Gold

From Dark to Light

Glenbrook South

Documentary

Entry Description

The Julie + Michael Tracy Family Foundation is dedicated to help solve the challenges facing young adults with autism. JMTF works hard to promote independence, confidence and a strong sense of community among those with autism, and this documentary was made to show just how life-changing this foundation is for those it touches.

Judge 1

Positives: Excellent production quality. Plenty of lighting for a very crisp and balanced shot. This piece is so informative! I like being able to hear from parents with children with autism, a professional who has a knowledgeable background and someone with autism himself! Nice work.

Improvements: Bring music under a little. I want to be able to clearly hear and understand what everyone is saying. The music was juusssttt loud enough to be a little distracting. Ann Tudor is looking the wrong way. You always want your subject looking into the open space on your framing. The left side of frame is empty and she is looking off camera to a place we cant see. I dont feel as connected with what she has to say when she is looking off camera that much.

Judge 2

Positives: It was a great choice to put the spotlight on this foundation. I think the pictures worked well to show some of the activities that are done through this foundation and how they are making a difference. The transitions were very smooth. The music flowed very nicely underneath the whole documentary. It was never too overpowering and was a nice addition to the interviews.

Improvements: During Ann's interview her microphone cord is very noticeable and that could have been hidden easily. It was also her interview that seemed to drag and it's probably because the primary shot feels awkward. I think it would be much stronger if you used the close up shot of her looking directly to camera more than the medium shot of her profile. You start losing focus when it feels like they aren't talking directly to you.

Judge 3

Positives: Great job. Well made and very informative doc. Footage and interviews were well put together. Great pacing and flow in the edit.

Improvements: The opening shot should have been tighter on Julie and Michael. It felt too far back. You want to establish them since it is their foundation not the room. Also the opening shot after the title card had a black glitch/fade that was startling. I don't know if it was a video upload glitch or intentional on your end. Either way it was distracting to the eye.