Making a film

Here a teacher describes how he structures and organises a unit of work on filmmaking. The teacher begins the unit with an introduction to the basic elements of photography composition and film techniques before allowing students to develop more specific skills through practical activities such as using lighting and framing composition to develop their storytelling abilities. 
The teacher promotes the use of professional language to connect the task to real-world industry situations, and encourages students to pursue their individual filmmaking interests through working in project teams.

Cheltenham Secondary College is a co-educational secondary college in suburban Melbourne catering for years 7 to 12. Year 10 is part of the college’s senior school program. Media Studies, the Arts elective taught by the teacher attempts to cater for students with a range of arts interests. The elective taught by the teacher involves a number of theoretical and practical lessons per week. These lessons develop the skills that enable the students to work in groups to develop a four-minute film by the end of the semester. Within groups, students are provided with opportunities by the teacher to undertake roles based on their interests.