Throughout my Freestyle experience I feel I grew and connected most with the documentary and explorations unit. I enjoyed my final documentary film and my final explorations project.
Explorations
The explorations project was focused around the question: how can you master and address a passion you have by using skills from the 21st century? The Documentary unit was my favorite project from the year so I knew I wanted to base my explorations research around that same subject. After reviewing the six modes of a documentary I decided to focus on poetic documentaries. I chose this because it seemed similar to experimental film, another unit I enjoyed, and I thought it was an effective way to express ideas, making it a style I could continue to use in the future.
To target this passion I conducted research about the differences between the six different modes, what a poetic documentary is, and the history behind it. I found credible sources through websites and through databases to learn more about my topic. I also discovered an insightful book titled, Introduction To Documentary, by Bill Nicholas. This source provided lots of detailed and relevant information about documentaries in general.
The following shows some of the ways I utilized my research along with my very own poetic documentary.
Process
STEP ONE: RESEARCH
While I conducted my research I took extensive notes on a google document combining everything I had learned so far. My research consisted of reading parts of Nicolas’ book, watching a video about the history documentary, and lots of viewings of poetic documentaries. I then created a presentation to share what I had learned.
STEP TWO: PLAN
Based on my research I knew I wanted to make a poetic documentary about a relevant topic that would make the viewers feel inspired to create change. I brainstormed ideas about topics that I would consider. I then narrowed it down to earth and focused on creating a film highlighting the effects of climate change, a current world issue. I wrote a script and planned shots that I wanted to feature in my documentary.
STEP THREE: CREATE
I spent four days shooting my documentary. I decided I wanted to shoot the earth with stormy weather which limited my options on what to film and where to go to film. I spent many days in the local hills to try and capture intense wind and rain.
Results/Reflection
Poetic Documentary
My poetic documentary highlights climate change in a creative and interpretive way. The voice throughout the film is from the perspective of the earth and it stresses that change needs to happen fast. This process taught me a lot about perseverance when filming which is something that I have used in other aspects of my life.
(voice actor: Annalisa Federighi)
Documentary Project
The Documentary Unit is the final project of Junior year at Freestyle. It is over four weeks long and takes lots of time and dedication. One thing I have learned while tackling this project is that you have to be fully committed if you want successful results. This includes running around to get extra b-roll, last minute interviews, or spending late nights editing.
For the Documentary Unit I chose to profile a successful staging business, Stage House Interiors. This topic sparked my interest because the creation of the business was spontaneous and inspiring. Throughout the unit my communication and technical skills have grown tremendously. I have appreciated the challenges I have faced because they have forced me to problem solve and create solutions to situations I have never encountered.
This unit has allowed me to take a step back from the busy life of a high school student and appreciate capturing moments that reflect two entrepreneurs enjoying their lives and their staging company.
Final Documentary
This film captures Stage House Interiors and it’s founders. It highlights their day to day activities as well as how they started their unique company. It provides an interesting angle and incites into the creation of their small business.