Scripting And Storytelling for Documentaries - 17/03/17

 Sound
White balance
Exposure
Framing
Focus

Look for Levels - Listen for Quality

Filming in a contributors house

Ask where you can put your kit

put kit away from doors and exits

keep the contribitor relaxed, keep things organised, dress the set a little bit, ask home owners permission and dont go over the top,

You dont need every bit of kit, usually a reflector works better than bringing lots of kit

clear the details of the screen when framing up.

All programming is to a lesser or greater extent scripted

Factual Programmes face particular ethical challenges when it comes to how far they are scripted vs how much is reality

Treatment needs to be no more than one page although can be up to 3-4

outlining how you intend to tell the story

Main Characters/Interviewees

Locations
Style/format
narrative structure
prestenter

Transmission time and channel platform

Target Audience

Sequences
Interviews
REconstrucions and Dramatisations
actuality
Cutaways
Sync
Commentary
Music
Archive/Stills
Graphics

Show Me - Dont just Tell Me

Written Prior to filming
forms the template for your Finished Film

Pix -----------Sync/Comm

always start by writing your commentary and interweave with a summary of each persons sycn eg fred describes his life in london Research informs your Comm

Explore picture oppurtunity through your script

always write to pictures they should work togerhrter

Lord Privy Seal Rule

Needs to be a synergy between the words and video

Write Comm.Vo for Commentrart

SEQ sequence
ACT actuaulity
CA cut away
Sync Interview Clip
SFX sound effects

Commentary put in italics and bold - Also helps during voice over record if they are numbered.

Line and a half spacing makes it easier to read.

finding a narrative for your documentary is essential.

COMM guides and explains
fill gaps that cant easily  show
Intro Characters
Corner Turn
Tension
Selling point/expertise
information

Beware time based narratives cannot be fractured.

Investigator becomes a character in the film.

Method of story telling is appropriate for the content.

Actuality Driven

This is a term used to describe more observational type films whose structure and storytelling develops around what happens.

Sequenced have a more polished feel and are typically more formatted pieces e.e. who do you thing you are.

Scripts and shot list