2nd Place :: Division AA

Road to State

Batavia

Documentary

Entry Description

Coach Di has coached the Batavia Cross Country program for over 20 years and this is his final year. The team wants to send him out on a high note by qualifying for the State Finals, but can they?

Judge 1

Positives: The range of camera shots worked well. The editing with the varied camera shots was well done. The sound was done well. All of the runners and coaches were clear and the background music did not overpower the dialogue.

Improvements: The head cam shot should not have been added. It was blurry and didn't fit with the rest of the editing. The script and black background could have been taken out. It interrupted the story. The script cold have been put over the running clips.

Judge 2

Positives: I really enjoyed the live scenes in the introduction. It makes things real and relatable. It makes me feel that I were a part of that history. The sound is good. Using natural sounds is better than using a soundtrack here. Good choice.

Improvements: It would have been nice to have a scene with music in the middle to show the passage of time. I don't know if it's too cliche, but to use Chariots of Fire Soundtrack or something like it, would be a good choice if you could figure out how to make it serious and have too much of a 'cheese' factor. I was looking for a little innovation. I think the video is absolutely excellent, but innovative? Innovation means that you tried something different with a camera angle or two, or the story line connected to other themes, or there's more personal story behind the coach that could have been utilized.

Judge 3

Positives: Clear statement of purpose. Good supporting evidence.

Improvements: More dramatic transitions.