We are exploring some activities for using this film with children:

Lesson 1: Freeze Frame.

Lesson 2: Top and Tail

Lesson 3: Spot the Shots

Lesson 4: Character Wheel

study_guide by Producer

                                                                                             Screenplay

                                                                                             Santa Claus in Baghdad Study Guide

Pupils should learn that:

● Every element of a visual image can carry meaning.

● Visual images can be ‘read’ like other texts

● The position of elements within the image, the colours used, and the lighting, can all affect interpretation.

● Camera distance (eg close-up, long shot etc), camera angle and camera movement all affect meaning.

● The number and order of shots affect meaning.

● Title sequences identify the text and ‘sell’ it to audiences; they may be very explicit about the text’s genre, content, audience and purpose or they may disguise this to provoke curiosity.

● Many roles may contribute to the production of a moving image text and can affect its content, style and meaning.

The number, sequence and duration of shots in a moving image sequence all contribute to its meaning and are created in the editing process.

● Screen time and ‘story time’ are usually different: the editing process ‘manages’ the story time for us.

● Each new shot should provide new information or impressions: shot changes are not merely ‘to keep viewer interest’.

● The pace and rhythm of editing and the types of transition used also contribute to meaning.

● Sound transitions may not match shot transitions: in drama especially they may anticipate them and this can function to

maintain or develop moods such as suspense.

● Certain kinds of shot sequence are highly conventional eg shot/reverse shot in a conversation or interview; or a character

looking off-screen being followed by a shot of what they are looking at.