Choose a video or clip of an action, and then pick a part of the original clip and slow it down to create an instant replay. Show both the original action as well as the slow-mo instant replay! Video editing software, like iMovie can come in really handy for an assignment like this!
for this assignment use a vector or raster graphic software to mimic your favorit artist work but use your own design.
We all remember the infamous Nickelback mashup, “How You Remind Me of Someday.” However, Chad Kroeger and company aren’t the only musicians with similar-sounding songs. For this assignment, I suggest that participants use Audacity and SoundCloud to pull off the same infamous stunt as before, but with another musical act of their choosing. It can be Nickelback, again, for optional authenticity, but the focus of this challenge will be on the variety.
(WARNING: This is only for comedic effect. This is a parody of the original mashup, and you’re not supposed to take this seriously, and just have fun with it. This is one of those occasions where the learning experience gained is more important than the final product made.)
Create a mini-documentary about someone who is fascinating. Don’t pick your best friend or a close family member. Find someone from your community with a great story to tell. Make this your BEST POSSIBLE work; we’re talking broadcast quality (ok, maybe only broadcast on public access TV, but still you get the idea.)
Use the video medium to show us the essence of who that person is. Preferably, depict this person in their natural surroundings. Use an establishing shot to give us a sense of place. Use cutaway shots so we can get more information about how that person works and/or lives. Use good camera composition techniques to frame your shots. Use tight editing to keep things moving. The video should only be 2-3 minutes long, no more or no less. Your finished video should be compelling to watch from beginning to end, with no slow spots or down times. Use sound, type and transition effects wisely. Use appropriate music from a source like Freeplaymusic.com to help set the mood and tell the story. If possible, record audio separately from the video camera’s microphone. You can use a lavalier microphone, or an audio app on your phone strategically placed out of sight, but near the subject speaking for recording high quality audio. If you use a second recording device for audio, clap your hands to help synch your sound file to your video file. Take your time, and be thoughtful about how your story should unfold for the greatest dramatic impact.
For an example of what an excellent Mini Documentary looks like watch The Story of Gerald Hersch on YouTube. It is less than 2 minutes long, but it takes us through a complete story arc that makes us want to know the person being depicted, as well as experience strong feelings as we view the film. Your film should do the same.
Write a short description/ story about how your night would go if you had someone visit for dinner. For example, you write about what you would fix for dinner, possible discussion topics, how the night would progress, or any other specific details that would make your writing interesting or funny, etc.! Your dinner guest can be another host character, a famous person, someone you know in real life, someone from the past, a character you create, etc. Have fun with this! You can make this as realistic or as over the top as you want.
Do you have a favorite historically important character? He/she can be either a soldier, artist, physician, president, it can be anyone who had have an impact in history. Once you choose him/her create (writing or drawing) and scene or event when your favorite history character meet your host character.
Create a comercial for a product you have made your self. the video should be 45 seconds to 1 minute long and contain LIVE acting. no copy and past clips. submit it to you tube and tag it #ds106
You know how in crime movies and criminal investigation shows they usually include an audio of a victom talking to the police over the phone? Well in this assignment make an audio of you talking to the police over the phone. Your story of why you are calling the police is up to you, but make sure the audio has two different voices using Audacity or some other audio editing software.
Look at your face in the mirror for one minute. Now write a description of yourself and be very detailed. Do you you have a scare on your chin? What does the scare look like? What about moles, freckle’s, wrinkles, and crows feet? What color are your hair and eye’s? Can you use word pictures to describe your features and face? Be honest about what you see.
Help out the Creative Action Network and Recover A Classic. Design a book cover for one of the public domain classics on their list (http://contribute.creativeaction.network). It’s for a good cause. Details are on the site.
