Final Self Critique

I am VERY proud of myself with this documentary, I follow the Monfort's for four days to get their story out. The only thing I wish upon this documentary is that it could be longer because I believe what I really want to show will take more than 10mins and some lack of time that we had during the making of the documentary and class. I am excited for what the class has to say during class tomorrow and hope for the better. Like I said in the past I know for sure that this documentary is WAY better than my first (midterm). I have no negative response yet, I ask favor from a classmate to help critique and receive some great tips, THANKS TOMMY! All I can do is hope for the better.

The Monfort's

Self Critique

So the more I edit the more I am understanding and seem to like. With this final revise I am more happy with the results. I want to continue with this documentary later in the future. I took a lot of things out by listening to what the class had to say. I became bitter with the situation sometime but the more I kept going the more I learn from it. The only thing I wish I had for the documentary is a lot of B-Roll. Again I would love to continue with this documentary and I know my next documentary will be better.

Memphis Interracial (The Final)

Final Pitch for Documentary: The Monfort Family

Final Pitch

Project Description
The Monfort Family has their share of challenges; but even though they care for a handicap daughter, the Monforts are like any other family: dysfunctional, yet loving.

Explanation of Theme and Intent
We want to share the personal story of the Monfort family. Our focus is not so much on Leann and her condition, but more so the family situation and how they have dealt with the many challenges in their lives stemming from Leann's handicap. Like so many families, they have their share setbacks and issues. We want our audience to see this family not as burdened, but as just another family. There are better and worse family conditions to have; but patience, work, and love drive this one.

Act I
The Intro
Interviews: Louanne Monfort (Mother) with Jimmy Monfort (Father)
(Medium Bust shot)
Questions:
1. Tell me about Leanne’s birth.
2. When did you notice Leann was having problems?
3. What did the doctors say about Leann’s condition?
4. How did you react?
5. Explain how Leann was permanently affected.
6. What changes did your family have to make?
B Roll - Video: the Monfort’s morning
Interactions of Louanne and Jimmy with Leann
Photos: Leann’s birth, surgeries, young photos


Act II-
Interviews
Louanne Monfort with Jimmy Monfort (Medium Bust shot)
Questions
7. What influenced you to have more children?
8. How did your families react to the fact that you wanted more children
9. What impact has your situation had on your realationship?
10. What other situations impacted your relationship
11. How do you think your other children have been affected by your family’s situation?
12. What are your experiences with how strangers react to your family?
13. How did you learn to deal with strangers’ reactions?
14. What other stressors do you have? (finances, time management)
15. What made you decide to keep Leann at home?
16. What were the outside reactions to your decision to keep Leann at home?
17. How does your family spend the holidays?
Kevin Monfort (youngest son) (Medium Bust Shot)
18. What was it like growing up with a handicap sister?
19. How do you feel you are different from other familes?
20. How do your friends react when you introduce them to your family?
21. Tell me about some of the positive experiences you’ve had.
22. Tell me about some of the negative experiences you’ve had.
23. How do you feel your family situation has affected your life?
24. How do you feel your family situation has affected your way of thinking?
Mrs. Dorothy (PA) (Medium Bust Shot)
25. Tell me about the family life you’ve observed within the Monfort home.
26. What is your role in the Monfort home?
B Roll – Video- Normal day-to-day activities
- Mrs. Dorothy taking care of Leanne
- Photos- Monfort children growing up


Act III
Interviews
Mrs. Dorothy
27. How do the Monforts compare to other families you have assisted?
Louanne, Kevin, and Jimmy
27. How do you feel you are similar to other families?
28. What are your plans for Leann’s future care?
29. Where do you think your family will be twenty years from now?
30. How do you feel your family's way of life has shaped your way thinking?
B Roll - Video- The family's normal activities
- Ending a day with Leann

Production Design Statement
We feel our B Roll and specific line of questioning will steer the understanding of the Monfort family's situation. B Roll will pertain to the questions being answered and will also show how life is lived in the Monfort home.

Story Board for Documentary#2

The Monfort Home

The Living Room

The Kitchen

The Dining Room

The Backyard Sitting Area

Leeann's Bedroom

The Monfort Family

Louann Monfort

Jimmy Monfort

Kevin Monfort

Ms. Dorothy

Leeann Monfort

Rebecca, Brittany, and Amanda
Final Project

The Monfort's Story:

*The B-Roll will show two days (or more) of following the Monfort family, then lead to the third day of interviewing the family.

