Documentary Trailers - iDoc
A P R I L 2 7 TH, 2 0 1 5
MEDIA STUDIES 120
Movie Trailers
 What makes a good trailer?
 We are going to watch the trailer for Supersize Me
 In your table groups, I want you to come up with as
many elements of the trailer as you can.
 What did you come up with?
Documentary Topics
 We have now talked about many different
documentaries, and viewed clips from some as well.
 I want you to take three minutes in your small group
to come up with as many possible documentary
topics as you can.
Documentary Unit Assignment: iDoc
 This week, we are going to be discussing various
techniques film makers use to create meaning.
 We are going to be using these ideas, along with what
you learned with Mr. Ball regarding the core media
concepts, to create a sixty second documentary
trailer.
 It can be on any topic. Remember, we are making a
documentary trailer, not a documentary. Be creative!
 Depending on what you are doing for your final
project, you might consider making a trailer for this.
Exemplars: 60 Second trailers
TRIPLE H PRODUCTION
JAMES
QUARANTINE
BIEBER FEVER
Filmmaking Skill #1 – Screenwriting
 Every film begins with a good screenplay.
 Unlike a novel, where the action unfolds in the mind
of the main character, or a play, where the action
unfolds through the words of the characters, film is a
visual medium. The viewer must be able to see the
action unfold.
Filmmaking Skill #1 – Screenwriting
OFFICE SPACE
Starring
Ron Livingston (Peter), Jennifer Aniston (Joanna),
Ajay Naidu (Samir), David Herman (Michael), and
Gary Cole (Bill)
Written by: Jean Liew
[Scene: A highway. There's a huge traffic jam. Peter drives forward a bit at a
time and he sees an old man with a walker on the sidewalk. The lane next to
his is moving, so he switches lanes, only to have it stop and the lane he was
on move. He switches back and then it happens again. The old man is now
ahead of him.]
Filmmaking Skill #1 – Screenwriting
 Screenplays always follow the same three act
structure (beginning, middle, end).
 In the opening act (usually about 30 minutes), the
writer sets up the story and establishes the
relationships between the characters.
 Then, there is a second act (usually about 60
minutes), when the main character must face a series
of crises or overcome obstacles that keep him/her
from achieving his/her goal.
 Finally, there is a final act (generally about 30
minutes), when the crises or conflicts are resolved.
Filmmaking Skill #1 – Screenwriting
 All films (including documentaries) follow this same structure
– sorry to ruin movies for you.
 Actually, almost all stories follow this same format – again,
sorry!
 Example: Silence of the Lambs
Act 1: While still a student at The FBI, Clarice is asked to help on
a case. She's eager to help and interviews Hannibal Lector
who gives her a clue.
Act 2: With his help, she is able to overcome many obstacles,
and finds the identity of the killer.
Act 3: Clarice Starling catches the killer and saves the intended
victim.
 Example: Lord of the Rings, Supersize Me
Filmmaking Skill #1 – Screenwriting
 Before writing a screenplay, the writer will also write
a “treatment” of the film.
 This is a synopsis, or overview, of the film.
 This will be one of your responsibilities for your iDoc
assignment.
Filmmaking Skill #1 – Screenwriting
 A treatment always begins with a “logline.”
 Ex. And Then Came Love is a character-driven
romantic comedy about a high-powered Manhattan
single mom who opens Pandora's box when she
seeks out the anonymous sperm donor father of her
young son.
 The synopsis expands on this, giving a brief overview
of the film, and its three acts.
iDoc Assignment
 The rest of the class is yours. Begin sketching out
ideas for your iDoc.
 Before you leave today, you need to:
1) Choose your documentary topic
2) Discuss logistical issues regarding equipment
3) Sketch out what your documentary will be about
and write the “logline.”
Questions to Consider
 When sketching out your film, I want you to consider
these ideas:
1) How will you “set up” the story and introduce the
topic and people/thing/idea that it is about?
2) What conflicts (crisis, obstacles, etc.) will happen
as the story unfolds?
3) How will you resolve the conflicts as you end your
story?