Documentary Evaluation

Documentary Style
The style of the documentary that I produced for the 3 Minute Wonder task was expository.

Topic + Why it was Chosen
The topic of my documentary was about life choices and I chose this topic in particular as a result of having to make a difficult decision myself. I also thought that the idea was an original one and would make an interesting watch. 

Use of Camera
For the use of a camera, I used it whilst placed on a tripod to gain stability in my shots, and because the shots that I took were that of moving heads, I didn't want any additional movement in the shots.

I chose to use the camera in this way to ensure that the audience could clearly and comfortably watch the documentary. I felt that the use of the camera movements was justifiable for the topic of my documentary, and that any other movements or use of the camera could have hindered the final result. The use of talking heads allows the audience to create a short lived relationship with the person on screen, and may allow them to empathise with the 'character' also, and I believe that this type worked well with my documentary.

Use of Sound
The only sound that was apparent throughout this documentary is the voices of the talking heads. Although at some stages there is the interruption of ambient sounds- such as doors closing- this was heavily avoided as I did not want to create any distractions from the stories and chapters in their lives that people were trying to tell. I feel that my decision to do so worked well with the form of my documentary, and if I was to make it again I would make the same decision.

Editing
When cutting up the interviews to capture the main focal points it was difficult to avoid jumpy and drastic cuts from one question or point to the other. This is why I added the still images in. Not only did they create a narrative by being placed in the positions that they were, but they helped to avoid the jumpy cuts from shot to shot. The use of a cross dissolve and fade in/outs also helped with his predicament. 

I also created the title and lower third graphics in Premier Pro. This was to introduce the people that I interviewed for my 3 Minute Wonder, and create the beginning of a relationship between the audience and the 'characters' being shown.

Mise-en-scene
Whilst filming my documentary, I used the same location throughout to keep up consistency. The black back-drop allows the audience to focus on what the interviewee is saying, and not what is going on in the background. I feel that for my documentary, although the mise-en-scene is dark, it connotes calmness and clarity, in that the interviewees are happy to have made the decision that they did. 
I feel that there was no need for additional props, as it was a 3 Minute Wonder project, not a full length documentary. The only 'staged' part of my final documentary was the use of lighting that was not ambient. The lighting was used to ensure that there was consistency throughout the footage and no sudden change to the viewers. 

Overall, 
I am happy with the final product. From working in a group to working as an individual was a big step, but I feel that it helped me build a better understanding of just how much work does go into the finished product, and how many factors there are to consider whilst doing so. If I was to be set this task again, I think I may have changed content slightly, but as a whole I am happy with how it turned out.