MediaArtTutorials
Desktop Cinema / SMS Storytelling - Session 1
Groups of 2–3 students
Objective
Students will bring their desktop cinema narrative to life by recording, assembling, editing, and post-producing their planned 1-minute digital story.
“Desktop cinema” refers to narratives that are exclusively visualized through screens, emulating the experience of watching a film or documentary on a desktop or mobile device—where digital interactions and messaging serve as the primary medium for storytelling.
Materials Required
- Personal devices (laptops, tablets, or smartphones for editing)
- Gathered or created media assets (images, sounds, GIFs, screenshots, etc.)
- Clipchamp (Video editing software — access with McMaster email)
- Headphones (for reviewing audio elements)
- Desktop Cinema / SMS Storytelling Self Assessment Form
Activities
Complete the following in order. Ask your professor or TA for help as needed.
[15 minutes] Quick Review
- Open and review your Project Planning Document and Storyboard
- Confirm all needed materials (images, GIFs, sounds) are ready
- Make last-minute adjustments to the storyboard if needed
📋 Check-in: The professor will verify that your group has brought the required multimedia materials.
This check-in counts toward your project grade.
[45 minutes] Production and Assembly
- Begin assembling your video using Clipchamp
- Log in with your McMaster email credentials
Assembly Guidelines:
- Simulate digital interactions (SMS, email, social media) using screenshots, screen recordings, or mockups
- Arrange your sequence based on your storyboard
- Add images, GIFs, sounds, or video clips to enhance storytelling
- Maintain consistent pacing — final video length should be around 1 minute
Tutorials:
[30 minutes] Post-Production
- Refine visual transitions for smooth flow between messages or screens
- Balance audio levels (if using sound or background effects)
- Review your narrative for clarity, pacing, and emotional impact
- Export your final video as an MP4 file
📄 Filename: Video-Group-#.mp4
📝 Group Self-Assessment
- Complete the Desktop Cinema / SMS Storytelling Self Assessment Form thoughtfully.
- Reflect on your collaboration and creative decisions
- 📄 Filename:
SelfAssessment-Group-#.pdf
📤 Final Group Submission
| Type | File Name | Who Submits |
|---|---|---|
| Updated Planning Doc | Planning-Group-#.pdf |
One per group |
| Group Video | Video-Group-#.mp4 |
One per group |
| Self-Eval | SelfAssessment-Group#.pdf |
One per group |
⚠️ Follow the submission protocols carefully. Incorrect submissions may result in lost points.