Critical Reflection

 

            The goal of out documentary production was to demonstrate the impact of Latinos in Action (LIA) on the students and the children they aid. Specifically, my team wanted to highlight how the club fosters a sense of community, belonging, and leadership among students, while helping younger children make progress in advancing their English skills. Overall, I believe the documentary successfully communicates these themes, though there are areas I would improve.

            Before production, I studied a range of documentaries to understand how style, structure, and editing influence audience perception. Viewing American Promise showed me the impacts of observational filming: the raw, handheld footage and spontaneity within interviews created a strong sense of authenticity. I applied this approach when filming LIA students working with each other—capturing natural reactions and spontaneous moments rather than forcing staged interactions when they were in the class as well as within club meetings.

            Exit Through the Gift Shop inspired me to consider how editing, music, and b-roll can affect the overall tone created within a documentary. In my project, my team used natural lighting, minimal equipment, and observational b-roll—like students helping peers with work in class or communicating at club meetings. This allowed the authenticity to be present while demonstrating small connections that foster a community. 

            I also reviewed episodes of Abstract: The Art of Design, specifically the costume and toy designer episodes, which showed how episodic documentaries structure content around themes rather than individuals. This helped me plan my documentary so that it emphasized the themes of community rather than focusing only on specific students. 

            The documentary is directed to a target audience consisting of students, teachers, parents, and the local community. To engage these audiences, my team relied on personal storytelling, emotional observation, and clear impacts of the class and club. Interviews with LIA students allowed viewers to see their personal growth, leadership skills, and sense of community. Ms. Rodriguez’s interview provided insight into the educational and social goals of the club, while the parent’s perspective showcased the direct impact on children learning English.

                B-roll footage was essential to creating an engaging production. Scenes of students helping each other, reading together, or engaging in club activities helped demonstrate the communal aspects of LIA. Including the guest speaker during a club meeting added depth and a sense of community beyond the classroom. By combining interviews with these observational clips of b-roll, my teams production allows the audience to visually engage with the environment and emotional connections, not only listen about them. 

            My team also paid attention to sound and pacing elements. Natural classroom sounds were most prominently implemented, with minimal background music added only to place emphasis on certain emotional moments. This aided in the audience's reflection on the interactions and connections, rather than taking away from these natural moments. 

            The documentary represents two key social groups: Latino high school students and young children learning English. Students are portrayed as leaders, emphasizing involvement, confidence, and a strong level of responsibility, which rejects stereotypes of apathy or exclusion . Children are depicted as learners whose growth is celebrated, highlighting positive educational outcomes rather than challenges.

            Power dynamics are represented thoughtfully: students are shown as empowered contributors to their community, while Ms. Rodriguez’s mentorship illustrates how guidance can support student leadership. The parent’s interview reinforces the meaningful connection between students and the children they mentor, demonstrating that the impact of LIA reaches areas beyond the classroom.

            I do recognize areas for improvement. For example, more footage of classroom instruction or children practicing language skills could have added additional context and depth. This would have been challenging though considering rules of consent of the filming of minors. Similarly, including reflections from multiple parents could have broadened perspectives. Nonetheless, the documentary successfully captures the sense of community through the b-roll of meetings and interactions of member of LIA. 

            Overall, the documentary achieves its goal of highlighting community, teaching, and educational growth. Research into observational and episodic documentary styles informed my team's production choices, and the combination of interviews, b-roll, and relevant structuring helped engage the audience effectively.

            If I were to revise the project, I would focus on capturing more varied classroom interactions, adding subtle contextual text or graphics to highlight children’s progress, and working further with pacing to balance reflection with interactions. These changes could enhance clarity without removing the authentic style created.

            Producing this documentary taught me how careful research, thoughtful planning, and reflective post-production efforts can combine to create a production that carries out a message. It represents both the students and the children they mentor with positivity, while effectively communicating the value of community present in Latinos In Action.

In Action ★ Production/ Post-Production

            To remain organized within the transitional phase from the production portion to the post-production portion of the development of the documentary, the team created a Google Drive folder that held all of our footage. This was necessary to maintain organization within 

            Within the post-production phases of the development of the In Action documentary, firstly, an evaluation of our footage was done to select the best possible visuals for both b-roll and interviews. This was a smooth process involving discarding unuseable footage and undesirable footage. We then proceeded to edit the clips together corresponding to the order that we detailed within the outline. Once the visual aspects were organized, we then searched for background music that provided a melancholic effect due to the introduction that the club plans to shut down by governmental authorization. After debating between a few different variants, we chose the music that best corresponded to the intentional effect that we desired to create, fostering a loss of a community. 

