Workshops

Camera and Communication Skills

Dramatic Media were invited by Barnet LA to deliver a workshop to a group of Gifted and Talented year 6 pupils from schools across the authority.  The workshop was devised and delivered by Caroline Webster.

The purpose of the workshop was to support the pupils with a special maths project, the brief of which was to design packaging for a healthy snack bar.  The pupils not only had to design and create their packaging, they also had to make a formal presentation explaining their design process.  The pupils were being encouraged to use video cameras, to film their work and use as part of their final presentation.  Therefore, Caroline's workshop provided training in how to use the camera to best effect and key presentation/communication skills.

The three hour morning workshop covered the following:

1. Framing and Filming

The workshop began by looking at what shots are, their purpose and how they are created.  Pupils worked in pairs with a camera, filming each other using a variety of shots.

2. Presentation Structure

Before filming, writing, or creating a multimedia presentation it is important that the content has been structured. (Beginning, middle and end.)  This allows for material to be created in a non-linear way before it is edited or assembled.  The best ways to do this are by frame-working, scripting or storyboarding.

Pupils were asked to brainstorm an opening to their presentation and explore ways of making the best introduction using the camera.  Pupils then filmed 3 shots of their presentation opening.

3. Communication techniques and performing on camera

By reviewing their work, sharing common problems, and volunteers performing in front of the camera, Caroline helped pupils identify key comunication skills.

Film and Visual Literacy

Teachers Using the Camera in the Classroom

In 2007, Barnet LA asked Dramatic Media to run a workshop for teachers on how to use the video camera in the classroom.  The workshop was run by Caroline Webster.

A group of Primary teachers from across the authority attended the workshop, which delivered the following:

1. Shots - how to frame them and their purpose

2. Camera tachniques - how to operate the camera to best effect

3. Storyboarding a short film - the group devised a simple 'Fire Drill' information film

6. The group each took turns in filming one of the shots for the film

7. Editing the film in movie maker

If you would like Dramatic Media to deliver a similar workshop for your teachers or pupils, please get in touch.

'Book To Screen' Project

Working with children's author Julia Jarman, Julie Laslett from Dramatic Media ran a project with pupils from Margaret Beaufort Middle School in Bedfordshire, adapting a chapter from a novel into a scene for the screen.

The book from which the chapter was taken was Julia Jarman's 'Ghostwriter'.  Julie and Julia worked with a group of Yr 7 and 8 pupils over several weeks, converting a chapter from the book into a screenplay.  The scene was then cast with teachers and pupils from the school and filmed over one weekend.  Professional cameraman Anthony Hagan filmed the drama, assisted by a crew of pupils.

The final filmed scene was shown at a 'black tie' screening to an audience of VIPs, parents, teachers and nervous pupils. Everyone was thrilled with the final film and agreed that the whole experience had been a truly creative and exciting learning process that not only focused pupils on the differences between literature and film and the art of adaptation, but helped pupils build confidence and greater communication skills.

To find out more about Julia Jarman click here.