*Questions: (more to come when following the family so we can get a more better understand of them first)

1. What do you remember with Leeann birth? Good or bad, tell me more about it.

2. When did you know something was wrong with Leeann?

3. From what you remember, when did Leeann situation get worse? How, has she always been this way, and how was she as a child growing up?

4. Has this situation affected your social life? Are there other situations affecting it? How?

5. What does the family plan to do when you are no longer able to care for your child?

6. If you could wish one thing for Leeann what would it be?

7. (For Kevin Monfort, the younger brother) Tell me about having an older sister that is handicap. How is it no different than anyone else? How is it different?

Story Board:

B-Roll:

-Start off with Louann getting the day started and Ms. Dorothy walking into the Monfort's home (at 8am) to prepare for the day.

Wideshot:

- switch to the parents. Ask the parents, Jimmy Monfort and Louann Monfort, what do they remember from Leeann birth

B-Roll:

-(While the parents are still going on continuing with the question) Photographs of Leeann from when she was a baby will be shown.

Medium Bust Shot:

(Medium bust shot of one of the parents will be on camera, while talking)

B-Roll:

-Louann and Ms Dorthy enteracting with Leeann.

Medium Bust Shot:

-Whole family (Jimmy, Louann, & Kevin) couple of seconds with one or two members of the family) Questions related to: "what you remember, when did Leeann situation get worse? Ect.

B-Roll:

-Kevin, the younger brother, doing what he normally does. Questions.

B-Roll:

-Following Ms. Dorothy and Leeann; ask Ms. Dorothy a couple questions during some B-Roll of how long she has been around the Monfort family, what she does for Leeann, and what Leeann likes and dislikes. Ect.

Medium Bust Shot:

-Interview with Ms. Dorothy.

Wideshot:

-Whole family. Questions about their social life.

(During this question we focus more on the family one on one interview)

Wideshot:

-Whole family. Questions related to their future plans. (focus on one or two members of the family interview)

Headshots:

-Interviews.

B-Roll:

-Ms. Dorothy shift is over (at 5pm). Parents take turns taking care of Leeann.

Wideshot:

-Whole Family.

Headshot:

-Question of their hopes for Leeann.

B-Roll:

-Parents put Leeann to bed.

Medium Bust Shot:

-Parents.

Video Blog Critique

For my last blog critique I still agree on what I said at first, I needed more. One of those points is having more B-Roll with the Stewart couple. I did feel the video needed more from them because their story was more interesting due to the fact that they have been around longer and have more of a compelling story.

For the intro, I agree with the font, the size, and it was hard to see with a B/W photographs of the Lovings. I took the font out and place it with a voice over instead. Long silence does make a story kinda vague. I took some unnecessary story boards out to make it stick with what the documentary is really about. Lower the volume, made it equal to the rest of the sound of the video. Took the title boards out from interviewing Memphians and tourist. Also took out the first couple of the video due to the fact that it was insulting and the harsh language from Craig Monfort speaking some women.

I hope this Revise Video is a little better from the first one. I do feel that it needs more work but it is my first Documentary and I have learn a lot from this one video and critiques from the class and hopefully I take what I learn and make my next Documentary better for my final :-)

Memphis Interracial Revise

Final Project Idea:

The Monfort's Story:

*The B-Roll will show two days (or more) of following Leeann and the Monfort family, then lead to the third day of interviewing the family.

*Questions: (more to come when following the family so we can get a more better understand of them first)

1. What do you remember with Leeann birth? Good or bad.

2. When did you know something was wrong with Leeann?

3. From what you remember, when did Leeann situation get worse? How, has she always been this way, and how was she as a child growing up?

4. Is Leeann situation effected your social life? & how?

5. What does the family plan on doing when you can't take care of Leeann anymore?

6. If you could wish one great thing for Leeann what will it be?

7. (For Kevin Monfort, the younger brother)How is it like having a sister who is handicap? Example.

Story Board:

B-Roll:

-Start off with Ms. Dorothy walking into the Monfort's home (at 8am) setting up to get Leeann prepare for the day.

Question#1:

-(While still showing the B-Roll) We, the group, ask the parents, Jimmy Monfort and Louann Monfort, what do they remember from Leeann birth

(Then switch to the parents for a couple of seconds to continue the question)

B-Roll:

-(While the parents are still going on continuing with the question) Photographs of Leeann from when she was a baby will be shown.

-Then later continue with Ms. Dorothy preparing for Leeann for the day.

