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As a class we will make a video trailer for the Woven arts and media fest. Each of us will video a close up of a different kind of art being made.
Woven Trailer
For this final assignment we will be making a video production trailer as a class. The idea is that each of us will shoot a close up people doing different forms of art from different countries.
Here is the shot checklist for this assignment:
(Brown String) Do a tracking shot where you follow the string to where you want to film the close up of the person creating/doing their art.
(Brown string) Do a nonmoving shot of a close up of the person creating/doing their art.
(Black String) Do a tracking shot where you follow the string to where you want to film the close up of the person creating/doing their art.
(Black string) Do a nonmoving shot of a close up of the person creating/doing their art.
Key Steps to Making Documentaries:
Key Steps to Making Documentaries:
Tell a story you care about
Tell a story you care about
Start with a subject that excites you. If you’re lukewarm about the subject matter, chances are, the final movie will be too. Make a documentary you're passionate about and makes sense to YOU. There will be plenty of people who don’t “get” your idea. But if YOU get it, that’s what counts. Need help finding a story idea?
Start with a subject that excites you. If you’re lukewarm about the subject matter, chances are, the final movie will be too. Make a documentary you're passionate about and makes sense to YOU. There will be plenty of people who don’t “get” your idea. But if YOU get it, that’s what counts. Need help finding a story idea?
Research
Research
Learn everything you can about your documentary subject. Sometimes the story lines are obvious, sometimes not. Do a lot of digging and follow leads. This is where you put on your reporter hat. Gather facts and search for leads on interesting characters and story lines. The gems of your story are sometimes buried deep out of sight.
Make a Plan
Make a Plan
Create an outline. Think about HOW you’re going to tell your story. What’s the structure? The style? Is there existing footage or photos that help tell your story or will everything need to be shot brand new? Who is your primary character(s)? What are you core story points? What are the elements of your story that are compelling and/or make you “tingle” with intrigue? How can you create that intrigue for your audience? Is there some existing situation you can film or do you need to create the moment?
Create a Shot List
Create a Shot List
This is a list of the footage and interviews you’ll need to make your movie. Think of it as your list of “ingredients”. Depending on the complexity of your project, you may or may not need to create a budget.
A word about interviews. You may be tempted to put a lot of people on your interview wish list. Again, there are no rules because each documentary has its own set of circumstances (maybe there’s a reason to interview 100 people), but in general, it’s hard for an audience to get to know more than 7-8 “characters” within one movie. So even if you interview 100 people, don’t be surprised if you are only able to fit a fraction of them into your movie. Of course, there’s always the Bonus Features section on your DVD. ;)
Start Shooting
Start Shooting
Are you making documentaries for the web, mobile devices, television, theater? Maybe a combination? Keep in mind HOW your movie will be viewed because that can dictate your shooting and storytelling style. (Hint: tiny details off in the distance will not be seen on an iPhone)
Video Production Equipment (Gear List)
Write a Script
Write a Script
Once all of the footage is shot and you’ve gathered the various production elements, time to start organizing it into a script. Here’s a step-by-step guide on scriptwriting for documentaries.
Begin Editing
Begin Editing
This is actually one of my favorite parts of the process. It’s like putting together a great big puzzle!
Check Legal and Copyright Issues
Check Legal and Copyright Issues
Even though this is near the end of the list, it should actually be something you keep in mind from the very beginning and throughout the ENTIRE filmmaking process. I cannot express enough the importance of this section. Please read through these few simple legal guidelines before starting on your project.
Distribute!
Distribute!
Of course, now that you’ve done all the work making your documentary, you want people to see it, right? Never before have there been so many options for filmmakers to showcase their work. From theaters to television to DVD to the web, a new world of distribution is being invented right in front of our eyes. Making documentaries and showcasing your work is easier than ever! Learn more about distributing your film.
- See more at: http://www.desktop-documentaries.com/making-documentaries.html#sthash.t7CvKtjA.dpuf
As a class we will make a movie together. All the information for this project will be on this page.
Now that you have done the research.
Pick who you want to talk to? Why?
Where you will go?
Who will be your main narrator?
What are the most interesting points of your topic?
Who is your audience?
What information/exposition do you need to tell your audience?
Now it is time to make your shot list.
Who will you be shooting?
Where?
What camera?
What sound?
What angle?
Talent release forms.
Lighting
Jobs for group members.
interview questions with each angle
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