NAME: Chan Cunningham
Spring 2020
Final Exam
How is a documentary different than a newscast?
A documentary is different from a newscast as a documentary focuses on the human
aspect of a topic/subject where as a newscast focuses on the straight facts of a
situation.
Describe the difference between a documentary, content marketing, and
infotainment (3 points)
Whereas infotainment is generally seen as fluff and isn’t taken seriously and content
marketing focuses on promoting brands and products, a documentary focuses on
showing the truth. Documentaries share reality with the viewers.
Communication is important when working with actors. Describe something
you would want to communicate to an actor as a director.
As a director, I would tell them things like when we’re filming and what direction I
want them to take their character. I’ll maybe provide them some subtext so they can
craft the, properly.
When casting an actor, what is one thing to consider whether they are the
right actor to fill that role?
One thing to consider when casting is the caliber of the role. You need to be positive
that the actor can perform at the level the role requires. If it’s a lead role, make sure
they have good leadership qualities and can be a leader on set.
What is a callback?
A callback is basically a second audition. It’s a chance for the director and the casting
director to get a better look at the actors’ capabilities as well as learn more about
their availability and commitments.
What happens at a rehearsal?
Basically, the director is going to go through the blocking of the scene(s) with the
actors so that way they can learn it before shooting day. This allows for shooting to
run smoothly. The actors can also read the script together and get a feel for their
characters.
Why are call sheets important for actors?
Call sheets are important for actors because they tell them what’s going on that day.
This makes it easier on the actor because then they can prepare for whats going on
that day.
What does a producer NOT do?
a. Select the script
b. Hire the director
c. Raise the funds for the film
d. Manages the crew on set
e. Sell the film
D – manages the crew on set
True or False: The Associate Producer usually raises the funds for the film
False
Which position is primarily responsible for checking in and monitoring the
other departments to make sure they meet all their deadlines?
a. Executive Producer
b. Supervising Producer
c. Production Coordinator
d. Associate Producer
e. Segment Producer
f. Field Producer
C – Production Coordinator
As described in the video, what does a line producer do?
A line producer essentially makes sure that the production stays within budget. They
supervise the day to day planning of the production.
If you could be any type of Producer, what would it be and why?
I’d be the producer. The executive producer has to deal with money and I don’t think
I’d enjoy that too much haha. Plus I’d get to pick scripts and director's and that sounds
like fun.
This leadership style is common in the film industry and can lead to burnout
a. Visionary
b. Coaching
c. Affiliative
d. Democratic
e. Pacesetting
E - Pacesetting
Please identify and describe one of any of the six emotional leadership styles.
The democratic leadership style is very collaboration-centric. Those utilizing it tend to
be good listeners and they crave input and feedback from others. Those with this style
of leadership will try to make everyone feel included. They can be great in the writing
room.
Which of the following websites is the preferred way to submit to a film
festival?
a. Amazon
b. Withoutabox
c. Film Freeway
d. IMDB
e. None of the Above (send through email)
C – Film Freeway
Explain why you should enter your film into a film festival?
There are many reasons to do so. But, submitting to a festival will instantly make you
more credible as a filmmaker. You'll get to meet other talented filmmakers and most
importantly, it could lead to job opportunities or your film could end up getting picked
up.
Create a pretend film that you produced, identify a distribution method you
want to pursue and why.
I would definitely distribute via streaming. I mean, in today’s day and age, that’s the
smart thing to do. So many people would rather watch a film from home than go to a
theater. Obviously I’d want to attempt to release it to theaters and streaming, kind of
like The Irishman, but if I had to stick with one I’d stick with streaming. At least for my
first film. There’s more outreach.
Pick any film festival in the world and explain why specifically you would want
to get a film into that festival. (prestige, market for distribution, networking,
etc.)
Ideally, the Cannes Film Festival. I’ve wanted to go there for years and to have one of
my films there would be spectacular. Also, the networking capabilities there are
astounding. One of the most prestigious festivals out there, having my film there I thin
k would provide me the most opportunities. Also that festival has the most clout out of
all of them.
Which of the following is NOT apart of a genre?
a. Character
b. Story (Action)
c. Setting
d. Mise-en-Scene
e. Plot
D – Mise-en-scene
Genres have existing conventions and expectations that are further
exemplified in lighting, production design, and sound. Please provide an
example from a film or series of how the lighting, production design, or sound
exemplifies the genre in that film or series.
Star Wars is an example of a Western. Most Westerns generally set in the West, large
areas of nothingness and stretches of land. Tatooine is straight up a desert of
nothingness, and space is called space for a reason. Westerns have the hero (Luke), a
noble steed (The Falcon), sometimes there’s war (The Galactic Civil War), there is
usually a lady (Leia). And of course, there is Han Solo. A space cowboy. The sound
design also calls back to Westerns, especially the blaster sound.
Please name a type of metaphor AND provide an example of how it is used in a
film or series (2 points)
A lighting metaphor is used great in a scene from the film Super Dark Times.
At the end of the film, the antagonist, who was once good, is sitting in the back of a cop
car, his face half lit with his head against the window. It’s raining also. Sheltered from
the rain (baptism; change), he moves away from the window, disappearing into the
darkness. This represents him no longer being able to be good and him completely
consumed by darkness.
It’s a great movie by the way, it’s on Netflix.
Which of the following are key lessons to take away from this class?
a. All stories have a beginning, middle, and end
b. Show don’t tell
c. Communication is key to working with cast and crew
d. Spend a lot of time planning and creating adequate pre-production materials
e. All of the above
E – All of the above
