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(Mostly) Free Video Editing
Programs & Resources
​Filmora - A free editing software with a lot of great presets. This program is perfect for new editors but even a savvy editor can have fun and elevated projects with this software. There is a text, animation and sound package included and an option to upgrade.
​iMovie - A free editing software available on iphones and Mac computers. Great for beginners and for making simple quick edits. There is a text, animation and sound package included.
​WeVideo - A free editing app available on phones, PC and Mac computers. This program is cloud based. You shoot video on your phone and upload the footage into your WeVideo App. When you open the project on your computer it is there waiting for you. Does not have reverse or a proper cropping tool. Upgrade option available.
​CapCut - A free editing app available on phones, PC and Mac computers. Great for editing on the run. If you like fan edits this program is loaded with great animated text and powerful preset transitions making beginners look like pros.
​Final Cut Pro - Is NOT a free editing software but has nearly all of the capabilities as pro editing software. The interface is very user friendly and as easy to use as a basic editing program.
Premiere Pro - Is NOT a free editing program. This is a professional level program. Premiere is a part of the Adobe Suite and works via "Dynamic Link" with other programs like After Effects. The user interface is complicated and you will need a teacher and tutorials to navigate the program.
DaVinci Resolve - Is a free editing program. This is a professional level program. The cool part is the option to make the interface look like Final Cut or Premiere. There is a learning curve to the program but it is free. Also known for its color grading capabilities.
Film and Television Lessons
After Effects - Is NOT a free editing program. This is a professional level program. It can work with Premiere Pro via "Dynamic Link" as well as with other Adobe programs. The user interface is extremely complicated and you will need tutorials to navigate the program. Also, you should go in with a plan of what effect you would like to try, then practice executing that effect.
Scripts, Storyboards, Writing, Camera, Shots, Lessons, Editing Exercises and Film Projects.
Screengoat builds your skills as a filmmaker with tools and resources to help you become a GOAT.
Animoto - Is a free editing program but is more like an animated PowerPoint program. This is what we love about it. You can create animated title graphics over chroma key green or animated backgrounds for titles or bumpers in seconds. Super easy to use. The program leaves a watermark but it is easy to crop out. The program also has a lot of public domain images and music. Kicks Presentation up a knotch.
A Lesson in Documentary
Documentaries are real-life stories and/or information told in a variety of styles and forms.
This lesson will introduce why documentaries are important, the genre's history,
types of documentaries with examples, ethical concerns, and
how to make your own documentary.
Why are documentaries an important?
Documentary filmmaking can have a profound and positive impact on individuals, communities, and society at large. Here are several benefits and examples of the good that can come from making a documentary:
1. Raising Awareness
Documentaries can bring attention to important issues, events, and topics that might otherwise be overlooked.
Example: "An Inconvenient Truth" (2006) raised global awareness about climate change and spurred discussions and actions regarding environmental policy.
2. Educating the Public
They serve as educational tools, providing viewers with in-depth information and insights about various subjects.
Example: "Planet Earth" (2006) educates viewers about the natural world, biodiversity, and conservation efforts.
3. Inspiring Change
Documentaries can motivate individuals and communities to take action on social, political, and environmental issues.
Example: "Blackfish" (2013) led to widespread public outcry against the captivity of orcas and resulted in changes in policies at marine parks like SeaWorld.
4. Giving a Voice to the Voiceless
They provide a platform for marginalized and underrepresented groups to share their stories and perspectives.
Example: "The Hunting Ground" (2015) gave a voice to survivors of campus sexual assault and highlighted the institutional failures in handling such cases.
5. Promoting Cultural Understanding
Explanation: Documentaries can foster empathy and understanding between different cultures, communities, and individuals.
Example: "Born into Brothels" (2004) offered a compassionate look at the lives of children in Calcutta's red-light district, promoting cultural understanding and compassion.
6. Preserving History
Explanation: They capture and preserve historical events, personal stories, and cultural practices for future generations.
Example: "Shoah" (1985) meticulously documents the Holocaust through interviews with survivors, perpetrators, and witnesses, preserving their testimonies for posterity.
7. Encouraging Civic Engagement
Explanation: Documentaries can inspire viewers to engage with their communities and participate in civic activities.
Example: "13th" (2016) by Ava DuVernay explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, encouraging viewers to engage in discussions about criminal justice reform.
8. Sparking Dialogues
Explanation: They can open up conversations on difficult or controversial topics, fostering dialogue and understanding.
Example: "O.J.: Made in America" (2016) examines race and celebrity through the life of O.J. Simpson. Beginning at the emergence of his football career, and ending with his relationship with Nicole Brown -- including allegations of domestic abuse and the eventual murder of Brown and her friend, Ron Goldman.
9. Promoting Transparency and Accountability
Explanation: Documentaries can investigate and expose corruption, wrongdoing, and social injustices, holding powerful entities accountable.
