Gold

A Tragic Ride

Neuqua Valley

Documentary

Entry Description

A documentary about Anthony Jacobson who passed away in a tragic car accident in 2003. This is 05:00 excerpt of a 08:00 documentary.

Judge 1

Positives: Great story idea. Very touching topic. I like how you walked us through the story through the parents eyes, then describe how the accident occurred. It kept my attention. Great variety of interview shots. The fireplace is always a classic and the close up on his sister really helped me feel her pain.

Improvements: One camera note, when shooting an interview, especially a sad one, try to increase the distance between your background and your subject, and your subject and your camera. Increasing your depth of field will leave the background way more out of focus. The fire was a little busy. If it was more out of focus, that would be a beautiful shot. In editing, try hard not to dissolve between the same interview. It produces a morphing effect which can look very strange. A great way to mask that is to either get b-roll of the subjects hands moving or foot tapping. Its a great cut away and can reveal a little more about the persons emotional state. You could also set up a second camera if you have acess to one and shoot from the ground up or on a profile for easy cutaways.

Judge 2

Positives: This story melted my heart and was beautifully told. The use of home video was perfectly placed and used just enough to truly give the audience a glimpse into Anthony's life before it was so tragically taken away. The music underneath the entire story was beautiful and wasn't overpowering. The music added to the story and allowed you to get lost in the family's words.

Improvements: Some of the dialogue was repetitive in the beginning and could be cut to make it one fluid story using each family member instead of having to hear who Anthony got into a car with a couple times over. I would have liked to know more about Anthony as a person before knowing about the car accident and maybe seen some pictures of him in the beginning. This would have given us a stronger connection to Anthony.

Judge 3

Positives: Great use a broll (home videos and photos) to enhance the story and connect the audience with Anthony and his family. Great work. Story was strong and emotional. Well thought out video. Footage and interviews were well put together.

Improvements: I know this is an excerpt and this may be in the other 3 minutes... I would have liked to know who Anthony was outside the accident. It would be even stronger if you connect the audience with the family by knowing who Anthony was as a person. Otherwise, really well done.