            The next phase of post production entailed the graphics. My team and I decided on a font to utilize and keep throughout the entirety of the documentary to ensure cohesiveness in the look. We then inserted the names of each of our interviewees (only to introduce them the first time they speak). In production phases, we asked each of our interview subjects to state their full name at the beginning of each clip and spell it out to ensure that there were no errors in translation of their names. This definitely aided in the process of editing as they were to be spelled out. Other graphics that were included within the production were also added during this phase. The team decided to include informational segment graphics that appeared a few times during the piece, providing information regarding updates on the shutdown of Latinos In Action to further emphasize the impacts of the community that Latinos In Action serves as. The title was added during this phase as well and as the team added the title, we decided to edit a short video that plays along with it that includes a collection of photos from Latinos In Action events, demonstrating the communal effects of the class and club. 

            Another sequence in which was to be edited was the portion of the child's mother that spoke about her child receiving help from Latinos In Action members and the great deal of help they issued the boy. Her interview is recorded in Spanish, therefore, had to be translated to English. The inclusion of this interview though provided a direct connection to the effects that Latinos In Action has on the learning of children. The interview being implemented in the Spanish language also provides a richer sense of authenticity as the club focuses on Latinos. 

In Action ★ Production

 

            The production process for the documentary began with the first day of filming. During a class period of Latinos In Action, a few students volunteered to be interviewed. To ensure effectiveness, we had all of the interview subjects wear their Latinos In Action polo shirts. This factor contributed to the visual cohesiveness of the production and drove the recognition of students in the class. Before the interviews began, we set up the equipment (tripod, stabilizer, microphone on subject, phone cameras) to ensure the collection of the best quality footage. Our framing was determined next, ensuring to draw the close attention to the interview subject. Making sure to interview more subjects than required, during post-production phases, allowed for smoother editing as we were able to choose the most beneficial to carry out our goals within the documentary. After filming of the interviews, collection of b-roll was conducted inside the classroom with consent of a few students. We asked the students to allow us to film them in a naturalistic way so that we could incorporate this footage as b-roll. This went very smoothly, providing us with extra b-roll to incorporate with discussion of the class, Latinos In Action. 

            The interview with Ms. Rodriguez had arrived. The team had set up a professional Latinos In Action backdrop to ensure quality of the interview background, elevating the cohesiveness of the production. The tripod and microphone were set up and we conducted the interview in a timely manner as the questions were pre-reviewed by Ms. Rodriguez, so she already had an idea of how to answer the questions. This definitely made the interview process smoother and more timely. 

            The next collection of b-roll entailed a general club meeting of Latinos In Action and after a guest speaker appearance. We arrived in the room that the meeting would take place early to set up the tripod and decide on framing. As the meeting went on, we collected the observational footage of the event to utilize as b-roll, displaying how the club functions on a daily basis and reinforcing the sense of community that was strongly demonstrated during the meeting as there was cheering and the presentation of future events amongst the club members that attended the meeting. My team member and myself walked around the room with a stabilizer and set up the tripod to ensure the most footage collected to allow for options within the editing process. 

            After the general meeting, a more selected amount of members moved to the room where the guest speaker would present. We asked consent of the speaker to mic her up during her presentation and she agreed. This allowed for the inclusion of diegetic sound within the documentary to further present the authentic events within the club that occur. During this presentation, we followed the same procedures as within the general meeting with the tripod and stabilizer, gathering a variety of shots of not only the guest speaker, but the club members as well. 

            

In Action ★ Research & Planning

            The research process that led the production of the documentary, In Action, was guided by two of my team members being actively involved in the class and club of Latinos In Action. Their knowledge guided the entirety of the research that was necessary as they provided the rest of my team with insight and directed us towards our goal of displaying the impacts of the club on various individuals. They also procured the connections to the Latinos In Action teacher, Ms. Rodriguez as well as various students to serve as interview subjects. They also allowed for the team's access to club events to film, which was a great deal of help as much of the b-roll of the production was shot at club events or Latinos In Action classes. 

            Planning portions within the development of the documentary entailed firstly brainstorming. The team decided on a few topics that a strong availability of interview subjects corresponded to. This was then narrowed down to the topic of Latinos In Action as it interested all of our team members the most and had the strongest availability of filming opportunities due to the connections that a few team members already had within the class and club. The creation of an outline was then conducted (Pictured Below). This process served as the basis for the creative decisions that were made throughout the planning that took place for the documentary. On this outline, our main question is posed that we maintained focus on as we developed the content of the b-roll and developed interview subjects. The thesis that is also detailed within our outline aided in providing focus as the documentary is limited to five to seven minutes long, making focus a prominent factor within the development of this documentary. When creating the organization of the documentary's content itself, our team kept these factors in consideration to create a structure that aligned with the goals of the documentary. During the process of choosing techniques to use within the documentary, our research was a main factor of consideration that guided this process. 

