Documentary Project"Documentaries bring viewers into new worlds and experiences through the presentation of factual information about real people, places, and events, generally -- but not always -- portrayed through the use of actual images and artifacts. But factuality alone does not define documentary films; it's what the filmmaker does with those factual elements, weaving them into an overall narrative that strives to be as compelling as it is truthful and is often greater than the sum of its parts."
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Part 1: Decide on a topic that you want to shed some light on. Why is it important that the public have a deeper understanding of the topic?
Part 2: What are ALL the facts that you want to shed light on so that your audience has a good understanding? (THIS PART INVOLVES A LOT OF RESEARCH FYI). Part 3: What facts do you want to present and in what order? Who will you talk with or interview to discuss these facts? (THIS INVOLVES YOU ASKING TEACHERS, FRIENDS, ETC TO SEE WHAT THEY KNOW ABOUT THE TOPIC AND IF THEY ARE WILLING TO HELP). This part may involve you doing work outside the classroom. Name and topic this person will discuss: Name and topic this person will discuss: Name and topic this person will discuss: What questions will you ask each person: Part 4: Where are you going to film each person and when? You can’t always do it during the class. Name of person: Date and Time: Location: Name of person: Date and Time: Location: Name of person: Date and Time: Location: Email and confirm with each person who will be in your documentary. Think about asking people who aren’t in the school to come in during or after school so you can film them if need be. Part 5: Plan the shots. B-Roll: You must have LOTS of B-Roll for this! When you interview people, make a list of things they talk about that you can film. You need to film as much as possible. IF they talk about something like driving, you could get b-roll of cars driving on the street and use that. Of course there are more examples than this, but it is important that you have B-roll. Setting for Interviews: You must plan these locations out. I will not accept documentaries with interviews done in the hall with a blank white background. Part 6: Calendar Set up a calendar for your team on when you will be filming and where. |