Need honest advice

A

asiller

New member
Hey guys,


new comer here looking for a third perspective and honest opinion.


So I’ve been in working on an idea for a documentary I plan on shooting this summer for the past couple of months. Being a 23 year old post college grad with no set future in mind and struggling to find a competitive job; I have decide to dedicate my time in learning video production and kicking it off with this short documentary. I plan on returning to Yosemite National Park (which is where I worked last year) and exploring this similar theme with the different people who have decided to work there as well. I have a couple of good friends who are currently/ will be working there this summer and are in the same boat as me. I have come to realize that working in the park serves as a good “in-between” period for young adults like me to figure things out. Not only do you save a ton of money working out there but you have the experience of a lifetime. I plan on interviewing different subjects who work there and capture a) Their reason for choosing to work in Yosemite and why and b) Why do they continue to return to the park every summer instead of caving in to the 9 to 5 white collar work force. Themes such as youth, adventure, exploring the unknown and camaraderie are hopefully going to embrace the entire documentary.


So here’s my question to you guys, would this idea be one that you would be interested in watching. And do you think the premise will be engaging and unique enough for people to want to see this video? I’ve received mixed feedback from my friends and family and figured turning to you guys would be appropriate. Thanks for all your input in advance!
 
Maybe a simple yes or no would suffice. I would appreciate any sort of response since I figured you guys could provide valuable advice to your fellow filmmakers.
 
It's tough to comment on a documentary "idea" without really knowing who the key players/subjects might be. But here's my take.

There's no real drama inherent in the idea as presented. Now, you may very well create a beautiful, cinematic piece that celebrates the combination of youth and Yosemite. But without anything "at stake," I'd question whether a full feature-length documentary would be compelling based on what you've got.
 
I don't really think you have much to lose right?

If you're already planning on working there again, this seems like a no brainer.

I like the idea, and could see it working. What length were you aiming for?

Obviously the subjects will dictate that, but you're picking one of the most beautiful places in the world, which already has a build in base of people who love it.

That said, there is a ton of footage of Yosemite out there, but that won't dilute what you're trying to say.

Get good at time lapses and have fun.

What has your negative feedback been?
 
Stephen,

thank you very much for your honest opinion. I did forget to mention that the documentary will be a short, no more than 15 minutes. So having said this, it could very well turn into a beautiful piece paying homage to the wonders of Yosemite and the youth embracing it. I appreciate your response since it does give me a different perspective as to a possible outcome of the idea.
 
Hey Kevin,

definitely shooting for a short, no more than 15 minutes. I figured this video can be a good try at seeing how well I can creat narrative films; and then learn from it. I've been saving money for the past 6 months and have finally managed to earn enough money to buy an XA10 with some quality accessories.

I agree that the subjects will for sure dictate the video since there are quite the characters who work there. You got the 21 year old whose working in between semesters to earn some cash and squeeze in as much partying (and sex) that he can get, you got the wannabe cowboy whose only a security guard but comes off as "Paul Bart:Mall Cop", and of course the old timers who've been there for decades and will probably tell you a thing or two about life that really hits home. I definitely plan on getting to know these people and having then open up.

And time lapses are a must :). I figured one of the styles of the film would be beautiful shots that involve time lapse, dolly shots, and epic views of the valley while climbing
 
since your are starting video production from square one id say any project that you set out to do and actually "finish" has value. my hunch would be that it will end up being more of a learning stepping stone piece for you since most people dont just go buy gear and make something great on their first try.

my son has been doing video for quite a few years now and he has learned good and valuable things from having to "complete" a project...any project to the best of his abilities at a given time. then its easier to critique something thats been completed rather than just shooting bits and pieces and never really having a goal or objective.

no doubt what you end up getting you will learn a lot from the effort and hopefully entertain some viewers as well.

good luck!
david
 
david_p said:
since your are starting video production from square one id say any project that you set out to do and actually "finish" has value. my hunch would be that it will end up being more of a learning stepping stone piece for you since most people dont just go buy gear and make something great on their first try.

my son has been doing video for quite a few years now and he has learned good and valuable things from having to "complete" a project...any project to the best of his abilities at a given time. then its easier to critique something thats been completed rather than just shooting bits and pieces and never really having a goal or objective.

no doubt what you end up getting you will learn a lot from the effort and hopefully entertain some viewers as well.

good luck!
david
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David,

This is probably the best advice or opinion I could have come across in this thread. You are correct. The whole idea of me shooting this film is to get some hands- on experience and learn from my own doings. I have told my friends and family before that at the end of the day, this project will help me learn in how to improve my video productions for the next one. You guys have been very supportive and I am extremely pleased with all of your opinions/ advice. Hopefully in the near future I will be able to post a rough cut of my project and then you guys can critique/ give a couple of pointers/ steer me in the right direction. Thanks again David and I will remember/ take your words to heart as I begin this exciting new chapter in my life.

Sincerely, Andres
 
Just a comment on shooting in National Parks. I have read online that the national parks require a permit for anything 'professional' being shot. They seem to be very aggressive about it, including contacting people that have posted test shots on YouTube of upcoming productions and demanding , retroactively, to see the permits for the footage they posted. I have read that if you even look like a professional shooter they will descend on you and ask to see you permit. So thats something you should look into...
 
There is a long discussion about film permits on NPS property here and on dvinfo.net. Bottom line is getting permits to shoot on NPS property can be intense and expensive. I guess one alternative would be to do you interviews off federal property or have an agreement with the park superintendent to be able to use your project for recruitment in lieu of paying any permit fees. However, that may compromise your creative control of the material. Another idea is since the feds encourage volunteerism maybe you could provide them "beauty shots" of the park in lieu of permit fees.
 
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There are many, many reasons what makes docs successful. An idea is only a small part. For once what other films have you watched that deal with similar issues? (if you think none then you have not done enough research) Why were those films successful? Would YOU watch those films if not that you were doing research for your own project?
 
Hi
I want to encourage you. Lots of good advice given before this post. Honestly - your description doesn't grab me. But - it's ALL in how it is done. But you should do it and finish it.

Now unless you are leaving tomorrow start writing and shooting and editing little pieces, like 30 sec to two minute pieces with different objectives. You don't need to be in Yosemite to shoot and learn. If you can make your everyday surroundings look beautiful and interesting then you are onto something. For some general inspiration and knowledge pick up a copy of The DV Rebel's Guide. ​It is aimed at action movies but has lots to offer. I look forward to seeing your piece.
 
nosys70 said:
http://projectyose.com/
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BTW, i just watched this and i hope your film will be more then this pedestrian collection of time-lapses that can be gotten by anybody with a DSLR, a slider and rudimentary understanding of cameras. Project like this spell out the demise of ideas and only drive me further to separate my work from "pretty." (cause "pretty" devoid of ideas is easy)
 
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