This video is used to set the tone for the day in ALC. Students in In School Suspension view this movie before they begin writing about the choice they made that got them in trouble, and better choices they could make when handling conflict next time. This project originally had a lot more text in it, but the students had such great advice for other students, it turned out to be more clips of students giving other students advice than it was about the text that I was planning on having them read. These kids range from students who never get into trouble, to students who get in a little trouble, to my most frequent flyer in In School Suspension so far this year. Some of these students are well known on campus for their positive leadership, some for belonging to certain 'cool' groups of 'fighters', and some students saw what we were doing and just wanted to be involved. This was a great process, I can't wait to learn more, and complete the next next film we'll make together about escalating and de-escalating conflict.... neither can the kids - and they stay AFTER school to do this. :)
Christy Stringfield
Dec 2, 2008 3:24 PM
I loved your use of titles with this. Were you using just iMovie for them?
Frank Maggi
Dec 2, 2008 4:25 PM
I, too, think the use of text was super (and it sure isn't just iMovie). Perfect for the intended audience. Great support music. I liked how you kept it moving, not staying anywhere too long. Your head shots were varied and interesting; I would have experimented with some occasional extreme closeups (xcu) for even more impact. Great work.
Tina Meglich
Dec 2, 2008 5:34 PM
That was way too cool. I loved it! The use of voice overs on the text was a great idea, wish I would have thought of that, nice work. Del Dios could certainly use a movie like yours.
Jose Hernandez
Dec 2, 2008 9:39 PM
Lisa,
I enjoyed watching your video. I'm sure students would love watching it over and over, even those who get in trouble. Elementary students would benefit from it as well. You did an outstanding job! The only thing I would suggest would be to do more closeups of students like Frank suggested.
jbaehr
Dec 7, 2008 7:50 PM
Wow! way cool...show us how to use titles like you did!
scottsoucy
Dec 12, 2008 12:43 AM
I thought your film was very clean. I admire your ability to connect to your students in a real way. Films about making good choices could easily come across as cheesy to this age group. I think you successfully created a film that students can relate to.
maryjoblaze
Jan 6, 2009 3:48 PM
Wow, Coogan!! Loved the use of the written and spoken words together. Camera shots of students were nicely done as well. It changed slides quickly enough to keep the students engaged. Maybe we should use it as a beginning of the year (whole school) thing.
toddmattox
Jan 11, 2009 6:25 PM
Very cool. You have great timing in editing. Effective use of titles and the students as role models is great.
One thing to work on: If you don't have lights, get some reflectors or big while board to kick some more light on your subject's face. Or find a setting with more dynamic light. Eventually you will find places all around your campus at different times of the day that offer good key light as well as backgrounds that allow you subject to pop out from the screen. Check out the resources provided on the PL page for camera and light.
Again, great job.
carriemcgibney
Jan 12, 2009 8:41 AM
OMG Coogan!!!! This is great- I loved it! Your editing was awesome. I loved your use of titles too (wow- you going to have to show me how you did that). I thought your shots were great (good use of the thirds rule). Are you sure you are a newbie??? This looks more like a pro!!! I'm going to you for help!!!! -Carrie
steviewheeler
Jan 27, 2009 6:03 PM
WOW! Coogan, you have found your niche. Your video is fantastic. The text, the clips, the tone is fantastic.
tamarawhitney
Mar 18, 2009 10:21 PM
Ok...I"m compLETELY blown away... Lisa, this is FANTASTIC for your first movie! I particularly loved your effective use of titles -- they were so interesting, I found myself eager to see the next one and the effects made me WANT to read the message. I'm assuming this was thru Live Type?????? In any event, I know the students will relate to the topic -- it's current -- and your head shots were nice. There was one girl who was a little tough to understand/hear --- but overall Lisa, I'm giving ya a 9.5 out of 10!!!!
shannonsvensen
Mar 20, 2009 2:46 PM
Coogs, this is AWESOME! Love the way the titles played out, how did you do that? You'll have to show me! Great variety of kids, shots, angles, great advice! Fantastic music, really great!