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Freestyle Academy of Communication Arts & Technology

1299 Bryant Ave, Mt. View, CA 94040 T 650-940-4650 x5090
2 Required Classes: English and Digital Media 3rd/Elective Class:  + Animation or Design or Film

Projects

Freestyle projects challenge students to explore personally relevant, real world topics and issues. With the help of teachers and industry partners, they develop multimedia presentations and share their work online and in community exhibitions. Through these channels, students demonstrate their understanding of content as well as their proficiency in academic, technical, and 21st Century Skills.

Over the course of each school year, students strengthen the necessary communication and critical thinking skills they need in college while learning how to express their ideas in exciting and original ways. Over the course of their Freestyle careers, they have various opportunities to build portfolio-level work that sets them apart from conventional applicants and makes them unique in the eyes of admissions officers, employers, and/or clients. Examples of this work include (but are not limited to) the following:

Here are more details about all of our Junior Projects 1 - 4 and Senior Projects 5 - 8

Junior Projects

Class

Conceptual
1st Quarter

Visual Narrative
2nd Quarter

Documentary
3rd Quarter

Explorations
4th Quarter

English
(1st required class)

Poetry

Short Story + Presentation

Magazine Article or Book

Lyrical Essay and Presentation

Digital Media
(2nd required class)

Photography, Premiere Pro, Photoshop

HTML, CSS, Pro Tools, Audition, SFXs

Illustrator, InDesign

After Effects, MIDI Music Composition

Design
(3rd elective class)

Photography, Conceptual, Photoshop

Illustrated Creatures & Portrait Photography

Documentary Book

Explore a Topic of Your Choice

Animation
(3rd elective class)

Phenakistoscope Wheels, FlipBooks, Zoetrope Animations, Stop Motion Animations

Lip Syncing, Puppet Character Bios, Poses, Walk Cycles, and Mood Scenes

Animated Documentary

Explore a Topic of Your Choice

Film
(3rd elective class)

Experimental Film

Storyboards,
Narrative Short Film

Documentary Film

Explore a Topic of Your Choice

Senior Projects

Class

Reflections
1st Quarter

Narrative Perspectives
2nd Quarter

Various, Zenith, Showcase & Exhibition
3rd & 4th Quarter

English
(1st required class)

Personal Essay

World Building

World Building, Humor

Senior Showcase

Digital Media
(2nd required class)

Mandalas with Illustrator, After Effects, Photoshop Painting

HTML/CSS/JavaScript, More After Effects, Photoshop Compositing

Multi-layered art with Illustrator, After Effects 3D

Personal Stationery
Senior Portfolio & Showcase

Design
(3rd elective class)

PSAs

Movie Posters/Book Jackets,
Product Logo and Triptych

Zenith and Showcase in Design

Animation
(3rd elective class)

3D Animation Overview, 3D Environment modeling and texturing, Digital Sculpting, 3D Character Design

3D Animation: Keyframe Animation and Motion Capture, Action-Reaction Scene

Zenith and Showcase in Animation

Film
(3rd elective class)

Video Essay

Narrative 2 Film

Narrative 2 Film, Zenith and Showcase in Film

Junior Project 1: Conceptual
"How can I use unconventional forms to express myself?"

Art by Courtney Coffman - Class of '13

 

Project Map

For the Conceptual Project, Juniors develop their abstract thinking and communication skills to answer the question,

"How can I use unconventional forms to express myself?"

This project emphasizes creative risk-taking through poetry, music, art, animations, experimental film and web production, challenging students to express their opinions through a distinct personal aesthetic. Students begin developing their technical communication skills by learning a variety of modern professional equipment and applications such as DSLR cameras, Digital Audio Workstations (DAW), Wacom Cintiqs, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Animate, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Audition, Avid Pro Tools, WordPress websites, and Google Apps.

Red by John Logan

In English, you will learn multiple approaches to writing poetry through unconventional prompts, individual and group exercises, and revision workshops. Throughout this process you will also develop a command of poetic terminology by using it appropriately in spoken and written analyses of assigned poems, and by applying literary techniques to poetry of your own creation. A fundamental challenge of this project will be experimenting with different ways of representing an assigned concept or inventing an original concept through figurative thinking. You will read a variety of poems and the play Red (John Logan).

Using the thought process of a poet, you will:

  • Experiment with a series of written and visual responses exploring a concept, with the intention of discovering the freshest and most original ways to express it in written and spoken poetry, sound, and visual art (such as photography, film, and animation).
  • Produce a Photo Haiku and a Free Verse Poem (including an “Intention Statement” explaining in the language of the medium how your stylistic choices work to convey your intended purpose).

What's new? Everything!

