Digital Video Production

The Chase
Assignment: In this assignment you will write a short description of your
concept, a shot list (see end of this document for an example of a shot list)
AND storyboard, and shoot a video comprised of a story that involves an
extended chase sequence to three different locations.
Background Information/Concept: The Chase. In action films, the
inevitable chase scene is arguably the most exciting part of the movie. Like
all other parts of a movie, the chase sequence is not just a random bunch of
shots stuck together. Its carefully planned, choreographed, filmed and
edited to produce the highest degree of excitement and tension. This is done
with varied shot angles, fast paced shots, and editing that creates a fast
paced final product.
Procedure: You need to flesh out the basic story. This would include the
following:
1. Why is the person being chased? (Did they take something from
another person; are they trying to prevent something form happening;
are they trying to catch someone; do they owe something to that
person; are they being stalked?).
2. The middle should include suspenseful sequences that move through
at least three different locations (down a hallway, through a building,
across the football field; over the river; through the woods; to
grandmothers house; etc.).
3. The story needs a resolution: either the person gets away, or is caught.
4. The purpose of this project is to practice shot selection and the use of
various shots and editing techniques to produce a certain feeling. This
story is primarily visual. You may have some dialog, but the main audio
should be background music and any necessary sound effects.
5. Include interesting camera angles, including a variety of different
camera shots (ES, XCU, CU, MS, LS, O/S (over the shoulder), Dutch
Angle).
6. Include titles and credits for all participants and audio selections.
7. THIS IS NOT A CONFLICT VIDEO. ANY FIGHT SEQUENCE SHOULD BE
LIMITED!
8. This is a (mostly) a foot chase video. Do NOT involve vehicles (cars,
trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, snowmobiles, etc.) in your
video. Bicycles, unicycles, and skateboards are (probably) acceptable.
If in doubt, ask. The answer will probably be no. As always, YOU are
responsible for all safety aspects of your behavior.

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9. Your completed video will be between 1 and 2 minutes long. Music you
desire should be obtained through incompetech.com/music. This is a
royalty free download page.
10.
The story must be suspenseful and creative.
All group members need to brainstorm an idea for this project. Determine
your location. A storyboard is required. Take turns drawing storyboard
frames. The written concept, shot list, and storyboard must be approved by
the instructor.
Suggestions:

Pacing is very important. Keep shots short and quick (recommendation:

no shots longer than 5 seconds).
Use a variety of shots and angles, close up, extreme close up
The film cannot exceed 2 minutes but must be at least 1 minute long.
Feature one (or more) shot with a handheld camera that shows the
point-of-view of the chaser.
Make sure you have all necessary props on the day of your production.
If the production is carried over to an additional day, make sure
clothing matches.

Grading:
Concept, Shot List, and Storyboard (30 points)
Concept:
1.
2.
3.
4.

The synopsis is creative and entertaining.

The story is visually descriptive.
Story has a distinct beginning, middle, and end.
Concept is typed in a narrative paragraph format (like a story).

Shot List:
1. All members of the group collaborated in writing the shot list.
2. 30 or more shots are listed.
3. The shots listed create a coherent story and reflect creativity in shot type
selection.
4. Features one (or more) scene with a handheld camera that shows the
point-of-view of the chaser.
Storyboard:

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1. The storyboard is collaboratively drawn by all team member team. Each

member takes turns drawing a frame and initials it in the bottom right hand
corner.
2. Identify the length of each shot in each corresponding storyboard frame.
3. The storyboard features long shots, medium shots, close-ups and other
shot types
as needed.
4. I dont know what your concept is, but the video had better have some
appropriate close-ups.
5. The drawings must accurately depict the action. Composition rules apply.
6. Directions for matching movement continuity arrows are made in the
drawings.
7. The concept appears strong and will result in a compelling and interesting
video.

Video and Editing (50 points)

Video
1. Performance: Each person is responsible for ALL aspects of the
video. Even if you were not the camera operator, YOU are
responsible for shot quality.
a) Composition (follows rule-of-thirds, proper headroom, proper
framing).
b) Camera technique.
c) Direction (shots have motion that will match when cut to; actors
directed to give appropriate performance; retake scenes if needed).
d) Coverage (shooting enough footage to edit, including a variety of
shots (CU, MS, OTS, LS, etc.)
e) Creativity in shot selection.
f) Screen direction is correct, character exiting a scene to the left of
the frame, re-enter it to the right in the next scene.
Editing
Everyone will edit their own final version of this project. You can capture
video to one computer and then use various copying methods to transfer to
other group member computers or you can capture to each group member
computer.

Digital Video Production

a) Effective selection of available takes (shots).

b) Appropriate use of cuts and/or transitions.
c) Appropriate use of sound effects if needed for story
d) Suitable (and royalty free) music at start and end of video (over credits).
e) Two or more different selections of music.
f) Pacing moves the story along without sacrificing clarity.
g) The title of the production.
h) Credits at the end list the following (and others as appropriate):
Directed by _________
Starring ________ ________
Edited by __________
Final Suggestions
Show apprehension through a variety of close-ups, angles, and
lighting/shadows. Facial close ups, especially of the eyes help build tension.
Relief can be shown with wider shots. Show hands reacting to locked doors
and fumbling of keys or other important objects. Fast zooms or very slow
camera movements at the right moment add tension, but be careful---avoid
random and pointless zooming.
Sounds to consider: sneeze, cough, TV, animal sound, heartbeat, object
being dropped, wind, thunder, clock ticking or alarm, breathing, footsteps,
whispering. Only sound effects in the Video Production file may be used,
except for ones you create yourself.