Documentary Film: Viewing, Discussion, & Production
In this connections class, we will view, analyze, discuss, and produce our own documentary films and other digital projects. In an attempt to distinguish documentaries from fiction films, we will explore the various modes of documentaries, the role of editing, and discuss the unique ethnical considerations involved in documentary filmmaking. We will discuss and experiment with the three main elements in documentaries: the visual, sound, and text tracks. This connections class begins with a lot of viewing, discussion, and some smaller projects. As we head into second semester, we will begin filming, editing, and producing our very own documentaries in smaller groups.
This connections class is geared towards students who love viewing and talking about films. Students with an interest in creating their own digital projects and films are also encouraged!!!
As we view and discuss documentaries, we will focus on the following big questions:
1. What is the difference between a fiction film and a documentary?
2. What elements make up a documentary film?
3. What is the relationship between editing and point of view in a documentary?
4. How does the mode of the documentary affect the message and the film's portrayal of "reality?"
The documentaries we'll view may include the following:
Supersize Me
Outfoxed
Farenheit 9/11
Born Into Brothels
Food Inc. 2008
Hoop Dreams, 1994, Steve James
Roger & Me
Grizzly Man
Man On Wire
Making The Documentary:
Film Tasks & Deadlines Calendar
Items for Friday, March 9th:
Sample outlines:
Connections Calendar/Timeline:
10/7:
Introductions
Identifying fiction vs. non fiction films
Technology survey
10/14
Share digital media projects
Styles & Modes of Documentary Films
Parts of a Documentary
Point of View
Project: In groups of three create 1-2 minute long documentary that exemplifies a specific mode of documentary film.
10/28
Work Day (1-2 documentary). Complete 1-2 minute documentary. Give digital, condensed copy to Vasich (dvd, attachment, link).
11/11
Ethnography & Ethnographic Interviewing
Sub Culture
Podcasting/Radio Documentary
Project:
11/18
Work Day (podcasting/radio documentary) Completed by end of class. Digital condensed copy submitted to Vasich.