 

Poem Examples - 2020 Haikus, 2020 Free Verse, 2019 Haikus, 2019 Free Verse, 2018 Haikus, 2017 Free Verse, 2017 Animated Poems, 2017 Photo Haikus, 2016, 2016 Photo Haikus, 2015 Photo Haikus, 2014 Photo Haikus, 2013 Photo Haikus

In Digital Media, you will begin your journey of becoming a Digital Artist using various 21st Century modern tools and skills to convey your messages and ideas to the world. You will begin to learn about the various digital platforms and formats that are best for your messages and ideas. In English, you learn what to say and learn what is meaningful and relevant. In Digital Media, you learn how to express your messages and ideas in various digital formats to reach a wider audience and provide them with varying experiences. In Digital Media, you will:

  • Learn computer basics as related to Freestyle
    • Computer login and configuration
    • Bookmarking particular useful website
    • Creating Screenshots
    • Accessing files on our EVO NAS
    • Submitting assignments electronically
    • Home access to files
  • Produce a short Haiku video with animated text, voiceover, and imported music with Premiere Pro
  • Creative photography using your DSLR camera in manual mode
    • Using aperture settings effectively
    • Using shutter speeds settings effectively
  • Learn digital photography editing techniques with Photoshop
  • Produce a WordPress Website with content from English, Digital Media, and your production class: Animation/Design/Film that includes hero banner images, navigation menus formatting text, embedding media such as images, videos, audio, posts vs pages, photo blog
  • Edit and enhance presentation video and audio with Premiere Pro and Audition

What's new? Everything!



Examples -
Conceptual Photo Haikus: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015

Website examples - 2015-2023, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009

In Animation, you will begin your Animation journey with initial intensive learning of Animation principles, the Elements of Art/Principles of Design applied to shot composition and background design.

Students will:

  • Learn Animation Principles
  • Use of DragonFrame
  • Draw Phenakistoscopes, Zoetropes, Loops and GIFs
  • Produce a Flipbook
  • Create hand drawn animation and pipelines
  • Apply direct techniques animation
  • Practice life drawing anatomy, lines of action and gesture poses
  • Use perspective, chiaroscuro and notan in drawing
  • Produce short 2D animations

What's new? Everything!

Examples -
Zoetrope Animations: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

Phenakistoscope Wheels: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

FlipBook Animations: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

Stop Motion Animations: 2022 Paper, 2022 Objects, 2021, 2020, 2019 2017 Exquisite Corpse Animation, 2017 Animated Poems

In Design, you will learn Design Foundations using Fine Art, Photography, and Digital Media. Using Photoshop and Photography, you will:

  • Create a photo narrative based on two themes selected in English
  • Learn to use a DSLR camera and different lenses to conceptually convey your topic
  • Learn Photoshop to digitally edit your photo
  • Learn simple basics of print setup
  • Learn how to mount and cut your artwork
  • Learn to write artist statements for your work

What's new? Everything! Photoshop, DSLR cameras, Cintiqs, mounting/cutting artwork, how to write an artist statement


Examples -
2020 Conceptual Photography, 2020 Macro Photography, 2019 Conceptual Photography, 2019 Name Photography, 2019 Elements of Arts, 2018 Conceptual Photography, 2018 Macro Photography, 2017 Conceptual Photography, 2017 Transport Project, 2016 Conceptual Photography, 2015 Conceptual Photography, 2014 Conceptual Photography, 2013

 

In Film, you will learn various approaches to filmmaking. Developing a theme through interesting juxtapositions of image, sound effects, text, voice over and music, this project challenges students to explore their personal vision while avoiding conventional, narrative devices. You will ultimately:

  • Produce a 2-3 minute Experimental Film

What's new? Everything!




Examples -
2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010

Experimental Art

When all of the above is completed, the general public will be invited to attend an Open-House in mid-February and a Final Exhibition of your project work at the Computer History Museum in mid-May.


21st Century Skills addressed:

  • Visual Literacy
  • Technological Literacy
  • Creativity
  • Self Direction
  • High Productivity
  • Teaming and Collaboration
  • Social and Civic Responsibility
  • Risk Taking

Art by Isabel Martynenko - Class of '17


Junior Project 2: Visual Narrative
How well can you
visually tell a structured story?

Click for
Project Map

The Visual Narrative Project asks Juniors,

How well can you visually tell a structured story?"

Beginning with an exploration of prose fiction and the graphic novel, students practice communicating character and story arc through descriptive storytelling, narrative digital art, storyboards, films, and animations. Students deepen their technical communication skills by learning a variety of modern professional equipment and applications such as Wacom Digital Drawing Pads, lighting equipment, downshooters, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Animate, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Avid Pro Tools, Propellerhead Reason, HTML/CSS, DragonFrame, and Google Apps.

 

For Oct - January at Freestyle, Juniors will:

In English, you will learn essential fiction writing techniques, with an emphasis on what carries a narrative visually and when and why a writer should “show, not tell.” The poetic thinking of the previous project will continue to serve as a tool for developing description, imagery, and figurative meaning. You will find inspiration and space to experiment with character and scene, plot structure, dialogue, point of view, and subtext through unconventional writing prompts and collaborative activities like “the writer’s room,” table reading, and revision workshop. You will read a variety of short stories.

Using the thought process of a storyteller, you will:

  • Experiment with both individual and collaborative brainstorming, planning, drafting, and revision techniques in order to invent intriguing content, strengthen characterization, narrative arc, style, and voice, and develop an awareness of your own best practices as a story writer.
  • Produce a short story or short play and an “Intention Statement” explaining in the language of the medium how your narrative and stylistic choices work to convey the intended purpose/meaning of your story.

