Segmentation Project & Shot-by-Shot Analysis

15% of Final Grade

At the micro level, film is constructed of shots formed by the mise-en-scène, sound and cinematography.  Editing takes these shots and creates scenes.  These scenes are then strung together (by further editing and additional sound) to form segments or chapters of the narrative, creating the macro level of the film.  By understanding how a film or text is segmented, one can then analyze by extrapolating out from the micro to the macro levels in order to understand how a film is constructed and to what end.  

The Shot—from “Action” to “Cut”:

The Scene—through transitions and cuts, edited linked shots form pieces of the narrative:

 Segments—scenes are further edited into major segments or chapters:

 The segments or chapters are then linked by editing to form the final film.

 Your assignment is to construct a segmentation and shot-by-shot analysis (one segment only) of one of the films we have watched this semester.  Since we will be segmenting The Day the Earth Stood Still as an exercise in class, this film is off limits.  For the segmentation portion of the assignment, you are welcomed and encouraged to work in groups to discuss and help break down the film into its basic building blocks.  You will be allowed class time to work on this together, but you will also have to schedule time together outside of class if desired.  However, the actual essay must be an individual project.  Any papers that appear too collaborative will be considered plagiarized and therefore will receive a failing grade.  In other words, you cannot make a joint paper outline with each of you recreating the same argument. 

 Requirements: 

(1)A detailed storyboard explication of every scene within your segment (One representative shot per scene) to be completed on the attached storyboard frames (make sure you label your sheets appropriately):  Scene Forms

(2)A detailed storyboard explication of every shot in one specific scene on which you choose to focus your analysis.  Said explication must be completed on the attached storyboard frames (make sure you label your sheets appropriately and identify the type of transition from shot to shot):   Scene Forms

(3)A minimal of 3-4 page (MLA formated) analysis of how these shots contribute visually to an underlying theme or idea in the film as a whole.

(4)This analysis is due at the beginning of class on Wednesday, April 21, 2010. Late papers WILL NOT be graded!

(5)This essay must be typed in MLA format and include a Works Cited page containing a citation of your film and any research used in your paper.  All sources must be legitimate sources (Wikipedia, free essays and essays for sale are not legitimate sources).  Your Works Cited page and your storyboard work DO NOT count as part of your 3-4 page length requirement!

 Process:   

1.  The first step is to rewatch the film and take careful notes about the following:

• How the editing “generates emotions and ideas through the construction of patterns of seeing” (167).

• Pay careful attention to “editing transitions such as fades and dissolves as they will often point to these divisions, which occur at significant changes in narrative space, time, characters or action” (Corrigan 166).

• Look for patterns within the scenes and techniques:  “Tracing the logic of a particular film’s editing on this level also gives insight into how film narratives are organized.  For example, the setting of a film’s first scene may be identical to that of the last scene, or two segments showing the same characters may represent a significant change in their relationship.” (166).

• “Sometimes the ‘seam’ between segments will itself reveal something significant to viewers about the larger organization of the film” (166).

•  “The connections among narrative units demonstrate how editing extends from the juxtaposition of shots to structure the film as a whole” (166). 

• Try “to move beyond the confines of individual perception and its temporal and spatial limitations” (167).

2. Complete your segmentation storyboard.  Illustrate the most important shot in each scene.  Make sure to note:  framing of shot, type of shot, angle of shot, lighting, camera movement, and beginning and ending markers (usually audio). 

3. Decide which segment should be your focus.

4. Decide which scene of that segment should be your focus.

5. Complete your detailed shot-by-shot analysis of that scene.  Make sure to note:  framing of shot, type of shot, angle of shot, lighting, camera movement and beginning and ending markers (usually audio), as well as transitions between shots.

6. Before writing your analysis, reread “The Significance of Film Editing” (pages 166-185).

7. In this assignment, you must perform research on the film's themes, narrative structure, or construction.  You may research the forms of narrative construction used by filmmakers in general including, of course, innovations or unique approaches which can be applied to the specific film chosen, or research specific information about the film's narrative construction.

8. Write your 3-4 page thesis-driven analysis, with carefully structured paragraphs wherein each paragraph begins with an argumentative topic sentence, supports the claims with evidence from the film and then analyzes that evidence.

9. Write your Works Cited page.

10. Revise, revise & revise.

11. Proofread and Edit your work.  Seamless editing is the goal here.

12. Turn in your stapled paper on time in the following order: 

(1)  3-4 page (minimal requirement) analysis in MLA format plus works cited    page

(2)  Segmentation storyboard

(3)  Scene Storyboard 

 Make sure your name is on all documents in case they should become separated. 

 Your paper will be graded according to the department rubric which can be found at http://www.westga.edu/~engdept/fr/Ruby.doc:

Academic Honesty: According to the Vice President of Academic Affairs Office, academic dishonesty is defined as: "Improper academic conduct shall also include plagiarism, i.e., the purchase and use of ghost-written papers and reports, or incorporating into a report, term theme, research paper, or project, ideas and information obtained from another person without giving credit to the person from whom such information was obtained. Further, inclusion of the published or unpublished writings of another person without duly noting these sources according to normal scholarly procedures shall be considered plagiarism. No material prepared to meet the requirements in one course may be used to fulfill the requirements in another without permission of the instructor. The above definition of academic misconduct applies equally to improper use of electronic sources of information and opinion."

Your grade for this project will be based on interest and sophistication of ideas, thoroughness of preparation, clarity and articulate expression of the project and results. In other words, I want these projects to reflect your interests and be well presented and clearly articulated in written form. Your enthusiasm and interest will help enormously in producing an interesting project for your research. Make this project your own and you will do well. If the project is someone else's, I will most likely find out. Moreover, you will receive an F for the project if there has been an act of academic dishonesty which will cause you to fail the course as stated in the course syllabus.

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¹ Adapted from a model by Professor S. Morin and Professor J. McClain