Rants

1. Rants Your Chance to Vent!

2. What is a Rant? A rant is a speech that does not present a calm argument Instead, it is usually an enthusiastic talk or lecture on a common and well known idea, person or situation Rants are almost always the speaker’s opinion about something that bothers them, but they also contain facts about the topic, and sometimes are presented in a funny or comedic way A good rant should also list a solution to the problem at the end A good rant should also be convincing. The listener should agree with the speaker’s opinion by the end. Therefore good rants should use persuasive language

3. Elements of Rants When writing a rant it’s important to remember a few key things: Tone – Depending on your topic and audience, rants usually have a sarcastic or angry tone (but don’t overdo it!) Structure – Think of your rant as a mini story, news report or essay. It must have a beginning (that tells the listener what the topic is), a middle (that tells the listener some information about the topic and your opinion of it), and an end (that tells the listener your solution to it)

4. Elements cont’d Message – Your rant should have a main POINT to it—something that bothers you and should be fixed about society (and then how to fix it). It should NOT simply be a chance to be funny or silly NOR should it be just a chance to “complain” without a point Production – Because you will be filming and editing your rant, you also have to think about things like camera shots and filming techniques that will help get your message across

5. Examples Watch the following rants and decide which are good rants and which are not so good and WHY Also, be prepared to make a list of some of the camera techniques that you liked or didn’t like and WHY

6. Review: Good / Bad Rants • So, as review GOOD rants: • Have a single point • Contain some facts • Can be funny but the comedy never “takes over” • Contain a solution to the problem by the end • Has good (upbeat) pacing • Contains actor and camera movement or set changes • Uses camera techniques to enhance the message and keep the viewer interested • A NOT SO GOOD rant: • Is just a series of jokes or silliness • Is nothing but complaining • Is all over the place and doesn’t follow a logical pattern or flow • Forgets to offer a solution at the end • Is only one static shot and isn’t very interesting to watch

7. The Assignment • You will be creating a rant based on a human rights violation that “irks” you • You will be working individually and will eventually submit: • A brainstorming chart (to be completed entirely in class) • A rough draft of a script (to be completed entirely in class) • A final draft of a script (typed and following proper format) • A deliverable (the rant itself-recorded video)

8. Steps • Decide which topic you would like to focus on for your rant • This should be a human rights violation. • Research some actual facts about your topic online • Use your notes and fill out the brainstorming chart • Write the rough draft of the script in class • Peer edit in class • Type up a final copy of your script • Record and edit the rant itself • Submit ALL work (including final script, rough draft, chart, reflection) DUE DATE: TBD

9. Script Requirements Must follow proper format Must contain a minimum of THREE persuasive language techniques Must list not only what is going to be SAID, but what camera shots or techniques will be used WHEN you say it Final product must be no shorter than 30 seconds and no longer than 2 minutes

10. In The End… The final products will be aired in front of the class You will be marked on your written work, your reflection AND your produced work

11. Keep in Mind • This is a summative assignment, meaning all written work must be done in class only. Use your time wisely! • Recording will be done in class but only AFTER you have completed your written work