Documentary Project/1930's script

Today, begin planning a documentary project idea. There's a variety of ways to do this. Choose any elements that help you complete the project.

You may work alone or in groups of up to 6 individuals. It is entirely possible for you to be involved in more than one project, given time and motivation. This is somewhat difficult, but you are only limited by your attention to the matter and how much work you want to put into the project. It is my hope that after making your short documentary, that you will be able to screen some of these films at the coffeehouse in June and enter the various film contests. We will start working on the documentary, given class time, this week, but as the class continues, less and less time will be allotted to complete your work solely in the lab.

Follow some of these steps to begin your project:
1. Decide if you want to work alone, with members of this class, and how many people would like to work on similar projects (up to 6 classmates).

NOTE: If you have access to your own camera, you are basically free to use anyone (even members of your family) in the creation of your film. Having your own video camera frees you in regard to time and place to set your work. Feel free to choose neighborhood or community sites that you may not have access to during school hours. For you, creativity is unlimited.

NOTE: If you need to borrow a school camera, please note that we have very little equipment. Any student needing to borrow school equipment needs to be EXTREMELY CAREFUL with it (as it our only equipment). Damaged equipment will result in a failing grade for the project (and possible retribution). Cameras need to be charged fully after using them and cameras can only be loaned out for one night (or one weekend only). Students will need to physically sign out the camera and can pick up the equipment after the last bell (9th period). Using equipment during the day is similar to the rules above, with the exception that the camera is only loaned out for the appropriate period the student or group is using it.

2. Using a round-table discussion, decide on a topic for your documentary.
3. Decide on one of the five types of documentary.

Once you have a group, a project in mind, and a style for your documentary, you may find it important to examine the issue you wish to explore. Come up with some basic important questions in which to ask participants or interviewees.

Once you have your list of questions, your idea, your style, your group, begin by creating a shooting schedule or project schedule.


Help from the internet:
Active Philosophy: Helpful Ideas - Creating a Documentary

Documentary Subjects (this will give you some titles of contemporary documentaries: look at clips in youtube.com if you are curious to see what they look like. Some, of course, will not be posted).

More Documentary Ideas

HOMEWORK/CLASSWORK: Please continue to read the 1930's script you chose last week. As you read, you should be familiar to how the story is being told in script form. How does the filmwriter tell the story through dialogue, but also through film's most powerful aspect: visual communication. Pay attention to film terms and film script format. You will need to format your own scripts in a similar manner. You will be writing a review of the script, so pay attention to characters, writing style, and other critical writing topics. Feel free to take notes in your film journal.