Giving Blood and Building Spaceships Documentaries

First Live Documentaries

Lego Building:

         In my classroom we practiced capturing good audio and asking questions for documentaries. The event we were to record was two people in our group building legos.

        This was my first time recording without a tripod and trying to capture good audio. I first learned how to set the volume levels so that they were balanced well and then I learned how to hold a camera steady and using other objects instead of a tripod to get good shots. Then, while filming I had to ask questions to my partners to get information. Lastly, when I started to edit I learned how to use "J and L" edits to make smooth transitions throughout my piece.

        Since this was my first time I was very unprepared. Keeping the camera steady was relatively easy, but next time I definitely need to take longer shots. Also I couldn't think of many or any interesting questions, so the interviews didn't have many good sound bytes. Another thing for me to work on is getting the six shot sequence and making sure I don't break the 180 degree rule.

       Overall I did get some good shots and a few usable sound bytes. Also my script matched what was happening in the video. In the end though, I didn't think I did much well on this project. However, it was a learning project.

      This experience helped me to learn and practice new skills. I now feel more confident and ready to film live events.

      Below is the link to my video:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFlLd9YmNXE

Blood Drive:

         On November 14, 2014, Olathe Northwest held their annual Blood Drive. I went down to film this event with my partner Anna Gaiche. This was our first experience recording at a live event. The main goal was to collect good audio and steady video. 

Screen shot of my work space in Final Cut Pro.

         There was no time to plan for what shots we wanted, so it was very last minute and spontaneous. While filming I need to be careful and not get in the way of the many nurses that were bustling around the donors. Also, I was aiming to get the six-shot sequence over and over again. I was there for two hours following Clayton Daugherty in his process of blood donation. When I got all the shots, I started to edit. To practice telling a story I had to create voice overs to explain what was happening. Finally I needed the video to be consistent and not have any hard cuts. To fix this I created "J and L"  edits that added consistency to the video.

          Next time I would definitely spend more time preparing for my list of shots and questions to ask. Another thing would be to practice more holding the camera steady. The sound we recorded was quiet and while editing I constantly had to turn up the volume, so next time I will make sure the volume levels are adjusted appropriately. I didn't like going last minute and being expected to collect good audio and stable clips with only one day of practice.

         I did enjoy filming a live event, though. I was glad we had the access to be there to film without question and that people allowed for us to film them. Also having a partner helped because she gave me ideas of shots I could take.

         So by going to this live event I learned quite a bit. I learned how to ask questions to help tell a story and how to record live activities. Next time I hope to get even better at this.

        Below is the link to the video:
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5nbSjMQTBk