December 16, 2008

MEDIA LITERACY: MUST-READ--THE WHOLE "SCREENS ISSUE" OF THE NEW YORK TIMES MAG


THE LASTEST ON THE NEW MEDIA


3 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:43 AM

    With your background in film, I am curious which books about film you woudd recommend for K-12 students?

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  2. Hi Frank,

    First of all, I'm so grateful for your listserv and very worried about who will take it over at your demise.

    Wow--I actually don't know of any books on film specifically for K-12. Isn't that pathetic?

    As you probably know, UCLA (where I went) is one of the few film schools that isolates screenwriting, so that's what I studied (not production/direction, etc.). I have a workshop for teens on screenwriting (basically getting them to understand dramatic writing, how to tell a good story, etc.), and I am a big believer in Robert McKee's "Story." I think Syd Field is a bit dated. We had to read the classic Lagos Egri's "Art of Dramatic Writing," even tho' this is intended for the theater. Laurie Hutzler (UCLA) has a great character / genre breakdown at www.emotionaltoolbox.com She also has some very helpful books on character / genre.

    As you know, ever since Star Wars (and Lukas employing Joseph Campbell), Hollywood movies are pretty obsessed with embedding archetypes and myths into movies. We had the Hero's Journey drilled into us ("Writer's Journey," Christopher Vogel--the "how to book" AND "Myth and the Movies," Stuart Voytilla--the "let's examine the structure book").

    I'm a big believer in the Sequence Method also--"Screenwriting--the Sequence Approach." "Groundhog Day" used this method.

    I think maybe for teens, some of those 100 Essential Films, The Top 10 Films of All Times, might be a good place to start (and they can make their own lists and argue about if they agree that these are "important films.")

    Paul Jarzembowski, young adult ministry director the diocese of Joliet, IL, has a great blog that tends to deal with the more youth-oriented films (horror, action, rom-com, fantasy, superhero, etc.). www.spiritualpopcorn.blogspot.com.

    Attached to my next email is my "intro to screenwriting" for teens powerpoint--that can just run on its own without comment, with "Pick Up the Pieces" accompanying.

    I hope this is all mildly helpful and not fathoms off topic.

    Blessed Holidays.

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  3. Congratulations on being named #2 of the 10 Most Fascinating Catholics of 2008! http://www.faithandfamilylive.com/blog/lisa_hendeys_10_most_fascinating_catholics_of_2008

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