Video Thoughts (6-2)

There are so many things we can learn from video production.  I like the idea of this unit following after a unit on digital photography.  Lighting and framing are really good concepts to teach thoroughly in digital photography.  Once the students grasp this, you can transition into video and add panning and zooming.  Getting the students to work on really artfully framed shots and get them thinking about composition and it's importance across all art forms.  Then there is post-production, where students can learn how to edit clips to convey their message in the most efficient way possible.  It would be interesting to challenge students to make a 5 minute long movie, and then in the next lesson ask them to edit it down to 1 minute without any loss of message or meaning.

Video is also a great way to convey a message.  Videos can be more personal and intimate for the viewer because it feels like a more direct view of the subject.  Once students understand the basic concepts to filming and editing a teacher could move on to discussing films as a tool for social change.  Students could watch documentaries and art films with a strong social justice message and then brainstorm about their own causes they are passionate about.  The teacher could then go on to have students produce their own protest/documentary films and post them on YouTube.  Students will learn that video production gives them a voice and allows them to convey powerful messages.