Question#2:

-The group will ask the parents "When did you know something was wrong with Leeann?"

(Medium bust shot of one of the parents will be on camera, while talking)

B-Roll:

-While continuing with the question the shot will then lead to either Ms. Dorothy taking care of Leeann through out the day or photographs of Leeann as a child.

Question#3:

-(Medium bust shot of the whole family (Jimmy, Louann, & Kevin) couple of seconds with one or two members of the family) Question asked "From what you remember, when did Leeann situation get worse? How, has she always been this way, and how was she as a child growing up?"

Question#4:

-(For Kevin, the younger brother)How is it like having a sister who is handicap? Example.

B-Roll:

-Go back to following Ms. Dorothy and Leeann; ask Ms. Dorothy a couple questions during some B-Roll of how long she has been around the Monfort family, what she does for Leeann, and what Leeann likes and dislikes. Also see Leeann react to Ms. Dorothy if can.

Question#6:

- (Whole family) Is Leeann situation effected your social life? How & why?

(During this question we focus more on the family one on one interview)

Question#7:

-(For the whole family)What does the family plan on doing when you can't take care of Leeann anymore?

(focus on one or two members of the family interview) then......

B-Roll:

-More with Leeann's eniviorment, Ms. Dorothy shift is over (at 5pm). Parents take turns taking care of her now

Question#7:

-(For the whole family, one by one compelling focus reaction) If you could wish one great thing for Leeann what will it be?

B-Roll:

-Parents gives Leeann her night Meds, change her, and put her to bed. Then lead to the parents that night and ask "What's for tomorrow".

Crit on Crit for Memphis Interracial Documentary

One on One Critique with Jill (only)

From my critique I basically kind of knew that I needed, starting with a little more "B-Roll" and Documentary was too long. There were a couple of more mistakes that were added to the Documentary.

.Better introduction on how I what and who I want to start with.

.Don't talk in the unless unless I'm part of the film (ex. GoodHair by Chris Rock)

.Framing, .Too long

.B-Roll, and ...

.Stage some areas when interviewing the interviewee. (imaging the scene as a photograph)

When revising the documentary I did get a chance to cover some on the mistakes that simple to do but trying to change where and who I interview was a no go. Their schedule could not fix with me this week. But now knowing all of what I need to do better for my next Documentary will be an improvement.

Final Pitch :-)

The life of the Monfort family revolves around caring for their daughter, Leanne, who was left mentally handicap after the removal of a brain tumor shortly after birth. In our documentary, my group will take viewers into the lives of the individuals of a family that has lived their lives around caring for Leanne.

Interviews with:

Louanne Monfort (mother)

Jimmy Monfort (father)

Kevin Monfort (brother)

Mrs. Dorothy (P.A.)

Setting: The Monfort home

Act I

Getting Leanne in the morning

Introducing the family, their situation, and Leanne's illness

Act II

Daily activities

Eating, Medication, entertainment

Questions regarding how each family member cares for Leanne

How does caring for her affect relationships, financial situations, socail lives ext.

Act III

The family's harsh realities

Group Project#2

Assignment1

Group Project#3

Memphis Interracial

Questions 3/2

1. 1.How did you meet your partner and how did it come about?

2. 2.Is it different being in a relationship with someone with a different race?

3. 3. How did it come about when it came to meeting both families, friends, and the whole world?

4. 4.Were there any (other) negative aspects while being in a relationship with your partner? Brief detail? Why?

5. 5.Do you think it’s harder for black females to be in a relationship with a white male than a black male being with a white female? Why?

6. 6.Where are you and your partner right now? Are you happy?

Sequence 3/2

Interracial Relationship Sequence

There will be changes made

Sequence 1 – For the introduction the viewers will first see images of interracial relationships from the past. 10 seconds into the introduction there will be a narrative voice-over explaining a little of the history of interracial relationships and how it first became public while still showing the images. The images introduction will be 20 to 30 seconds long.

Sequence 2 - The viewers will meet person “A”. The director will first ask a question to person “A” about how she met her partner and how they came about.

- (10 seconds into person “A” talking the camera will cut into old photographs of person “A” and her partner together.)

Sequence 3 – The viewers will then be introduces to person “B” in her home discussing how she met her partner and how they came about also.

- (Hopefully the viewers will be able to see her around her environment and get a glimpse into what she does through-out the day.)

