Your class project will be preparing, shooting, and editing a 1-3 minute short, story-focused documentary using the lessons and skills you’ve learned in this class.

Step 1: What’s the story?

Identify your subject: this could be someone you know or even yourself! For this project, I’ve compiled a few questions for you to choose from. Your film should utilize your subject’s answer to this question as the focal point, the plot. Pick your favorite (I’d suggest selecting a few you suspect they have a great answer for so you have story options to choose between later) from the following, or come up with one of your own:

What is the greatest obstacle you’ve ever overcome?
Tell me about the biggest risk you’ve ever taken.
Describe the most memorable trip you’ve been on or holiday you can remember.
Tell me about a moment in your life that defined you.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned, and how did you learn it?

Once you’ve chosen your subject and question(s), you’re ready to start planning how you will produce your film.

Step 2: Get organized!

This is the point where we begin to plan out what we want the film to look, feel, and sound like. Ask yourself questions like: where/when will the interview take place, what resources (camera, lights, sound, edit software, etc.) do I have available to help me create this film, what will my creative approach be? Will you conduct your interview on-location, while your subject goes about their daily routine? Or will you film them while seated, in a studio-style setting? Will they speak to you, off camera, or directly into camera? Be flexible to the possibility that things may not go as planned (it is non-fiction, after all) while also having a clear artistic vision for your film.

Take a look at this list of types of documentaries, don’t feel limited to a talking-head style film - ask yourself: how can your film take a fresh, fun approach that is uniquely yours? Make some decisions that will elevate your story, draw you viewer into a new and exciting world, and communicate on an emotionally-evocative level.

For even more reading on this subject, here’s a great, in-depth article about cognitive theory and documentaries.

Step 3: Lights, camera, action!

For this class, use whatever equipment you have on hand; whether that be a cellphone, webcam, or DSLR. Check out the lesson on camera, lighting, and sound to make the most of whatever gear you’re working with and film your short interview.

You’ll also want to consider what other footage or materials (B-roll) you need to gather that will enhance the interview and tell the story more visually (some documentaries called veritê even use candidly captured footage exclusively). What images convey the emotions and events your subject spoke about? This could be literal - photos they have of the story they spoke of, or more abstract - grass blowing in the wind that conveys a sense of what their experience felt like. You can also mix and match, it’s great to have a variety of materials to choose from!

Step 4: Sculpt and polish

You’ve gathered your materials: A-roll (the interview) and B-roll (your supplementary visuals), it’s time to edit. I’d recommend first transcribing your interview so it’s easy to read. Follow the Lesson 5 to create a script that will guide you as you edit. Lesson 6 will break down an easy way to approach your edit, as well as additional ways to polish your film with color correction, music, and sound.

Share your completed film in the “Projects” as a YouTube or Vimeo link!

Michal Rauch

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