1984

1984 Today
In English, you will learn how narrative and the manipulation of language function in political contexts. Whereas the fundamentals of poetry and storytelling were the focus of the two previous units, this unit pushes you to think about how communication and art relate to your own social and civic responsibility (one of the eight 21st Century Skills Freestyle emphasizes) and how you can make your projects purposeful in this way.

You will read the novel 1984 (George Orwell) as well as various essays and current news articles.

Using 1984 and opposing viewpoints on an “Orwellian” or authoritarian topic, you will:

  • Create a concise presentation outline and practice effective delivery (steady pacing, regular eye contact, clear voice, confident body language, and a command of relevant media aides).
  • Produce a presentation which asserts your argument in a current debate about an “Orwellian” or authoritarian topic, using 1984, current news articles, your own narrative revision process, and effective visual/sound media as support.

What's new? Learn how to write a story economically in a limited amount of space, to rely on imagery and action to tell a story, to use description to show rather than tell, to develop character and draw plot from character conflict to create a compelling yet believable narrative arc.


Examples -

2022 Short Stories, 2020 Short Stories,2021 Short Stories, 2020 Short Stories, 2019 Short Stories, 2018 Short Stories, , 2016 Short Stories

In Digital Media, you will explore and expand your technical skills to include:

  • Graphic Designing with Illustrator and vector graphics (vs raster graphics)
  • Produce customized graphics for
    • Presentations
    • Website
    • Song Art
  • Assemble a Mashup of Music using Audition
  • Producing your own Parody Song where you'll write your own lyrics to a song, record your own original lyrics, and blend your new lyrics with the original song in Audition
  • Learn how to record and mix music with MIDI instruments and audio plugins.
  • Produce an Experimental Music piece.
  • Analyze the importance of music, audio, and SFXs in any media production to convey emotion rather than moving the story forward
  • Spotting SFXs into your Flash Fiction Story Audio recording to evoke a more emotional response to your Flash Fiction Story
  • Implementing HTML and CSS to your Narrative Project Media on your WordPress Website for customized formatting various web elements
  • Produce a die cutting and/or laser engraving/cutting project with an Illustrator design
    • Examples: Moroccan candle shades, 3D ring art, geometrical 3D string light cover
  • Explore more Photogaphy concepts by adding to your Photo log

What's new? You will learn techniques in using Pro Tools for composing musical themes and SFXs for a story, Illustrator techniques for Graphic Design, and HTML/CSS coding for formatting web elements.

 

Website archives from previous years

Parody archives from previous years

Experimental Music archives from previous years

Flash Fiction Stories: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2016

2010 - 2016 Animation archives when our Animation class did not yet exist - 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010

In Animation, students will work in pairs to produce a short narrative animation. All students will pitch a story idea with no dialogue and each pair/group will vote on the final story. Tasks will be divided and each student in the pair/group is responsible for a specific fraction of the pipeline with individual schedules.

Student will

  • Learn to use Adobe Animate and Photoshop timeline pipelines including digital puppets with the bone tool
  • Learn about set design by effectively using Key, Color, and Contrast for lighting and mood
  • Practice walk cycles
  • Fabricate a custom puppet for stop motion animation
  • Apply concept design and scriptwriting brainstorm sessions to your own narrative story
  • Learn all the preproduction and pitching stages.

What's new? You will develop a character's personality through character design and performance on a walking cycle. You will develop your narrative through storyboarding and animatics for effective production development. You will learn additional principles of animation. And you will use professional animating and editing software.

 

Examples -
2021 Character Bios, 2021 Puppet Poses, 2021 Lip Sync Animations, 2021 Animated Walk Cycles, 2021 Animated Mood Scenes, 2021 Animations, 2020 Character Bios, 2020 Mood Scenes and Walk Cycles, 2020 Animations, 2019 Animations, 2019 Character Bios, 2019 Mood Scenes, 2018 Animations, 2018 Characters, 2018 Mood Scenes,

2010 - 2017 Animation archives when our Animation class did not yet exist - 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010

In Design, you will learn

  • Learn Adobe Illustrator to create a digital illustration based on your flash fiction story from English
  • One-point and two-point linear perspective drawing both by hand and digitally
  • Character creation and development based on a fantasy creature compilation
  • Design a location for your character
  • Design clothing and costumes which best reflect your character’s storyline
  • Create different poses and perspective angles of your character
  • Understand how lighting affects objects
  • Color theory and use of color schemes
  • Understand the purpose of and create Mood Boards
  • Elements of Art and Principles of Design
  • Use iPad Pros

What's new?  Illustrator, iPad Pros, Linear Perspective, Color Theory, Lighting, Elements of Art and Principles of Design, Fonts

 

Examples -
2020 Creatures, 2019 Creatures, 2018 Creatures, 2017 Comics, 2016 Comics, 2015 Illustrations, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010

 

Starting in 2013-2014, we modified this unit. Here are links to project art produced in the previous version of this particular unit.

(No longer part of this unit)
Character Portraits - 2015, 2014
Photonarrative Archives - 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010

In Film, you will:

  • Learn visual story telling without dialogue
  • Learn more film editing techniques through Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Produce a 4-6 minute Narrative Video based on English Project work

What's new? You will learn production techniques for effective narrative point of view and continuity. You will study how film directors manipulate the passage of time. You will learn how to create an effective pitch and treatment. You will develop your narrative through storyboarding and directing strategies for effective production. And you will use professional editing software to establish continuity.

