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Film Paper/Project
You will be able to choose the class project to complete, based on your course enrollment, from the options below.
Choose ONE of the options below–you only need to pick ONE.
Please note which option you pick and list it on your title page. (For example: ENGLT # 3. This helps me know what to expect as I begin reading.)
If you choose to write a paper, please use MLA style (see the Writing About Film: MLA Format Canvas page for help).
Papers need to be 4 – 6 pages in length, not including the work cited page. Please include specific examples from films to support your arguments. I suggest you use outside sources if you write a paper. Our textbook will be a good source to start with and you’ll most likely find a number of web resources to help. When using webpages, evaluate the page as best as you can and use quality sources (nothing that is obvious gossip or fake news). The films you pick should also be part of your Works Cited page.
Again, you will choose one of the options below–only one. If you choose to write a paper, you will write 4-6 pages on the ONE topic you pick.
ENGLT 400 Student Options
1. Discuss the challenges of adapting a written play or fiction book into a film. Watch two examples of adapted films and use details from each to support your assertions. (This option works well if you have read the book or seen the play produced.)
2. Identify two costume designers, watch one film from each and analyze how their choices move the narrative. Provide specific examples.
3. Watch three films by a director of your choice and analyze the three films as representative of the director’s work. Provide specific examples.
4. Watch three films starring an actor of your choice and analyze their acting range based on the three (pick three entirely different characters, from different genres if possible). Provide specific examples.
*Options 2, 3, and 4 could include biographical information on the designer, director, or actor. Sharing biographical information could be included in your introduction.
TAFILM 300 Student Options
1. Complete one of the ENGLT 400 written paper options listed above.
2. Chose any film we have seen and change the setting (in history, location, or both). Develop a production design for two sets and two costumes. Create color renderings along with a two page typed explanation of what you hoped to achieve by re-working the setting and how your art direction reflects these goals. (If you are savvy with a graphics program you could use that, otherwise hand drawings will need to be photographed in detail and those images submitted.)
3. Prepare a reverse storyboard for a 5-minute scene from one of the films we have screened up to this point. Capture each shot and render it in storyboard format. Although you don’t need to be an artist, the project will be graded on its ability to convey the shot, so stick figures are not acceptable. Your final project should include 10-12 frames. Each frame needs a caption of explanation. (As with the above option, if you are savvy with a graphics program you could use that, otherwise hand drawings will need to be photographed in detail and those images submitted.)
4. Choose a scene of approximately 3 minutes from a film of your choice, and, using your phone or a video camera, recreate it shot for shot. Replicate the framing, lighting, editing, and other stylistic elements as closely as possible. Upload your video to Canvas, with a 2-3 page essay describing how the filmmaker used mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, and sound to convey meaning in the scene. Include a link to a YouTube video of the original scene that you are replicating.
5. Analyze the score of any film on our syllabus. Prepare an audio file of your oral analysis and the excerpts from the score you chose. Audio file should be 8-10 minutes long, with at least three examples. The best way to complete this is to start with an oral introduction of the film and the composer’s biography. Then play an excerpt from a piece of the soundtrack, after which you discuss how music in that scene helps convey the story and/or adds to the overall narrative of the film. Do that for at least three examples.
All work must be turned in on Canvas.
Interesting Directors
If you decide to write about a director, I’d like to offer a few suggestions to consider. You may choose your own – you DO NOT NEED need to pick one of these (this is a list if you need some ideas).
This is a short list of directors I believe are notable, who you may or may not have heard of, and who might be an interesting choice. Again, you do not need to pick one of these directors; I’m offering ideas. And this is only if you decide to write about a director (number 3 under the ENGLT 400 list above).
Jane Campion
impressive list of films and critical acclaim; new release out now, The Power of the Dog, is getting a lot of press
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
prominent German director, made a name for himself during his short life, died at age 37; notable films focus on LGBT characters
Akira Kurosawa
Japanese director recognized as one of the most important filmmakers in Film History; many modern filmmakers try to recreate his style
Kasi Lemmons
notable screenwriter, actor and director; her directorial debut in 1997, Eve’s Bayou, is recognized as one of the most important films on race made as of the year of its release
Oscar Micheaux
recognized as first African American filmmaker; writer, producer and direct of over 40 feature films
Robert Rodriquez
made first feature film, El Mariachi, for $7,200 – is lowest budgeted film to make over $1 million and recognized as the film that started independent filmmaking boom; he produces, directs, edits, and scores many of his films
Billy Wilder
I’ve mentioned Wilder already; his career is important and his films essential to Film StudiesFilm Paper/Project
You will be able to choose the class project to complete, based on your course enrollment, from the options below.
