In class this week we were instructed to answer some questions about the narrative structure our steadily approaching PB3.
1. The ‘Controlling Idea’ of your portrait: The participant in her early 20’s, studying (not the most prestigious of courses) has a strong moralistic belief in what she is learning and doing, and how it will benefit Australia’s natural habitat. In her course she is actively learning about land conservation and management. She makes reference to how important and imperative learning about conservation and regeneration is, for our generation and the generations to come
2. The portrait film is structured with my participant sitting in a chair in her room talking, and her words are complemented by found footage. I will hopefully add in some footage of her day to day life
3. I want the audience to understand that it is not necessarily the most prestigious, academic careers that can benefit Australians and their natural surroundings. I want the audience to understand that my interviewee is doing something awesome for Australia.
4. The role of found footage. Found footage helps tell the story, and bring importance and imagery to what my participant is discussing. It is used in an enforcing way. I am also using images that juxtapose against each other for a stronger impact.
5. Does portrait have dramatic turning point? It does have a slightly dramatic turning point going from the first to the second act, in which my participant, switches from talking about her early life and current life to, her course and why she thinks what she is learning is important. And then from the second to third act, when my participant talks about her dreams for the future.
6. Does it gain momentum? It gains a bit of momentum, starting by talking about the negative effects of land degradation and why regeneration it imperative, also why it is necessary to teach this stuff to future generations.
7. Dramatic tension? the importance of the subject matter, contrasting the beauty of Australian flora/forna against the destruction of land clearing. This is shown through what my participant talks about in combination with the found footage.