1. Issues in a Documentary

Accuracy: The accuracy of our filming is almost always all live footage, we didn't use any archive footage within our documentary. We filmed every bit of it ourselves, therefore making it more accurate to our theme. We tried to make everything as real as possible, having nothing scripted (apart from the voice overs) or rehearsed. However, after producing the entire documentary we found that some of the voice overs did not fit the theme of our documentary, we thought they were too comedic rather than serious. So we re recorded them and found that a more serious approach was much more accurate to the theme.

Balance: Having balance in a Documentary is imperative, if it is a serious piece, then the humour needs to be much less. Which is what ours was like, we decided to make our documentary serious, so to balance this we reduced the amount of humour we would have normally used, and increased the level of seriousness. Although this is the case some parts of the documentary actually came across funny, this was because of certain aspects such as, Sami and Harry's reactions to their given tasks, and them whilst completing it. Despite the fact that these came across funny the overall feel behind it brought it down on a more serious level. 

Impartiality/ Bias: This is where something is going in favour of what the producer thinks, wants, or believes by claiming they're not biased when they really are. The bias within a documentary could be to do with views that are portrayed by the film maker. If the documentary is based on a subject that could have controversial views then it is important that the film maker is fair and balanced with his ideas. In our documentary we made sure that none of our personal views were implemented, meaning that it is bias free.

Objectivity: The objectivity of our documentary is finding out how two people react to a situation they may not be comfortable with. Sami being asked to join in with the Rugby Academy circuit training session and Harry joining in with a RAPA (Ravens Wood Academy of Performing Arts) dance session. Both very different in content, and challenging for each of the subjects.

Subjectivity: Both of the film makers for this documentary are in RAPA, so it would be unfair if they were to sway towards that in favour. Within the interview we made sure we didn't take favour to the member who's is in RAPA, instead we spoke to both of the subjects as if not knowing them, even know we did. Also as the film makers we knew the subjects quite well, and in real life we are good friends, but we couldn't let this effect the content, so again we distanced ourselves on a professional level to cut this out.

Representation: We were trying to represent both academies, Rugby and Performing arts, and how they are not that different and they can in fact mix what they do. Unfortunately this could not be properly represented because Sami was unable to complete the circuit training with ease, thus making him seem weaker than those in the Rugby Academy. However, Harry exceeded quite well within the dance side of it. So it was a balanced result.

4. Genres of Documentry

1) Poetic - Poetic Documentaries are predominantly based around visual and artistic elements.  In a poetic documentary you would expect to see lots of images and film clips, more so than speech and interviews. In terms of sound, they generally have music that would reflect the situation you see on screen, therefor making the audience feel more connected to the documentary. An example of a poetic documentary is Leni Riefenstahl's Olympia (1938), following all the conventions of what you would expect to see within a poetic documentary.




2) Expository - Expository Documentaries are documentaries that expose a person or a topic. They are well known for having a commentator while showing video clips or images explaining the story. The conventions of an expository documentary include, a commentator, factual data, opinions, rhetorical questions and persuasive techniques. To appeal to the audience the commentator will talk directly to the audience. There would often be archive footage or stills to back up the topic. An example of an expository documentary is "Backstairs Billy: The Queens Mum's Butler" This documentary uses lots of footage from that topic and commentates accordingly.



3) Observational - An observational documentary is where the filmmaker follows the subjects of the documentary around without talking to the person they are filming. Normally there are little to no interviews involved in this type of documentary, and the camera used is normally just a hand held camera. This makes the documentary look like it has been made by an amateur filmmaker or so that the audience feel as though its from their perspective. A specific example is the television programme Big Brother, this is a typical Observational documentary in the way that it is constantly following the lives of numerous people.



4) Participatory - This is where the interviewer is in the documentary itself. He interacts with the subjects as if he is being educated in whatever topic the documentary is on. He will ask the subject questions, so we can know more about them. They are directly involved in the film and are a part of the documentary. This type of documentary is the complete opposite of observational documentaries, being very intrusive as opposed to observational being the opposite. An example of this is "The life of Michael Jackson" by Martin Bashir. In this documentary Martin Bashir follows Michael Jackson around, whilst on camera, proving to be a perfect example of Participatory documentary.



