Big Brother has come to Oakcrest...

Yes, you: members of the prestigious Film Institute. But the time has come to rise up and dare to portray the dystopian nightmare Oakcrest has become since the arrival of our great "protector," Big Brother.

Hopefully from reading 1984 and watching Metropolis, Blade Runner, The Matrix, V for Vendetta, and Children of Men, you  have arrived at the conclusion that artistic expression is the enemy of totalitarian regimes.

Alas, we will combat Big Brother through the means of cinematic expression, a truly collaborative form of art.

"Artists use lies to tell the truth."

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Both classes of the Film Institute will be expected to complete a 7-10 minute short film depicting the effects of Big Brother here at Oakcrest High School.

The following is a list of questions that the short films should explore:

• Define Big Brother: Who is (s)he? How did (s)he come to power? What does (s)he represent?
• Who are the enemies of this newly, Big-Brothered Oakcrest? Do the alliances shift? Explain.
• What are the hierarchical  classes at Oakcrest? Are there proles? Upper party members? Explain.
• How does Oakcrest control thought and expression?
• How have the arts been affected? Sports? Curriculum?
• What is the state of the Oakcrest media program? 
• Are students allowed to have interpersonal relationships?

The films must include/portray the following:

• A 20 or more page script 
• A completed storyboard depicting the shots to be used in the film
• A "2 Minute Hate"
• Narration: Due to the short running time, this is key.
• Words, phrases, and ideas from Newspeak (http://www.newspeakdictionary.com/ns-dict.html); the film must contain at least 5 specific uses of the language.
• Big Brother: flyers, posters, etc.
• A character must cross Big Brother and pay the price. The consequences and ensuing reprogramming must be depicted.
• Appropriate music (Radiohead encouraged. I'll lend you Hail to the Thief if you so desire!)

This project will consist of an on-going, collaborative effort. Each class must select members to fill the following roles:

• Director - The director is in "charge" of the film. (S)he supervises the story and oversees the production, making creative decisions that ultimately shape the final product.
• Production Designer - The production designer creates the "look" of the film. This job also includes wardrobe selection.
• Screenwriter - Although the plot and concept for the film will be collaboratively inspired, these students will be responsible for composing the 20 page script. Improvised dialogue is permitted, but the film must be scripted!
• Director of Photography - The DP is responsible for planning the shots used to compose the film. The DP must completed a detailed storyboard prior to filming.
• Cameramen - To portray a world in which residents are constantly observed, the films will be shot solely with iPhones. Sideways only; don't forget!
• Editor - The editor is responsible for compiling the footage into a smoothly transitioned film. This job also entails the task of creating credits.
• Actors - Each member of the group must appear in the film in some way or the other. Don't look directly at the camera. 

When is this due? I don't know. We will spend this week brainstorming: reading 1984, discussing the films we have watched, and working on concocting a plot.