You must have access to Netflix since the documentary – The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez- is only there.
I am attaching two very useful documents that I would like you to use; specially the elements of documentary
-Scrutinize how the film found distribution. For example, was it commissioned by a streaming service (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon), or was it acquired after it was made? Was it a ‘work-for-hire’ or a project initiated and produced by the filmmaker?
In your Final Project Case-Study, include these elements:
* Name the film and write a short paragraph about what captured your attention for why you’re selecting it. About 100 words.
* Watch the film in detail, paying attention to the documentary elements and genre. Summarize the story, and what the film is about. About 100 words.
* Read the publicity material and reviews related to the film. Summarize the reviews and pull quotes with attribution. About 150 words.
* Be sure to note if the film has a publicist and name them and/or their publicity company
* Does the publicity material and press coverage indicate if the film has a singular funder or in-built distributor, such as PBS?
* Write up a filmography of the filmmaker with special attention to previous work, education, fellowships at Sundance. If the film did not go through Sundance, note where and how it premiered. About 100 words
* Origin Story to Distribution About 500 words – Make a timeline chronology of the film from its origins in the eye of the filmmaker(s) through distribution with specific benchmarks:
* Do some research. Write up the film’s origin story based on interviews, podcasts, news reports and film websites. Scour the press and web. Find answers to these questions:
* When did the idea spark the filmmaker’s attention?
* How did they go about raising funds and resources to make the film? What was the fundraising journey?
* Describe the production window – where did the filmmakers shoot the film, during what time period?
* what snags or obstacles or good luck did they encounter?
* Reconstruct the road to the Sundance film festival.
* If the film was picked up for distribution, what was the price and where did it end up?
* The Aftermath About 150 words
* What are the filmmakers doing now? Did they secure funding for their next film, decide to take a break, get offers to do other films? Looking back at their Sundance experience, what meaning are they making of the journey? Include direct quotes from written material or podcasts.
* Summarize what YOU learned about documentary filmmaking by doing this assignment.
Testimonials
