THE PITCH


Dr. Seuss suggested, "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go." The Common Core directs curriculum toward the deep reading and application of non-fiction text. The Director Biography project lands squarely on this cause. This project can also be a welcome break from the intense work of shooting and editing. It's time agnostic; it can land anywhere in the scope & sequence but works well during disruptive weeks. Biographies are important to study. Consider these reasons:
  • Giant shoulders - Isaac Newton humbly stated, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Biographies invite students to see through the eyes of filmmakers with great vision. Because they can see farther, they can achieve greater.
  • Repeated history - George Santayana correctly state, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Biographies illuminate the context of real decisions and consequences. They are about real men/women who actually MADE history. Their lives can teach us what to achieve, how to achieve it and what to avoid.
  • Self-discovery - Biographies can be valuable shortcuts to fields of study. By studying the work of an accomplished director, any filmmaker can fast track their learning curve or get inspired to try explore new filmmaking techniques.
  • New Eyes - Reading about someone from a different background, different culture, different era yields a new perspective. Many great innovations come from discoveries from another field. Biographies can serve as a bridge between different disciplines.
  • Distant Mentor - Biographies unpack complex decisions people make when faced with doubt, confusion, risk. How these decisions were made can guide a student who is facing a similar plight.
The Director Biography invites students to select the central figure behind a movie they like or relate to. By leaning on a familiar movie, students are motivated to learn about the filmmaker. 

STUDENT FRIENDLY STANDARDS

  • CTE 9.0 Leadership & Teamwork - Students learn leadership skills and work in dynamic groups to make proper production decisions and resolve team conflicts (leadership styles, value of teamwork, school citizenship, community engagement, organization skills, conflict resolution, consensus building).
  • CTE 10.0 Technical Knowledge & Skills - Students demonstrate technical skills common to pathways in the Arts, Media, Entertainment fields.
  • CTE 11.0 Demonstration & Application - Students demonstrate and apply concepts composing original work that matches the Arts, Media, Entertainment pathway.
  • VAPA 5.0 Connections, Relationships, Applications - Students apply film production skills across subject areas. Students develop generative skills that include: creativity, problem solving, communication, time management and resource management. Students learn about careers related to the media and entertainment industry.
    • VAPA 5.2 - Manage time, prioritize responsibilities, and meet completion deadlines for a production as specified by group leaders, team members, or directors.

SCENARIO

The Head Curator of the Directors' Industry Guild Entertainment Museum (DIG'EM) is looking for a collection of original interactive kiosks that would fill the Biography wing of their new museum. As a film connoisseur you have been invited to build a Director Biography Kiosk.

UNIT RESOURCES

EXEMPLARS

2015-2016