Green screen workshop
This lesson plan introduces green screen filming. Using equipment readily available in school, this class from a London school created a selection of short films. The lesson plan leads you through how they got on. Obvious but easily forgotten is don't let the actors wear anything green...unless you deliberately want bits of them to disappear or become partially see through. As part of the development process the groups had identified roles in the filming process based on their existing interests and skills and we recommend everyone has a designated job. The equipment used in this workshop includes Flip cameras and tripods. The pupils use iMove on Apple Mac for editing. If you don't have iMovie you can use any other available editing packages.
Key Stage:
KS2 Art and Design, KS2 EnglishOverview:
The six films show how the group we worked with created short films using green screen editing. This lesson plan can be used to:- To start a filming project.
- Start a creative writing project for a defined audience
- Develop writing skills including narratives, describing settings, characters, dialogue and action
- Develop research and discussion skills
- Support pupils to assess the effectiveness of their own and others’ writing
What is green screen?
An introduction to Green screen filming. The class watch a film made using green screen which shows them how the green background becomes transparent and allows you to add any backdrop.
Choosing a theme
The class are split into six groups and pick a random theme for their film.
Making a green screen backdrop
The group make their own green-screen backdrop using a piece of cheap green fabric or even green sugar paper. Small collapsable green screens are available at low cost and are very good for filming two people maximum but their size is limited.
Developing ideas
The groups develop their ideas, scripts and storyboards. Some create drawn backgrounds, others source props and costumes or search for audio and sound effects. Using copyrighted material found online is permissible in school but if you intent to share beyonds school beware of possible copyright issues or use copyright free music and images.
Rehearsing the performance
The group have learnt their scripts and begin to rehearse their performances.
Filming
The groups film their green screen sequences using various cameras they had in school.
Editing
Importing and editing the footage using i-Movie
Sharing
Viewing the final films. Sharing with an audience
A Teacher's View
A teacher considers the cross-curricular benefits of the workshop.
Development Activity:
Elsewhere on CultureStreet you can find a lot more about film making and animation for primary schools.
Filmmaking techniques lesson plan
Animation lesson plan
Cut out animation
and if you want to try virtual animation now you can have a go with Stop Frame Animator
Learning Objectives:
Pupils should learn:
1. to understand the various roles and responsibilities involved in filmmaking (director, script writer or storyboard creator, camera person, actors, costume and props, animator, editor, artists, sound).
2. be able to explain the process of making films and the various stages involved.
3. the importance of clear communication with one another during the filmmaking process
Research, Notes and Links:
Download this lesson plan