Short film
... is for film
The short film option as an additional format is an exciting opportunity. You would be right to think that 7 minutes is quite a challenge but it is also a chance, with the written report, of really exploring the nuances of an ethical dilemma. This is a popular genre when it comes to film making and a chance for budding film-makers to add to their portfolio. Remember that they are not being assessed on their film-making ability. Read on for more ideas ...
The nature of the short film
One of the additional formats listed is a short film which means a 1500-2000 word report with additional 7 minute film or 700 word script.
A daunting prospect ... for who?
Undoubtedly, less students do Option 2 than Option 1; but arguably those who do choose Option 2 have a real passion for the medium that they are using and their reflective project experience is arguably more fulfilling. Nothing wrong with doing Option 1 but let's make sure it's for the right reasons and not playing it safe. This can be a daunting prospect for the reflective project coordinator and supervisor as they can feel like they must be an expert in film-making themselves - nevermind this not being the nature of supervision, this is also not true. Certainly resources can play a part here and what the school can support the student with.
It reminds us that we are not expecting a straight trajectory of success and full of highs and lows, problem-solving and frustrations but remember that the only way to score in the higher markband of reflection is through reflecting on successes and setbacks. Whatever the students' reflective project experience, we want them to be conscious of the process and explicit in their development; sometimes venturing into unknown territory and flexing a bit of risk-taking is just what is needed.
What can you do with a short film?
This is a fantastic option for any student. Film-making skills are useful in many fields and it might be that a student wants to go onto study film and build their portfolio. The important thing to remember is how many things a short film can communicate - worth exploring these avenues and having an imaginative and open-minded attitude to how this might work for the reflective project.
So why explore this as an option?
Be creative - this is a great medium to do that in. You may already have skills in or find you have new skills you didn't know about in writing, directing, producing or acting.
Build your portfolio: If you're looking to work in the film industry, a short film can be an excellent addition to your portfolio.
Improve and experiment with new techniques: you may already be making films and a 7 minute film is a perfect opportunity to experiment with new ideas and technology.
You might have a clear story to tell. Short films can tell stories in amazing ways - delivering the impact of an ethical dilemma on multiple stakeholders and making your audience consider the ethical ramifications of a dilemma in a balanced way is a powerful thing to achieve.
Thinking ahead to your future in film-making. Maybe you want to enter or have begun to enter film festivals. The short film genre is a very accessible and popular category in film festivals and another way of building up your portfolio.
Thinking about the task of the reflective project and how it can help educate and inform people. Your short film can be a really useful tool in raising awareness and educating people in the facts, perspectives and impact of an ethical dilemma with a critical eye.
A key point here is to consider what would be the most effective use of the 7 minute film or 700 word script in terms of the criteria and how will you use the written report to support. Creating the film first can be a really good idea as this is certainly the most time consuming part of it. However, you won't be able to fulfil all the criteria with the film so do ensure you don't take on too much or too little.
The next step is to see just how many different ways this powerful medium can be used.
The following film is interesting as it is 8 minutes and gives an idea of what can be achieved in that time-frame. Let it be said that this is a very accomplished piece so this categorically not saying that students need to create something like this but it is interesting to watch a similar length film and the structure it uses to explore the ethical dilemma. Whilst this is not a reflective project, you can look at the criteria and consider how it is possible to demonstrate research, knowledge and understanding and critical thinking in a fair and balanced way in this space of time. Don't forget you will have the written report accompanying your film.
Topic: Henrietta Lacks - medical ethics and personal autonomy
Making connections and using the additional formats as preparation
The significance of the local context
Irrespective of format, exploring how one's local environment can be documented is an important part of students' personal development as it allows them to make an individual connection to their community. They may approach this through a particular lens - say their service learning projects, a pastime, family life etc... or it may be documenting the most influential places to them in their local community.
Criterion B
... asks for students to explore the impact and significance of their ethical dilemma in a local or global context. Notice the 'or'. However, students often choose to look at both which can be hugely impactful as they are considering the implications of an ethical dilemma on a local and global platform and making connections between them.
Using the short film format is a great way of preparing for the reflective project even if students do not use this as their final piece.
Short film challenge.
Students consider the context in which they live whether this be the city centre, suburbia, rural, mountainous, seaside ...using just their camera phones, students take ten photos that capture their context to them. Within these photos, what is captured? How might an outsider view these photos? Did their assignment help them recognise more about their community?
Once you have established an ethical dilemma for a focus, consider how this is depicted in the world directly around you. Think about experimenting with interview, voiceover and simple editing tools on your phone.
Reflective Project ethics
The following guidelines are actually relevant for all options both in terms of research as well as when interacting with external stakeholders in the community - this could be in film, interview, and collection of research data.
If you do choose the Display option and decide to create a short film, then remember, like all reflective projects you must consider how to carry out your work ethically. Consider how you are going to attempt to explore your ethical dilemma in a balanced way on film and how you are explicit in your academic integrity.
1. Consider who you are considering involving in your short film. You must seek permission of anyone involved and they must be informed about the purpose and intended use.
2. If you are not sure whether an aspect of your film content is appropriate or not, then it probably is not and you need to err on the side of caution. Always communicate with your supervisor about what you are planning. Respecting privacy is important in film making as it could be seen as obtrusive.
3. Set the intention of objectivity and balance in your film - that you will try to capture a situation as accurately as possible without creating an artificial representation at all. It may be that you decide to explore the perception of bias and validity within your film itself but be clear about your research methodology throughout - both in this and the written report.
4. Keep the big picture in mind. How does the picture fit in to the overall purpose of your reflective project? Are you telling a narrative and what are you trying to communicate? Does your storyboard and planning for the film help you do that? Half way through, is it still communicating what you intend? And reflect at the end - were you successful in how you chose to explore the ethical dilemma?
5. It goes without saying that, and this is an extension of point 2, if you are not sure if something is right/sensitive/dangerous, then do not do it.
6. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: So important it is in capitals. Your subjects and all your sources must be given credit in your credits and/or bibliography.
A short film (recorded video;7 minutes) or a written film script (700 words)
Choose a film if there are particularly visual ideas that you want to communicate that you might not be able to do in an essay. For example, you may be exploring the physical impact of an ecological issue on the local environment and population and you can successfully illustrate primary evidence of this ethical issue through film. Remember you are not being assessed on your filming ability but you do need to be able to communicate well. You may know nothing about film making but want to learn and this will be a great learning journey.
Mind map your inital ideas for:
... what type of film would best fit the ethical dilemma you are exploring
... whose perspective or perspectives you want to tell the film from
... what you will need to prepare this (pre-production such as story-boarding)
... what you will film it on and how you will film it
... how you will edit this and what advice you need to get going.
... difficulties of logistics: for example permissions for participants, locations or any copyright material you want to cite.