 

Examples - 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007

Persepolis

When all of the above is completed, the general public will be invited to attend an Open-House in mid-February and a Final Exhibition of your project work at the Computer History Museum in mid-May.


21st Century Skills addressed:

  • Visual Literacy
  • Technological Literacy
  • Creativity
  • Self Direction
  • High Productivity
  • Teaming and Collaboration
  • Social and Civic Responsibility
  • Risk Taking

Profile

Junior Project 3: Documentary
"How do you creatively and truthfully portray a significant person, group, place, idea, or issue in the community?"

Click for
Project Map

For the Documentary Project, Juniors develop their documentary and communication skills to answer the question,

"How do you creatively and truthfully portray a significant person, group, place, idea, or issue in the community?"

For the Junior Documentary Project, students will portray an intriguing person, group, place, idea, or issue, gathering primary and secondary research sources to develop a distinct perspective about their subject’s significance in the community and/or world. Students will produce documentary magazine articles or books, animationed documentaries, documentary films, documentary websites, and photogalleries. This unit emphasizes narrative-style journalism.

 

Project 3: Documentary Magazine Article or Book Text
In English, you will learn how the writing and research processes function as the cornerstones of effective documentary media. During this unit, you will hone your expository essay skills, prepare for and conduct personal interviews, and write ethical documentary journalism which balances exposition, narrative, and research. Using poetic techniques and a creative nonfiction approach, your writing will entertain as well as inform your audience. Required reading includes Freakonomics (Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner) and various pieces of profile journalism, expository essays, and creative nonfiction. You will also use They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, 3rd. Ed. as a handbook for using effective rhetorical thinking in your essay-based writing.

Using the techniques of documentary journalism, you will:

  • Write a research paper which examines your subject in the context of a current conversation or debate.
  • Create effective interview questions based on research and observations of your subject, and integrate primary and secondary research into a documentary magazine or book structure.
  • Produce polished, publication-caliber copy for an online or printed documentary magazine article or book. MLA-style citation is required.

What's new?

  • You will learn to synthesize narrative and research material, to conduct successful interviews, to improve your research skills, and to analyze documentary media.
  • Organization of primary and secondary research within a conventional documentary structure (profile structure or multiple-chapter research paper structure)
  • Finding/using visual metaphors to express writer’s angle on documentary subject.
  • Study ethics in the context of journalism, documentary filmmaking, and creative nonfiction writing.


Previous Documentary Publications - Magazine Articles and Books

In Digital Media, you will use Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Reason, Pro Tools, HTML5/CSS3 to produce:

  • One Page Flyer
  • TriFold Brochure
  • Magazine Article
  • Documentary Commercial created in After Effects - rubric
  • Website specifications and rubric

What's new? You learn about about print production with InDesign together with Photoshop and Illustrator to produce various kinds of paper publications.

 

Website & Commercial examples

 

Examples of previous units with different conceptual and technical emphasis - 2011, 2010, 2009

In Animation, using Premiere Pro, Dragonframe or Animate , you will:

  • Learn more advanced After Effects.
  • Create a collective lip sync exercise using a song.
  • Produce a 2 minute individual Animated Documentary video.

What's new? You will look at the ways animation is used in animated documentaries. What and how is the animation representing, and why is animation used instead of conventional alternatives. To a degree where the animation must be integrated to the extent that the meaning of the film would become incoherent were it to somehow be removed. You will use any 2 animated techniques previously learned and mix them with life footage interview using After Effects.

 

Examples - 2018, 2017

In Design, you will use Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to:

  • Learn InDesign (and use Photoshop and Illustrator) to produce a hardbound book
  • Use speeds lights and reflected light in your photography
  • C.R.A.P. and design layout
  • Create an effective and moving photographic portrait of your documentary subject
  • Analyze the difference between action shots vs staged poses
  • Photoshop/Illustrator: more advanced editing techniques

What's new? InDesign, C.R.A.P., Portrait Photography and Speedlights, Color Schemes, and Font Pairing.

Book Examples - 2019, 2018, 2017,2016,2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007


Magazine Article Examples - 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014,2013, 2012


Examples of previous units with different conceptual and technical emphasis - 2015, 2014, 2013 2011, 2010, 2009

In Film, you will use Premiere Pro, Canon T6i, and the Tascam DR-05 recorder to:

What's new? You will learn more advanced tools to create cinematic, sophisticated shots.  You will learn how to develop your subject's story, using narrative structure within the context of a broader social or political issue. When appropriate, you will use Adobe After Effects for visual interest.

 

Examples - 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014A, 2014B, 2013A, 2013B, 2012A, 2012B, 2011A, 2011B, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007

 

Examples of previous units with different conceptual and technical emphasis - 2011, 2010, 2009

Profile Photo

When all of the above is completed, the general public will be invited to attend an Open-House in mid-February and a Final Exhibition of your project work at the Computer History Museum in mid-May.


