Documentary

National History Day Contest

Pre-ProductionProductionPost-Production

PRE-PRODUCTION

Story Selection

Choose WiselyGood visualsPrimary Source Availability

Narrow Focus

“THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD”

Way too broad

Pick a piece of history

“THE FIRST PHOENIX STREET CARS”

A better, more manageable choice Good visuals Primary sources

Research

Get to know your storyWhy is it significant?What visuals are available?Who will make the best interviews?

PRODUCTION

Interviews

Choose a good locationQuietAdequate lightingAppropriate place▪ Interview in a barnyard may not fit a story about street cars.

Visual Elements

Shoot additional videoGather images (photos & film)

Get permission to go on property and use images.

POST-PRODUCTIONLog InterviewsWrite ScriptEdit story

Get Ready for…

PAINFUL CHOICES

Script Writing

Don’t Cram It All InWrite to videoNot too wordyTell a Story

Script Writing

Tell a Story (Be Creative)Grab the viewer’s attention from the start.▪Use an amazing fact, interesting thought or good sound bite

Script Writing

Tell a Story.Don’t just list events, tell your viewer how those events affect people’s lives.

Start strong & end strong.

Script Writing

A chronological story doesn’t have to be told in chronological orderA story about Phoenix streetcar history might start with the city’s new light rail.

Editing

Special effects, graphics, text and music should be content appropriate.

Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

EDITING

Enjoy the creative pleasure.

Don’t avoid the pain…

If your story is too long…too confusing…

too much…

EDIT, EDIT, EDITCUT, CUT, CUT