Reflecting on representing the real world as part of a nonfiction media practice

Posted on October 16, 2023 by kaarenghassemi

In my video project, I found that a particular scene effectively conveyed a sense of authenticity and engaged the audience in a personal, relatable moment. This scene aligns with Bill Nichols’ modes of documentary representation, specifically the performative mode, as it emphasizes the performative aspects of the participant’s interaction with the camera and the filmmakers.

The moment I found particularly compelling was when the participant, unaware of the camera’s presence initially, shared light-hearted jokes about oranges. The inclusion of the filmmaker’s laughter in the background further added to the authenticity of the scene, creating a sense of shared intimacy between the participant, the filmmakers, and the eventual audience.

This scene aligns with Nichols’ performative mode, as it highlights the performative nature of the participant’s interaction with the camera, revealing a spontaneous and unguarded side of their personality. By capturing the participant’s unscripted and genuine humor, the scene adds a humanizing element to the documentary, allowing the audience to connect with the participant on a more personal level.

Moreover, this scene’s inclusion in the final video work serves to emphasize the genuine, unfiltered moments that occur naturally within the context of the participant’s storytelling. It helps to establish an authentic connection between the audience and the participant, fostering a sense of empathy and relatability. By showcasing the participant’s natural wit and the filmmakers’ genuine reactions, the scene contributes to the overall authenticity and sincerity of the nonfiction narrative, creating a more engaging and compelling viewing experience for the audience.

The decision to put it before or after the title, was made after seeing the impact of the two different versions on audience, who were some of our friends. and at the end we all decided it would be better and more effective to put it after the title. It is also important to mention that it was intentionally plant right after the intro, to make the audience wonder how this man who is going through a medical emergency here, healthy in front of the camera and making jokes about oranges. It would also make the audience more likely to empathise with the participant, as they feel more involved and engaged to the process of making the film.

In line with the discussion of representing the real world within a nonfiction media practice, this particular scene exemplifies how the use of performative elements can contribute to the portrayal of genuine human experiences, fostering a deeper connection between the audience and the subject of the documentary.

Reflecting on collaboration

Posted on October 16, 2023 by kaarenghassemi

Reflecting on my role as a collaborator in the recent assignment, I recognize both areas of success and areas where I could have improved, which will be valuable lessons for future collaborative projects.

One aspect of collaboration that I handled well was maintaining effective communication channels. I ensured that I was always reachable and responsive to my team members, promptly addressing any concerns, queries, or suggestions they had. I actively sought their input and feedback, encouraging an open dialogue that fostered a supportive and creative environment. This approach helped us stay aligned and allowed us to make timely adjustments to our project, leading to a cohesive final video work.

Furthermore, I strived to respect the diverse perspectives and strengths of my team members. I acknowledged that each member brought unique skills and experiences to the project, and I made a conscious effort to value their contributions and encourage their active involvement. By leveraging our individual strengths, we were able to create a video work that incorporated a variety of creative and technical elements, making it more engaging and well-rounded.

However, upon reflection, I realize that there were areas where I could have improved as a collaborator. One notable aspect was the need for better time management and task delegation. While I was proficient in meeting my own deadlines and commitments, I recognize that I could have been more proactive in assisting my team members in staying on track with their respective tasks. This would have fostered a more efficient workflow and potentially alleviated any unnecessary stress or last-minute rushes that some team members may have experienced. I also have to add that this does not mean any of my group members did not do their share of the work on time.

Additionally, I understand that I could have actively sought out differing opinions and perspectives more consistently. While I valued the input of my team members, I now realize that I could have encouraged a more robust exchange of ideas and fostered a space for constructive debates, allowing us to explore various creative avenues more thoroughly.

For future productions, I aim to enhance my collaborating skills by refining my ability to delegate tasks effectively, ensuring that I and each team member has a clear understanding of their responsibilities and deadlines. I also plan to proactively encourage a culture of open and diverse dialogue, valuing differing viewpoints and fostering an environment where every team member feels heard and appreciated.

Ultimately, I believe that reflecting on my collaborative experiences and identifying areas for growth will enable me to become a more effective and empathetic collaborator in future projects.

Reflecting on documentary ethics

Posted on October 16, 2023 by kaarenghassemi

One of the most important ethical considerations that a documentary maker has to keep in mind while portraying someone’s life, is to make sure that the participant is giving informed consent. Strengthening the emphasis on informed consent procedures would be paramount. Ensuring that participants fully understand the nature of the project, its potential reach, and the ways their information and stories might be used or represented is crucial. This might involve clearer and more detailed consent forms, accompanied by thorough, accessible explanations of the potential implications of their involvement.

Another important aspect would be transparency and clarity in communication. Enhancing the communication process with participants about the project’s goals, methods, and potential impacts can build trust and a clearer understanding between the filmmaker and the participant. This could include being transparent about any potential risks or unintended consequences of their involvement and ensuring that participants have a clear understanding of their rights throughout the entire process.

Respect for dignity and privacy is also very vital in this matter. the guidelines around respecting the dignity and privacy of the participants is crucial. This could involve clearer protocols for handling sensitive information and ensuring that participants have the right to withdraw their involvement at any point without negative repercussions. Respecting cultural sensitivities and personal boundaries should be at the forefront of the Ethics Charter.

Another thing would be to give the participant representation and narrative control. Providing participants with more control over how their stories are portrayed can be empowering. Offering them the opportunity to review and provide feedback on their portrayal in the documentary can help ensure that their voices are accurately represented, and that the final product aligns with their intentions and self-perception. This process would involve ongoing communication and collaboration with the participants to ensure their agency and autonomy are respected throughout the project.

Also, something that would be good to have in bigger projects which have a greater audience, is implementing a system for continuous assessment of the long-term impacts of the documentary on the participants’ lives is crucial. This could involve periodic follow-ups with the participants to gauge how their involvement has affected them, both positively and negatively. Creating resources or support networks to assist participants in coping with any potential negative repercussions stemming from their involvement could be integrated into the Ethics Charter. Although this does not necessarily apply to our relatively small university project, but it can be helpful in greater projects in the future.

By reinforcing these aspects in the Ethics Charter, it is possible to foster a more respectful, transparent, and collaborative relationship between the filmmaker and the participants, thereby ensuring that documentary projects involving human subjects are conducted ethically and responsibly.