Directing the Hero Within – DVD RESOURCE

Directing the Hero Within is a step-by-step guide to digital video production for young people and their supporters.

WINNER: Best Educational Resource, ATOM Australian Teachers of Media Award 2006

FINALIST: Best Learning, Australian Interactive Media Association Awards 2007

The unique peer-educational and cross-curriculum approach makes this guide an engaging resource for primary and secondary students in Media, Art, English, Drama and IT Studies. The teacher’s manual contains lessons plans, script examples, storyboards and assessment rubrics.

It is also ideal for youth empowerment training, community groups, personal use and tertiary education.

The DVD and manual offer tips and tricks to create short films with your class, youth group or by yourself. It covers hands-on digital video training; from first idea to realization: explaining in easily communicable terms, camera and sound work, storytelling and film analysis, story-boarding, screen language and digital editing wizardry.

DTHW Manual excerpt (288kb)   DTHW Info Kit (1.24Mb)  DTHW Order Form (107kb)

1. Behind the sce­nes

This module shows you how to make a film with a young team. It showcases a variety of documentaries and films by young people followed by a special ‘making-of’ each film to introduce all aspects of video production. This peer education format provides positive role models and is ideal for an introductory 1-hour discussion that covers the basics of most aspects of film-making.

2. What’s your story?

Click on the link to watch - Whats Your Story?.

If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.

This module show­s you how to develop your ideas and translate them into exciting films. How do filmmakers make their message interesting without compromising its integrity? It covers brainstorming, storytelling structures, storyboarding using cartoon techniques and how to prepare interesting interviews including several perspectives. We share lots of ideas to create a ‘funky’ story, including event coverage, satire and dramatic re-enactments.

Click on the link to watch - Convert Your Story To Film..

If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.

Tip: When you do an interview, ask your subject to sum up in the end. This way you often get the most concise and vibrant statements.

Click on the link to watch - Screen Language Basics.
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.

Click on the link to watch - Screen Language Exercise – Edit-in-camera.
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.

3. Using the camera
Click on the link to watch - Camera Basics..
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.

This module shows you how to become friends with your digital video camera. It covers basic camera work and compares different handling techniques, including hand-held and tripod, teaching your team techniques and practices that promote steadier, more interesting filming. Young people explore the reality of ‘just catching the moment as it happens’, setting up shots and things to look out for on location.
Click on the link to watch - Camera Handling..
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.

Tip: Use an L-shaped handle to hold your camera stable when shooting hand-held. This is a cheap and easy way to improve your shooting technique.

Click on the link to watch - Cool Camera Moves.
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.

4. The importance of sound
Click on the link to watch - Sound Basics.
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.

If you can’t hear anything, your film becomes flat…This module delves into the often overlooked world of sound recording and shows what microphones to use in different situations.

Click on the link to watch - Microphone Basics.
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.

Tip: If you don’t have an external microphone, make sure to record your interview close to your subject – and always wear headphones to monitor your sound!

5. Putting it all together­
Click on the link to watch - Editing Basics.
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.

This module introduces the basics of non-linear video editing. How to get your footage onto the computer, organize your files and start building your film. We share tips + tricks for adding sound effects, music, titles and how to pace your film to make it an exciting ride.

Click on the link to watch - Editing Basics – Effects.
If your device can’t play the clip, click here to watch it on Vimeo.

Tip: Now you will appreciate the effort you put into your storyboards and the fun begins because you can cut it up and re-arrange it!