Student Project: Short Vertical Film
There seems to be a limited variety of production projects available for our high school video and film students. With that in mind, what I am about to offer is probably nothing new to you.
Your students consume vertical media all day. Use that to your advantage.
An in-class 60-second vertical short film festival.
If you're all set, thank you for your time. If you're interested in hearing more… please continue.
Still with me? Great!
Let me begin by saying that I am adjusting to the idea of vertical content. I tried to avoid social media for as long as I could, but last summer I broke down and dove into the rabbit hole that is Instagram Reels.
Even I have to admit, there is something about those pieces of short film content that pull us in… if they are done well.
That got me thinking. These kids are consuming vertical content for hours each day. They are scrolling, at least for the time being, through TikTok, and Instagram, and to a lesser degree, YouTube Shorts. Why don’t I lean into that? Why don’t I try to meet these kids where they are?
That’s why I have decided to roll out a 60-second short film festival that gives students the chance to create the type of media they are used to consuming, but with the elements that I need them to understand.
Use their frame of reference without selling out on the art of filmmaking.
The true beauty of this project is that you are probably already doing this, just in a 16:9 aspect ratio. All you have to do is flip it!
It’s simple. The essence of a successful film project lies in timeless principles that transcend the constraints of format or duration.
First and foremost, a compelling story serves as the backbone of any memorable film, regardless of its length. Whether it's a tale of suspense, romance, or humor, a strong narrative captivates the audience and drives the emotional core of the film. Additionally, an understanding of composition remains crucial, even in the vertical format. Framing shots, considering lighting, and utilizing visual elements to enhance storytelling all contribute to the overall impact of the film. Ultimately, while the format may be condensed, the principles of good filmmaking remain, guiding students on their creative journey.
A major advantage is that with this type of project, students create content that is easily shareable on their existing social media platforms.
Talk about built-in marketing! You can provide them with some hashtags and/or have them tag your program's social media accounts when they post, driving new consumers to your content and program information.
Consider offering prizes for "fan favorites" based on engagement. Calculate the ratio of likes to views, multiply by 100 for a percentage, and use this metric to determine winners.
So, how could you roll this out? I suggest maybe theming the competition around a holiday. For example, maybe have your students create a 60-second horror film in October. In mid-January, start having your students work on a rom-com for Valentine’s Day. Or, in November, have them do a short film around the idea of gratitude. There are so many options here. Have fun with it.
You might be new to the world of vertical content. If you are, here is a link to one of our articles and videos on how to change your sequence settings in Premiere Pro.
Since this project is a required school assignment, I've decided to forgo traditional prizes. Instead, all participating students will have the opportunity to showcase their work and receive feedback from their peers. I think that the experience itself is invaluable, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing their films on the big screen is reward enough.
In conclusion, the 60-Second Vertical Short Film Festival is an exciting opportunity for our high school video and film students to unleash their creativity and showcase their talents. With minimal technical requirements, flexible themes, and opportunities for audience engagement, this project is designed to inspire and empower our young filmmakers. So, lights, camera, action – let the creativity flow!
Meet the Author, Josh Dempsey
Josh Dempsey is a video and film teacher at Marietta High School in Marietta, Georgia. With nearly 20 years of experience in the classroom, Josh is just as excited as his students to keep learning about the power and possibilities of this visual medium. He invites you to follow his students and their work online by following them on social media @bdn_marietta.
Josh loves traveling with his wife, Megan, and their two kids, and more pets than should be allowed. If you want to follow their adventure and get some tips and tricks for RV travel and epic road trips, check them out on Instagram at @eastrollswest .
Adam, your resident IB film teacher, wants to help your students walk the talk. How understanding the Big 4 (mise-en-scene, editing, cinematography, and sound design) can transform student analysis and filmmaking.