1

DOCUMENTARY STORYTELLING—Sheila Curran Bernard

(this one has the title “Introduction” on the first page) INTRODUCTION – CHAPTER 1 (only read up to page 8 section that says “about the book”)

1. Based on this reading, how do you define documentary?

2. In YOUR OWN WORDS, please describe Philip Gerard’s 5 criteria for creative non-fiction

along with this author’s explanation of how it applies to documentary filmmaking. (p. 3—4) Use at least 2 sentences to either explain or give examples of each criterion:

o

o

o

o

o

3. In what ways is documentary never totally objective? (p. 5—6) (PAGES 6—7 about how important is story is pretty dumb. We get it; it is important, but please read anyway!).

2

DOCUMENTARY MAGAZINE (There is a picture at the top that says “RELEASE PRINT”)

INTO THREE ACTS—What Documentary Storytellers Can Learn from Screenwriters

ACT I (Please be sure to write notes on the inciting incident, the central question, & the ACT 1 climax)

ACT II (be sure to contain notes on the midpoint, pacing, and reversal)

ACT III (pay attention to the central question and answering it, and the denouement/closure)

3

MOVIE: The Dark Knight Rises

APPARENT subject(s): A battered Bruce Wayne becomes the Batman once again to take on a

ruthless terrorist named Bane, who is bent on destroying Gotham and its citizens with a nuclear bomb.

DEEPER subject(s): terrorism, the triumph of good over evil, resurrection, rising from despair, etc.

MOVIE:

APPARENT subject(s):

DEEPER subject(s)

We meet Bane and

thugs as they hijack

plane & nuclear

scientist

Catwoman steals jewels,

leads Bruce to find out

about Bane

Bane takes entire city

hostage, police and citizens

are trapped, Bane & Batman

fight, Batman imprisoned &

escapes

Batman defeats Bane/Talia with help

of Catwoman &

Blake, destroys

bomb& self…

Alfred & Gordon, etc.

attend Bruce’s

funeral

Bruce alive with Selina,

Blake carries on

Batman legacy

4

CAINE’S ARCADE Summarize the documentary. What is it about (apparent & deeper subjects)?

Describe the structure of the documentary and how the information is presented. What do you

think is effective / ineffective?

Describe the technical elements you noticed. (Editing style, camera movement, locations,

pacing, titles, voiceovers, reenactments, music, etc.)

Think about the emotional and/or persuasive elements of this film. What affected you

or caused you to think?

5

Day in the Life: John Fetterman Please go to http://www.hulu.com/watch/358111/a-day-in-the-life-john-fetterman and watch the documentary. As you’re watching (or right after) please provide your reflections with the questions below. Please be as specific as possible and provide examples.

Summarize the documentary. What is it about (apparent & deeper subjects)?

Describe the structure of the documentary and how the information is presented. What do you

think is effective / ineffective?

Describe the technical elements you noticed. (Editing style, camera movement, locations,

pacing, titles, voiceovers, reenactments, music, etc.)

Think about the emotional and/or persuasive elements of this film. What affected you or

caused you to think?

6

“MODES” of Documentary. Which will your film fit into?

FROM: Introduction to Documentary Chapter 6: DIFFERENT TYPES of DOCUMENTARY

EXPOSITORY

OBSERVATIONAL

PARTICIPATORY

PERFORMATIVE

POETIC

7

CAMERA EXPOSURE & TERMS

SHUTTER SPEED

F-STOP / IRIS

ISO

DSLR

HDV (1080p & 1080i)

interlaced vs. progressive

Depth of Field

Rack Focus

8

Capturing

FIREWIRE

XLR cables

LAVALIER MIC SHOTGUN MIC

9

Amateur Mistakes Made in Video Production (none of which, after discussing, should be made at any point, ever)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Tips for Final Project Planning 1.

2.

3.

a.

b.

c.