Lesson Plan
Pedagogical approach: experiencing and analysing multiple points of view

View episode 12 of Noah & Saskia. Have available episodes 1, 3 and 4 for research.

The series abounds with examples of characters’ differing points of view and varying interpretations on events, people and decisions. Seeing the world through different sets of eyes takes on quite a literal meaning as Saskia shows what it’s like to be inside Renee’s, her mother’s and Theresa’s heads.

Behind the scenes, producers, screenwriters, casting agents and actors all bring differing perspectives and motivations to the practical and creative decisions they make in the production of a series such as this.

Students explore different points of view – both in terms of the characters and the filmmakers – through a simulated research project, the findings of which will be presented to the class in the form of a role play.

Students form pairs for the project. They select a topic from Worksheet 7, Whose Point of View? and decide on which role each will play. Alternatively they can negotiate a similar task involving some aspect of the development or making of the series.

Once researched, students can share their ‘findings’ through a role played presentation. Students should be encouraged to find ways to make their presentations engaging and memorable: discuss costuming, hairstyle, personas, gestures, props, etc. These presentations can be filmed and form part of students’ digital portfolios. Parents or students from other classes could be encouraged to attend, if appropriate.

Resources for Research

The Media Kit
• The making of Noah and Saskia section on the ABC’s Noah & Saskia website.

• Live Action Kit

Noah & Saskia script to screen unit on the CD ROM

Topic: setting the program in the online environment
The producers wanted to set the action in chat rooms on the Internet, which along with mobile phones, instant messages, web cams, and MP3 are popular technology with the target audience of this series. They use these forms to socialise, download music and create their own animations, photo albums, movies and other stories in a range of forms.

Topic: alternating episodes
An exploration of why the filmmakers decided to alternate the episodes of the series between Australia and United Kingdom.

Topic: interrupting the narrative
A discussion of why the screenwriters decided to have Saskia interrupt the narrative to communicate directly with the audience. Possible intentions include: making the characters and story seem more real; enhancing audience identification with Saskia.
(see Noah & Saskia episode 1)

Topic: using SFX
An exploration of the SFX used by filmmakers and their reasons for doing so.

Topic: camera shots angles and movement
An exploration of the camera shots and angles used by cinematographers.

Topic: casting of Saskia and Indy
An exploration of why the casting agents might have selected Hannah Greenwood to play Saskia and Maria Papas to play Indy.

Topic: casting of Noah and Max
An exploration of why the casting agents might have selected Jack Blumenau to play Noah and Cameron Nugent to play Max.

Topic: playing the role of Max
A discussion of why Cameron Nugent might have decided to play the role of Max.

Topic: playing the role of Indy
A discussion of why Maria Papas might have decided to play the role of Indy.

Topic: techniques for getting a guy
An exploration of Renee’s techniques for getting guys.
(see episodes 1 and 3 of Noah & Saskia)

Topic: techniques for getting a girl
An exploration of Clive’s techniques for getting girls.
(see episode 4 of Noah & Saskia)