A film/video can only be successful if there is a very clear purpose and goal. Producing a video is like writing a letter. You must know the audience, your key message(s) and the desired outcome. Answering the following questions will help you clarify the direction of the film

What/who is the film about? 

The film is about the search for that ever elusive something that lies in the depths of the unknown. The subject isn’t even sure exactly what he is looking for.

What is the purpose of the film?

It may have subtle anti-climate change plugs, maybe it will be more of a journey of self discovery

Who is your audience?

Mr. Burr

What are the three most important points this film should make?

Reconnect with nature, it’s about the journey, explore

When the lights come up after the film is shown, what do you want the audience to do and/or feel?

Feel: wow

Do: explore

Do: stop climate change

What is the ONE thing, if they get nothing else, you want the audience to remember after watching the film?

The portal part/ if you try, you might find greatness, but you gotta try.

Who are the people/stories that best illustrate your message? If there are any upcoming events or opportunities for filming these people/stories, please list them here.

The alchemist(santiago), the secret garden(colin) 

Is there existing footage that can be utilized for this project? If so, please list items here.

No

What length would you like your film?

60secs

When would you like the film completed?

Saturday

List any videos or films that represent the style and/or format you prefer for this project.

Dunkirk, the dark knight 

Additional comments:

What was the most valuable thing you learned this week? Why?

How did you feel about the storytelling? Are your proud of your project? What went well? What could go better?

 The most valuable thing I learned this week was to plan ahead. I already knew you’re  supposed to do this, but this week cemented that in my brain. Having a shot list to look off made filming so much faster, gave me the shot I wanted, and made sure I didn’t forget any shots. However, for my final scene after falling in the river portal, I wanted to place my gopro alot further underwater than I got to.  But when I got out to where I wanted to film on the lake, I realized I didn’t have an SD card in my gopro. By the time I went back home and got one there was a severe thunderstorm warning and I had to settle for filming the last seen close to the shore and not on the island that I wanted to film at.  Also, I didn’t realize that I wouldn’t be able to get very close to the river so me falling in wasn’t entirely believable. I think I would’ve been better served to crawl into something bushes in the middle of the city and then appear in the middle of nature instead of trying to do the falling into the river coming up in the lake thing.  

That all being said I am proud of my project. I think I had a good story to tell, but clearly I am still working on how to capture that story. Perhaps it is because I have only one week, but also my videographer skills need some work. I can’t pinpoint exactly where, but it’s clear from watching my videos that I’m still an amateur.  Perhaps someday I will be a great filmmaker, but for right now I’m just trusting the process and having fun  telling stories.