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This is a Word document of the notes from the early lectures in Documentary Production...

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FILM 311 Wednesday 6th March Perspectives Bill Nichols quote ‘re-presentation’ Difference between 60 Minutes and films

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Depth, time Showing rather than telling Intent Release

Bill Nichols quote William H. Phillips Your opinion can shine through which may skew work. Bromhead Brian Winston Lala Rolls Every choice mediates the truth

Process of Documentary Making 2. Resources 4. Target audience - you. importance

Wednesday 13th March People of Paradise David Attenborough Letting people speak between each other Due to synchronised sound Directing them as voice of god Western lens Exaggerated actions Children of the Migration Personalised stories and places (interview) Natural progression Waltz with Bashir Showing the truth

Wednesday 27th March First Requirement • • • • • • •

A subject An idea An event A group of people A person A place An activity

Second Requirement Ideas that can turn into strong compelling films ned more than just an interesting subject, successful documentary films have several things in common: • • • •

A compelling narrative A strong concept of form Engaging central characters Depiction of a particular world/reality

Basic Question 1 to ask yourself: is there a Story? An interesting situation or character by itself is not enough to sustain a film Not all documentaries follow a conventional story structure, but successful films develop their themes, character or events over time.

Does your idea have legs? Does the idea suggest a person, a reality, or a set of relationships at the point of change? Define this change. What are its causes? Where might your idea begin? What are its key turning points? What might happen, where might the idea end? 2 Can you find, within this situation, central characters who want something, for themselves, for others – for example to take action to change something? What are the obstacles they face? Are these changes significant enough to compel an audience’s attention. What do you find interesting/compelling about the story What do you want to say with the film?

What form might your film take? You need to be able to develop that viewpoint on reality with a consistent vision which informs your decisions about structure and style.

In Development decide on: • The time frame in which you tell the story • Key aspects of visual style and sound design • The context for interviews • The use of any reconstructions • Your approach to filming current events • How the film addresses the viewer (through a presenter, voice over, poetic combination of sound and image, etc)

Kaupapa - the overriding spirit with which you approach the project The spirit in which you approach the story & the participants What is your intention in telling this story? How will you work together as a crew? You are on the waka together, try to make sure no one falls overboard and try to make sure you are all paddling in the same direction. Ethics: • Yours as a filmmaker; how will you approach the story and your relationship with the participants • The ethics of the story itself - can it be told/should it be told?

Write what you know or get to know what you write Research Immerse Listen There is no truth until we feel it It is a craft - you lay it down for your audience

How to Pitch Pitch’s presentation’s goal is to convince your audience (collaborators, producers, funding agencies, those whose support you need) Sell it; don’t tell it Tell us What is it? Your Film title and your wonderful logline should do most of the work here! What is the story? (Not a blow by blow account. Give us the main structural points or the most important hooks for the story. The powerful revelation. The reasons to tell this story) Compelling Characters? Why do you want to do it Why you? Why is idea unique?

What is at stake? How will you approach at?

Pitch 5 mins of your pitch presentation choose only the most compelling things that relate to your particular story remember the two page pitch you hand in for this assignment can cover full detail. Other things to cover in your pitch or on the 2 pager • • • • • • •

Audience Content Projected time scale Budget The format (how long do you estimate) The approach and style you will use in your film Any technical considerations that enhance your approach (e.g. particular use of sound, stylised images, still or graphics)

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