Our first project was a 3-5 minute testimonial, and it was my absolute favorite! I was so lucky to work with Isabella who was incredibly willing to share her story with me. The purpose was to teach us the basics that went into a documentary. It was such a beautiful process to me because it felt so loving. It’s all about helping someone tell their story, and it felt like giving Isabella the gift of being heard, seen, and known.

The Practicals

• The pre-interview. A 15-30minute chat with your subject to get an overview of their life and find 1-3 story options

• Write 2-3 loglines to pitch in class, and build an interview outline that sets up the story with an old reality, the thing that happened, and the new reality.

• 20minute official interview with your subject

• Gather B-Roll

• Optional: do a supplemental interview with your subject.

Challenges

• Carving out a 3-5 minute story from a 20+minute interview

• Keying out the green screen. We recorded the interviews Open Gate which we later discovered is only captured in long-gop.

• Franken-byting.

• Working in Premiere Pro for the second time ever :)

• Knowing when a story is ready to be told and when it’s still in process. You don’t want to prostitute someone’s experiences and emotions in order to get a great product.

Music

• “Marjorie” by Taylor Swift (instrumental)

• “You’re on Your Own Kid” by Taylor Swift (instrumental)

• “coney island” by Taylor Swift (instrumental)

• “Fearless” by Taylor Swift (instrumental)