THE OFF SEASON MINI DOC

What are the ways that this doc is different from other documentaries that you've seen? Why is this documentary different? What techniques does it use to tell its story that you've learned from the keynote?

   This documentary uses archive footage. Also, it has many montages about his childhood and how football has been with him his whole life. It ends with a montage showing his future career as an NFL player.

ELGIN PARK MINI DOC

What are 3 techniques that it uses that you learned about in the keynote? How does the documentary use them effectively? Are there any techniques it uses that weren't in the keynote?

   This documentary uses a lot of B-Roll. More B-Roll than A-Roll I believe. It also uses many close up and the lighting of the B-Roll really sets the mood of the documentary. It seems appropriate due to the topics that he talks about.

IF I DIE ON MARS

What are 3 techniques that it uses that you learned about in the keynote? How does the documentary use them effectively? Are there any techniques it uses that weren't in the keynote?

  One technique they used were close ups in most of the interviews. We were up close and it was much easier to see their POV and mindsets on their choice. Also, they had montages showing Mars and them on Earth. That comparisons they made, and the way they did it, was really significant and effective for their documentary. I believe it's effective because they will be looking at and exploring Mars the way they did on Earth.

BULL RIDER

What are 3 techniques that it uses that you learned about in the keynote? How does the documentary use them effectively? Are there any techniques it uses that weren't in the keynote?

One technique they used was making the image blurry to give it a dream like effect. It's convenient that they used that effect when he was talking about himself imagining seeing himself riding that bull like he did. Also, a lot of effective composition when when walking alone by the ranch. A lot of the shots really looked well-composed and like they took time to get it the right way. 

YOUR B-ROLL IS YOUR A-ROLL

What is Anthony's take on B-roll? How is it different from others? What is his secret tip for "bedroom B-roll?"

  He says that B-Roll should not be considered as secondary footage. He talks about how its basically everything in your documentary, all the actions. It also helps break up your interviews in case they get boring or long and hard to watch. The "bedroom B-roll" is basically shots that don't give away much information. This way the shot gives an "appropriate visual reference" to the footage.

B-ROLL

What is B-Roll? Why is it important for a project? What are 3 things to keep in mind when you're shooting B-roll?

B-Roll is the coverage needed to sub in when a reporter is talking. Typically used in documentaries and news, B-Roll is just as, or even more, important as your A-Roll. Making sure that most of your shots are not just steady or static shots is very important when capturing B-Roll. You must try get get as many variety shots as possible.

5 DOCUMENTARY MISTAKES

In your own words, which of these three are the most important? Why? If there were one more mistake that could be added to this list, what do you think it would be?

  I think some of the most important ones are numbers 1, 3, and 5. One talks about the importance of giving the documentary a purpose. What is the thriving question you have and what are you trying to say by this documentary. Number three mentions the techniques some filmmakers try use but end up failing at. For example, the recreation of events. They never capture the actual drama or tension. Finally, this concludes with number five, talking about the "vision". You must have a strong vision and everyone must be on the same page. This way the final project can come out as great as possible.