Proposal structure (2pages): should be an in depth analysis on more information on the content of the film based on research. The structure of the film,visualization,information on the contributors and style of the film(camera work,narration, lighting,music,graphics, typefaces etc.)
-expand on content
-visualization !!Teamwork is essential at this point on!!
-contributors
-style
-Keep up to the point -in a good selling form
-Whats good/relevant/unique/interesting
-put in a phrase or in a single word what the film is about
Narrative-Storytelling form relate to news from films
Be aware that you are filming in the real world - be ready to use opportunities that may come across- Be careful though in framework of the idea on how the story will be told.
How far can you script?
Depending on the kind of the documentary you script accordingly.
Consider the ethical dimensions on representation.When you script you represent a viewpoint.
Allow changes to happen to the script you have /but depends on the genre of the film/how far you want to represent the truth.
Is up to the director to decide how it will be represented - the essence of the film should be given without misrepresenting contributors in the film.
Questions are a powerful medium of directing your contributors on leading them to the direction you want.
ETHICS
Avoid misleading contributors on the intentions of the film - creating your own story can lead to disaster - unethical film making can also create the disapproving of the audience and bad reacting critic.
Remain truthful to the core meaning of the film
OBJECTIVITY
Can you be objective?can it really exist? in my opinion is a fairytale in the field of media!
What we can do is to show what we believe as truth. By deciding on the way to represent things and messages of the films is becoming subjective.
inform -relieve facts
objectivity can lead to a boring film
- balance -
Interesting stories - thats what the audience wants - for every program you should show what your audience wants to see.
Be ethical not necessarily objective
Know who your audience are and find the way to change them
Adding interesting elements to your film making finding the events on shocking points - contesting
NARRATIVE
-action time line
0------------------------->
B E
Hold the audiences attention all the way
put a heart beat - Visualize it from before - add good interesting images
Storytelling - time line -
Situation - ounce upon a time - its about the past/
Problem - the princess has to be saved/story/conflict what is about
Solution - the brave knight comes and saves her/ solution is harder to be found in news films
Evaluation - live happily ever after
When a story has a solution is a complete story news. Journalists get exited when happens to be a solution cause it completes the story.
Angle of the story is always told by the winners.
The use of facts and statistics are loosing credibility. Proofing points should be from credible sources.
Human stories - personalizing empathizing the problem of the family /person/
Essential elements is to empathize with someones position /suffer/way of living/
The Log Book
Should be reflecting the experiences through this course. A learning cycle that reflects on experiences evaluation and plan. Its not a diary! It should include a reflect and e
valuation of the process including further research reading and class notes. Not only what i did but what i learned on the way- also what you already know and what you developed-interactions with colleagues - what i would do again. Evaluating - put yourself above and look of what you did so far - connecting it further reading as well. - Have a structure - at the beginning it might have the form of a diary but the final presentation should not!! (5-7thds wrds) It should be interesting - easy reading - can include other areas that you might have explored and interest you.Research
access roots - contact people that can contact people that you are interested and get you what you want. Research on archives/relevant contributors /Choose the right team person to do the contact approaches/Agenda
why should they give up their time and contribute to your film?
Find someone who wants to help you!
Make sure you understand why they are doing it. -for attention/publicity/etc.
Everybody has a reason, find the right one to approach to corporate with.
Interaction make sure it connects to the next step - every phone call should lead to the next step.
Choose relevant clothing/background/
Location - explore selected locations -check for toilets/food/background noise/weather
Get your contributors on time on location and give them a log sheet stating the contact details giving them also a sense of what will happen
make them feel comfortable/confident in front of the camera/relaxed/to feel part of the team/
give them a glass of water and avoid pens(click click click)
The interviewer should be engaging and encouraging the interviewee, communicating in a conversation - listening the person in relation of what is interesting and has potential to be expanded.
Q:How are you today
A:Today I'm fine!
avoid close end questions
open ended questions help you get them talking - you stay quiet without commenting with any sound effects
repeat statements
if they cant or your not satisfied with the answers given try to redirect them to say it again in simple words.
Don't get carried away keep to your questions short and let them speak
It should be a positive enjoyable interaction in order to get them back if needed for more shots.