5) Reflexive - In a reflexive documentary the film maker acknowledges their presence in front of the camera and provides a narrative to the documentary. The reflexive style of documentary is usually associated with experimental documentaries, where the viewer is just as interested about how the film is constructed as they are the actual content. An example of a film maker who makes reflexive documentaries is Louis Theroux, he is known for his controversial methods of reflexive film making, as he is always in front of the camera, being a physical part of his documentary, often taking part in the activities he is creating a documentary about.



6) Performative - Performative mode of documentary raises questions about what knowledge is. It sets out to demonstrate how the specialties of personal experience provide entry into an understanding of the more general processes at work in society. This is done by stressing the emotional complexity of experience from the perspective of the filmmaker. This form of documentary focus more on the tone and mood of the subject, rather than the arguments and evidence. An example of this is Tongues United.

2. In Depth Artist Case Study

18. Interview Analysis

1. Tell me about yourself?

Answer: I am keen to become part of the Paramount editing team, I have been in the film industry for 8 years and I can see myself being here for much longer. I am incredibly independent and am a thorough learner, making me more capable to evolve and change with the industry.

2. What are your Strengths?

Answer: I can edit any video to a perfect standard, using my independent knowledge, rather than relying on others to complete work. Therefor making me much more efficient in the work place. I have extensive experience with VFX, knowing how to use certain aspects of it to increase the viewing quality of a piece film, such as compositing.

3. Why do you feel you should get the job?

Answer: I feel I should get the job because I have extensive experience with this line of work, with many years in the field, i am immensely capable of this. I will offer the work force a new way of editing, making it the best and easy as possible. 

4. What do you work better as: Solo worker or group worker?

Answer: I work better as a group worker, I like to have the capability to reference with other members of the group, so  we can get the best possible outcome of the process. 

5. Why do you want to work here?

Answer: I have always wanted to work for your company, it has been a life long aspiration to work for Paramount Pictures. Post production editing is my passion and to work for you while doing that would fulfil my dream. I feel that your level of professionalism is incredible and it inspires me to become much more of an editor and better person.

6. What are your weaknesses?

Answer: Im not as strong in editing sound rather than video, but i am incredibly keen to learn. I find mixing together audio difficult, I don't have as much of a natural talent within sound editing. Although it is not my strongest I can still perform the editing of sound, I would perhaps need a bit of assistance.

7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Answer: In 5 years time I will hopefully be within your workforce, helping make any sorts of films. I would like to have a sturdy lifestyle, having a house and car to commute daily. I would like to have several credits under my belt within this line of work and I want to be looking onto furthering my talents.

8. What can you do better than other applicants?

Answer: I have the skills required to complete all jobs perfectly, and I offer a enjoyable and funny presence. 

9. What achievements have you made and which is the biggest one?

Answer: I worked on editing the Hunger Games films as assistant editor alongside some of the most well known editors and director. 

10. What qualifies you for this job?

Answer: I have two degrees, one in computer animation and the other in post production editing, both at the University of Bournemouth. I also studied media at lower level education such as GCSE and A Levels. 

15. Application Letter

                                                                                                   Mr Ben Davis

 222 Magpie Lane

Bromley

BR2 8RN

Mrs Jane Smith

Paramount Pictures

Oxford Circus
London

BJ40 X93

09/01/2015

Dear Mrs Smith

Position of Supervising Editor

I saw the advertisement for the post of Supervising Editor on your website and am very keen to apply.   Being a supervising editor for your company would be an incredible opportunity, I would like to work at your company particularly because it already strong and growing reputation in the film production industry.

Over the past 3 years I have worked at a local production company, creating numerous adverts and small scale films for numerous companies. I was required to undertake all post production editing, with help from the assistant editor. I have also helped small companies that make short films for the website YouTube. On several occasions they have contacted me individually, requesting help with my post production editing expertise, wanting their work to be finished at a professional level. My proudest work would be working on the film series The Hunger Games, I was an assistant editor for all three of the current films, and I am set to continue this role for the last instalment.

