8th Grade

8th graders take their video editing skills that they learned in 7th grade to the next level- video production. Video production is made up of three main parts: pre-production, production, and post production.

Pre-Production

Basically, this is the planning stage. You can try and go out to film something without a plan, but chances are you will fall flat on your face. There is so much to consider before actually shooting. Where are we shooting? What are we shooting? How are we shooting? Is anyone speaking? If, so, what are they saying, feeling, and doing? Is there enough light for the scene to be shot properly? How are we capturing audio? Are there extraneous noise sources that could make capturing the audio difficult? So, as you can see, the pre-production phase is a crucial part of the entire process. 

The cycle begins with students exploring the pre-production process. In groups of their choosing, students will create a script for their project, create a storyboard to help sequence their shots, determine shooting angles, lighting, and audio. Once these have been approved, students will then move on the production phase.

Production

This process has the videographer taking everything they have though out in the pre-preduction phase and put it into action. This is the filming part of the process. At this point, students will begin to see whether or not what they have planned out is actually working. Adjustments might have to be made because of unforeseen issues. The day is cloudy, so lighting is now an issue. Equipment might decide to stop working. Members of the crew might not show up. In reality, there isn't a finite list of what could go wrong. What students learn is that they have to be able to adjust and think on the fly.

Post-Production

The final phase in creating a video is taking all the raw footage that was shot with a camera and edit it so that the final product contains a clear message. Students will use either WeVideo or a video editing program of their choice, to make the necessary edits. During this process, students take all the info they wrote on their storyboard to help make the edits. Depending on the type of project, they might be adding voice overs, transitions, special effects, and music. 

Film Competion

All 8th graders are encouraged to place their final project into a film competition between Martin Kellogg.  This spring, we will be hosting the 1st Annual the Kellace Awards. Mirroring the Oscars, the Kellace Awards is a red carpet event where chosen students get to showcase their final project. Click here to learn more about the Young Producers Program.