English 9HP

I introduced the much-anticipated Romeo and Juliet movie concept project (see below). We discussed one student example and you selected groups for the project. After exchanging contact information, you decided on a movie concept.

Romeo & Juliet: A New Movie Version

Your assignment is to think of a new way of presenting Romeo & Juliet to a movie audience. This new interpretation is your group’s “concept.” The concept could involve anything from changing the setting to rewriting the dialogue in current slang. Use your imagination! Prepare a proposal describing your concept. Include the following:

• Concept
Explain the uniqueness of the production. What makes it different from any other production of the play? In what ways is it similar to the play? Your concept should follow the intention of the original story (the characters, tragedy, fate, the light motif, irony, etc.). Tell how you will interpret / adapt each major scene (the opening scene, the party, the balcony scene, the marriage, the fight scene, Romeo’s banishment, the arranged marriage to Paris, the potion plan and its subsequent failure, the suicides, and the families’ reconciliation). Think about how the Baz Luhrmann version interprets each major scene and maintains the integrity of Shakespeare’s work.

• Script for Key Scene
Rewrite a key scene in Romeo & Juliet to fit your concept. Use a standard script format and don’t forget to include the stage direction.

• Casting
Cast all the major parts in the play with actors you know from stage, television, and movies. Give good reasons for each of your choices. Explain how your choices fit the concept, Shakespeare’s characterization of the major players, and the meaning of each character’s name.

• Scenery
Think about how you want the finished scenery or the production to look. Prepare a detailed description and a drawing, painting, diagram, or three-dimensional model of your key scene.

• Costume
Given your concept, show how each major character will be dressed. Draw sketches, make paper dolls, or use some other creative means.

• Soundtrack
Choose music for your movie. Make a list of the pieces and songs and write a brief description. Explain how each song “fits” each particular scene and your overall concept.

• Publicity
Design a movie poster and “logo” for your new movie which speaks to the concept in a nonverbal / symbolic way. Write a brief description of how you will advertise your movie in the media. If you like, you may create a trailer and / or other promotional items (buttons, CDs, etc.). Just be sure to prepare enough for each producer and me.


You will “sell” your concept to a panel of movie producers (i.e., people with money). This panel will be made up of teachers, advisors, and administrators. They will be looking for the uniqueness of your concept, the overall quality of your proposal, and the overall quality of your presentation. Each presentation will be no longer than 15 minutes, so preparation and practice are important.

Presentation Days: March 12 and 13