Overview/Purpose:
Students have started to define the elements of a documentary style film, thinking about what their own films will look like. After considering topic, focus, angle, and the four key questions, students will develop a structure for their film, planning a beginning, middle, and end.
Guiding Questions:
- How might we structure our documentary to accomplish our goals as defined by the 4 key questions?
Recommended Time:
90-120 minutes
Common Core State Standards:
Materials:
Lesson Design:
- Explain to students that documentaries follow the conventions of most genres of writing, in that they have a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- The beginning of students’ documentaries should be the ‘hook’ that captures the viewers attention and introduces the topic, focus, and angle.
- The middle of the film should include the who, what, where, when, and why of the issue. It is the most informative part of the film.
- The end of the film should include the call to action. Viewers should have a take-away in response to the question, “What can I do to help?” This is the most persuasive part of the film.
- In groups, students brainstorm ideas and develop a plan for the beginning, middle, and end of their films.
Rock Your World is a program of Creative Visions
Rock Your World is a Program of Creative Visions, a 501(c) (3) organization that supports creative activists - individuals who use the power of media and arts to create positive change in the world.