21st Century Skills addressed:

  • Visual Literacy
  • Technological Literacy
  • Creativity
  • Self Direction
  • High Productivity
  • Teaming and Collaboration
  • Social and Civic Responsibility
  • Risk Taking

We asked students
"In what ways did you value this project?"
and here are some responses

  • Gave me the chance to get to know someone I respected a lot deeper.
  • The profile project really helped me get out of my comfort zones in multiple ways. I wasn't very comfortable doing the interviews at first but I realized this was a challenge I needed to overcome and once I did, it made the entire process easier. It also taught me how to tie all my pieces together in a cohesive yet representative manner. And I'm not a very comfortable public speaker so this helped me again break out of my shell a little.
  • I really valued the profile project because we got to use skills obtained from the documentary project last year and further improve them. I loved designing our magazine articles because even though we designed our books last year, which is somewhat similar, we were able to use what we learned to make these articles better than our books.
  • I thought it was a great experience that helps students grow because of the insane amount of work and planning.
  • I valued the project in its challenge to my abilities as an artist, photographer, and film maker. It forced me out of my comfort zone and into new scenarios. It also allowed me to gather a lot of experience as a film maker and photographer.
  • I learned many more photoshop techniques in Design class, and was able to work with jQuery more extensively than when working on the PLP. I also thought it was a great way to feature our community members.
  • Really helped me work with my classmates. I became a lot closer with all the film students through this project.
  • I found it very interesting. I learned a lot about the person I profiled on a deeper level. I found it entertaining and informative.
  • It was definitely the hardest/most intensive project I did at Freestyle, and it was in the thick of a very stressful time, so it made me work really hard, which I am proud of. It also gave me a new appreciation for what I have and the hard work of my father.
  • I learned much more about my subject and learned some time management
  • I learned a great deal about pursuing people, presenting information, time management, and the various applications we use. I want to especially highlight the pursuing people part, I became a better journalist through this experience.
  • I valued being able to learn more about my godfather.
  • Got closer to my father
  • I was able to learn and be inspired by an interesting figure.
  • l got to know a member of the community who i really value and admire. I also LOVED creating the magazine--that was my favorite part.
  • I thought it was a very valuable experience because I grew a lot as a writer, a designer and a programmer. I also learned how to budget my time, and coordinate my schedule with another person's schedule.
  • I valued in bettering my interviewee skills and developing another friendship with someone. I really pushed myself to progress with this project in my writing, website, and in design with the photos and designs.
  • I learned to grow by interviewing people I had never met before, which was really cool.
  • I think I really enjoyed the experiences the profile projects gave me. I was able to meet someone very important to his sport (Dan Green and powerlifting) and it gave me insight on how top level athletes behave. Overall it was a really cool and also surreal experience to be able to schedule interviews and work like a professional around someone who I thought I was never going to meet, and never would have thought I would have interviewed him.
  • I loved how I was able to document a person that I was interested in. It allowed me to produce something that I had the passion for. Designing a magazine layout has also helped me become a better designer. I had to use more design elements and actually learn what a magazine lay out looks like. For English I really enjoyed how we had to use a metaphor to help structure the essay.
  • I learned a lot about my friend's step dad, things that I hadn't known before, which shocked me in good ways.
  • First of all, this project made it possible for me to brag to all the non-Freestyle students that just when they are starting their senior projects, I'm wrapping mine up. I'm also really happy that I learned to write a journalist piece like our article and feel that this extended and more specific film really expanded my documentary production skills. I'm also grateful that I was able to meet Wilma because she turned out to be a very interesting and inspiring character.
  • I valued the help i got from the teachers, and the things i learned about big productions
  • It was a growth opportunity, we started extra early.
  • It was cool interviewing people.
  • I believe it was a good project to help develop the skills I would need later on in a professional environment.
  • This project allowed me to find an interesting topic that is relevant in society and to myself. I was able to step outside my comfort zone and build a strong relationship with my profile star. I was able to grow as a web and graphic designer and become more comfortable and efficient in meeting deadlines. I also was more comfortable interviewing my profile start with the recording equipment and asking personal questions.
  • Well I felt that the profile documentary I was making was really a nice showcase contribution to my subject, who I am personally close to.
  • The connections I shared with my profile person. How I connected with my classmates to do things better. Even though it was a one man project but it sure was not one mans work. By asking your classmate questions sure makes your own project better.
  • I valued the fact that I was able to grow closer with my family during the interview process.
  • I valued this project in that I learned a lot about someone I wouldn't have found out. Also, my outlook on life has change in such a positive way from my subject!
  • I valued that I was able to spend time with my star interviewee and really get to know them
  • I valued this profile project greatly because I knew that at the end of the project I wanted to show her what I've done not just because she is my teacher/Star, but just to show her the progress I myself have made, since she always asks. It was the first time I ever had to do so much on one particular person so that also made me more concerned on doing good. However I think I should have valued my English essay more, because when I edited it at the end, I realized it was too late to get the better grade.
  • I was able to start with a clear idea of what I was going to do because it was one person I was going to profile.
  • I valued the experience of interacting with my profile and understanding their lives. The magazine creation has taught me a dozen of new skills. My website making ability has also expanded.
  • I think it was a very good exercise in public speaking and learning to engage an audience and sell something you may not be 100% invested in.
  • I valued the opportunity for learning from this project. It's unique, engaging, and worth our time.
  • It was nice to talk to people I hadn't seen in a while.
  • It really brought our skills and education on what we have learned in one presentation and it's nice to see that we've come a long way.
  • It really made me appreciate what people do give to you. And to really just 100% make sure you're on the same page as someone but at the same time, make sure that they're comfortable. It taught me a lot more than I expected.
  • I really loved being able to choose the person we profiled because it let us work on a project we were interested in.
  • I valued that my skills in Final Cut Pro and in filming improved. I think that will help me for the next unit greatly.
  • I valued the profile project because it taught me that being creative is really important and in most cases leads to success. This is something that was taught to me by my profile person Chris Trapani.
  • I valued the time and preperation we received.
  • I valued the ability to show someone who needs to be heard to the world.



