Senior Project Proposal: Short Film Production and Composition

By
Samantha Lowe

Carson High School

AP Literature A3
Mr. Macy
November 23, 2014

Task Analysis
For my project, I will script, cast, film, compose, edit, and produce a short film (10-15
minutes long). Not only will I incorporate artistic and musical value into the project, but I will
learn and grow in the industry of producing and casting. I plan to accomplish a fully-completed
short film to present at the premiere showing, which will be held at Comma Coffee. My handson learning will include using a camera with technical proficiency, properly editing using Adobe
softwares, writing the outline and screenplay, casting the actors, and composing the music that
will be heard throughout it.

Timeline
Task
1) Outline

Hours Required
the Script

Completion Date

3 hours

12/20/14

2) Rough Draft of Screenplay

5 hours

12/31/14

3) Final Draft of Screenplay (Editing)

2 hours

1/5/14

4) Prop and Set Scouting (Budget Development /

Indiegogo fundraising)

12 hours

1/20/14

5) Casting (Cast list, auditions, script dispersal)

6 hours

2/1/14

6) Rehearsals (Acting and Blocking)

12 hours

2/10/14

7) Filming

30 hours

3/1/14

8) Composition and Production

8 hours

3/15/14

9) Vocal Dubbing

5 hours

3/18/14

10) Editing

20 hours

3/20/15

11) Overview and Finishing Touches

3-4 hours

3/30/14

Total Approximate Hours: 107 hours

Project Cost
Resource/Material

Cost

3 Main Actors, 5 Extras (Appearance/Reputation work)

Free

Makeup/Wigs

$120

Makeup Labor

Free

Clothing/Jewelry/Wearable Props

$200

Other Props

$140

Possible Renting of Film Space

$300

Snacks (Donations + Waters)

$100

Misc. Expenses (Gas, memory cards, etc.)

$140

Total Projected Cost for Project:

$400/700

I understand that Carson High School will not fund my senior project and that I
have freely chosen to undertake this project with its associated costs.
________See Signature Below_____________12/10/14___________
Signature
Date

Obstacles
Difficulties that I may encounter during the project are numerous. Here are the most
likely potential problems:
1) Running out of time--Movie producing takes a lot of time and passion. I have passion, but not
so much time. This must be done quickly and efficiently, while leaving some space to fix
amateur errors.
2) Unreliable cast-- Most of this movie will be my own doing. However, the cast is vital to the
success of the movie. If they do not show up to scheduled filming or behave appropriately during
the process, the movie could suffer.
3) Filming, then wanting to film again-- If I get to editing (which is by myself) and find out that
something that I filmed does not fit the way I originally imagined it, it will be difficult to refilm
right away. All filming must be done correctly the first time.
4) Fundraising-- Although I am fundraising using Indiegogo, that will take time and lots of support
to raise the $700 I projected to require to make this movie a reality.

Learning Stretch
In the past, I have not spent much time behind the camera. It is not an entirely new
experience to me, but I will need to get used to filming and working with cast members
simultaneously. I expect to gain skills in working with others, sharing passions with each other
while I simultaneously lead the undergoing event. Specifically, I will learn how to acquire angles
that I require. I will also gain the ability to ask actors for certain acting that I deem necessary.
Additionally, composing music for a potentially 15-minute movie is frightening. I will
most likely use one or two instrumentals from other bands (with written permission), but almost
all of the music will be recorded and produced in my home studio. This will be a learning stretch,
figuring what ambiance sounds fit the scene, and how to make them fit timing and dialogue
simultaneously. This will be a large step in my learning process, as every step in the process
overlaps with each other one.