So as you can see, I never actually blogged about my progress in making my documentary, my first documentary ever. At the time, I had no progress to blog of. After completing the filming, editing, and screening of my final product, what I have to say is WOW. WOW, what hard work. I never truly realized how many little details go into to making sure the documentary is filmed best not just for you but to please your subjects and benefit your viewers. Now that I realize how important each aspect is I want to take a moment to reflect on these aspects in PSA form. MAKE SURE YOUR SUBJECT FEEL COMFORTABLE. I interviewed many of my close friends and colleagues. Some of us couldn't even look each other in the eye without laughing. I had to step back and allow another friend to conduct one of interviews while I merely watched to make sure everything was going smoothly in order to keep the documentary professional and not full of giggles. CHOOSE A QUIET SPACE. It can be quite challenging on a college campus to find a quiet space. But, Emory is big, you'll find one and your documentary will turn out so much better. Lastly, GO OVER THE QUESTIONS. Don't coach your subjects. Don't train them to answer how you want to steer your project rather this simply goes hand in hand with making them feel comfortable. As long as you do not go over each question in serious detail their answers will still be genuine.
Overall, I was extremely impressed by my peers documentaries exposing the use of media in various communities. I was most struck by the many different social, racial, and gender groups that were exposed in the making of these videos. For me, this was my first time learning about these groups and becoming aware of their goals and missions. One of my favorites was my classmate Ivy Kang's documentary on the Asian Pacific Islander Movement. Check out her documentary website.
Overall, I was extremely impressed by my peers documentaries exposing the use of media in various communities. I was most struck by the many different social, racial, and gender groups that were exposed in the making of these videos. For me, this was my first time learning about these groups and becoming aware of their goals and missions. One of my favorites was my classmate Ivy Kang's documentary on the Asian Pacific Islander Movement. Check out her documentary website.