Ms.

Lannan Drama 30

STAGE 1 DESIRED RESULTS

Unit Title: ___Film study for the Actor____Drama 30_________________

Established Goals: Through exploration and analysis of the medium of film students will:
Acquire knowledge of self and others through participation in and reflection on dramatic experience:
o Extend the ability to concentrate
o Sharpen observations of people, situations and the environment
o Develop a sense of inquiry and commitment to learning
o Demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process
Develop competency in communication skills through participation in and exploration of various dramatic
disciplines.
o Gain knowledge of disciplines that enhance dramatic process and product
o Demonstrate understanding of disciplines to enrich a theatrical presentation
Develop an appreciation of drama and theatre as a process and art form
Demonstrate the ability to assess critically the process and the art
Students will analyze film from the perspective of the Actor and the Director examining the relationship
between Camera shots, angles, lighting and artistic effect.
Students will consider Acting and Directing perspectives and the artistic effect on the viewer
Understandings: Students will understand that Essential Questions:
There are essential elements to the creation of film How does directorial choice in film affect the actor?
Students will understand how to view a film through the lens How do directors and actors utilize individual components
of Acting and examine the interplay between directorial within the medium of film to create the desired affect for the
choice and actor choice viewer

Students will know: Students will be able to:

How to effectively view a film and identify:
Camera angles, shots, lighting and effects
How technical elements contribute to artistic impact
Discuss various film components and consider why directors
or actors made specific choices and the result of those
choices
Consider the impact that this knowledge has on their
approach to acting.

STAGE 2 ASSESSMENT EVIDENCE

Performance Tasks: Students will view and analyze a Other Evidence:
variety of films (both long and short forms) as well as actor Students participate, contribute, discuss.
discussions on film and acting. Students consider and show evidence (in writing and group
discussion) of the discoveries they are making about the work
they view and their own acting

Key Criteria: Students work collaboratively. Student view and discuss a variety of short and long form films
Students show an increase in confidence in their ability to analyze film from the actors point of view
Students support one another by asking questions, giving feedback and drawing conclusions from group discussions

STAGE 3 LEARNING PLAN

Summary of Learning Activities:
Monday Feb. 27th (Re) Intro to film discussion of technical elements (camera angles, shots, lighting, effects) guided
analysis of short film, group analysis and discussion of short film
Tuesday Feb 28th Re-cap of film elements, Short Films day 2. Guided consistent viewing
Thursday March 2nd introduction and discussion of the actors perspective. Intro of Almost Famous with SALS and
VIMBA pages. Start Almost Famous
Friday March 3rd Discussion and continuation of Almost Famous discussion of 1 or 2 SALS scenes
Monday March 6th VIMBA and the Actors perspective. Finish Almost Famous. *reminder SALS dues Tuesday
Tuesday March 7th 1/2 work period SALS charts and reflection due. View special featurette Making of almost
famous
Friday March 10th Wrap up, closing thoughts questions. Short Films (time permitting).

Source: Understanding by Design, Unit Design Planning Template (Wiggins/McTighe 2005) 1