We
are convinced that films constitute one of the most modern and
scientific means of influencing the mass. Therefore a government
must not neglect them' Josef Goebbels
For this activity you will
be divided into groups of 4-5. Your task will design a Nazi
propaganda film that Josef Goebbels (Minister for Popular
Enlightenment and Propaganda) would be prepared to approve and
finance. Your (anachronistic) medium is a website and digital video.
All completed work will be linked to this website. Additional
resources: further reading, links etc.
For 2006 your complete website should include the following:
Title, synopsis and
ideological purpose. Click here for
example of the synopsis for HJQ.
For one scene from the
movie you must have the screenplay and storyboard and this scene
must be digitally filmed. Go to the filmeducation.org website
for help on the storyboard
(pdf) and screenplay
(pdf). Screenplay booklet also contains advice for synopsis
writing. See Hannah's
(2003) storyboard for this scene
or Helena's (2003)
for this scene.
In addition you will
have character
outlines, advertising posters, still photos and music. Not all the above need be produced in
a digital format but all must be recorded as such. For advice on
marketing your film, again see the filmeducation.org
website on trailers+
The trailer. This should
try to encompass as much of the above as possible.
Step 1 - Group planning session.
Download film
planning sheet. Brainstorm ideas for the synopsis and ideological purpose of the
film. Allocation of areas of responsibility: director/editor,
actors, screenwriters, artists, cameraman/photographer, music etc.
View the famous Nazi film, Hitlerjunger
Quex. What sort of films did Goebbels
like? video
Step 2 - Individual assignments
(posters, storyboard etc.) under the direction of film producer.
Homework activity.
Step 3 - Film shoot in school
(some lesson time available but cameras also available for booking
break/lunchtime or after school). All props and costumes the
responsibility of the production teams.
Step 4 - Digital video editing
with voice-over and music if appropriate. Compression of video for
web-streaming.
Step 5 - Final website design and
placement on school server and YouTube
General resources: further reading, links
etc. and back to Term 3 activity: 'How did
the Nazis use culture and the mass media to control the people?'