Lights, Camera…Action
You’re the director! Now that we’ve spent some time analyzing and comparing the “To Be or Not to Be”
speech in several films, your task is to plan and film your own version of this scene or another preapproved choiced. You may work alone or in partners based on the scene that you choose, but each
member must have a substantial number of lines.
As you have observed, there are many decisions that go into filming. Consider the following:
Step 1: Pre-Production
What overall characterization of the characters/ scene are you trying to portray? In other words,
what are you trying to get across about the characters, their motivations, or the meaning of the
scene? Once you decide this, you should consider the following:
a. In what era will you set the story? You can choose any timeframe, past, present, or
future, but you must have a reason for doing so.
b. What scene will you create, including background, costumes, and props?
c. How will you present the lines? You have the lines, but how will you say them? What
intonation will you use? What words/phrases will you emphasize? Where will you get
louder/softer? What tone will you use? Bitter? Sad? Etc. Will this change?
d. What film choices will you make? Consider at least three areas from the “Film
Terminology” handout.
Step 2: Production
Now you’re ready for the production. Your task is to film your scene, being as true as possible
to your production choices above. Your film will be graded on its effectiveness in portraying
your characterization of the characters, utilizing the four elements above.
Grading Rubric
Characterization of Character(s): Write a paragraph explaining what about the character(s) and
the speech you are attempting to portray through this film. Be thorough and specific. (10
points.)
a. Era: Explain the era you have chosen and how that helps create your portrayal.
(5 points)
b. Scene: Explain the scene choices, including background, costume, and props, explaining
how they help create your portrayal. (5 points)
c. Presentation: Reproduce the monologue including stage directions for the actor.
Communicate every choice to the actor about how you’d like the monologue presented.
(5 points) Also include a paragraph explaining how each choice helps create your
portrayal. (5 points)
d. Film Choices: Use at least three filming strategies outline on the “Film Terminology”
handout. Explain the choices that you made and how those help create your portrayal.
(5 points)
Total: ______/35
Production: Student(s) created film that could be viewed on Monday, January 5th.
 The film was true to the pre-production planning and clearly portrayed the
characterization.
 Student(s) memorized monologue accurately and presented with energy and emotion
appropriate for characterization.
 Student(s) clearly put effort into production and filming of their scene.
Total: ______/15
Overall Score: ______/50
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