My Flag - ID# 208

Neuqua Valley

Documentary

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Entry Description

A documentary where we take a look at the representation of different countries from staff and students from Neuqua Valley.

Copyright Info

Recent Teacher Comments

• 4/24 9:20 pm - As the documentary opens up it's super clear about how you're setting the tone and the story that you're going to tell which is highly effective. You feel like when you introduce the staff member from Puerto Rico that you are using a fair amount of stock footage here. I also think more care in terms of framing the interviews and using careful deliberate compositions that are more filmic and purposeful would have enhanced the piece. Focus on some of the interviews as well. A compelling story- thanks for telling it
• 4/4 9:45 pm - Keepers: I love all of the different voices you found for this documentary. So well done to get that much cultural representation. Very well done editing the interviews as well. It has a really nice flow from soundbyte to soundbyte. The music is also very well done and the piece has a great overall mix. Good use of broll in terms of essentially painting by numbers according to the soundbytes. Improvements: Would it have been possible for you to have personalized this broll at least somewhat? By this, I mean gather some photos from your interview subjects of their relatives from Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, etc. The main issue is that the broll felt too much like stock footage for much of the piece. Break it up with some authenticity if possible. For example, when explaining, food, have them hold up a dish of that food, or film them plating it for themselves as they explain it. This makes the broll more personal and active. Also, try to work on your interview set ups. Follow rule of thirds and flip the frame from interview to interview. Also, give more thought to your interview backgrounds. It's fine to film at school, but sometimes offices and small spaces aren't always the best for interesting looks. In terms of the story, end it stronger. You have some extra time to play with, so ask each person how important it is to have their culture represented at school, or what it means to see their flag in a position of honor in the building - something to sort of tie everything together with a final soundbyte from someone.
• 3/4 6:27 pm - +I like that you got a lot of interviews! +Nice editing. Good touches with the music cues -Make sure to tell your interviewees where they should be looking -One interview is out of focus -Put your lower third on the "look space"

Judge 1

Positives: Very nice use of file footage to help visually tell your story. Great choices of music and editing to the music.

Improvements: I wonder if there were more interesting backgrounds to place your interview subjects? Try to find a location with more depth that can be more visually interesting. Be careful to be sure your interview subjects are always in perfect focus - some of these interviews were a little "soft"

Judge 2

Positives: 1. Engaging edit. Good use of music and interview to create a compelling story. 2. Really great interview subjects. I can tell you asked well though out questions to get the VO/narrative to tell this story.

Improvements: 1. Some of the stock video used seemed a bit out of place or that we could tell it was stock. 2. Could possibly hide the lav mic on subjects as its a bit distracting.

Judge 3

Positives: The editing was great kept it high energy and snappy, definitely kept me engaged. I liked the music used and the transition from Latin to French music l. Besides what sounded like a mic getting hit and other minor feedback, location audio kept it easy to understand what was being said.

Improvements: I think camera and lighting could definitely be worked on, I don’t think there was any lighting added to some shots and it shows. Also one teacher was completely out of focus and framed in an odd way, a lot of room for improvement on that front. I also think the story was a bit of a mixed bag, the editing and snappy cuts made it interesting and kept my attention, but it seemed more like fun facts about these places more than anything. Credits, you definitely need to add them.

Judge 4

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Judge 5

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