Introduction
The humor project was a great way for me to step out of my comfort zone and explore something I am unfamiliar with. I have never considered myself to be an overly funny person so the thought of having to create something humorous was daunting. However, I fell in love with the idea of creating a mokumentary about my family handling the shelter in place.
Pre-Production
Before beginning I examined the work of Trevor Noah and Pete Davidson in order to get comedic inspiration.
(ADD: Honors Project)
I watched Pete Davidson’s 45 minute Netflix stand up routine called “Pete Davidson: Alive From New York” and Trevor Noahs quick standup routine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3jlR6k_wo0
I then wrote the script and shot the film!
Family Shelter in Place Mockumentary
(fade into Nicole sitting in interview set up in her room)
Kirsten: (off-camera) So I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions about how you have been dealing with the current Shelter in Place?
(Nicole looks up from her phone frustrated)
Nicole: It sucks.
Kirsten: (off-camera) Yeah I know, but how have you been handling it?
Nicole: Not good.
Kirsten: (off-camera) Would you care to elaborate?
Nicole: How do I describe this…if this is my life (makes shape with hands) and this is me, you take me right out of this circle and take me all the way over here and place me in this box with these people. That is how I feel.
(cuts to dad set up for interview outside)
Kirsten: (off-camera) So how has the shelter in place been for you?
Eric: How have I been passing the time? Gardening.
(cuts to b-roll of dad gardening)
Eric: (off-camera while B-roll is playing) I am out there everyday from 2am-11am working on my own section. I mean yeah the 2am time is tough but I am just so focused on improving myself it doesn’t even phase me. (cuts back to interview) I want to provide for this family and if fresh herbs and vegetables are how I am going to do it then it is going to be done.
(cuts to shaky cam B-roll of mom at desk)
Kirsten: (from behind the camera) Can I ask you some questions about the shelter in place?
Angie: I am kind of busy right now.
(cuts to interview with mom at desk)
Angie: No, this is the least stress I’ve been in years. I have never had so much time at home to do exactly what I want to be doing.
(cuts to different shots of her on her computer)
(cuts to Nicole’s interview)
Nicole: I definitely miss friends the most. I never thought I would say this but I miss sitting in fifth period Calc. I mean time in that classroom sucked but (cuts to B-roll of nicole looking longingly at the pool) at least I could feel something you know.
(cuts to Dad cooking in the kitchen)
Eric: (off-camera from interview) Our house has turned into a gourmet restaurant. (dad on camera interview) I mean with all the herbs and vegetables I am creating it has to be.
(cuts back to Dad cooking in the kitchen)
Kirsten: (off-camera) How many meals do you cook per day?
Eric: (clearly busy) Sorry, what?
Kirsten: (a little louder) How many meals have you been cooking yourself??
Eric: (stops what he is doing to answer with a very serious face) Oh, all three of course. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I try to provide a 2pm snack but no one is ever really in the kitchen to eat it.
(cuts back to Angie interview)
Angie: Yes, he has been cooking a lot. No, it has not affected my daily routine.
(cuts back to Nicole interview)
Nicole: Yeah he makes a lot of food. The worst thing he does though is randomly turn off the Wifi.
(cuts to Nicole searching for Wifi in the backyard while dad is grilling)
Eric: I don’t understand the need for Wifi. We’re at home, make use of your time in other ways! I wish she would pick up a cool hobby like gardening.
(cuts back to moms interview)
Angie: What would I be doing if we weren’t in shelter in place? I would be at work.
Kirsten: (off camera) Well yeah but anything else?
Angie: Work is one of my top priorities.
Kirsten: (off camera) So you would be doing the same thing you are doing here?
Angie: No, I would be at my workplace doing work there.
(cuts to dad showing off his garden)
Eric: This one was the first one I planted, look at how much it has grown. If there is one thing to remember about herbs it is basil is the basis of everything. Say it with me.
Eric and off-camera Kirsten: (slow and awkward) Basil is the basis of everything.
(cuts to Nicole’s interview)
Kirsten: (off-camera) How is this going to affect your future?
Nicole: I am never coming to his house again.