4.3 A filmmakers perspective

As discussed at the beginning of this Plan session, the emphasis of docutubes is the means (thinking and being creative) rather than the end (a high-quality documentary). A group of young people could make a very low standard docutube, from the point of its visual quality, but still benefit enormously from the intellectual and creative process of making it. However, obviously the better the film the more satisfaction young people will take from the whole experience. So, in Activity 6, you will hear the experience of a filmmaker who was involved in some of the pilot docutubes, and look again at some of the techniques which young people might consider when they are planning their films.

Activity 6

Allow about 10 minutes for this activity

Watch the film below of filmmaker Gail Block talking about some of the techniques which young people might plan to use. As you watch, write down some of the techniques which are mentioned.

Video 4

Transcript

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Discussion

As a practicing filmmaker, Gail takes a real-world approach, translating the performative, participatory and expository styles you’ve looked at into practical tools in a film practitioner’s toolbox: drama, interview, graphics, locations. She emphasises argument over technical finesse, and advises how much content you can fit into a short film.