            

            Another process that we underwent during the planning stages of the documentary were the selection of interview subjects. The process involved asking the teacher, Ms. Rodriguez if we could set up a date and time for an interview. Once she agreed, we asked students in the Latinos in Action club if they would be willing to answer a few questions. Part of the planning process regarded creating the questions that we would ask both Ms. Rodriguez and the students in Latinos In Action. Ensuring that these questions were open ended and corresponded to the main goal of the documentary, the planning process was complete and we proceeded to production. 

            

Documentary ★ Preliminary Research

    Research portions of the documentary project entailed the viewings of a multitude of documentaries both in class and independently. The viewings of these documentaries definitely aided the understanding that I accumulated of the selective choices of techniques to portray meaning. Through these viewings, I also gained the awareness that the conventions of documentaries are altered to correspond with each production, being tailored to the intentions of what the documentary captures. 

            Abstract The Art of Design, an episodic documentary were the first documentaries that I viewed. The series Abstract strives to simplify the process of the artists and designers’ creative processes into something understandable for general audiences without any expertise. The focused artist or designer in each episode walks the audience through their full creative process. 

            In the episode that focuses on Ruth Carter’s costume designs, techniques such as close ups of certain fabrics and materials visually aid the audience to collect an idea of her creative thought process, providing the audience with a threshold into her inner thoughts that lead to the development of these costumes, led by each decision in production by Carter- such as selection of fabrics and materials. Often, there is an integration of wide shots to portray certain work environments that Carter creates her designs in such as her studio and even her sewing machine that she used as a young woman, when she began designing costumes. These wide shots, used as b- roll provide a communication to the audience that cannot be communicated through words alone. The auditory techniques of music develop a tone that aids in the delivery of the full process of creation of her costumes. When the audience is introduced to the beginning of Carter’s process of shaping these costumes, she reads a script and highlights certain aspects that may lead her to character development. During this scene, she addresses her thought process and the collective work of the b-roll showing her reading, the voice over that addresses her process, and the music that develops a thoughtful and exploratory tone, personifying the music as curious, captures the full process and guides viewers thoroughly through it.

            In the episode that is focused on Cas Holman and her toy designs, there is a use of animation. When Holman displays her sketches, they are overlaid on the screen, immersing the audience into those creations, showing the full creative process as the drawings are made reality as the process finishes and the products are made. The music used when the children test out the toys is upbeat, creating an accomplished tone as the journey of production led to a success. It aids to mirror the feeling that Holman experienced when her long journey of creation came to an end to the audience. 

            Conclusively, the effect of the viewings of Abstract The Art of Design guided the production process of my own documentary through the examination of the effects of varying techniques. The most prominent techniques that I was acquainted with were indirect interviews and staged b-roll. The utilization of these techniques displayed how integral information about creative processes are elevated through the use of b-roll, serving both as visual appeal and insight to the topic of presentation. This is reflected in my own production as in the process of collecting b-roll footage, a strong consideration of the content of interviews is done to align with the topic that the interview subjects speak of, heightening visual engagement to the documentary. 

            American Promise strongly reinforced my knowledge regarding the manipulation of techniques to suit the purpose of an individual documentary. American Promise adopts an observational style, limited of professional footage, taking on an authentic and raw style. Though both direct and indirect interviews are utilized, the interviews remain informal, reflecting the authenticity of the documentaries style. 

            American Promise portrays the verite look (the authentic style) as it displays the lives of Idris and Seun in a realistic manner to provide a perspective that mirrors observation of their experiences without interference. The techniques that drive this look- the handheld camera, diegetic sound, and minimal appearance of non- diegetic sound- work to present the lives of the two in a way that naturally represents their actual experiences. 

