Documentary Outline

What makes a documentary?

Events must be unstaged, independent of cinema, non-fiction stages to film

Conventionally non-fiction; real world activities

Assumes an objective record of real events by filmmakers; camera influences film event; techniques of camera and choices made in filming, like in the camera and lens choice, are subjective choices.

All films have selection and editing. There is objectivity but all events are seen from some perspective. How do these selections manipulate and shape the event? Objective events views through some perspective.

We have to learn something from this documentary.
You have to show that you have done some research on your given topic. You may use SHORT clips from movies, TV shows, etc, or pictures to help illustrate this point.

A documentary which demonstrates the proper use of the following film techniques:

brainstorming and co-operative story and character development

story boarding

planning and scheduling a film shoot

keeping thorough production notes

effective editing

successful transitions between character introductions and title(if applicable)

addition of appropriate music

titles and character introductions(if applicable)

creative production team presenting the documentary

effective co-operation of your production team.

As a group you must hand in a Presentation Package, which includes:

The contents of your production folder presented in an organized and professional way in a binder/folder with:

a) a suitable cover

b) table of contents

c) list of team members and jobs

d) copies of all stories ideas

e) final description of thesis

f) story boards

g) daily logs of production notes ~ attendance, ideas discussed, tasks begun and completed, filming and editing notes, problem or difficulties

h) promotional poster for documentary

i) INDIVIDUAL self and group evaluation (on blog)

Responsibilities

Job titles for your production and need to be decided upon and they are:

a) Art Director ~ responsible for the look and the presentation package, gathering its contents from each group member and consistency in theme and colour throughout as well as the look of the documentary.

b) Production Manager ~ responsible for organizing team’s activities each day and consistent contact through email, facebook, phone, etc., giving reminders of daily tasks, costumes and props needed, making sure all equipment is ready and returned at the end class, and keeping notes of this for the presentation package.

c) Administrator ~ responsible for writing/typing all daily logs. Attendance, noting any discussion of difficulties and tasks completed each day.

d) Editor ~ responsible for piecing together the film(with input from everyone in the group) and putting it on youtube

e) Sound and Credits Director ~ responsible for editing all sound, dialogue and music added and edited into the film based on input from the rest of the group. As well as adding titles and credits for support from others and music borrowed.

f) Storyboard Artist – is responsible for including thumbnail sketches of each video scene and includes text for each segment of the presentation, descriptions of background audio for each scene and notes about proposed shots and dialogue.
g) Movie Poster Creator ~ responsible for creating and printing a poster that reflects the topic and mood of the documentary