Exile in Bookville - ID# 447
Richards High School
Documentary
Entry Description
This mini documentary sheds a 'reading' light on a tiny, 2nd floor, 'mom & pop" bookstore downtown Chicago, Exile in Bookville.
Copyright Info
Recent Teacher Comments
- 3/25 12:50 pm - Keepers: The story and overall presentation was largely good and the broll did well in capturing all of the interesting angles of books on shelves. The opening sequence was a nice way to introduce the piece visually. I liked the font choices and the way you sectioned the documentary out into topical chunks for the most part. Improvements: In terms of story, I think it would have been interesting to ask him why he thinks independent book shops are important in the age of Amazon, ebooks, etc. Some of that is answered but a more direct line of questioning there would have helped. During the opening montage, consider ending it with a good wide shot of the fine arts building. We never really get to see the space in context with the city, etc. Same thing on the inside. We never get a good expansive wide shot of the space so everything feels a bit disjointed. The movement on your broll all felt a bit too fast. Slow the pans, tilts and dollies a bit more and be disciplined with it. The movement of the broll doesn't really match the laid back vibe of the music. Also, the broll shots were all passive and devoid of people. I totally get that filming customers would be a challenge, but why not film the owner working? Stocking books, running the register, working at a computer, etc. Having that would have freshened up the screen a bit. Perhaps film your film crew standing in as customers (assuming it was more than just one person). It would give it a more show don't tell feel. The interview shot needed a bit more depth behind the subject. I like that you used the window for natural light on his face, but I would have placed him so he's facing the window and all of the books/store is behind him for more depth and context of story. In terms of editing, try to make sure that your broll shots are on screen at least 2-3 seconds. Some of the cuts were too quick so it was difficult to engage with the visuals in some instances. You needed one additional music cue. The same cue for 3 and half minutes is way too long. A piece like this needed at least two different songs and probably 3. I'm not sure why "epilogue" is in there. It felt wrong and out of place. Overall, this has a lot to like. Keep working and producing content and really focus your energies on going deeper with story.
- 3/5 7:41 pm - Looks great. B-roll looks good. You did a good job shaping the material and getting good information from the speaker. B-roll could match what he is saying a bit more. The music gets a bit monotonous, and is a bit loud at times. Maybe get another voice in the video–a customer? The graphics looked nice, but I didn’t understand why they were titled “epilogue,: etc.
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