Your Documentary film proposal can be based on your reported narrative essay or it can be a new topic. As with the reported essay, you are looking for a compelling true story. The key distinction is that you must consider the sound and visual elements to be used in the film. Ask yourself how you can tell this story with images. Proposals come in a variety of different formats. For this assignment, you will include the following three elements taken from the Sundance Documentary Proposal checklist.
Story Summary (Approximately 1-2 pages) What is your story and story structure?
Give an overview of your story, introducing the main characters and potential plot points. Describe the anticipated story structure and narrative trajectory, or potential character arcs for your project. Discuss your access to the story and characters.
Topic Summary (Approximately 1-2 pages) Why is this topic important, timely, or relevant?
Why are you the best person to make a film about this? Explain the cultural or social relevance and context for the topic, and why this project is timely or urgent. Detail the topics, issues, themes, challenges, stakes, or questions that your project will cover.
Artistic Approach (Approximately 1/2 page) How are you going to tell this story?
Describe your creative vision for the finished project – its visual look and feel. Explain your intended use of cinematic language or any particular artistic approach that informs the storytelling. If applicable, mention any creative elements and assets, interactive elements, new technologies or non-traditional mediums that you intend to utilize. Explain how these elements will enhance the experience and interaction between viewers and the world of the story.
Criteria for assessment:
• Film addresses an important or timely topic.
• Style and sources for images and sound are explained.
• Story follows a compelling narrative structure.
• Language is clear and precise.
• Proposal lacks mechanical, spelling or grammatical errors.
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