My Thoughts: Hands-On with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K G2
Gear Evaluation, Camera, Blackmagic Josh Dempsey Gear Evaluation, Camera, Blackmagic Josh Dempsey

My Thoughts: Hands-On with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K G2

Experience a hands-on review of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K G2, a game-changer in the world of digital cinematography. Discover how this cutting-edge device performs under various conditions, its battery life, usability, and how it pairs with different lenses. Perfect for educators, creators, and videography enthusiasts, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K G2 stands as a testament to cost-effective, high-quality filming technology.

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Veteran Documentary - The Best Production Project
Filmmaking, Teaching Resources, Production Guest Contributor Filmmaking, Teaching Resources, Production Guest Contributor

Veteran Documentary - The Best Production Project

You get to do so many great projects with students when you run a video productions and broadcast journalism program.  News packages highlight some of the exciting things happening in your school and community, music videos bring out everyone's creative side, short films generate some unique narratives, and live sports provide a rush that is hard to beat.  We have all of these forms of production going on at Hoover High School in North Canton, Ohio, in what we call our NCtv Media program, and it makes for an excellent comprehensive education.

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Tips On Making A Documentary From A Disney Cast Member
Guest Contributor Guest Contributor

Tips On Making A Documentary From A Disney Cast Member

My first part-time videography job was with Trinity United Church of Christ, located at Canton, Ohio. They hired me right out of high school during the summer of 2015. While at this job, I met a someone who pitched a documentary to me about a closing church camp. I created a proposal with a summary, concept, and budget for me to complete the film for him. Little did I know that he started a fundraising campaign for the film and blew it out of the water.

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The Truth About Documentary Filmmaking
Filmmaking, Production Guest Contributor Filmmaking, Production Guest Contributor

The Truth About Documentary Filmmaking

In partnership with the Arizona Community Foundation, the Cronkite School launched a special year-long project to cover the rise of youth suicides in Arizona, including exploring the underlying causes and looking for possible solutions. The class is led by David Ariosto, an author and journalist who has managed, produced, and written for National Geographic, Time Magazine, NPR, Reuters, CNN, and Al Jazeera America — needless to say, I landed a pretty decent gig.

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Veteran’s Day Documentary - Part 3 - Ken Burns
Filmmaking Guest Contributor Filmmaking Guest Contributor

Veteran’s Day Documentary - Part 3 - Ken Burns

To say that Ken Burns is a hero to me would be an understatement. Just take a look at his collection of documentaries over the years, and you will see that he is probably one of the most significant historical filmmakers of all time. Getting his attention just a few years after we started producing documentaries at our school was a career highlight for me and a pretty unforgettable teaching moment for our students.

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Veteran’s Day Documentary - Part 2 - Behind the Scenes
Filmmaking Guest Contributor Filmmaking Guest Contributor

Veteran’s Day Documentary - Part 2 - Behind the Scenes

You know the reasons I believe producing a class documentary about a local veteran can be one of the most exciting experiences for students. In summary, it pushes their script writing abilities, drives them to the edge of their technical limits, and tells a story that captures the attention of the community. Having shared why we produce stories about local veterans, I thought I would take time in this article to share the nuts and bolts of how we use a collaborative workflow to create them.

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Veteran’s Day Project from Hoover High School
Production Guest Contributor Production Guest Contributor

Veteran’s Day Project from Hoover High School

Our next documentary called “My Grandfather’s Story” and it will premiere November 8th, 2019. It is the story of William E. Pilati, who served in the 275th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, and will be told through a documentary featuring Mr. Pilati and his granddaughter Siena Pilati. Pilati fought at the Battle of the Bulge with his fellow soldiers in a halftrack vehicle.

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Planning a Mini-Documentary
Filmmaking Guest Contributor Filmmaking Guest Contributor

Planning a Mini-Documentary

After making contact with the subject of your documentary and receiving permission, ask for pictures or see if they have any film. B-roll will make the documentary interesting opposed to the character just talking the entire time. The visual aspect will connect what the subject is saying and make their story relevant to the viewer.

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Floor Director Hand Signals
Production, Streaming Kreativ Alchemy Production, Streaming Kreativ Alchemy

Floor Director Hand Signals

Hand Cues or Hand Signals given by the Floor Manager, are the standard method of cueing to start or stop. Make sure that your signals can be seen by the talent and are understood. If necessary, explain the basic cues to them before the broadcast. Do not assume they know what you are doing-especially with inexperienced talent.

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