            This verite style is exemplified through the scene where Idris’ parents discuss their concerns with his grades. The camerawork is non-invasive, only observing from a distance. This scene in particular is more intimate as it is uninterrupted- exempt from interviews that disrupt the discussion. The conversation is of importance as it serves as a progress point in Idris’ life and experience at Dalton, indicating its purpose to be included among the scenes chosen, but naturalism is maintained in the familial conversation due to the natural dynamics of the camerawork. The use of the handheld camera technique strengthens the unfiltered style of the conversation as it is not of studio quality and creates an unfiltered version of Idris’ experience at Dalton. The lighting is unchanged- it appears dull and raw as it originates from the home, driving the naturalistic setting being displayed. As a whole, the scene is highly unedited- it is a continuous shot that forces the audience to focus upon the emotional tension that occurs as Idris experiences a difficult time within his academic career. Idris’ parents' interaction with Idris’ struggle is also evident through their unfiltered facial expressions and tone of voice that is not interrupted by non diegetic sound. The scene displays the real exchange that occurs between child and parent, allowing for the unfiltered truth to be presented without the intervention of editing techniques. 

            The viewing of American Promise guided the production decision within my own documentary to integrate a naturalistic, verite style, that observes the activities that take place within the class and club without invading. The observational b-roll that is integrated into my production elevates the effectiveness of capturing a 'slice of life' in a true, authentic way.

            Exit Through the Gift Shop, an additional documentary viewing, assisted the depth of my understanding of the effects of direct and indirect interview styles. 
            The implementation of direct interviews display Theirry, Banksy, and Shepherd Fairey discussing elements of street art. These interviews are integral to providing insight to the art, but they also drive the representation of people within the piece. Most prominently, Theirry, who is defined as an eccentric and passionate character through these direct interviews being recorded on his own camera at times. Banksy, on the other hand, is portrayed mysteriously and mundanely as his identity is hidden by a mask and voice effects, within his direct interviews. This gives Banksy the control over the piece as he is more composed and assertive.
            The presence of indirect interviews- more prominently through the voice over technique- are the main source of interviews in the documentary. Banksy’s narration over footage of Theirry’s development of his art show guides the viewers through Banksy’s interpretation. His interpretation exists indirectly, but is present through his detached tone and lack of enthusiasm, developing his view of Theirry’s commercialized art lacking purpose through his position as a prominent street artist who is passionate.
            The indirect interview of Shepherd Fairey discussing his uncomfortable reaction to ‘Mr. Brainwash’ asking him to validate his work by promoting his show displays his disapproval of the commercialization that he has made of street art. This indirect interview, paired with uncertain music and a switch to a voice over paired with visuals of Theirry’s disorganized attempt to create his art show, displays a contrast between the two showing the shallowness and commercialized version of art that Theirry rushes to make in comparison to an authentic street artist.

            The demonstration of the two interview styles implemented into Exit Through the Gift Shop guided my purpose to prominently utilize indirect interviews as the b-roll that accompanies these indirect interviews allows for a greater audience connection, inflicting a feeling that is far more personal, almost as if the interview subject speaks to the audience. This is something that maintained that sense of connection to the audience within my own production as well as Exit Through the Gift Shop. My team's motivation to choose a primary interview subject that has a sense of passion toward the topic was also guided through Exit Through the Gift Shop as the influence of Banksy, having a level of passion and expertise towards art, elevates his role to critique aspects of the documentary. Our central interview subject, Ms. Rodriguez, holds a strong passion toward Latinos in Action being the head teacher of the class. This decision ultimately strengthened the piece through her presence in voice overs, speaking authoritatively and passionately towards the topic, just as Banksy did. 

            The additional viewings of Op-Docs placed emphasis on the broader effect of a personal story that can direct attention to larger messages. 

            An Op-Doc that I viewed that impacted me personally was the documentary titled, Christmas, Every Day. 

            The visual aspects of the Op-Doc, Christmas, Every Day primarily utilize still shots creating an observational and distanced perception of the events documented. The technique’s staticity contrasts to the active nature of an influencer’s job. As a result, the events being documented of the girls as they film and log off are portrayed in a more raw and real sense as the camera techniques do not interact with the energy that is required of an influencer. This allows for an accurate portrayal of the girls’ lives off the camera, especially through the use of wide shots displaying the rural aspects of the Alabama home, empty and lacking people, further making a distinction between the portrayal of someone's life on social media and the reality. 

            Auditory techniques of the Op-Doc prominently involve diegetic sound to effectively deliver the true documentation of the life of these two girls as influencers- every sound is captured from the narrative world- such as the chirping of birds and keyboard clicking. A strong focus is drawn to the process of an influencer in its unfiltered form due to the lack of music that can potentially cause a subjective evocation of emotion. It exposes the real events that occur in a deep and unaltered way, truly presenting each aspect of these girls’ experiences being influencers. 

        The viewing of this documentary impacted the implementation of diegetic sound during the introduction to my own production, displaying the naturalistic aspects of the club, reinforcing the genuine nature of human connection that is drawn attention to.