Junior Project 4: Explorations
"How can you find, explore, and/or expand your passion?"

For the Explorations Project, all Junior Freestyle students will explore his/her own passion and improve upon a particular skill set that addresses 21st Century Skills. Ultimately, each student will share his/her exploration with classmates as their Semester 2 Final. Students will have production time in all classes to complete this project.

Details:

  • All productions must ultimately become digital so that we can have a digital archive of your work to share with the world on our website.
  • Topics are self-chosen but must address one of our 21st Century Skills - see below.
  • Topics are self-chosen but must be related to your Elective class (Animation / Design / Film) and approved by your Elective class teacher. Elective class time will be solely dedicated for working on your Explorations Project - here are the details.
  • In English, you will learn to write a lyrical essay by synthesizing poetry, narrative, and research.
  • In Digital Media, you will produce Experimental Music and producing your Explorations Website.

    Experimental Music Archives from 2008

    Archives Websites from 2022 | 2021 |2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016

    Archives infographics from 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016

  • During Semester 2 Finals, we will all share and celebrate your newly learned skill and learn more about you and your passion(s). Each student will, at the very least, share his/her infographic and final production(s) to an audience of teachers and classmates. All students will create a presentation to use for the celebration and to also document the Explorations Project.

Archived celebration presentations/media from

 

 

In English, you will gather research data for an infographic relating to your project focus, use a portion of your class time in May to work independently on your Explorations project, and prepare a formal presentation of your learning. Using a professional audience-appropriate format, organizational scheme, and style, you will:

  • Create a concise presentation outline and practice effective delivery (steady pacing, regular eye contact, clear voice, confident body language, and a command of relevant media aides).

In Animation / Design / Film, you will use class time to research and produce your Explorations Project and your Explorations Presentation - here are the details.


When all of the above is completed, the general public will be invited to attend an Open-House in mid-February and a Final Exhibition of your project work at the Computer History Museum in mid-May.


21st Century Skills addressed:

  • Visual Literacy
  • Technological Literacy
  • Creativity
  • Self Direction
  • High Productivity
  • Teaming and Collaboration
  • Social and Civic Responsibility
  • Risk Taking

Senior Project 5: Reflections
"Who am I?"

Self-Portrait
Reflections Diptych by Rachel Michaels - Class of 2015

 

Click for
Project Map

The Reflections Project challenges Seniors to explore a question that is at once simple and deeply complex:

"Who am I?"

Experimenting with personal as well as lyrical essay forms, students develop insights about their experiences and identities before translating those ideas visually in an HDR photography diptychs, video essays, websites, and short animations. Students deepen their technical communication skills by learning a variety of modern professional equipment and applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere Pro, Avid Pro Tools, Autodesk Maya, Propellerhead Reason, HTML/CSS/jQuery, and Google Apps.

For the first few months at Freestyle, Seniors will:

 


College Essay Essentials

The outcomes of this unit are two authentic pieces of personal writing: a “This I Believe” essay and a college personal statement. By reading, listening to, analyzing, and evaluating selected texts, students will learn to think critically about content and craft while considering the purpose and audience for each essay. Through unique brainstorming and collaborative exercises, students will develop insights into their experiences, beliefs, and values and use the writing process to develop rich material for online publication and potential use in their college applications.

What’s new?

  • Learn what makes personal writing lively and authentic rather than cliche and dull.
  • As a bonus for those of you applying to college: Gain insight into your audience(s) of college admissions readers and learn how to appeal to them!

 

 

In Digital Media (for Digital Media students only), you will
  • Learn to use JavaScript to make websites more functional and dynamic as you revise or create your new Project Listing Page
  • Learn and implement techniques to produce responsive websites that adapt to the viewers device
  • Create a short video animation in Premiere Pro using English "Things I've Learned So Far" writing
  • Create a Perspective Video in After Effects on any topic of your choice
  • Details and Rubrics

What's new? You will learn to implement javascript/jQuery to for more dynamic functionality in your websites. In addition, you will start to learn After Effects to produce animation with motion graphics, audio, photographs, kinetic typography, 3D space and a variety of effects.

 

These particular projects were introduced in 2016.

