For this assignment in our filmmaking class, we were given the choice of what kind of movie to make. There are generally three modes of filmmaking: narrative, documentary and experimental. Allura chose to make an experimental film, which disobeys the rules and conventions of narrative and documentary filmmaking. Allura recorded the rain outside her car as she drove home after school. She put these videos together and accompanied them with calm music. Similar to painting, dance, poetry or literature, experimental film has an emotional effect.

Another mode is called documentary filmmaking. Documentaries are factual, non-fiction movies that talk about events, history, nature, or people. Dean chose to make a documentary film about his friend, and a new FSS student, Aaron from Beijing. Dean interviewed Aaron as his A-roll and shot some scenes about Aaron’s school life for his movie’s B-roll.

Logan also chose to do a documentary film. His documentary followed his pets in a “mockumentary” style. He also dubbed voices in for them. I (Chloe) chose to make a short documentary on my classmate Christine.

I recorded a normal morning of her life during a school day. However, when I added some creepy music during the editing of my film, I discovered the film could turn into a narrative film. Narrative films always have a protagonist and some overarching problems which the protagonist must confront. In our next assignment, we will be making a short narrative film together. Enjoy: