Spring 2010 Documentary Project [Page updated: Friday, 4/9/10 1:08 PM ]

Doc project assignments & notes	Due dates
PART 4 - post-production      doc rubric
final cut	due: 1º Weds, 4/21 • 2º Th, 4/22
rough cut (as close to finished as possible!)	due: 1º Weds, 4/14 • 2º Th, 4/15
"turn in" options for documentary
PART 3 - production
release form (pdf)
PART 2 - preproduction
storyboard and shot list	due: 1º Tues, 3/23 • 2º Weds, 3/24
rough draft plan and interview notes	due: 1º Tues, 3/23 • 2º Weds, 3/24
research notes	due: 1º Thurs, 3/18 • 2º Fri, 3/19
15+ research questions	questions due: 1º Tues, 3/16 • 2º Weds, 3/17
PART 1 - doc proposal	proposal due: 1º Fri, 3/12 • 2º Mon, 3/15
doc film assignment sheet - general
blank storyboard sheet
glossary of shots

PART 4 - Post-Production Tasks
1. Organize [optional: and make a transcript of] all of your film footage.
2. Edit your film.
3. Prepare a rough cut of your documentary to show to the class for critique. (See "turn-in" options.)
4. Revise your documentary based on the feedback you get from the class.
5. Present a final cut of your documentary to me for evaluation based on the rubric below.
      On the final cut due date, please turn in all of the following:
            a) a DVD of your final cut
            b) all of your signed release forms
            c) the storyboard notes for your storyboarded sequence
6. Write a reflection on the making of your documentary and your participation in the project.

Rubric
CONTENT and CRAFT
  A “hook” introduces the subject in an engaging way
  Interviews reveal relevant info and opinions about subject
  B-roll footage shows activities, places, and images that further illustrate the subject
  Includes relevant information derived from research about the subject
  At least one crafted, storyboarded sequence (montage) enhances the message/story of the film
  A variety of types of shots are used to engage and inform the audience 
  All sources cited or acknowledged         
EFFORT and ATTENTION TO DETAIL
  Film reflects careful planning and organization
  Film demonstrates careful attention to detail and purposeful choices

Turn-in options for documentary
Your rough cut AND final cut versions of your documentary must be turned in on the due date in one of the following ways:
1. (prefered option) Burned to a DVD that will play in a DVD player.
2. On your laptop that you bring to class.
3. Exported from video editing software as a .mov file that you bring to class on a flashdrive or DVD.
4. (LEAST prefered option) Emailed to me through a file transfer service (e.g. yousendit.com).

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PART 3 - Production Tasks
• Shoot your film!
Remember to get a release form signed from interviewees asked more than two questions.

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PART 2 - Preproduction Tasks
• to do list [click here to download a blank to do list]
This is not a required sheet to fill out, but it can help you stay organized.

• shot list [click here to download a shot list sheet]

• storyboard [click here to download a storyboard template]

• interview notes [click here to download the interview notes brainstorm sheet]

• rough draft plan [click here to download a template for the rough draft plan]
Obviously your documentary will change from what you include in your rough draft plan. This is just to get you thinking about what kinds of sequences to include in your doc. It's a place to start.

• research notes [click here to download notes sheet]

• 15+ research questions
This is a list of questions that your group generates to guide your research.

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PART 1 – Assembling a production team and developing a proposal
Click here to download a pdf file of the proposal form.

Choose group, subject, essential question and submit proposal
            a) Decide who you’d like to work with, or if you’d like to work alone.
            b) Choose a subject to explore. (Something [or someone] you can explore.)
            c) Develop an essential question that will guide your work.
            d) Submit a proposal (on the back of this sheet)

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General description of documentary film assignment
Click here to download a pdf file of the project assignment sheet.

For this project you will plan, film and edit a short documentary that tells the story of a subject that has some connection and/or interest to our local community.

Assignment Highlights
-Your film should be a thorough exploration of your subject : a person, issue, organization, place, event, etc. Tell the story of your subject in as much depth as you can and in a way that engages your audience.
-Your subject matter should have some connection/interest to our local community.
-Your audience is your peers and the PHS community at large.
-In no way should your film ridicule, harass, or invade the privacy of any person.
-You may work alone or in a group of up to three people.Documentary Parameters

Your film should be 5 to 10 minutes in length and should include all of the following:

1.  A “hook” that introduces your subject in an engaging way.
2.  Interviews (at least one) of experts, people’s opinions.
3.  B-roll footage of activities, places, images, etc. appropriate to your topic.
4.  Information derived from research.
5.  At least one crafted, storyboarded sequence (a montage or dramatization).
6.  A variety of types of shots.

    Optional If you have access to/experience with video editing software, you may also include

 Text elements (names of people and places, statistics, title, credits, etc.)
 Special effects (transitions, animation, sound effects, etc.)

A Summary of the Process
 
PART 1 – Assembling a production team and developing a proposal
• Choose your group and subject.
• Submit a proposal.

PART 2 - Preproduction
• Develop research questions about your subject. Do research
• Learn/practice using camera. Learn/practice using editing software.
• Begin planning your film with production notes and storyboards.
• Select interview subjects and develop questions.
• Determine the major roles needed to execute your project and decide who will do what...

PART 3 - Production
• Shoot your film! (Interviews, b-roll footage, audio track, etc.)

PART 4 - Post production
• Organize and make a transcript of all of your film footage.
• Edit your film – rough cut, final cut
• Present your doc to the class!

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Documentary forms/worksheets
Click on the links below to download a pdf file of the following forms:

• Blank storyboard sheets
• 3 tracks charts: horizontal or vertical (recommended)
• A glossary of filming shots (courtesy of AFI)

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