Thinking Outside the Brain - ID# 110
Deerfield
Documentary
Entry Description
Dr. Zach London runs the neurology residency program at the University of Michigan. But when Dr. London isn't studying the brain, he is busy writing and releasing original music and designing board games - all in the name of passion and creativity.
Copyright Info
Recent Teacher Comments
- 4/21 8:39 pm - KEEPERS: This is a super cool story about a uniquely gifted and engaging individual. I loved his story and the overall message that no matter who you are or what you do, the creative arts can always be there as an outlet and a way to let others in. The production value of this was great and the layering of the broll and aligning it to the overall story was really well done. IMPROVEMENTS: Was this a longer documentary originally? I ask because it felt a bit rushed. It is jam packed with story and I think eliminating a few elements if only to let other elements breathe longer would have made for a better overall doc within the 5 minute limit. My one real critique is that the story never really let up long enought for me to hear more of his music isolated for longer periods and to let other moments breathe. Some of the story transitions were a bit abrupt such as the pivot from music to board games, and then the brief mention of his brother-in-law's passing. Again, if this was cut down from a longer documentary, additional cutting within those elements might have allowed you to open up the doc a bit in terms of editorial pacing and let some moments "sing" (pardon the pun). Overall, this was one my favorite stories from this year. Really nice job!
- 2/25 2:02 pm - STORY: This is a really cool and interesting story. It was interesting to see how these people took meaning from their own lives and integrated it into what they teach and share to others, to help them see beyond their current perspectives. PRODUCTION: the primary interviews were well shot, had sufficient lighting, and good audio. The integration of the music beds worked particularly well with this story.
Judge 1
Positives: A good look into the life of Zach and what makes him unique as a doctor. The people in his life talking about him works well. All of the photos and b-roll add a lot of context to the story.
Improvements: An introduction of Zach at the beginning would have been beneficial instead of just a lower third. Pacing was a bit quick.
Judge 2
Positives: I like the beginning edit with the music, voice, and footage, really drew me in right away! Nice that you used music with lyrics and it worked.
Improvements: Interviews are too dark. Their faces are underexposed. Ended abruptly,
Judge 3
Positives: Extremely well told and edited story. Using the interviews to tell the story and broll was super well done. In the edit, your use of his music was great and I liked when it rose in the mix/edit to prominence between the interview bits. The pace of the edit was quite fast but I think it works well. The edit of the material demonstrated to be you really understand the story youre trying to tell and I walked away from this film feeling like I was in the hands of a competent documentary filmmaker. Well done! Great use of sound/music/recorded audio in the edit.
Improvements: The ending of the film felt a bit abrupt, I'm wondering if there is a better quote or interview bit that sort of sums up the thesis of the film better, I felt a bit abandoned as a viewer at the final moment. Or maybe you end with music? Him live performing, recording, or something? Some of the ken burns pics I think the push ins are a bit too quick, maybe slow the speed of those down a bit?
Judge 4
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Judge 5
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