- (Some of these clips involving the interviewees will probably be played between the interviewers also)

Sequence 4 - The director will then go out and hit the streets of Memphis asking strangers about how they feel about interracial relationships (negative responses.)

The Negative

Sequence 5 - The viewers will finally meet person “C”. The director will ask person “C” is it different being with someone from another race. Discuss briefly.

- (10 seconds onto person “C” talking there will be photographs showing of the couple. While the photographs are being shown person “C” will continue [over voices] talking about her situation.)

Sequence 6 – For person “B” the director will ask her do you think it is hard for a black female to be in a relationship with a white male than a black male being with a white female. Explain and examples.

- (The viewers will see person “B” explaining her reaction to the question.)

Sequence 7 - The camera will cut onto person “A” explaining the same question that was ask for person “B”

- (10 seconds into person “A” talking the camera will cut into photographs hopefully relating to what their talking about.)

- (I would hopefully like to give brief examples like: Athletes, etc)

Sequence 8 - The viewers will hopefully see a heating moment with all three women when asked were there any negative aspects when it came to being in a relationship with someone outside of their race. What were some of the stories and why.

- (The viewers will then see and hear what happen, why, and true feelings of that past moment.)

Sequence 9 - The director will then go out and hit the streets of Memphis asking strangers again about how they feel about interracial relationships. (positive responses)

The Positive

Sequence 10 - the viewers will see person “A”, she will be asked where is her relationship with her partner standing right now, are they happy, & maybe was it all worth it at the end. Discuss.

Sepquence 11 - The same question will be asked of persons “B” & “C”.

Sequences 12 - After their responses the conclusion will show the viewers all three women sitting or standing next to their partner (Basically slowing the viewers that their in love and this is who they are). This will cut onto photographs of the interracial couples that were interview (& other couples) and during that there will be soft music, hopefully relating to the topic, being played with also a voice over explaining to viewers about the present time of interracial relationships and being open-minded to the situation.

End

2/23 Plot For My Project

Interracial Dating:

For my plot I want to talk about the positives and negatives aspect of dating outside a race. It will be located in Memphis in present time. In the beginning I will show pictures (and maybe video clips) of interracial couples from the past and present with a voice over of explaining the history of interracial dating. I will interview four interracial couples separately showing their enivornment a little at the beginning and through out the film asking questions. For example how they meet their partner, was it hard dating outside their race, were their conflicts when it came to introducing their partner to their friends, family, and the rest of the world, was everything worth it, etc. I would also like to interview young and old people who are not (or are) involve in interracial dating by asking them one question, "how do they feel about interracial couples and why?". Some negative and positive. In between the interviews I would want to show some video clips and photos of what relates to the couples story of their situation. At the end of the film the couples will finally be sitting next to each other explaining where are they now with their lives as a interracial couple and are they happy.

Storyboard for Group Project #3

Group Project 2

Concept: Espionage, part 2. Character A continues to act like she doesn't know Character B is following her.

Logistics: Front of Auditorium doors, hallway, stairwell, hallway near mailroom

Shot 1(Wideshot)
Character B watches Character A enter and exit scene.
Shot 2(Wideshot)
Character A walks towards camera while Character B watches her.
Shot 3(Wideshot)
Character A walks away from camera while Character B watches her
Shot 4(Bustshot)
Character B's eyes following from camera right to left.
Shot 5(Close Up)
Character B's face following from camera right to left.
Shot 6(Wideshot)
Character A walking down hallway from camera. Character B follows after.
Shot 7(Wideshot)
Character A walking down hallway toward camera. Character B follows.
Shot 8(Low Angle)
Character A walking up stairs, drops papers. Character B picks it up.
Shot 9(High Angle)
Character A walks up stairs, drops papers. Character B picks it up, smiling.
Shot 10(Low Angle)
Character A walks up stairs followed by Character B.
Shot 11(Mediumshot)
Character B comes through doorway
Shot 12(Mediumshot)
Character A waits for Character B. Trips Character B.
Shot 11(Mediumshot)
Character A tripping Character B. Character B falls towards camera.
Shot 12(Wideshot)
Character B on ground along with file.
Shot 13(Closeup)
Character A tripping B.
Shot 14(Wideshot)
Character B on ground. Character A picks up paper.
Shot 15(Wideshot)
Character A walks off.

Storyboard for Group Project 2

Concept: Espionage, part 2. Character A continues to act like she doesn't know Character B is following her.

