Michael Norwesh: Skateboarder - ID# 422

Deerfield

Documentary

Entry Description

Michael Norwesh has a passion for skateboarding, and this short documentary showcases his skill and love of the longboard.

Recent Teacher Comments

• 3/27 10:18 pm - This was an excellent job of documentary storytelling. Through some excellent conversation and some very pretty visuals, you make this a very compelling story about a young man and why skateboarding is so important to him. It really stuck with me his understanding of the "persona" of a skateboarder and how he argues that by saying he couldn't be great if he wasn't committed and working at his craft. That was a very memorable moment in a very intriguing piece. I will admit, when I first saw this was going to be about a skateboarder I wasn't sure if it would appeal to me or be another story about a kid with a talent but you did a great job of making the audience care and that is great documentary work. Well done!
• 3/6 10:01 pm - Great inspiring story that is well edited and visually told through a variety of shots. Well done with the pacing of the edit, it moved along nicely even though he struggled to find his words at points. It would have been nice to see some of his work from his Youtube channel as he talked about wanting to shoot and edit in the future. Great job telling his story.

Judge 1

Positives: Thanks for introducing us to such a committed and talented person. I enjoyed hearing about Michael’s passion through this short piece. The fun visuals connected the story elements in an interesting way.

Improvements: Michael’s interview needs more substance and more of an engaging connection. Although Michael is clearly passionate about his sport, his delivery is often lackluster and tentative, and he tends to repeat himself and dwell too long on certain topics. Some of this can be helped through the editing process, but some really needs to be coaxed out better during the actual interview process. Getting deeper content will also help flesh out the overall narrative,which is currently a bit flat and uneven. Additionally, the interview composition and lighting need some reworking.

Judge 2

Positives: I like the message! Great use of nat sound on the Broll.

Improvements: Consider doing the interview in a few locations or some interview sound ups while skateboarding - give the viewer some variety. I really would like to have seen some more creative camera work.

Judge 3

Positives: Solid work. Good flow of information. Technically on firm ground.

Improvements: A little repetitive in message. More headroom in the interview. More variety of shots.

Judge 4

Positives: some great camera work on the skateboarding, nice framing.

Improvements: color on the interview segments could use some improvement - too blue and low-contrast. Some more variety in locations and looks might help - a few quick musical montages could help break up the long interview segments.