For most of this class we will be focusing on narrative movies.

Narrative: noun

1. the representation in art of an event or story
2. a story or account of events, experiences, or the like, whether true or fictitious.
3. a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events

Remember: Narrative can exist on many different levels and can be on many different scales. It can be about what a character does, and can also be about what the character feels. A narrative can be as involved as the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, or can be as simple as a child looking out a window. Narratives can be fact or fiction.

Although making a movie can be lots of fun, remember not to lose sight of the purpose of your movie: for other people to enjoy watching your movie.

The audience for the movies you make in this class are:

• other people your age
• parents of people your age
• the sisters and brothers of people your age
• teachers and staff

The content of the movies you make in this class should be appropriate for the audience described above. In other words, if the Motion Picture Association of America were to give your movie a rating, it would be within the G to PG range.

The language of film can be filled with subtle nuances, ironies, and subtext. Though I don’t wish to limit your explorations into these subtleties, as a beginning film maker, I want you to practice communicating your ideas to the audience clearly.

For the movies you make in this class, I want you to strive for clarity.

When an audience watches your film, it should be clear:

• what they should pay attention to
• what is happening on the screen
• what someone is saying
• who is speaking and to whom they are speaking to

If there is something that is not clear, it should at least be clear to the audience that the directors have done so by choice, and that there is value in this choice.