the Toolbox. (TIP: The goal is not to overwhelm the participants with knowledge, but rather just to make them aware of the complexity of film as a creative activity. Feel free to write the basic concepts on the board.)
- Explain the workflow of the first and second day (Development), mentioning concepts such as: – 5 mins
– mobile phone as a camera,
– what is a shot
– shot sizes
– shot composition
– combining shots / the Kuleshov effect. - What is a shot? Prepare examples, preferably a varied selection of film stills. Aim for variation in composition, colour or type of size of shots. The goal is to read a film shot like a word in a book. – 10 mins
- Shot sizes. Explain about the six shot sizes and demonstrate. – 15 mins
– extreme wide shot (EWS) – emphasis on environment
– wide shot (WS) – emphasis on character or object
– medium shot (MS) –wider part of character or object
– medium close-up (MCU) – frames figure from waist to shoulders
– close-up (CU) – shows the face
– extreme close-up (ECU) – shows detail of the face - Short exercise: Shoot a figure or larger object in all six frame sizes. (TIP: Emphasise the need to choose a larger object, e.g., chair, table, whiteboard. With small objects, close-up composition can be difficult, especially on a smartphone.) – 10 mins
- Exercise evaluation. – 5 mins
- Composition – 3/4 split image, grid and golden ratio. You’re welcome to use examples out of our toolbox. – 10 mins
- Short exercise: Shoot one subject/character in central and 3/4 composition. – 10 mins
- Exercise evaluation. – 5 mins
- Combining shots. Prepare a short film example that uses a wide variety of shot sizes and compositions. Emphasise the need for better shot splicing based on a variety of shooting angles and a combination of different shot sizes. – 15 mins
- Introduction to the CapCut app (Camera -> Multishot). – 10 mins
- The Kuleshov effect – explain and show film references. (TIP: Try to find the Kuleshov effect (link to toolbox) in short videos on social media. Focus on videos where the shot of a person looking is accompanied by various gag or bizarre videos, e.g. @realadamrose on YouTube.) – 10 mins
- Exercise: the Kuleshov effect. Use CapCut to shoot: – 15 mins
1. close-up shot of a figure
2. shot of an object
3. repeat first shot
4. shot of a different object
5. repeat first and third shot
6. shot of another, different object - Two rules: explain the two basic rules for “smooth” editing. Shots bind best if the difference between following shots is significant in both size and angle. This means that when shooting an object/character, the second shot should not be taken from the same angle and distance. – 10 min
Day 2 (45 mins)
- Exercise no. 1 – a still object: Open the CapCut app, go to Camera and set Multishot (30s).
Shoot a larger object in eight shots, and make the first and last shots in EWS (extreme wide shots) or WS (wide shots). Make sure the individual shots that follow each other are different sizes and angles. – 20 mins - Exercise no. 2 – an object in motion: Shoot eight shots of a figure with the CapCut app: – 15 mins
• A person walks on the street (MS).
• The person stops and looks at something (CU).
• Object (MS).
• The person is looking (CU).
• The person is leaving (WS).
• The street (EWS). - Wrap up, go inside. – 10 mins
Evaluation
(30 mins)
(30 mins)
- Thank everyone for their participation and dedication. Repeat key points and rules. – 10 mins
- Evaluate the workshop. Ask the participants what they liked and what they didn’t like, ask for tips on how to do it better. – 20 mins
Make it accessible for all
To do this workshop, lecturers as well as participants need to know how to use a smartphone. This can be a barrier for children and teens who do not use a phone/only use a brick phone. In that case, make sure the groups are small enough – break them up if needs be – so that children without smartphones are grouped with those that have them. This way, they can work together or take turns.
Set outcomes for the workshop so that children can understand the assignment. Introducing the CapCut app is essential. At the same time, expect to troubleshoot mobile data limits, full phone memory, parental control of devices, etc. Geographical restrictions may affect children using telecommunication services outside Europe – for example, a phone number registered in another country may have problems installing apps outside it. Instruct everyone well in advance to have the app downloaded and running (in the registration form, etc.).
Thoughts & Experience
FOR ORGANIZATIONS
What organisations gain
- the opportunity to reach wider and young audiences;
- an insight into young people’s taste and creativity.
Team requirements
- The workshop requires one lecturer with basic knowledge of video production, photography, and operating a smartphone. If they haven’t used the CapCut app, it’s a good idea to get acquainted with it before the workshop, or use another app with similar video production features.
- If the workshop participants include children with special needs (from any disadvantaged group), it is advisable to invite an inclusion assistant/guide who will be fully dedicated to the group, ensuring that all children have as equal and full an experience of the workshop as possible.
- A person to help with production.
Funding tips
Consider the following expenses before running the workshop:
- lecturer’s fee
- inclusion assistant’s fee (if relevant)
- venue rental
- equipment
- catering (optional)
- film screening fee
The topic of the workshop is directly related to audiovisual production. If you are an organisation, you can use funds or subsidies from structures supporting activities in the audiovisual industry. Or, if there’s a film festival or a showcase nearby, it might be a good idea to invite them to co-organise the workshop. Apart from better promotion, such collaboration can also help with technical support or to cover some portion of the expenses.
Promotion tips
- use any channel available (workshop organizer’s website, social media, newsletter or email invitations)
- create a registration form for people to sign up
- promote the workshop enough in advance to reach people organically
- consider paid advertising on social media (depending on your budget)
- in the description, be clear about what the workshop is about, when and where it will be held, and who it’s for
- post a video invitation from the lecturer or organisation member two or three days before the date
- flyers, posters, radio & newspaper ads (also online)
Find your audience
To target your audience, consider the expectations of different groups in conjunction with current trends. Preteens (12+) can be interested in making TikTok videos at the workshop. By contrast, teens may get interested even if their expectations aren’t met. Still, it never hurts to stay on trend with your video references: the Kuleshov effect, for example, does get used in social media reels, to an extent. If your workshop is for younger participants, you can advertise it by contacting teachers, heads of schools, or parents. With teenage students, it’s best to approach either their class teacher or teachers of subjects, as they have a direct impact on students. The workshop may also appeal to students of after-class theatre or drama clubs. Direct email is also an option. For example, you can ask clubs to include your ad in their regular newsletter to their subscribers.
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