Things I've Learned So Far Video Examples - 2016

Perspective Video Examples - 2016

Website Examples - 2016

In Animation, students will

  • Review animation principles and apply them to motion graphics gifs.
  • Create 1 animated Google doodle or Freestyle Doodle using Adobe Animate or Photoshop
  • Produce a gif with their name, representing who they are using DragonFrame pixilation or claymation
  • Learn 3D geometry, modeling, and texturing Using Maya.
  • Model and texture an object that represents them using Maya with 2 versions of the object. One version that represents their digital persona, a model to be used with augmented reality using ZapWorks. And another version that represents their physical self to be 3d printed.

What's new? 3D Modeling, Texturing, Augmented Reality, and 3D Printing

 

Examples - Under construction ...

In Design, you will

  • Create a black and white photo/text diptych
  • Expand and learn advanced Photoshop techniques
  • Learn HDR photography
  • Learn telephoto street photography
  • How to manipulate text in Photoshop
  • Use your listener lyric writing in English as a source of inspiration

 

What it is

What's new? Black and white photography, telephoto lenses, HDR photography, diptychs, text manipulation, and art history exploration.

In Film (for Film students only), you will use Premiere Pro, Canon T6i, and the Tascam DR-05 recorder to

  • Produce a 2-3 minute Video Essay based on English writing
  • What it is
    Rubric

 

What's new? You will use a DSLR camera and learn more advanced tools to create cinematic, sophisticated shots. When appropriate, you will use Adobe After Effects for visual interest.

 

Examples - 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011

Self-Portrait Photo

When all of the above is completed, the general public will be invited to attend an Open-House in mid-February and a Final Exhibition of your project work at the Computer History Museum in mid-May.


21st Century Skills addressed:

  • Visual Literacy
  • Technological Literacy
  • Creativity
  • Self Direction
  • High Productivity
  • Teaming and Collaboration
  • Social and Civic Responsibility
  • Risk Taking
Surreal Art by Sophie Ho
Art by Sophie Ho - Class of '12



Senior Project 6: Narrative Perspectives
"How well can you apply advanced narrative techniques
to build a compelling story?"

Click for
Project Map

The Narrative Perspectives Project asks Seniors,

"How well can you apply advanced narrative techniques to build a compelling story?"

By exploring various narrative points of view and experimenting with dialogue in their story writing, students develop more advanced storytelling techniques and ideas they apply in the creation of book jacket designs, screenplays, films, animations, trailers, and websites. During this project, Seniors also experiment using photography to explore dreamlike narratives in a unit on Surrealism. Students deepen their technical communication skills by learning a variety of modern professional equipment and applications such as studio strobe photography, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Avid Pro Tools, Propellerhead Reason, Dragonframe, Autodesk Maya, HTML/CSS/jQuery, and Google Apps.

 

Taking inspiration from our studies of Butler’s Parable of the Sower, you will research a social, cultural, political, economic, technological, or environmental issue that will influence your story’s main character, world, and central conflict. This real-world context will help you develop a more focused and persuasive story for your desired audience. Your authority as a storyteller will also come from additional research informing the kind of world your characters inhabit. Ultimately, you will communicate your vision to your creative peers in a pitch presentation with an opportunity for collaborative feedback.

In Digital Media, you will use Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Pro Tools to produce website that

  • Surreal Composition
  • Multilayered 3D Art
  • 3D Digital Video of your Multilayered 3D Art
  • Time lapse build video of your Multilayered 3D Art

What's new? You will learn more advanced techniques in using HTML, CSS, jQuery/Javascript, Photoshop compositing and painting, Illustrated 2D art in layers to create faux 3D art, and special effects in 3D space for video production.


Website Examples - 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008


Book Trailer Examples - 2017, 2016


Animation (only 2010 - 2015) Examples - 2015, 2014, 2013


In Animation, you will:

  • Learn to use video reference and acting techniques to animate their characters
  • They will learn how to model, texture, light and render 3D sets
  • Animate 3D characters using keyframes and the motion capture rigs
  • Animate a providec 3D character interacting with a geometric shape, focusing on animation principles, emotions, and weight
  • Write a narrative dialogue script for animation
  • Produce 1 scene from their script focusing on one 3D pipeline skill - animating, or modeling, texturing and lighting

What's new? Motion capture rigs, 3D Animation, Story writing

 

Examples - Under Construction

 

In Design, you will use Photoshop and Illustrator to

  • Learn typography and create your own font
  • Create a movie poster and ticket package based on a fictional self-developed story
  • Create a marketing/branding package
  • Learn macro photography
  • Create a handmade book

What's new? Typography, minimalism and lo-fi design, package design, macro lenses, branding, interviewing a client, and design thinking.

 

Examples - 2018, 2018, 2017, 2017
Surrealism Examples - 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010

In Film (for Film students only), you will use advanced pre-production, production, and post-production techniques to

What's new? You will learn advanced cinematography and lighting techniques, learn how to make films look more cinematic, learn moving camera techniques, study film theory, and when appropriate, use Adobe After Effects for visual interest.

 

Examples - 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010

Comic Strip

When all of the above is completed, the general public will be invited to attend an Open-House in mid-February and a Final Exhibition of your project work at the Computer History Museum in mid-May.


