This is a practical exercise, to be carried out in groups. Each group will be allocated a topic that might have strong emotional associations. Their task is to convey the theme and the feeling they attach to it using only either picture or sound. Just like the old parlour game of Consequences, when the sound and picture from different groups are put together, a third variation on the theme is created.
you will need
- A theme - we've suggested a few here.
- Copies of the storyboard and timeline sheets provided.
- Camera and sound recording equipment, and editing software, if you have it.
suggestions for themes:
School
You could choose a theme related to school, like homework, bullying, the last day of term, or even just a subject heading like history or maths.
Project themes
You might link this to a project the class is already doing. For example, if you are studying Anne Frank, you might choose 'being in hiding', or if you are studying emigration or immigration you might choose 'leaving your family and homeland'.
Local community
You could tie it to a local community issue, like a park where children can't play because of dog mess and teenagers taking over the swings. Or an event, for example the demolition of a high-rise might inspire you to choose the point of view of someone who lived there.
Lighter themes
You don't have to be serious. You can play this as a fun game too.
how to do this activity
Split the class into an even number of groups and allocate them either image or sound. Give them all the same theme. Ask each group to create a thirty-second piece demonstrating how they feel about this subject.
Limit the image groups to ten shots maximum.
Limit the number of pieces of music a sound group can use to two, and sound effects to three.
Ask the image groups to storyboard their pieces using the template provided. Remember to think about pace, note down how long each shot should last.
Ask the sound groups to mark out on a timeline the sound effects and music they have chosen, again, thinking about timing, pace, and impact.
This is not about creating a story, it's about demonstrating meaning and conveying feeling through image and sound. No dialogue allowed!
Film the storyboard images and record the sound for each group separately. Remember to keep each piece to 30 seconds only! Now, put the names of the groups into a 'hat' and, at random, select an image group and sound group to put together.
The technique used in this exercise, is very similar to the creation of an animatic in the film industry. An animatic takes the drawings from a storyboard and adds the element of time (and sometimes movement and a soundtrack as well) to give an impression of how the final film might be.
and the consequence is?
How do the two pieces work together? Does one alter the impression of the other or do they enhance the same feelings at the same time?
You can continue to swap round until each soundtrack has been matched with each picture.
Variations
You can play Sound and Vision Consequences over and over with different themes, and if you want to really mix it up, you could vary the type of film each group is creating. For example:
- a sports programme round-up of highlights
- a trailer
- a video game
- a mobile phone screensaver and ringtone
- a game show
- a documentary
- a feature film drama
- a nature programme