Record and Playback

In the previous video you will have heard Into Film staff and Simon Pile from Anson Primary in Brent discussing the benefits of filmmaking in the curriculum.

For many teachers, the idea of using film, particularly without the assistance of a filmmaker, can seem a little daunting. However, in this step we’d like to introduce you to a technique called Record and Playback which is so simple it can be used by anyone, whether or not you have any previous practical experience. This technique harks back to the days of Lumière, and requires the set up of a single shot only, requiring no editing, only playback.

Record and Playback is a method of incorporating practical filmmaking into the curriculum in a very simple way. All you need is a recording device, for example a tablet, camera or phone, and an idea. Record and Playback is a way of capturing footage that can be used for curricular learning and consolidation, and the content can be created by you or by your students.

Record and Playback involves performing two very basic actions:

• Pressing record
• And playing back!

There are many uses for Record and Playback as it can provide opportunities for peer teaching, exploring texts in depth, problem solving and self-evaluation.

The above film details the ways of explaining Record and Playback to your class and how to screen the result.

In the next three steps you will see some Record and Playback exemplars – some created by teachers and some by students.