The Alter Ego Assignment

Thank you Nannette, Jamy and Chris for your time today in delving further into discovering your own creative self-identity. The goal is to get you to look deeper, to dig and really uncover what it is that interests you and how we as a group can effectively produce something meaningful.

Just to emphasize the homework that is due for tomorrow, I want to place it here for you to review if needed. Please post if you have any questions or thoughts on the subject. Okay???

YOUR ALTER EGO: THE DIRECTOR

1. List six to eight fictional characters from literature or film with which you have a personal liking to. (It becomes more interesting if you are interested in the darker sides). Rank the characters by their importance to you.

2. Do the same thing for any public figures important to you, such as actors, politicians, sport figures, etc.

3. Make a list of influential friends or family, people who have exerted a strong influence on you at some time. LEAVE OUT IMMEDIATE FAMILY.

4. Taking the top two or three in each list, write briefly about any dilemma or difficult situation they have in common.

5. Note what mythical or archetypal qualities you can see they represent.
From the above information and what you discover, DEVELOP AN IDEAL AUTHORIAL ROLE that you can describe to the class.

6. To direct is to play a role, always. Develop one from your own qualities, but make the role more defined, passionate, courageous. THE AIM IS TO BUILD A PROVOCATIVE/ACTIVE ROLE that you can uphold while you direct.

Second Assignment for Friday: THE PITCH

A pitch, or oral presentation, is common when you want to express your idea for a film project in order to raise funds or involve commissions.

- Prepare your ideas so that you can make a 4-minute pitch of a documentary idea to the class for Friday.

- Your words should be colorful and your enthusiasm should convey a clear, almost pictorial, sense of what the film will be like and why it should be made. Rehearse in front of a mirror!

- Your pitch should include:

1. An outline of the background of the topic, characters (and what makes them special), the problem(s) that put(s) them under pressure, and a general style of how you want it to be covered.

2. A Description of any changes or growth you expect during the filming.

3. A Statement of why it’s important to make this film and why you are motivated to make it.

A lot to do, I know. Get some rest. Work hard. It's all worth it! If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. That's what we're here for...