2nd Place :: Division AA
Guatemala Missions Trip Documentary
Vernon Hills
Documentary
Entry Description
Poetic reflection on a great adventure.
Judge 1
Positives: 1) Excellent coherence in editing. The variety shot choices and coverage really made this piece shine (interview segment was nice too!). 2) Nice interaction between footage and music. Tone is set very well with only music as the soundtrack.
Improvements: 1) The headings before each section weren't always clear - for example, does the audience make a direct connection between Micro Finance and a chicken farm? 2) The ending is a little abrupt. Instead of just finishing the segment, perhaps leave the viewer with a lasting image that summarizes the piece. 3) With so many shots, be careful not to overuse transitions - pick and choose moments that need that extra little flourish between.
Judge 2
Positives: Great visuals. There is so much color and diversity in your shots. The baby chicks are adorable. Really great camera work. Quality and shot composition (especially the interview) were fantastic.
Improvements: It left me wanting more! I want to know what the trip was all about. It is nice seeing everyone participating, but I want to know why they are participating. Thats what keeps me engaged. Even though I know your focus was more poetic film, It would have been nice to have a few quotes from people sprinkled throughout. The interview looked great, I wish there were more. That gets the viewer connected with the people on screen instead of just watching strangers doing things.
Judge 3
Positives: A very nice compilation of such a wonderful thing happening over in Guatemala. Great organization, pace and use of graffics. Technically very nice shots; closeups, tracking, handhelds, zooms, etc.
Improvements: Another quick interview would've helped tie it together just a little bit more. Especially in another department like medicine/ healthcare. The ending was a little abrupt. I wish there was a little something to show that the journey was continuing, or how it was going to continue. It was a beautiful reflection though.