Optional project description

This project description may be useful to you as a self- or peer-evaluated exercise if you are interested in producing your own 360 film. This is only a project description and cannot be submitted for Udacity evaluation. Completion is optional.

Overview

The purpose of this project is to prepare you for your own 360 film shoot. Don't worry if you don't have access to a camera yet, it's not necessary to own one to complete this course!

There are three components to the project: writing the script, producing the storyboard, and then finally planning some of the logistics surrounding the shoot. It's important that you tackle each component separately, but also make sure that the three components work together to provide you with a solid action plan, that would enable you or someone else to shoot your 360 film.

The Script

For the script, think about your overall story - what story are you trying to tell in around 5 minutes of film? Think about the narrative arc - refer back to the lesson on the Hero's Journey and Freytag's Pyramid for ideas on how to handle this. Even a short film should have some kind of beginning, middle and end. The type of film you script is up to you - it could be documentary, non-fiction, or any kind of fiction, but it should be something that you theoretically could shoot - no special effects unless you're confident you could create them. It should also be something that works best in VR. If your film is something that could easily be shown in 2D, it's probably not compelling VR content unless you come up with a new way to tell the story.

Your script should have a main storyline, and at least one additional secondary story that happens at a different position in the screen, and also include background details. I've included a template spreadsheet in PDF and .xls format, but feel free to copy the layout in whatever publishing or spreadsheet software you choose. Submit the file in either PDF or .xls format.

The Storyboard

From your script, create a storyboard for the same 360 film shoot. Use either the cross template provided, or the circular projection we also discussed earlier in the course. Don't worry if your drawings aren't perfect, in some cases, stick figures and symbols can work better to communicate essential things like motion around the camera, or positions. The important thing is that your script and storyboard together create a clear picture of the vision in your mind. Remember to think about ways to direct your user's attention - use any of the techniques we discussed in Lesson 2 - light and dark, motion, areas of disinterest, social cues, clearly defined audio sources, or specific framing (think about the car in Pearl). Feel free to include text notes explaining action beneath each board, and remember that each board represents a different movement, moment, or shot. Number each page, and submit as .jpg or .png files

The Plan

The final component is to make a list of everything you could possibly need to create this shoot - from equipment and people, to props and locations. Research prices, or estimate if figures are not available. The purpose of this exercise is to evaluate how much even a short project could cost you to make, and to make sure that you understand all the components of a successful 360 film. This should also be a spreadsheet, showing item, description, and cost.

Standout Projects

If you want to go the extra mile, really think about the story you are telling. What story do you have to tell that can be told only by you? Why does VR make that story even more compelling? What really matters to you? Think about films, books, or other stories that you really love. What is it about that story that you love? Is it the setting? the plot? the characters? Is it a documentary about a fascinating subject that most people aren't even aware of? Writing a great story might seem like huge challenge, but take your time, brainstorm ideas. Answer the question "What matters to me?" and then tell a story about the answer. Good luck!

Rubric

You can build your project according to this rubric, but remember, this project description is an optional self- or peer-evaluated exercise only and cannot be submitted for Udacity evaluation.