Gold

Banding Together

Glenbrook South

Documentary

Entry Description

The story of one woman's struggle with a life threatening disease and how the support from those who cared for her helped create a charity organization that is still in effect today.

Judge 1

Positives: Excellent B-roll and establishing shots. You got some beautiful exteriors and interiors at their home and at school. Great information. This story is so touching. Hearing the reaction from the Shellards is powerful.

Improvements: You shot such beautiful b-roll shots, but I think you could have picked some better interview areas. Never shoot an interview in front of a window. Unless you have two 4k lights to equal the sun or something. Even Mrs. Shellard's interview. I would have liked to see hers maybe next to that tree out in front of her yard. The location of her office is just cold and echo-y. Try to keep interviews at eye level. The camera is looking down on Stevi and Dr. Shellard. It kind of makes what they have to say less impact on a subliminal level. Finally, you refer to them by their first name in all the text, but by Dr. and Mrs. Shellard in the voice over. Try and keep that consistent.

Judge 2

Positives: The opening shots really draw you in. I also thought the ending shots with the text was a strong was to end this documentary. When Stevi comes in - she really brightens up the story and the shots of her were really well done. Her interview was set up with a nice background and it was nice to hear what she did to help this family.

Improvements: The dialogue and shots were very repetitive in the beginning. They says there was "disbelief" at least 3 times. We also see her looking out the window a number of times which could be cut out. The lighting during James' interview is very blown out and distracting. It unfortunately takes away from what he is saying. I'd also be careful with the music at the end because it overpowers the voiceover.

Judge 3

Positives: Great job. Good camera movement and pacing in the editing. Great music choices to convey tone and propel story in the scenes. Well made doc with a heart warming story.

Improvements: Be careful when shooting in front of windows. Interview with James was good but whited out a little in the back. This can be avoided by slightly changing camera angle or closing the drapes a little to diffuse the sunlight . Good broll footage but I would have liked to see footage of Debbie's interaction in the community or class room / theatre instead of the office and home. Would have been nice to show community support and connect the audience with Debbie.