Download Assignment 2 File

FTP3
Formative Assessment 2
Observational Documentary
Find an individual or group of people who work together/share a passion or hobby.
Make an observational film that presents the interactions/processes of the subjects.
This could cover a day in the life, a working day or an activity.
Much of the success of this type of filmmaking lies in finding an appropriate subject.
People busily in action are better than those immobile and aware of the camera.
Someone going through an ordeal, a test or competition, say, will be too occupied to
care about your presence.
Though not a pure observational technique you may direct some of the action in a way
that this process is invisible – ask for subjects to discuss something as you observe.
You may also plan in advance to shoot certain things when they happen (for example
to capture your subject unlocking a shop/garage at the beginning of a day. If you are
going to take advantage of this make sure the subject is aware before hand and kept at
ease and in their natural state.)
Pay attention to camera movement, varying camera heights, frame sizes and
placement.
Consider:
Spend time at the location(s) observing and making notes on what to shoot and how.
Find out what you can about the personalities participating.
Define the films likely crescendo so you know what you are shooting towards – the
end of a day, activity, social event.
Though you may be working hand-held a lot for this film still consider tripod shot
establishing shots and wider frames.
Shoot for the edit. Vary your angles and frame sizes in anticipation of the future
sequence. A shot will no doubt be useless and disruptive to the flow of the edit if it is
less than two seconds in duration. Consider the future rhythm. Any movement should
be predetermined – know where your pans/tilts/tracks begin and end.
In the edit:
 Cut out all zooms unless they have been designed and controlled.
 Edit out any footage that shows your participants are aware of the camera.
 Edit to make the films exposition and `plot` emerge as spontaneous.
 FOLLOWING MANY CONCERNS ABOUT ACHIEVING A TRUE
NARRATIVE USING OBSERVATIONAL TECHNIQUES ONLY WE
WILL ALLOW A VOICE OVER TO BE USED TO BRIDGE
MOMENTS OF YOUR FILMS. TAKE ON THE OBSERVTIONAL
FILM CHALLENGE AND USE V/O SPARINGLY.
Limitations:
Duration – 3:00 - 3:30
Any music used must be cleared or copyright free.
Each group member must take on specific roles including the following:
Producer – scheduling, correspondence, release forms, paperwork.
Interviewer – research, questions, correspondence.
Camera person
Sound
Editor
Make sure to share the workload appropriately for each assignment.
Hand-in requirements
Relevant paperwork:
Treatment, Research portfolio, Release Forms, Shoot and edit preparation – shot lists,
edit logs, Schedule.
250 - 300 word individual reports on your roles within the production, team working
dynamic, pros & cons of final piece.
Final film as .mov or mpeg4. Must be full quality.
The strong final films may become screened on the upcoming UWS TV.
Deadlines:
Preliminary Screening: Monday November 4th
Final Hand in: Friday November 8th – time to be confirmed.