Bronze

Chapter One: In His Own Words

Oak Park River Forest

Documentary

Entry Description

A documentary about Tyler Milsap, the host of a monthly talk show at our high school.

Judge 1

Positives: The show looks very deep. Its great that the show has so many different interesting segments, and heartfelt segments. The true essence of a multi format talk show. Tyler has a very personable personality. I like hearing what he has to say and Im glad he chose to use a talk show as an avenue to do that.

Improvements: Try to keep your audio levels consistent. I couldnt really hear the kid on the phone in the beginning, then the rap music almost made me go deaf. In an interview setup, try not to do black subject with a black shirt on a black background. I was so dark and empty, it didnt convey much. Add a pop of color or change the backdrop color.

Judge 2

Positives: I loved the b-roll footage of his actual show and all the fun segments he has done. I thought it was great to allow us to hear some of his interviews that he conducted on his show. The exterior shots at the park and in his neighborhood were really well done and added some flavor to his story. It was smart to take advantage of this natural light.

Improvements: I thought the beginning was confusing because I couldn't really understand the young boy in the recording and then there was b-roll footage of Tyler and some baby pictures - there was no correlation between all the pieces. Then the music blasts and it doesn't fit with the rest of the documentary. I would have liked to know more about where this show airs and how he chooses his segments. Most of the doc was him talking about how he's different and what made him want to do this show, but there was enough about how this show is affecting other people and what his ultimate goal is.

Judge 3

Positives: Great camera movement and shot composition. B-roll was a good tool to add to the narrative.

Improvements: Lighting and color choices on the confessional/interview of Tyler. Half of Tyler's face was in shadow. The interview was also very dark, be conscious of all elements. Black absorbs light where white bounces light. Having a dark skin tone, black back drop and a black shirt is not the best idea. A colored shirt or backdrop would have resolved this as well.