Example: "The Cove" (2009) exposed the brutal dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan, leading to increased scrutiny and advocacy for animal rights.
10. Personal Growth and Fulfillment
Explanation: For filmmakers, creating documentaries can be a deeply rewarding experience, offering personal growth and fulfillment through storytelling.
Example: Many documentary filmmakers describe the process of making a documentary as transformative, learning from their subjects and the stories they tell.
Key Takeaways for Students:
1. Impactful Storytelling: Understand the power of storytelling in driving change and influencing perceptions.
2. Engagement: Encourage active engagement with social, political, and environmental issues through film.
3. Empathy: Foster empathy and understanding by bringing diverse voices and experiences to the forefront.
4. Responsibility: Highlight the responsibility filmmakers have in accurately and ethically representing their subjects.
5. By exploring these benefits, students can appreciate the significant role documentaries play in society and be inspired to create meaningful and impactful films.
Anchor 1
The First Documentary Film
The first documentary film is widely regarded to be "Nanook of the North" directed by Robert J. Flaherty, released in 1922.
The film depicts the life of an Inuit man named Nanook and his family as they survive the harsh conditions of the Canadian Arctic.
Though not strictly expository, it combines elements of observational and participatory documentary styles. It features staged scenes and re-enactments of traditional Inuit practices.
Why is it important?
"Nanook of the North" is often credited as the first feature-length documentary. It established many conventions of documentary filmmaking.
It provided a glimpse into the life and culture of the Inuit people, showcasing their daily activities such as hunting, fishing, and building igloos.
While modern perspectives criticize the staging of certain scenes, at the time, it was a groundbreaking attempt to document and present the life of a people largely unknown to the broader world.
Despite some ethical controversies over its staging and representation, "Nanook of the North" remains a landmark in the history of documentary filmmaking.
History
What are the types of documentaries?
Here are some of the main types of documentaries:
1. Expository Documentaries:
Characteristics: Often features a voice-over narration that directly addresses the viewer, presenting an argument or a particular point of view.
Examples:
"Planet Earth" series (2006) - Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, this series provides stunning visuals and informative narration about the natural world.
2. Observational Documentaries:
Characteristics: Also known as "fly-on-the-wall" documentaries, these films aim to observe the subject's daily life with minimal interference. They often avoid using voice-over narration or interviews.
Examples:
"Primary" by Robert Drew is about the 1960 Democratic Party primary election in Wisconsin between John F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey,
"Grey Gardens" (1975) - Directed by Albert and David Maysles, it provides an intimate look at the lives of Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter, "Little Edie."
"Salesman" (1969) - Also by the Maysles brothers, it follows Bible salesmen as they travel and attempt to sell their product.
3. Participatory Documentaries:
Characteristics: The filmmaker interacts with the subjects, often appearing on camera and engaging in interviews or activities. This type provides a more personal perspective.
Examples:
"Super Size Me" (2004) - Directed by and starring Morgan Spurlock, it documents his experiment of eating only McDonald's food for 30 days.
"Bowling for Columbine" (2002) - Directed by Michael Moore, it investigates gun violence in America, with Moore actively participating in interviews and events.
4. Reflexive Documentaries:
Characteristics: Focus on the process of making the documentary itself, highlighting the filmmaker's role and the production challenges. It often questions the authenticity and construction of documentary reality.
Examples:
"Man with a Movie Camera" (1929) - Directed by Dziga Vertov, this silent film is a pioneering example of reflexive documentary, exploring the process of filmmaking.
"Sherman's March" (1986) - Directed by Ross McElwee, it blends personal narrative with historical exploration.
5. Performative Documentaries:
Characteristics: Emphasize the filmmaker's personal experience or the emotional impact of the subject matter. They are subjective and often use reenactments or expressive storytelling techniques.
Examples:
"Tongues Untied" (1989) - Directed by Marlon Riggs, it combines poetry, personal narrative, and performance to explore the experiences of black gay men.
"Waltz with Bashir" (2008) - Directed by Ari Folman, it uses animation to delve into the director's memories of the 1982 Lebanon War.
6. Poetic Documentaries:
Characteristics: Focus on creating a mood or tone rather than conveying a straightforward narrative. They often use visual and auditory elements to evoke feelings and impressions.
Examples:
"Koyaanisqatsi" (1982) - Directed by Godfrey Reggio, this film uses music and imagery to present a meditation on technology and the environment.
"Sans Soleil" (1983) - Directed by Chris Marker, it blends documentary and fictional elements to explore themes of memory and history.
7. Docudrama/Docufiction:
Characteristics: Combine documentary and fictional elements, using actors to recreate events or dramatize real-life situations.
​
Example:
"The Thin Blue Line" (1988) - Directed by Errol Morris, it explores a controversial murder case and uses interviews and reenactments to present its argument.
