ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES: From any course film so far, choose a film sequence of 1.

ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES:
From any course film so far, choose a film sequence of 1.5 to 3 minutes (90 to 180 seconds)
FILM: The Cabinet of Dr. Calgari 1920, directed by Robert Wiene, The blue angel (Die Blaue Engel) , La Habanera (1937) by Detlef Sierck, and The murderer among Us directed by Wolfgang Staudte, Toxi 1952, directed by Robert Stemmle, starring Elfie Fieger.
You may choose a film you already used for the Shot or Scene Annotations, as long as you pick a different scene
This time, your analysis will strongly consider some component of historical context (applicable film movements or periods, influential German historical events or figures, pertinent directorial information, relevant production information from the readings, etc.)
In addition, choose the TWO strongest aspects of film style (some specific aspect of mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, or sound) in your clip which somehow shed light on or are explained by the film’s historical context
Unlike the two Annotation assignments, which involved writing, this assignment will be carried out via your own voice/narration You will explain your chosen 1.5-3 minute sequence as if you were the director or a behind-the-scenes expert. Give information on historical background necessary to understand the sequence. Refer to at least two specific film techniques, telling why they were used and what they accomplish in terms of relaying history or context. If you need a model, think of the kind of information that is given in DVD commentary!
You are not required to speak non-stop for the entire sequence, but you should avoid unnecessary, lengthy pauses. Keep it as fluid and natural as possible! If you need to momentarily stop (“pause”) your Panopto video during your narration to focus the viewer’s attention on a particular still, that is permissible.
Submitting a script is not mandatory with this assignment, but you might considering writing yourself one, if you find this helpful in keeping you on track with your narration. This can prevent filler such as “umm…”.
So the final product will be a PowerPoint presentation with only one slide, where you have the embedded video clip and your audio narration.
The assignment will be graded with the following in mind: accuracy and relevance of historical context and film terminology, strength/validity of analysis, and compliance with instructions (correct number of aspects, obeying length guidelines, etc.)
TIP: Your Final Video Essay project will call for the analysis and comparison of two films from the course in a style somewhat related to this assignment (more details later). If you already have a film that you are likely to choose for the Final Video Essay, get some analytical practice in on a smaller scale now, with this Scene Narration assignment!
Rationale for using PowerPoint
Multi-modal: not only text (like a traditional written essay), but also image, video, and voice/sound, making the mode of analysis like the medium you are analyzing (film)
Allows for more focus on visual/aural aspects of filmTaps into your knowledge of media/technology
Potential for more creativity in analysis
Enables a more dynamic style of presentation not usually possible for online courses
Free: available from UIC if you don’t already have itUser-friendly: no special editing software needed
Able to use streamed video from Panopto for visual content: no need to have DVDs for the video content thanks to the ability to take screenshots, screen recording, etc.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE GOOGLE SLIDES: Google slides does not embed video and audio in the same way as Power Point does. If you use Google Slides and then export as a PowerPoint file, you will have problems with automatic playback and or synching issues with the video and narration.