Documentary film

Why this topic?

We started by putting out an advert in our college group, looking for people with unique and interesting hobbies. Several responses came in, but Shona’s story stood out immediately. As a member of both the Penicuik Youth Band and the Penicuik Silver Band, her dedication to playing the cornet was inspiring. We wanted to explore how her hobby not only brings her joy but also helps her develop creative skills, especially in performing on stage.  

 

The style of the documentary was inspired by other music-focused films we researched. We decided to use two cameras and two points of light to create a professional, cinematic look. The goal was to capture Shona’s passion in a way that felt authentic and engaging.  

 

Challenges along the way

One of the biggest challenges was coordinating with Shona. She’s not a frequent phone user, so communication was tricky. Aligning her availability with the music studio’s schedule added another layer of complexity. To mitigate this, we planned meticulously and even recorded a backup interview with another character. This not only gave us a safety net but also helped us fine-tune the lighting and camera setups.  

 

What went well 

Despite the challenges, there were plenty of wins. Our team worked seamlessly together —everyone knew their role, and decisions were made collaboratively. The footage we captured was high-quality, with great sound and lighting. We also made sure to tick every box on the project checklist, including adding a voiceover and release form.  

 

What I’d do differently

If I were to redo this project, I’d spend more time researching the main character and her story. I’d also use three cameras for more dynamic shots and consider filming in off-campus locations to add variety. Unfortunately, time constraints limited us this time, but these are changes I’d prioritize in future projects.  

 

The final product

As the editor, my role was to bring everything together. I added graphics, background music, and colour correction to give the documentary a polished, professional feel. The final video aligns perfectly with the project brief, both in terms of duration and content.  

 

Final thoughts

This project was a 100% success in my eyes. We delivered a documentary that not only met the brief’s requirements but also told a compelling story about passion, creativity, and the power of hobbies. It was a rewarding experience that taught me a lot about teamwork, problem-solving, and the art of storytelling.