Who's the most important person on a film set? The legendary actor? The influential producer? The head electrician? Or the person who needs to understand the roles of all three? A Crash Course video on film production focuses on the responsibility of the director, as well as how a film's success or failure can rest on his or her shoulders.

Concepts

film making, film

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

visual and performing arts

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Have class members begin a research project, about the director of their favorite movie, and studying that director's trademark techniques throughout his or her career
• Assign the video for homework in a film class; prompt learners to take notes on the responsibilities of a director before returning to class for discussion
• Screen a film with a critically acclaimed director, as well as a film with a critically panned director, such as Ed Wood or Tommy Wiseau, and engage class members in a discussion about critical success versus personal taste

Classroom Considerations

• Part of a longer playlist on film history, film production, and film criticism

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Explains nuanced terms, such as actionable and non-actionable direction
• Enlightening for filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike
• Moves at a more natural pace than previous videos in the playlist, making it easier for learners to understand

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2