The Story Beyond the Still - Video Story Starter

The Story Beyond The Still: The Cabbie from Vincent Laforet on Vimeo.

I came across this great concept this morning and just had to share it.

1. Take an ordinary still photo
2. Write a movie chapter by chapter based on the still image
3. Shoot the movie and watch the story unfold

I think this takes the 365/2010 photo idea to the next level.

This would be a terrific project for students from the junior division to high school. If you get a chance to watch the first chapter above, then you'll see what I mean. Yes, the videographer is a professional and the camera angles and lighting are superior, but what really makes it is what happens just before the end of the segment. I won't spoil it, but during the first few minutes of the chapter, I was wondering: now what can you do with a teddy bear. Then wham, just near the end of the chapter you are hit with the possibilities.

The challenge and fun of a project like this is that it is collaborative. Other film makers will write and shoot the next chapter. Sounds like fun.

So, here's my challenge. Find a classroom full of students and a willing teacher to take a project of this type on. What an adventure. Makes me miss being in the classroom because I'd like to try this project with my own class!

Anyone?