Commenting on researched documentaries

Director's Journal

I took a nontraditional approach to viewing the documentaries I chose to watch as part of my research into the aesthetic look and feel of my film.

Instead of focusing on the story and content on all of the films, instead I concentrated on the filmmakers; specifically how they came to their documentary subject matter, how they succeeded in pulling off the project, and also their body of work over time.
I chose not to do any outside research on the films aside from what was in my head at the time, as well as whatever the DVD extras included.

Several questions occurred to me as I viewed these films (for a listing please see sidebar)

*what makes a successful director

* how did they navigate through problems

* were the stories told compelling, or at least interesting

Some words to live by

"Do what you love, or love what you do. Your career/job should be a place of contribution and joy. Heck, you spend about half your waking hours associated with it--might as well enjoy yourself! And by the way...aim at making enough money to support yourself and one other human being. Frankly, if you don't have this much focus, you shouldn't be having sex."

This quote I took from Steven Barnes' blog site Dar Kush. I put it here because I like what he has to say. .. Even when it hurts. Both he and his wife Tananarive Due are successful writers.

http://darkush.blogspot.com/


Currently I do NOT love what I do, and I am working towards doing what I love, and getting paid for it, not starving; which is writing and making movies. Does anyone out LOVE what they do? And if so, please tell me why you do , and how you managed to pull off such a monumental feat?

And oh yes, a reminder for anyone that hasnt b een here before, all advice about filming, equipment, and common sense related industry advice will be placed in green, just as a way to identify the text as separate from the regular blog.
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From an old post 2 yrs ago

Camera Accessories-purchasing lenses Today I am concentrating on purchasing lenses and filters for the Panasonic Ag-Dvc 30 mini dv camera that I purchased for film school, hereafter referred to as "my baby." I want to purchase the uv protection filter as well as the polarizer and fld filter. All are listed below. I also need to purchase the one that makes skin tones look better, dont recall the name of it at present...

1- UV filter (ultraviolet) for protection against dust, dirt, scratches, fingerprints and the sun's ultraviolet rays. 1- Polarizing Filter. Used to increase color saturation, like darkening blue skies so that white clouds stand out. 1- FL-D filter (fluorescent) for taking pictures indoors under fluorescent lights. This filter removes the greenish tint given off by fluorescent lighting.

Well Hello,
once again down to the wire Malene has the weight of the world on her shoulders as she tries to pull off yest another thesis proposal because the first one went south.
-release negative energy-
-release negative energy-
-release negative energy-
I listened to my grandmother's interview last nite.
She has a beautiful voice.

Honesty

Hey
I want to be honest and say that I dropped the ball regarding my thesis project- didnt line up enough money or complete my sh&* in time.
So now I have to start

all
over
again.


BELIEVE in yourself, and know that you can pull it off. I knoww everyone says this: have faith in yourself blah blah etc.
But its true, dammit!
And if you dont think u can do it, lie and say Yes I Can anyway.
If Gramma asks you how the project is going, tell its just fine, go in the bathroom and cry.
Then come back out, grab your computer and start writing.
Allow yourself to write pure crap for the first page or so, then Hit it!




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a good book to investigate:
Creating Characters
Let them whisper their secrets
by Marissa D'vari
2005