BFI MINI FILMMAKERS SATURDAY CLUB MARCH TERM Comedy Screenwriting
Introduction
This term the Mini Filmmakers are going to be immersing themselves in the world of comedy screenwriting, looking at comedic genres such as standup, surreal, clowning, sketch shows, sitcoms and satire. As part of this exciting term we’ll also have the pleasure of having Alice and Martin from the Hilarity Academy to show us the ropes!
Exploring various comedy techniques, we will help them to plan their scenarios, write scripts, think about characters, comedy timing, working in mind of the camera and hopefully helping them find their inner comedian. Over the course of five weeks, the filmmakers will develop key skills and creative processes to become the ultimate comedians and comedy writers!
Aims ● Introduce filmmaking to children, sparking interest and building a safe cohesive environment for discovery. ● Learn about comedy in it’s different forms and how it’s created through the source of humor, the method of delivery, and finally the context in which it is delivered to an audience. ● An introduction to the area of comedy by trained professionals with a wealth of experience in the industry. ● Learn how to shoot, import, edit and manipulate their footage with software before finally exporting their film. ● Familiarise themselves with the process of editing by using accessible platforms such as software like iMovie or Adobe Premier Pro. ● Working as a team, they will identify and establish roles for themselves and the responsibilities that go with it. Offering peer support to each other, it will be important for them to encounter a diverse range of abilities, experiences and backgrounds working over the course of the five weeks.
Schedule
Week 1 - Introduction ● Introduction to term brief - looking at the different types of comedy ● Screen examples ● Group games and assign groups for session activities using iPad minis
Week 2 - Hilarity Academy ● Introduction to guest visitors Alice and Martin who will run this session ● Establish how they will help with the structure and format of the sessions to enable us to get the most out of their help while they’re away ● Presentation (LS1) and groups activities + exercises (Blue Room)
Week 3 - Writing & Filming ● Recap of the comedy styles that were used in week 2 with Alice & Martin ● Assigned groups will work together on a comedic style of their choice with the assistance of the tutors ● Establishing roles in their groups they’ll write their sketches and start filming
Week 4 - Filming & Editing ● Groups continue filming. Assigned groups work with allocated Film Tutor to film their sketches, skits, sitcoms or standup pieces ● With the guidance of the tutors, the groups will import and edit their footage together in preparation for presenting to Alice & Martin in the final session
Week 5 - Final Session with Alice & Martin ● In this final week, Alice & Martin will return to see what the filmmakers have made in the term ● Presentation of films and pieces made by the groups followed by group discussion ● Briefing of the following term and Easter Holiday workshop opportunities
Outcomes
● Working individually and collectively to deliver the group’s vision. ● Raising awareness of the various roles that are available in the film industry and how they contribute to a working film production. ● Learning the importance of filming etiquette, looking after equipment before, during and after a shoot has been completed. Relying on each other and communicating the directives of a shoot and seeing them followed through in their edit. ● Familiarising themselves with how editing and sound software can be used to deliver the specific traits of comedy styles and their ideas. ● Learning about comedy today from industry professionals whose aim is to make comedy accessible and engaging ● Giving them the skills, knowledge, understanding and confidence to continue filmmaking beyond the doors of the BFI workshops.
Guest Visitor Alice and Martin of Hilarity Academy
Alice and Martin run the Hilarity Academy are established stand-up comedians and comedy writers with a wealth of experience that’s lead them to create other notable works such as Piñata (a variety performance party) Objectively Funny and internationally Lecoq trained Bric à Brac Theatre.