Filming+and+Video

Drama and Computer Design students learn about the concept of "Mockumentary" by watching clips from successful mockumentaries on YouTube and other media outlets. We also show them some age-appropriate clips from "The Office," which has really been the pop culture sensation that has brought mockumentary into the mainstream. We discuss the techniques used by actors such as Steve Carrell ("Michael Scott") and Rainn Wilson ("Dwight Schrute") as well as in some other clips we found.

The students then work in groups to create story boards and characters starting with an original comedic concept devised by the group. The kids come up with the four storyboards. For example, last year students filmed the following projects:

1. A 6-foot-tall football player and his diva coach set out to beat everyone in a beauty pageant competition.

2. A failing basketball team desperately tries to make it into the play-offs.

3. A group of video game addicts take gaming too seriously.

4. A member of the faculty (Coach Junsch) wants to become "swag" so he seeks consultation from the most swag-a-licious students at Poly.

The students then create over-exaggerated characters to tell these stories through a series of interviews and testimonials using the comedic techniques covered in class. They then work with the Computer Design students to make their stories come to life from concept to screen.