-
creative question for a documentary
i’m producing a documentary for a historic home that dates back to 1840.
during the years 1840 to say, 1865, there is a good written history, but very little photography.i have a few “period” photos, but only a few.
i have two outstanding storytellers narrating. but no supporting video (other than two talking heads).
any suggestions on how i might creatively fill that time? (very small budget so reenactments are out).
appreciate the input.
-
7 Replies
-
You could definitely take the Ken Burns approach to it, where you shoot atmospheric shots of the area the house was in at dawn and dusk, when the lighting is dramatic. You might take a look at an episode of The Civil War – there’s quite a bit of that style in it.
Joe Bourke
Owner/Creative Director
Bourke Media
http://www.bourkemedia.com -
thanks Joe – exactly the type of input i was looking for.
-
And even if you have no significant number of house shots, what about images of people in the story? If you can come up with people images, that might help fill and cover.
-
Many documentaries use photos from the same era, even if they are not of your particular subject or object.
Bars & Tone
SALUTE! -
And to add to Joe’s idea (Doughtie), the Library of Congress has lots of stills which are mostly in the public domain (check the info for each shot). You can download stills which are high-rez enough for your production and use them to fill out the story.
Often times, and I hadn’t thought of this in my earlier post – in documentary, the writer will support the story line with historic events which were going on at the time of your own story line. It often adds impact to the story to add broad, sweeping events which were going on in the world (wars, womens’ right to vote marches, weather events, prohibition, etc.) at the time.
Joe Bourke
Owner/Creative Director
Bourke Media
http://www.bourkemedia.com -
Great recommendations. To build on the previous comments, perhaps one or two shots of “timeless” scenes like countryside, forest, local geological features, a creek, time lapse of the sun and clouds over an open field. Another option would be items that fit within the period even if the footage was taken at a different time/location: footpath, horse trail, horses, wagon wheel, stone fences/masonry, water well, windmill, etc.
-
Good ideas Ivan –
Here’s a decent timeline from 1840 to 1850 that might give you some pivotal events as well:
https://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/events/1840_1850.htm
Of course, I don’t know where your location is, so they might not be pertinent to your locale. And another good one:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_United_States_history_(1820%E2%80%9359)
Joe Bourke
Owner/Creative Director
Bourke Media
http://www.bourkemedia.com
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up