Practice English Listening B1 Exercises – Listening for parts of a movie

a casting director

Transcripts

Clara:   I see there’s another question. You, in the red shirt, please.

Jill:   Yes. I’m curious: Do you, as the director, get to choose the actors for the voices?

Clara:   I do. But for big-budget animated movies, I often get help from a casting director.

Jill:   Can I ask why that is?

Clara:   A casting director can help you get big names. And when popular stars are used, it can bring a wider audience to an animated film, which, of course, means more money can be made.

Jill:   Is it pretty hard to get movie stars? Wouldn’t they rather be working on live action movies?

Clara:   Actually, no! You’d be surprised. Some big names in Hollywood want to work on animated films because they want to do a movie their kids will love. And I love that!

Parts A and B:

4   A new plan is put into action.

     Luke planned to destroy the Death Star.

     The president sets a trap.

2   A problem is presented.

     Luke Skywalker has to save Princess Leia and fight Darth Vader.

     President has to fight enemy soldiers trying to take over the White House.

3   Something bad happens, and all hope is lost.

     Princess Leia’s planet was destroyed.

     The bad guys kidnap the president’s family.

1   The main character is introduced.

     Luke Skywalker

     The President of the United States

5   The bad guy is defeated.

     Darth Vader is spun off into space.

     The soldiers are sent to jail.

Transcripts

Grant:   So, what did you think of the movie?

Casey:   Well, the acting was good, but I thought it was too predictable.

Grant:   What do you mean, predictable?

Casey:   I could tell what was going to happen, even before it happened on screen! All of these action movies have the same basic story.

Grant:   I don’t think so! What about Star Wars? That movie is totally different from this one.

Casey:   Well, OK, this movie is set in Washington, D.C., not in space – but the basic formula is the same. First, the main character is introduced – the good guy.

Grant:   Right. We had Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, and in this one, we have the president of the United States.

Casey:   Exactly. Then a problem is presented. Right? Usually, the problem is bad guys who do something wrong, and the good guys have to stop them. That’s when the action really starts.

Grant:   Of course – because it’s an action movie!

Casey:   Right. So, like Luke has to save Princess Leia and fight Darth Vader. Or, like in this movie, the president has to fight enemy soldiers trying to take over the White House.

Grant:   And then . . . something bad happens, and it seems like all hope is lost.

Casey:   Exactly! In this movie, it seemed like the president was winning, but then the bad guys kidnapped his family.

Grant:   And in Star Wars, Princess Leia’s planet was destroyed.

Casey:   But it’s all really just a test of our heroes’ strength and determination!

Grant:   Wow! OK, it really does seem like there are some similarities. So then, finally, we get to some good stuff. Like the president setting a trap for the enemy soldiers!

Casey:   Yes! A new plan is put into action. Remember how the Death Star spaceship had one weakness? Luke and the rebels planned to destroy the ship.

Grant:   And in the end, the bad guy is defeated. Luke destroys the Death Star, Princess Leia is safe, and Darth Vader is spun off into space!

Grant:   Thank goodness, right? And in this movie, the president’s family is saved and the soldiers are sent to jail. It’s a feel-good ending.

Casey:   And that’s the most important part!

Parts A and B:

1   in an elevator: The man might’ve gotten stuck in an elevator. The manager must’ve helped him.

2   at home/in an office: The computer must’ve stopped working. It could have lost all their data.

3   at a restaurant/café: The waiter must’ve given bad service. The waiter must’ve been fired.

Transcripts

1

Man:   Help! Help! Can anyone hear me? Help! Please call the manager!

Woman:   Hello? Is someone in there?

Man:   Yes! I’m stuck between the second and third floors! Please help me get out!

Woman:   Won’t it open?

Man:   No! Get the manager, please!

Woman:   OK! I’ll get some help! Stay right there!

2

Man:   Oh, no! Not again! I thought you got it fixed.

Woman:   Yeah, I did! And they said that it shouldn’t freeze anymore.

Man:   Well, something’s not right. And it’s too late to call anyone. Maybe there’s something we can do.

Woman:   Let’s just wait until morning and see how it is then.

3

Man:   Well. I’ll certainly never eat here again! And I’ll tell all my friends not to come here either!

Man:   I do apologize. I . . . I’m afraid he’s just started working here, but I don’t think he’s going to last long . . . not after this!