Choose ONE of the options below–you only need to pick ONE.
Please note which option you pick and list it on your title page. (For example: ENGLT # 3. This helps me know what to expect as I begin reading.)
If you choose to write a paper, please use MLA style (see the Writing About Film: MLA Format Canvas page for help).
Papers need to be 4 – 6 pages in length, not including the work cited page. Please include specific examples from films to support your arguments. I suggest you use outside sources if you write a paper. Our textbook will be a good source to start with and you’ll most likely find a number of web resources to help. When using webpages, evaluate the page as best as you can and use quality sources (nothing that is obvious gossip or fake news). The films you pick should also be part of your Works Cited page.
Again, you will choose one of the options below–only one. If you choose to write a paper, you will write 4-6 pages on the ONE topic you pick.
ENGLT 400 Student Options
1. Discuss the challenges of adapting a written play or fiction book into a film. Watch two examples of adapted films and use details from each to support your assertions. (This option works well if you have read the book or seen the play produced.)
2. Identify two costume designers, watch one film from each and analyze how their choices move the narrative. Provide specific examples.
3. Watch three films by a director of your choice and analyze the three films as representative of the director’s work. Provide specific examples.
4. Watch three films starring an actor of your choice and analyze their acting range based on the three (pick three entirely different characters, from different genres if possible). Provide specific examples.
*Options 2, 3, and 4 could include biographical information on the designer, director, or actor. Sharing biographical information could be included in your introduction.
TAFILM 300 Student Options
1. Complete one of the ENGLT 400 written paper options listed above.
2. Chose any film we have seen and change the setting (in history, location, or both). Develop a production design for two sets and two costumes. Create color renderings along with a two page typed explanation of what you hoped to achieve by re-working the setting and how your art direction reflects these goals. (If you are savvy with a graphics program you could use that, otherwise hand drawings will need to be photographed in detail and those images submitted.)
3. Prepare a reverse storyboard for a 5-minute scene from one of the films we have screened up to this point. Capture each shot and render it in storyboard format. Although you don’t need to be an artist, the project will be graded on its ability to convey the shot, so stick figures are not acceptable. Your final project should include 10-12 frames. Each frame needs a caption of explanation. (As with the above option, if you are savvy with a graphics program you could use that, otherwise hand drawings will need to be photographed in detail and those images submitted.)
4. Choose a scene of approximately 3 minutes from a film of your choice, and, using your phone or a video camera, recreate it shot for shot. Replicate the framing, lighting, editing, and other stylistic elements as closely as possible. Upload your video to Canvas, with a 2-3 page essay describing how the filmmaker used mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, and sound to convey meaning in the scene. Include a link to a YouTube video of the original scene that you are replicating.
5. Analyze the score of any film on our syllabus. Prepare an audio file of your oral analysis and the excerpts from the score you chose. Audio file should be 8-10 minutes long, with at least three examples. The best way to complete this is to start with an oral introduction of the film and the composer’s biography. Then play an excerpt from a piece of the soundtrack, after which you discuss how music in that scene helps convey the story and/or adds to the overall narrative of the film. Do that for at least three examples.
All work must be turned in on Canvas.
Interesting Directors
If you decide to write about a director, I’d like to offer a few suggestions to consider. You may choose your own – you DO NOT NEED need to pick one of these (this is a list if you need some ideas).
This is a short list of directors I believe are notable, who you may or may not have heard of, and who might be an interesting choice. Again, you do not need to pick one of these directors; I’m offering ideas. And this is only if you decide to write about a director (number 3 under the ENGLT 400 list above).
Jane Campion
impressive list of films and critical acclaim; new release out now, The Power of the Dog, is getting a lot of press
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
prominent German director, made a name for himself during his short life, died at age 37; notable films focus on LGBT characters
Akira Kurosawa
Japanese director recognized as one of the most important filmmakers in Film History; many modern filmmakers try to recreate his style
Kasi Lemmons
notable screenwriter, actor and director; her directorial debut in 1997, Eve’s Bayou, is recognized as one of the most important films on race made as of the year of its release
Oscar Micheaux
recognized as first African American filmmaker; writer, producer and direct of over 40 feature films
Robert Rodriquez
made first feature film, El Mariachi, for $7,200 – is lowest budgeted film to make over $1 million and recognized as the film that started independent filmmaking boom; he produces, directs, edits, and scores many of his films
Billy Wilder
I’ve mentioned Wilder already; his career is important and his films essential to Film StudiesFilm Paper/Project
You will be able to choose the class project to complete, based on your course enrollment, from the options below.
