Lesson 1: Before watching RUNT
Task 1: From Page to Screen
Before watching the film RUNT, take a look at both the book cover and the film poster. In small groups, discuss the following questions to help you think about the story and how it’s presented in different ways:
- How would you describe the mood shown on the book cover and the film poster? Do they give off different feelings? How do you think these moods might affect the audience and what techniques might have been used to create them?
- The book cover has the tagline "You don’t have to carry the weight of the world in your toolbelt," while the film poster says, "Every underdog has its day." What do you think these phrases mean, and how might they make the audience feel?
- When stories are turned into films, they often change in some ways. What do you think will be the biggest differences between Runt the novel and RUNT the film? Why do you think that?
Once you have had time to discuss, share your thoughts with the class and listen to what others have to say. There might be different ideas, and it’s a great opportunity to see how others think.
Task 2: Film Trailer
The RUNT trailer reveals more information than the film poster but still leaves audiences guessing about the story.
Watch the RUNT film trailer below.
After watching the trailer, use the ‘I See, I Think, I Wonder’ activity to help you analyse the trailer. Draw a table on the board with three columns ‘See’, ‘Think’ and ‘Wonder’ or project the below table onto the board.
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See: Look closely at the trailer and describe what you notice.
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Think: Think about what you saw. What do you think it means or what is happening? |
Wonder: Ask yourself questions about what you saw and thought. What are you curious about? |
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Everyone should get three sticky notes - one for each column.
First, think about the trailer and write down something interesting you observed on your sticky note for the ‘See’ column. Once you’ve written it, stick it in the ‘See’ column. If you see other sticky notes with the same or similar responses group them near each other.
Next, move on to the ‘Think’ column and write down what you think about the observations. Do the same by grouping similar responses. Finally, in the ‘Wonder’ column, write any questions you have after watching the trailer.
Once this activity is complete, hold a class discussion to share and talk about everyone’s responses. Be sure to take a photo of the board so you can revisit it after watching the film.