048:66 Nonfiction Video Production Spring 2006

Department of Cinema and Comparative Literature

University of Iowa

Jennifer Proctor

Final Project

Pitch due 3/21

Rough cuts due 4/25

Final DUE May 9 at 9:45am (Final Exam period)

Your final project is an open format 5-8 minute nonfiction video, completed as an independent project or in pairs. The final project is open in terms of subject and approach as long as it falls within the boundaries of nonfiction as we have worked through them throughout the semester. Consider the different modes we have discussed and seen, and the different kinds of topics we have addressed—the entire breadth of nonfiction production is available for you to explore, borrow from, react to and shape in ways reflective of your interests and your voice. What do you want to say, and what is the best way of saying it?

Components:

Self-Inventory writing assignment from Directing the Documentary. Due, Tues., 3/21, this will only be seen by me and not shared with the class. The self-inventory may or may not lead directly to your proposed project, but is a good first exercise in finding out what kinds of stories and themes you are truly passionate about.

One paragraph (typed!) pitch to be shared in class. Due Tues., 3/21, this compelling, creative single paragraph should introduce the main idea and some elements of the proposed style of your project. Think of this as something you would submit to a producer with the power to “green light” your project. What is it about? Why should it be made, and why now? What will it look like? These are all questions the class should be able to answer based on your pitch. Make sure your idea can be completed realistically given the time, energy and resources available to you. Other constraints such as subject availability, distant location, etc. should be included as well. In other words, how are you going to pull this off?

Evidence of Pre- and Post-Production Planning – this should include contact sheets, question lists, ideas about action sequences and b-roll, location scouting data, a shooting schedule, edit logs and rough cut notes at the very least. These notes will be turned in with your final tape.

Budget and Schedule—Due Tues. 3/28, you will prepare a budget and schedule for this project, details to be discussed at a later date.

I expect your finished piece to be technically and aesthetically the most advanced work you do this semester.

NOTE about the final due date: our final screening period is Tuesday, May 9 at 9:45am which means that you must be printed to video with no glitches, ready to go by this time, with your pre-production notes ready to turn in. We will also have a public screening during finals week, date to be determined, but your project is officially due on May 9.

Original assignment design by Sasha Waters Freyer and adapted by Jennifer Proctor