FILM: For Instructors: Sample Assignment Ideas

Sample Assignment Ideas

In his Introduction to Film course, Tim Hirsch of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire asks his students to write a short analysis essay:

Shot Analysis Assignment (100 Points possible)

Please bring to class on __________.

For this assignment, I would like you to choose a sequence of shots that create a dramatic unit (from thirty seconds to two minutes in length). This sequence may be from any film you admire for its shot selection/editing qualities. Watch the sequence several times and describe each of the shots in as much detail as you can.

Provide the title of the film and give a short overview of the sequence. Number each shot. Describe the action, record the dialogue, other sounds, camera angles, camera movements, and any other relevant details (lighting, cranking speeds, focus qualities, special effects, etc).

For example, if you took one of the opera sequences from Citizen Kane, you might have something like this:

Citizen Kane, Second Opera Sequence
Overview: In this sequence, Susan Alexander performs in the new Chicago Opera House that Charles has built for her. The action in the sequence begins backstage a few minutes before the curtain opens, and continues with about 32 shots of the performance and the reaction of the audience, including Kane.

Shot #1:
Medium shot of single-bulb stage light. The camera looks out from deep backstage to the closed curtain. A voice offstage is shouting "Places, everyone, places." We hear Susan's voice off camera trying to hit a high note. Cut.

Shot # 2:
Close-up shot of Susan in costume, singing, the left side of her face in shadow. The camera is behind the left shoulder of her voice coach, Matiste. When Susan tries for the high note, we see his hands come up as if trying to lift it up. The orchestra is playing. All around them people are running for positions. Someone is still shouting, "Places." At the end of the shot, the lighting changes from the single white work light to a shadowless stage lighting. Dissolve to next shot.

And so on. Finally, write 50 words or less in which you describe why you think the shots were made and put together as they were.