Choose ONE of the options below–you only need to pick ONE.
Please note which option you pick and list it on your title page. (For example: ENGLT # 3. This helps me know what to expect as I begin reading.)
If you choose to write a paper, please use MLA style (see the Writing About Film: MLA Format Canvas page for help).
Papers need to be 4 – 6 pages in length, not including the work cited page. Please include specific examples from films to support your arguments. I suggest you use outside sources if you write a paper. Our textbook will be a good source to start with and you’ll most likely find a number of web resources to help. When using webpages, evaluate the page as best as you can and use quality sources (nothing that is obvious gossip or fake news). The films you pick should also be part of your Works Cited page.
Again, you will choose one of the options below–only one. If you choose to write a paper, you will write 4-6 pages on the ONE topic you pick.
ENGLT 400 Student Options
1. Discuss the challenges of adapting a written play or fiction book into a film. Watch two examples of adapted films and use details from each to support your assertions. (This option works well if you have read the book or seen the play produced.)
2. Identify two costume designers, watch one film from each and analyze how their choices move the narrative. Provide specific examples.
3. Watch three films by a director of your choice and analyze the three films as representative of the director’s work. Provide specific examples.
4. Watch three films starring an actor of your choice and analyze their acting range based on the three (pick three entirely different characters, from different genres if possible). Provide specific examples.
*Options 2, 3, and 4 could include biographical information on the designer, director, or actor. Sharing biographical information could be included in your introduction.
TAFILM 300 Student Options
1. Complete one of the ENGLT 400 written paper options listed above.
2. Chose any film we have seen and change the setting (in history, location, or both). Develop a production design for two sets and two costumes. Create color renderings along with a two page typed explanation of what you hoped to achieve by re-working the setting and how your art direction reflects these goals. (If you are savvy with a graphics program you could use that, otherwise hand drawings will need to be photographed in detail and those images submitted.)
3. Prepare a reverse storyboard for a 5-minute scene from one of the films we have screened up to this point. Capture each shot and render it in storyboard format. Although you don’t need to be an artist, the project will be graded on its ability to convey the shot, so stick figures are not acceptable. Your final project should include 10-12 frames. Each frame needs a caption of explanation. (As with the above option, if you are savvy with a graphics program you could use that, otherwise hand drawings will need to be photographed in detail and those images submitted.)
4. Choose a scene of approximately 3 minutes from a film of your choice, and, using your phone or a video camera, recreate it shot for shot. Replicate the framing, lighting, editing, and other stylistic elements as closely as possible. Upload your video to Canvas, with a 2-3 page essay describing how the filmmaker used mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, and sound to convey meaning in the scene. Include a link to a YouTube video of the original scene that you are replicating.
5. Analyze the score of any film on our syllabus. Prepare an audio file of your oral analysis and the excerpts from the score you chose. Audio file should be 8-10 minutes long, with at least three examples. The best way to complete this is to start with an oral introduction of the film and the composer’s biography. Then play an excerpt from a piece of the soundtrack, after which you discuss how music in that scene helps convey the story and/or adds to the overall narrative of the film. Do that for at least three examples.
All work must be turned in on Canvas.
Interesting Directors
If you decide to write about a director, I’d like to offer a few suggestions to consider. You may choose your own – you DO NOT NEED need to pick one of these (this is a list if you need some ideas).
This is a short list of directors I believe are notable, who you may or may not have heard of, and who might be an interesting choice. Again, you do not need to pick one of these directors; I’m offering ideas. And this is only if you decide to write about a director (number 3 under the ENGLT 400 list above).
Jane Campion
impressive list of films and critical acclaim; new release out now, The Power of the Dog, is getting a lot of press
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
prominent German director, made a name for himself during his short life, died at age 37; notable films focus on LGBT characters
Akira Kurosawa
Japanese director recognized as one of the most important filmmakers in Film History; many modern filmmakers try to recreate his style
Kasi Lemmons
notable screenwriter, actor and director; her directorial debut in 1997, Eve’s Bayou, is recognized as one of the most important films on race made as of the year of its release
Oscar Micheaux
recognized as first African American filmmaker; writer, producer and direct of over 40 feature films
Robert Rodriquez
made first feature film, El Mariachi, for $7,200 – is lowest budgeted film to make over $1 million and recognized as the film that started independent filmmaking boom; he produces, directs, edits, and scores many of his films
Billy Wilder
I’ve mentioned Wilder already; his career is important and his films essential to Film Studies
Too Tired? Too Anxious? Need More Time? We’ve got your back.