21st Century Skills addressed:

  • Visual Literacy
  • Technological Literacy
  • Creativity
  • Self Direction
  • High Productivity
  • Teaming and Collaboration
  • Social and Civic Responsibility
  • Risk Taking

Senior Project 7: Zenith
"How do you ignite your passion
and elevate your skills and experiences
to create your ultimate and most successful Freestyle project?"

The purpose of the Senior Zenith Project is to ignite your passion and elevate your skills and experiences to create your ultimate and most successful Freestyle project in your Elective Class only.

You will complete the following between early March and the beginning of May:

  • Choose your own project topic and form based on your passion, skills, and experiences.
  • Here are a few documents to help you organize your project.
  • Write a proposal for approval by your Production Teacher, including:
    • Your own timeline of achievement goals (including scheduling and incremental deadlines)
    • How you will use at least all eight Freestyle 21st Century Skills to develop your project
    • A plan for assessment
  • Follow your timeline and produce the media for your project in Animation, Design and Film class. You will still attend English and Digital Media classes as usual.
  • Celebratea and share your Zenith Project informally (ungraded) to your similar Production Classmates including Juniors in early May. So all Film students will watch Film Zenith Presentations. All Animation students will watch Animation Zenith Presentations. All Design students will watch Design Zenith Presentations. Everyone in each Production Class will vote on the top three presentations. Then on the last day of presentations, the top 9 presentations will be repeated FOR ALL STUDENTS.

Archives:

 

Animation

During Animation/Design/Film class time, you will work to produce your Zenith Project media that you have planned.

Design

During Animation/Design/Film class time, you will work to produce your Zenith Project media that you have planned.

Film

During Animation/Design/Film class time, you will work to produce your Zenith Project media that you have planned.


Note: Seniors develop and work on their Zenith Project in their Production Class while they worked on different projects during their English and Digital Media class.

English: Project 7 - Humor

The Zenith Project is an Elective Class project. At the same relative time in English, you will learn how verbal, written, and visual comedic techniques work to entertain, to sell products, and to deliver a critical point about a topical issue. You will study humor across multiple mediums, including literary classics, sketch comedy, standup, print advertisements, television commercials, political cartoons, speeches, and songs. Through collaborative comedic processes such as improv and the writer’s room, you will develop ideas for your own humor project. The core reading selections for this unit include Slaughterhouse-Five (Kurt Vonnegut) and at least one of the following plays: The Importance of Being Earnest (Oscar Wilde), Rhinoceros (Eugene Ionesco).

Using comedic and persuasive techniques, you will:

  • Create an original product concept, define/invent and research the problems/needs of your target consumer group, and write an effective print advertisement or TV commercial using comedic techniques to engage (create empathy with) your audience of potential buyers.
  • Produce an original comedic work of your choice and deliver it to the class via recorded or live performance.
  • Honors students: You will write an essay in response to one of our core literary works, incorporating critical viewpoints into your discussion of its enduring value as a work of satire and placing it in dialogue with current society/politics.

Digital Media: Project 7 - After Effects

The Zenith Project is an Elective Class project. At the same relative time in Digital Media, you will learn more advanced techniques in After Effects including concepts and techniques of your own choosing


When all of the above is completed, the general public will be invited to attend an Open-House in mid-February and a Final Exhibition of your project work at the Computer History Museum in mid-May.


21st Century Skills addressed:

  • Visual Literacy
  • Technological Literacy
  • Creativity
  • Self Direction
  • High Productivity
  • Teaming and Collaboration
  • Social and Civic Responsibility
  • Risk Taking



Senior Project 8: Showcase
"What have you accomplished?
How have you grown?
How did you grow into the
digital artist you are today?"

 

The purpose of this final Showcase Project is for Senior students to celebrate and demonstrate their growth at Freestyle by presenting information, findings, and supporting evidence to convey a clear and distinct perspective as a digital artist

Using the professional vocabulary of the mediums, students will communicate a line of reasoning by creating a Showcase Website

  • Strategic use of digital media - two Freestyle works (optional 1 non-Freestyle work) to feature the development of the artistic process from conception to completion
  • Justify effective choices for meaning or style or design
  • Demonstrate growth/discovery/development of passion, skills, talent, potential

 

In English, you will:

  • Compose and record (audio only) a reflection of your Zenith project in the context of a larger reflection about your overall growth and best work throughout your Freestyle career.

In Digital Media, you will:

  • Create a Showcase Website - details here.
  • Design your own Personal Stationery - Business Cards, Letterhead, and Resumé similar to these. Why? So that you can present yourself professionally to the world. Before you leave Freestyle, you should have these items ready to go to present yourself professionally out there in the real world. Here are the details.

Animation

You will produce an Animation Reel featuring the best of your work during your time at Freestyle.

Design

Seniors will create a 3-4 minute slide show of their best three projects. Two of them must be from Freestyle, and the third can be created outside of school.

Film

You will participate in a closing project called "Shooting Scenes".


When all of the above is completed, the general public will be invited to attend an Open-House in mid-February and a Final Exhibition of your project work at the Computer History Museum in mid-May.


21st Century Skills addressed:

  • Visual Literacy
  • Technological Literacy
  • Creativity
  • Self Direction
  • High Productivity
  • Teaming and Collaboration
  • Social and Civic Responsibility
  • Risk Taking