The challenge requirements
To complete this challenge, you must create a movie that meets the following criteria:
- Length: 3 minutes or less
- Genre: Western
- Character Name: Snakebite Nelson
- Conflict: A feud between two cowboys or outlaws
- Prop: A teddy bear
What is a western?
The western genre of film is one of the oldest genres and is usually centered around cowboys in the wild west. Westerns often portray the difficulty of the homesteading lifestyle during the old west, and can include tragic elements.
Cowboy characters are similar to Japanese samurai warriors or knights of King Arthur in the sense that they are often cast as heroes who defend the helpless. There is usually a villain who poses a threat to innocent people, a plot that involves the defense of the innocent or a hunt to catch the villain, and noble cowboys who offer protection or seek revenge. A cowboy can sometimes be an antihero. An antihero is a character who has some of the same qualities as the villain, but also possesses a conscience that forces him to become involved on the side of good instead of evil.
Cowboy characters are similar to Japanese samurai warriors or knights of King Arthur in the sense that they are often cast as heroes who defend the helpless. There is usually a villain who poses a threat to innocent people, a plot that involves the defense of the innocent or a hunt to catch the villain, and noble cowboys who offer protection or seek revenge. A cowboy can sometimes be an antihero. An antihero is a character who has some of the same qualities as the villain, but also possesses a conscience that forces him to become involved on the side of good instead of evil.
Tips and tricks for filming
- Obviously, you won't have any horses for your actors to ride. Invent a good reason for this and work it into your script.
- No weapons (even fake ones) can be brought to school. However, you are free to make props out of cardboard in class. Schedule a time to come in and work in the classroom, or get inventive.
- It is essential that your film is shot without revealing that it is taking place at school. Get inventive, seek out nature backgrounds wherever possible, and/or utilize a green screen.