Chase Project

In this project you will create a chase story.

Pizza Delivery | Worst Chase Scene Ever | Best Chase Scene Ever?

Student Sample 1 -System Breach
Student Sample 2 - Chocolate Obession
Student Sample 3 - Cops

Chase Project - somone is pursuing another person for some reason. Show the action from a variety of perspectives (3rd person, the pursuer and the target). You decide how the story ends and if the pursuer catches the target. Your video must convey a story. Be sure to take extra time with your sound on this project. Sound can add a lot to the tension of a chase scene and good sound effects can really increase the interest of the shot as well as the music you add.

Production Notes - Actions sequences require real planning of the shot sequences. Scout out different locations where the actors can run, hide, pause.... Create a storyboard that shows the different locations and the camera shot in each location. Determine how the action will play out with respect to the camera. Shoot incidentals (hands, feet, facial expressions, gestures) to help convey the mood of the actors - fear, urgency, anger, despair. Have enough clips to enable fast cuts.

Turn in your shot list ( one for the group) before you begin shooting your video.

Shot List - Write a short description for each scene in your project - this will simply be a series of scenes and the actions for each scene. Here is an example:

Scene 1: Front of school
- WS to MS - Girl is sitting on table bench and places phone on bench while she starts to eat her lunch.
- 2S - Guy sits on bench and eyes the girl and then the phone. He carefully looks around and then grabs the phone and takes off running.
- CU to MS - Girls shocked look changes to anger as she jumps up and begins to pursue the thief.
Scene 2: Quad
- WS - Guy runs through quad and runs through two students walking together, one of the students falls to the ground.
- 2S - Girl jumps over the guy who fell to the ground.
- WS - Student who fell to the ground jumps up and gives chase as well.
Scene 3: Hallway

Here are the specs for the Chase/Quest project:

- Title - make it appropriate for your video
- Your movie. The movie must be a minimum of 2 minutes.
- Cuts between shots must be smooth and add to the continuity of the movie.
- Be sure to include background music that adds to the suspense of the chase.
- Add sound effects to highlight the action of the chase - try soundbible.com or YouTube Library, or use the sounds in FCP.
- You must include one section of slow motion (this must have a smooth transition into and out of the slow motion).
- Include a drone shot as part of the movie - be sure to reserve a time for this shot.
- Closing credits - be sure to credit those who participated in the video.

Each team will need to submit:
1. The title of the project and a short description of the movie.
2. A list of team members and what each team member will be responsible for - your team must have assigned roles for each member. Teams cannot be larger than 6 but you can involve other students as actors if they have only a short role.
- Producer - team manager
- Director of Photography - will be shooting the video
- Sound and boom operator - responsible for sound
- Actors
- Lighting
- Props
3. Each team must turn in either a detailed shot list (you must have at least three different scenes) for your project or a storyboard. If you turn in a storyboard be sure the scenes and shots are labeled.

The Planning Process.

1. Create a shot list of what will happen in your shoot or a storyboard - you can add this to your storyboard or your outline if you like.
LS of front of campus > MS of main character approaching entrance door > CU of main character as she looks behind her to dark corridor.
MS CU of main character entering hallway

2. Create an incidental shot list - CU hand on door handle, CU of running feet....

The Shooting Process.

1. Be sure to include different perspectives as the action progresses. Mix up the shots to add greater intensity and suspense.

2. Record your first take, if mistakes are made just continue shooting, you can cut the mistakes later. This first take should be shot with a tripod and there should only be minor camera movements.

3. Record your second take for sections where mistakes were made in the first take.

4. Shoot your B-roll shots - closeups of specific tasks such as the hands reaching for the door, CU of the actors face to show emotion...

5. Shoot your Cut-away shots. Have a series of shots you can use to transition from one shot to another. These shots do not have to be long but the more you have the more you have to choose from.

The Editing Process.

1. Since the actions follows a story line there is a definite sequence to your shots so this will help you put your shots together.

2. Once you have your main action shots in sequence begin to add your B-roll and cut-aways to provide interest and transitions.

3. Add appropriate sound to add to the mood of your scenes, the proper music and sounds can intensify the experience.

4. Add your title and closing credits. Be sure to credit everyone involved in the film but use only first names.

Additional Specs

Sorry but NO motor vehicle chases
No weapons of any sort
Maintain the safety of all actors at all times
Music is required
Every team member will edit their own video using the clips the team develops.