Family Documentary

Making a Family Documentary

A film, more than any picture, says a thousand words. When bitten by the film bug, there is nothing to do but just get a video cam and shoot. There is a vast opportunity of endless possibilities out there waiting to take action, but why not start with something close and dear to one’s heart? Not only can one practice their craft, a family film is a great souvenir that will be enjoyed by all family members for the years to come. Attention to detail and a map of your direction are important aspects in this experiment.

Here are the steps to make one shine in family film-making that would make ones family proud:

1. Permission to film. This is probably the most important thing in film making yet is disregarded by family film makers. Getting permission to film your subjects. In family documentaries, there are no release forms or contracts, but it does not hurt to inform your family of your plan to film them. Though, this should not be a problem to most members, there are cases when a family member is just not comfortable with having their lives on film. Be sensitive about their issues and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of making your film. Decide if this film is worth causing a strain in your family.

2. Do not ignore old family movies. This can be a great addition to your film. Look for a company that converts old movies in to digital movies to make the film workable. Add old elements to your new family film to show contrast in time.

3. Let others talk. A documentary should be based on the opinion and the views of others. Allow other family members to talk for a better viewing experience and more interesting documentary. Before filming, think of questions to be asked to break ground in your documentary film.

4. Think about the future. Sometimes, when filming a movie, it is easy to get so wrapped up with the process of documenting and filming that the end result seem to get blurry. Do not forget the gist and the purpose of the film. The topics and the scene that makes for an interesting viewing should be the front and centre of your film.

5. Edit, edit, edit. Your sister continuously yakking on the stairway? Cut. That slow pan of images in the living room and kitchen? Cut. Everything that is not essential to the "plot" must go. Do not feed your viewers useless images that would only bore them. This is the key to a really great family film documentary. This is not some careless, random piece that will sit under the bed forever – this should be a masterpiece at its finest.

Do not be afraid to experiment. It is okay to make mistakes. Avoid filming too much coverage, sometimes, too much information is just that – too much information. Life happens slowly; sometimes you need to present life faster than real-time. Be reasonable when using a camcorder; use it carefully for maximum effect.

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Cara Baranu is author of article written on experiential films & life stories. For more information, please visit :www.coopermaron.com

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