Task 1 - Description

Task 1 - Description

In this task you are required to tell a simple story using a variety of shot sizes and compositional techniques. This task is to be completed with a still digital camera (or a mobile phone camera). You will be assessed on your ability to use a variety of shot sizes that create a sense of continuity and coherency when viewed in order (remember to use a variety of shot sizes). You will also be assessed on your ability to create a sense of depth and interest in your frame by employing the concepts that have been discussed (rule of thirds, use of foreground elements, leading lines etc).

You are permitted 10-15 still shots to tell your story and must complete your short story and detailed shot list before shooting your stills (see shot list template below). Your simple story must:

(1) Introduce your character and setting,
(2) have your character face some sort of problem,
(3) resolve your story as your character overcomes (or is overcome by) the problem.

Story Example

A person is sitting at home in front of a computer deep in thought. They do a web search typing 'what should I buy the person who has everything?' The person patiently waits for the results. It is taking a long time and they look at the clock on the wall obviously getting quite anxious. The page gets painfully close to loading and we see the persons face turn from frustration to confusion as the search results finally appear. It is a blank screen that simply says 'nothing.....but you need a new computer!!'. The person laughs.

Example Shot list

Shot #	Shot Description and type	Shot Angle/ Movement	Approx Duration

1	Exterior long shot (LS) of the house	Eye Level	NA
2	Interior Medium Long Shot (MLS) of a person sitting at a computer	Eye Level	NA
3	Close Up (CU) of the persons face as they scratch their chin with a thoughtful expression	Eye Level	NA
4	Extreme Close Up (ECU) of the persons hands as they begin typing	High Angle	NA
5	Big Close Up (BCU) of the search bar on the computer with the words 'What should I buy the person who has everything?'	Eye Level	NA
6	Close Up (CU) of the person sitting at the computer waiting impatiently	Eye Level	NA
7	Medium Shot (MS) of the computer screen that reads 'loading' over the person's shoulder	Eye Level	NA
8	Medium Shot (MS) of the frustrated person who is now looking off screen	Low Angle	NA
9	Big Close Up (BCU) of a clock on the wall	Low Angle	NA
10	Big Close Up (BCU) of the persons face looking back at the computer with a shocked and confused expression.	Eye Level	NA
11	Close Up (CU) of the computer screen which says 'nothing......but you need a new computer!!'	Eye Level	NA
12	Medium Close Up (MCU) of the person laughing and shaking their head.	Eye Level	NA
13	Medium Long Shot (MLS) of person laughing and shaking their head in disbelief	Eye Level	NA
14	Exterior long shot (LS) of a house	Eye Level	NA

Click here to download a detailed task description and assessment rubric

Framing & Composition

Topic Information

Task Description

Finished Example

Assessment Rubrics

Powerpoint Presentation