Logistics: Front of Auditorium doors, hallway, stairwell, hallway near mailroom

Shot 1(Wideshot)
Character B watches Character A enter and exit scene.
Shot 2(Wideshot)
Character A walks towards camera while Character B watches her.
Shot 3(Wideshot)
Character A walks away from camera while Character B watches her
Shot 4(Bustshot)
Character B's eyes following from camera right to left.
Shot 5(Close Up)
Character B's face following from camera right to left.
Shot 6(Wideshot)
Character A walking down hallway from camera. Character B follows after.
Shot 7(Wideshot)
Character A walking down hallway toward camera. Character B follows.
Shot 8(Low Angle)
Character A walking up stairs, drops papers. Character B picks it up.
Shot 9(High Angle)
Character A walks up stairs, drops papers. Character B picks it up, smiling.
Shot 10(Low Angle)
Character A walks up stairs followed by Character B.
Shot 11(Mediumshot)
Character B comes through doorway
Shot 12(Mediumshot)
Character A waits for Character B. Trips Character B.
Shot 11(Mediumshot)
Character A tripping Character B. Character B falls towards camera.
Shot 12(Wideshot)
Character B on ground along with file.
Shot 13(Closeup)
Character A tripping B.
Shot 14(Wideshot)
Character B on ground. Character A picks up paper.
Shot 15(Wideshot)
Character A walks off.

Unconventional Short Response

Woody Allen "Manhattan"

From what I seen from the Woody Allen film, "Manhattan", I like the fact that every scene and conversations are funny but has a romance twist to it. Example the "someone to watch over me" song in the background, showing a lot of "couples" scene with him talking to the ladies and true black and white which gives it an more effect. I notices in Woody framing he shows wide shots techniques for the beginning of the film by showing the New York view when talking about the city and over the shoulders and bust shots when talking to his characters in the film.

Crit-On-Crit for Assignment #1

My major suggestions from other students for my first assignment was to shorten some scene. Like the beginning of my film when I show my character environment of her room. I agree with the comment but showing the environment was kinda of one of the big parts of the subject. I just thought to make it better that I could have pick the speed up faster. The shakiness of the camera another. I know now small devices are never a good use to make a short nor big film unless you have a tripod. Also taking unnecessarily scenes out. The ending of the film showing the character getting ready to go to bed and claps the light off. I also agree with this suggestion because it is not part of the theme of the assignment. Final, the over-acting. I know now that over-acting is not good because it gives it a non-realistic vide, unless its a comedy.

After studying the critiques my eyes were open to the negative and positive. With the topic being "Sense of Place" some students like the fact that I started the film with showing my character environment first then showing the character it self. Also the mini close-ups expression/emotion and some camera angles.

Self-Critique for Assignment#1

For my first project I open the scene showing the character's environment of where she is currently living. I try to convey to the audience that something was bothering her. To accomplish this I take the viewers on a journey through the life of my character. We visit four houses during filming with each one representing the character at a different stage of her life. Along the way to each location film will be taken of the communities where each house resides. These four location will give the viewers a sense of where the character came from. The final scene shows the character coming home from her journey and reflecting out the window on her past and she realizes that she has to let go of the negative aspects and let life guide her on a positive journey.

I wanted the class to see a little of who the character is and know that you have to go through some troubling times to get where you are now and focus on the current tasks in front of you.

The assignment was sense of place and for some reason I could not think of anything. I started to reflect on where I am now and how I got to where I am. This was not an overnight thought process, it was more of a gradual discovery over an eight month period and more of myself dealing with past issues and trying to let go and move away from it.

After finishing the project I know some scene were too long and probably not necessary to put in, but due to being my first short film I wanted some strong critiques and suggestion.

Sense of Place (Film)

Sense of Place Statement

A place can be anything you make it out to be. Most places are stationary while some are mobile. It is really up to us as an individual to decide how we let these places affect us and change our way of thinking.
Home is a place many of us are reminded of when looking back at life. Whether it was big, small, happy, hell, or somewhere in everyone has a home and this home is one of the biggest building blocks in shaping us as a person. I would go so far to say that home is the most important place, whether you grew to hate it or love it.
The neighborhood is a broader place, made up of homes in a joined community, these neighborhoods are also woven into our human fabric, along with the home. The neighborhood is the first place outside the home we actually began to explore and find ourselves in.
With all that said my own sense of place still has not been found. I don't feel bad, or ashamed to say that. I feel that I'm on a personal journey and one day I will find the sense of place but until that day comes I will enjoy my place in life, wherever that may be.