Out of the Box
Inspired by the environment, let your creativity run wild!
2021 Out of the Box Winner
2021 Winner: “The Climate of the People"
A film by Caleb Bhechsonggram. This film won for its creative visuals that delivered an important message in a very unique way.
Ideas to Jumpstart Your Thinking
Your imagination can inspire others. Avant-garde, music videos, horror films, and more are welcomed. Flex your creativity and share your environmental film!
Film Genre Examples
- Comedy
- Horror, Thriller, Suspense
- Drama
- Romance
- Music Video
Cinematography and Framing
- How you fill the frame is one of the most critical camera techniques. You want to set/move your camera in a way that tells your story best and is visually engaging.
- The between the camera and the subject your filming can make your audience feel intimate with or distant from what’s in the frame. Dramatic facial reactions? Then keep the camera closer to your subject. Want to make something feel difficult to attain or get to? Keep the camera farther away from your subject.
Lighting
- Lighting can help establish the mood of a scene.
- Dark and moody lighting heightens drama and intensity. Cool color temperatures (blue-ish) can signify sadness, fear, loss, dreariness, mystery.
- Light and warm lighting can make the audience feel happy and upbeat.
Musical Score
- The music you use can convey the tone of your scene. Upbeat music can make the audience feel the happiness of the scene. Dramatic music can intensify what your audience perceives.
Helpful Tip
Think about your favorite films and what makes them unique. What’s the tone like? How’s the dialogue? How does the camera move during shots? Do they use lighting to convey happiness or drama?
Out of the Box, Class of 2021
Out of the Box Winner: “The Climate of the People"
A film by Caleb Bhechsonggram. This film won for its creative visuals that delivered an important message in a very unique way.
Out of the Box Runner Up: "Hey Cow!"
A film by Cindy Nguyen and Naomi Tran. This music video moo-ves you to consider your meat consumption.🐄
Out of the Box Finalist: "Save or Die"
A film by Minsuh Kwak, Seunghyeok Yoo, Yewon Kim, and Youngmin Choi. This short thriller's characters have dire consequences for not saving water.
Out of the Box, Class of 2020
1st Place “The Walk”
A cinematic film of a woman walks through time towards a dark future. Each era she walks through features different polluters.
Film by Riley Swift (Claremont High School)
2nd Place "Climate Change"
In this horror movie trailer, climate change personified hunts a person that is trying to ignore the obvious signs of its presence.
Film by Toni Ensley (Environmental Charter High School)
3rd Place “Students Change Climate Change”
A hip-hop music video discusses climate change and student action.