I specialise in a wide variety of editing techniques, using these techniques to create the best final edits possible. I am an intense learner so when it comes to creating work for specific directors, I am easily able to change the editing style I use. I am a great team player, offering many ideas for the film itself and different editing techniques to use in the process. I have done lots of work with VFX in the past, I know it is not the job description, but i feel that it links heavily to post production editing because I can use that knowledge and perhaps add some VFX features such as compositing.

I would be delighted to discuss my application further at an interview. Please contact me on 07971244167 or at benjamindavis91@live.com if you need any additional information.

Thank you for your consideration

Yours sincerely,


Ben Davis

14. Developing Technologies

8. Stop Motion Animation Formats

- Claymation (Wallace and Gromit)

Clay animation has been around for as long as the early 1900’s. Clay animation is a type of stop motion animation, an extremely time consuming process where lots of patience is required. The clay is moved, then shot, and the process is repeated, one frame at a time. At a professional standard, like the filming of Wallace and Gromit, they have 24 frames per second. A single frame is a picture, so 24 pictures per second which means it takes an absurd amount of time to film the process. They can get roughly 5 actions done every day. Target audience for claymation is mainly for younger children, ages 4 - 11 would be the more predominant age range. This is because it is a cartoon themed animation, so naturally it appeals to the younger audience.

- Paper Cut Outs (South Park)

Paper Cutout animation is where cutout shapes arranged on a flat surface, and manually moved and repositioned to create animation. Cutouts can be colored paper, white paper with drawings on it, even photographs, and can be completely flat or can sometimes be 3D objects. Many often use cutout animation to make photographs of people and animals to make it seem as if they're talking or moving, an example of this is South Park, they use paper cut outs, along with some computer animation to create their show. When it comes to frames per second, it depends on the level of creation, but at professional standard the fps would be roughly 24. This offers the best visual quality without taking excessive amounts of time to do. The target audience of this method would be mainly children again. This is because of the simplicity of the technique and the way the end product looks.

- Sand (Twinings Advert)

 Sand animation can be in two different forms, one being where the animation is drawn into the sand, and the other where the sand is used to make things and then become animated. So for the first one, you would start with a plain of sand, and start drawing bit by bit, each time taking another picture every time there is a change. In the second form you would create the object, take pictures, then move the object slightly, the same as the other animation techniques. This is one of the most challenging forms of animation and is the rarest out of them all. An example of this is a music video for the song, Eatliz - Lose This Child. This is the second form and took very very long to create. The target audience for this type of animation is adults. This is because it is not a cartoon, therefor not as childish. Also it is much more detailed than the other forms.

- Lego (Death Star Canteen)

Lego animation is making an animated clip using lego pieces. The lego pieces are moved in the same way clay would be in stop motion animation and a shot is taken after each movement. This form of animation is one of the easiest types, however still incredibly challenging to do at a professional level. An example of this is the Death Star Canteen, this is a Star Wars themed animation, made up entirely of lego and sound effects. It is particularly effective because you can see each movement, so it looks extremely smooth and well done. The target audience for this is of a more wide range than other forms of animation, this is because of the memories lots of people can relate with their childhood, so naturally it appeals to those who are older.

- People and Objects (Kindle Adverts)
This form of animation is one of the easiest out of these. A person, and or objects are put in positions and then taken pictures, the same as the other forms, but instead of moving the person, they would move the objects around it to give the illusion of the person moving. To make the person look like he is walking or running, he would lye on his side, and move his legs very slowly, and shot by shot the maker would move the background behind him. Generally, the background is the sun, or trees. By moving these, it makes it look like the person is walking, and has a very nice effect. With this form of animation  there is very little limitation in what you can do, for instance, you could make it look as though someone is flying, or swimming in the ocean. An example is the Amazon Kindle advert, they have several different scenarios, not really linked to the the Kindle itself, but it does reflect a good form of animation. The target audience of this stop animation would probably be those of an older generation because it isn't as childish, as its not cartoon. More themes can be applied that appeal to older people, and the fact that it uses real people is more likely to appeal to older people.



In my animation I am going to be using the form Whiteboard animation. This is suitable for the charity Save the Children because I feel that it suits the target audience more. As whiteboard animation is targeted at adults more because of its lack of cartoon nature and its flexibility. We also think that because it is a much more simple way of animating it will look clean and professional.