This I Believe Film Project Resources

So, today I want you to start brainstorming and drafting for your This I Believe essay. Remember, a typed essay is due next Friday, 1/23. Here are some resources that I believe will help you.

• This I Believe - This website is the hub for the project and the central gathering place for all project materials. Click and peruse.
• TIB Essay Writing Tips - Practical advice for weaving your story.
• Essays - Here are a collection of essays that have been recorded. Grab a set of headphones and listen.
  

Film #4: Music Video

I've added your fourth film project to our class wiki. I also embedded a few of the more notable music videos on that site, so feel free to check it out if you have any questions.

Visual Metaphors - Journal #10

Often in film, it is not what is explicitly shown, but what is suggested. In other words, directors use metaphors and symbolism to suggest something rather than saying it outright.

I'd like you to think about the music video you are making. What could be a visual metaphor that would represent the part of your life or the sentiment you are trying to depict? Write half a page and try to capture any ideas.

Ex. For my film, I think that a game my son and I play would represent this parental relationship. I steamroll him. I cradle him in my arms and roll on the floor and say "steam roller!" It shows our relationship...protective yet giving guidance with mix of fun scattered in. Basically, what I wrote about in my journal entry. Another visual metaphor I could use to capture a different part of my life would be my entry into school each day. I enter the building balancing my coffee, three over the shoulder bags, and often two or three other things. It represents my the balancing act of my life; parenting, being a husband, teaching, etc.

Films Featured on PBS Website

Big public congrats to Kayla, Allie, and Jasmine's films, which are currently featured on the McNeil Lehrer Newshour website. How about a little national recognition. Great job gals!

This Week in Journal Entries

This week I'd like you to do a little more exploratory writing for your music video project. I've put the assignments for journals 8 & 9 on the response wiki. I'll be collecting your journals on Tuesday of next week.

Remember...25 points of extra credit for anyone who drops a comment on our Youtube videos or on the blog in acknowledgment that you watched our videos online. Justin, Sam, Jillian, and Tiara have already received their EC.

Journal #7

So, now it's time to get to your next project: a music video. Today in class we started the writing portion of this project. Here's the journal assignment:

We've read Nick Hornby's essay on "Puff the Magic Dragon" and his son's autism. Now I want you to give further consideration to the role that music plays in your life. We started something similar a few weeks ago and now I'd like to expand and explore the topic further. We're going to be choosing a song we love and turning it into a music video. To get prepared for this project, I'd like you to start by writing about the following:

Pick a song that you have an extended relationship with. Why do you love this song? Do you connect it to a place or time or person? When was the first time you heard it? How has it wrapped itself inside of your life? What does it mean to you? Tell the story of that song and your life.

Here's a link to the piece I'm writing for the journal entry/narrative. It isn't finished, but it's getting there.

Link to Video Your Vote

Ok, so I am running a bit late. I always underestimate the time it will take me to do things. I'm very sorry (not really). Click on this link to watch films from across the country, and if you want to see your films up in lights, check back here sometime tomorrow afternoon. It's 9am and I'm in the process of uploading the films. Our class page is here.



Update: All videos are up. Enjoy!

PS. Drop a comment on this post if you've stopped by.