Life with H & K - ID# 365

Mundelein

Division: AA

Documentary

Entry Description

This video is a short documentary that voices my struggles with depression and suicide. The video was created to voice my side of what happened and to also persuade those with depression or suicidal thoughts to get help.

Recent Teacher Comments

• 4/26 2:07 pm - Audio is tinny. I would’ve loved to have seen that second camera used for the interview be a tight shot. Powerful subject matter but a little long and confusing story to follow due to anonymity. I like the inclusion of facts throughout the story. Audio track is very appropriate and complimentary.
• 4/10 1:34 pm - Great personal storytelling, well edited and engaging at a global and specific level including a call to action at the end. Great pacing, facilitated by the music, to tell a complex yet relatable story- well done.

Judge 1

Positives: Well though out script and your delivery was solid. I liked the fact that you tied this into bullying and the misinterpretation of ones character. This is a very important topic that is complicated to say the least. Music and pacing was good.

Improvements: tech note: @44: seconds in - not sure if that is a mistake of intentional... If intentional, you may want to consider slowly fading in your image that is mixed with the photo. I truly feel where you are at and completely understand how selfish behavior creates confusion, emotional stress. I feel your approach may have been a little "calling someone out". There were a lot of details that could make it clear to some about the identity of K and H. Overall, well done.

Judge 2

Positives: The personal aspect worked well. Good use of stock photos and footage.

Improvements: Fake names rather than letters would have been better. Seems focused more on one incident than his dealing with depression. Story needed work.

Judge 3

Positives: Well researched, balancing a personal story with the larger epidemic of suicide. The subject of the documentary is an excellent speaker with a composed onscreen presence. He is both authoritative and vulnerable, which helps support the film’s message.

Improvements: The strongest composition for the onscreen interviews is straight to camera. Switching to the profile shots takes me out of the compelling narrative. The lo-fi sound recording seems purposeful, but stands apart from the rest of the techniques. I would have liked to have heard a more professional recording to match the sophistication of the film’s narrative.

Judge 4

Positives:

Improvements: