Documentary Unit: Scripting and Storytelling for docs


During todays lecture, we looked over our mock-interview footage to check for framing, quality and sound.
Sound
White balance
Exposure
Focus
Framing

For over exposure use zebras on the camera
In sound look for the levels and listen to quality of sound. If not looking on clip pics for over modulating or distortion, that you can get an issue.

 Tips for clear sound- self shooting

  1. Important that sound doesn't all due to good pictures
  2. Chose the right microphone 
  3. Move filming away from areas with a lot of background noise e.g. cars, radio on.
  4. Its okay for the mic to be seen, covering will cause rustling 
  5. don't be afraid to invade personal space
  6. Don't afraid to stop if you have any problems
  7. Know your limits 


Filming in a contributors house

  1. Ask home owner where you can put kit, keep away from exits 
  2. Have a look around to see best room to film in, time to do a short recce 
  3. Gardens natural light, but outdoor noise or cold weather 
  4. Peoples homes can often be quite dark, taking lights can be tricky and cause health and safety issues- find window as key light and a reflector.
  5. Being filmed can be intimidating o take time to talk things through with the contributor.
  6. Don't be afraid to dress your set a bit to make more 3D- ask home owners permission before hand
Scripting and Storytelling
Title- If we have our title it helps with our angle. Can be a well known phrase or can be very blunt; make sure its relevant. 
Encapsulates what your film is about

The Treatment
Main characters/interviewees 
Locations 
Style/Format
Narrative Structure 
Whether using a presenter/reporter 

  • One Page Synopsis
  • Transmission ("TX") time and channel/platform 
  • Sequences
  • Interviews
  • Reconstructions and Dramatisations 
  • Actuality 
  • Cutaways/GVs
  • Sync
  • Commentary 
  • Music
  • Archive/stills
  • Graphics


Through our research we're going to find a basic structure.

Script Example

Pix         Sync/comm

Always start by writing a commentary
COMM or V/O for commentary
Write SEQ for sequence 
ACT for actuality 
C/A cutaway 
Sync for Interview clips 
SFX for Sound Effects 

Commentary- is usually made distinct by being written in italics/bold- Also helps during voice over record if they're numbered 
Line and a half spacing- Make it easier to read 
Finding a narrative for your documentary is essential

Finding the films Narrative
Guide/Explain Story
Information
Intro Characters
Tension
Corner Turn
Expertise 

Find a central thread could involve the process of investigating 
Constructing with story- need some lightness and not always sad

Cops With Cameras
Narration: Who, what, where, why
Tight C/A shots
Ask people simple time based questions in actuality based
Not in blocks otherwise theres nothing to wait for, split up and informs us when on a different location.

What do we mean by actuality driven?
This is a term used to describe more observational type films who's structure and storytelling develops around what happens-the developing of events drives the story and provides the narrative e.g. One Born Every Minute

If driven by characters we can get to know them like we would with a drama
9th May transcribed 

Final Script 
Your script will continue to develop along with your film- remember to save each version. 
Efficiency- you can continue to prep on paper and outside the edit.

Copyright applies still for music and archive photos.
Storylines are then recorded.




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