Documentary Production

Vibe Productions has been asked to commission a variety of factual programmes for More4 aimed at today’s youth and younger generation.

The topic and content of each documentary must appeal to both males and females between the ages of 14 and 24

The topics can vary from sport, social media, appearances, UK education system, Brexit, being young in the UK, anxiety, fashion, history, politics or anything else you think the youth of Great Britain would want to know about.

Questions such as ‘Is being young in the UK really that bad? ‘Why are today’s youth too entitled?’ ‘Why are you the so-called Cotton Wool Generation?’ ‘Does fashion define an age?’ ‘What does Brexit mean for your future?’ ‘Why are more teenagers and young adults diagnosed with depression now than during the war?’ or ‘Is the UK education system stuck in the last century?’ to name but a few.

Although the topics are serious the content needs to attract a young generation so the language and style must appeal – what would you watch?

Submission Rules

1. Each documentary must have at least 1 interview with someone who is a witness / expert or has been impacted by the topic

2. It must be presenter lead 3. B-Roll and archive footage 4. Facts (backed up by detailed research) 5. Songs that define your generation (background music) 6. Interviews must be set in the correct location 7. Must be between 3 and 5 minutes (no less and no more)

This assignment covers Unit 1 and Unit 2 and will highlight the skills you have learnt

You must work in groups of 3-4 with the following roles covered

• 2x Cameramen • 1x Editor • 1x Lighting and props • 1x Location scout • 1x Producer

Assessment Criteria

U2LO1: Understand design and research tools, methods and skills used in creative media production

• Harvard referencing research

U2LO2: Understand primary and secondary research sources

• A variety of internet and book research

• Face to face and survey research

U2LO3: Be able to use design and research tools, methods and skills to inform ideas for creative media production.

• Infographics • Pitch

U1LO1: Understand processes and technical skills used in creative media production

• Good use of technical aspects • Good editing skills • Good interview techniques

U1LO2: Understand the characteristics and methods of communication within a media context.

• Good interview techniques • Documentary that covers the

correct codes and conventions

Task 1:

Research

In groups, you will be required to research:

• The mode of documentary you wish to use • The Topic • The subject (person being interviewed)

Put the research into infographics and a creative Pitch

Task 2:

Pitch your idea to the class and gather feedback

This pitch needs to be engaging and dynamic and you will be graded on your confidence, presentation skills and ability to answer questions on your topic.

Task 3:

Film your documentary (Interviews to be the first item you film – all scripts will come after)

Task 4:

Edit production

Task 5:

Show your production – Your first screening

Deadline for production:

Screenings will take place on Friday 20th October so all productions and planning must be completed by this date.