"Apollo 11" (2019) - A historical documentary that includes actual footage from the Apollo 11 mission and lunar landing.
8. Biographical Documentaries:
Characteristics: Focus on the life and achievements of a specific individual, often using interviews, archival footage, and personal narratives.
Examples:
"Amy" (2015) - Directed by Asif Kapadia, it chronicles the life and career of singer Amy Winehouse using archival footage and interviews.
"Won't You Be My Neighbor?" (2018) - Directed by Morgan Neville, it explores the life and legacy of Fred Rogers.
9. Historical Documentaries:
Characteristics: Explore historical events or periods, often using archival footage, interviews with experts, and re-enactments to provide context and analysis.
Examples:
"The Civil War" (1990) - Directed by Ken Burns, this series uses archival photos, documents, and expert narration to provide a comprehensive look at the American Civil War.
"13th" (2016) - Directed by Ava DuVernay, it examines the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States.
10. Investigative Documentaries:
Characteristics: Focus on uncovering hidden truths or exposing corruption and wrongdoing through in-depth research and reporting.
Examples:
"Blackfish" (2013) - Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, it investigates the consequences of keeping orcas in captivity.
"The Cove" (2009) - Directed by Louie Psihoyos, it exposes the hidden dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan.
Ethical Concerns
Additional Documentaries to consider:
"Hoop Dreams" (1994) - Directed by Steve James, it follows two African-American high school students in Chicago pursuing their dreams of playing professional basketball.
"Paris Is Burning" (1990) - Directed by Jennie Livingston, it captures the drag ball culture of New York City in the 1980s.
"Jiro Dreams of Sushi" (2011) - Directed by David Gelb, it profiles Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master and his renowned Tokyo restaurant.
Ethical Concerns
Ethical concerns are paramount in documentary filmmaking because the genre deals with real people and real events. Here are some key ethical considerations:
1. Informed Consent
Explanation: Ensuring that all participants understand the nature of the project, how their footage will be used, and any potential risks involved.
Practice: Obtain written consent from participants and provide them with as much information as possible about the project.
2. Representation and Misrepresentation
Explanation: Accurately portraying the subjects and avoiding misrepresentation or manipulation of their words and actions.
Practice: Strive for fairness and balance in the depiction of events and people. Avoid editing that distorts the truth or creates misleading narratives.
3. Privacy
Explanation: Respecting the privacy of individuals, especially when dealing with sensitive or personal topics.
Practice: Be mindful of what is filmed and shared, and obtain explicit permission before revealing personal information.
4. Harm and Exploitation
Explanation: Avoiding harm to participants, whether physical, emotional, or reputational.
Practice: Consider the potential impact of the documentary on the subjects and take steps to minimize harm. Avoid exploiting subjects for sensational content.
5. Objectivity and Bias
Explanation: Maintaining a balance and avoiding personal biases that could skew the portrayal of the subject matter.
Practice: Strive for impartiality and present multiple perspectives on the topic being covered.
6. Conflict of Interest
Explanation: Being aware of and disclosing any potential conflicts of interest that may affect the documentary’s integrity.
Practice: Maintain transparency about any relationships or interests that might influence the documentary.
7. Truth and Accuracy
Explanation: Commitment to truth and accuracy in reporting, avoiding fabrication or misleading information.
Practice: Fact-check all information, provide context, and avoid staging events unless clearly indicated as reenactments.
8. Editorial Independence
Explanation: Ensuring the documentary remains free from undue influence by sponsors, producers, or other stakeholders.
Practice: Maintain creative control and make editorial decisions based on the best interests of the documentary and its subjects.
9. Transparency with Audience
Explanation: Being honest with the audience about the methods used in the documentary, including reenactments or staged scenes.
Practice: Clearly label reenactments and provide context for editorial choices that may affect the interpretation of the documentary.
10. Ethical Filmmaking Practices
Explanation: Upholding ethical standards in all aspects of production, from filming to editing to distribution.
Practice: Follow industry guidelines and codes of ethics, and continuously evaluate the ethical implications of your decisions throughout the filmmaking process.
Examples and Case Studies
"Nanook of the North" (1922): This early documentary by Robert J. Flaherty faced criticism for staging scenes and misrepresenting the Inuit way of life.
"The Act of Killing" (2012): Directed by Joshua Oppenheimer, it raised ethical questions about the safety and psychological well-being of the participants.
"Capturing the Friedmans" (2003): Directed by Andrew Jarecki, it navigated complex ethical terrain involving family privacy and sensitive legal issues.
Discussion and Reflection
Encourage students to engage in discussions and reflections on these ethical considerations, analyzing real-world examples and contemplating how they would handle similar situations in their own work.
By addressing these ethical concerns, documentary filmmakers can create works that are not only compelling and informative but also responsible and respectful to their subjects and audiences.
How to make your doc
Types of Docs
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