Short Documentary

 

You've all seen many documentary films in your lives. They can be funny, educational, inspiring, life-changing. As both a tool and an art form, documentary films are a significant influence on culture. 

 

This assignment asks you to work with one partner or work solo to write, film, and edit a short documentary film. You may choose any topic appropriate for a general audience. Your final cut should be between 1-3 minutes long. It must include a title screen and a credit screen which includes properly formatted credits for all music, video clips, and still images. It must also include at least two transitions.

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You may use any video editing program you choose. The title screen or sequence should include an engaging title and the words: "Created by __(you)____for DTC 354 Digital Storytelling at Washington State University." 

A good source for examples and ideas is the website  60 Second Docs.

 

1. Choose a topic and purpose. We will be discussing the many different types of documentaries. Some examples are:

   • Profile of an organization or club

   • Explain a concept

   • Examine an issue

   • Profile a place

   • Profile an influential or interesting person

2. Create a filming and editing schedule to keep you organized and on-track

3. Write a script for any voice-over narration.

4. Schedule interviews

5. Film/Record audio if necessary

6. Choose or compose an appropriate soundtrack of music/sound effects

7. Create a title screen and a credit screen (these don't count toward your time count)

8. Put it all together

9. Post to YouTube or Vimeo and link to your film on FB

10. Share!

 

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Reflection paper:

Each person must compete a reflection paper for this assignment. I’d like to see how each of you experienced this project individually. Write a 600-800 word paper that addresses the following questions/aspects of the project:

 

• Discuss your process of choosing a topic. What criteria did you use? What did you hope to achieve with this film?

• Who is the main audience for your film? What effects would you hope to have on the audience?

• Describe your filming and editing process. What problems did you face and how did you solve them?

• Choose one shot sequence (shot, transition, shot) and explain what it is accomplishing. 

• What is the strongest (your favorite) part of your film and why?

• What is the weakest part of the film, and what would you do to improve it if you had more time?

• What you have you learned from this project?