Assignment/Activity Title— C-SPAN
DOC Year—2014
Skill—Writing, Researching, Media, teamwork Portfolio
Category—Media and Communications
I
am putting this assignment into the “media and communications” category for two
reasons. First, it helped me improve my own communication skills when working
in a group. Second, it helped
improve my ability to put together a strong documentary that combined my
editing, writing, and researching skills.
I
honestly was shocked that anyone other than me would be interested in doing a
documentary about filibuster reform, but I was lucky to find two great partners
in this endeavor. We each had our
own unique skills that we brought to the project. Anna is one of the most reliable people I have ever worked
with. She is incredibly smart and
hardworking and she will do almost anything to help the group. Paul is an editing whiz kid and has a
very firm grasp of the policy involved.
I generally was the bossy one in the group, writing the script and
directing Anna and Paul on what to do.
However, I had to learn that I can’t micromanage an entire
production. It took me quite a
while to realize how skilled my two partners were in their own fields and allow
them to use their skills to the betterment of the group. This is definitely something that I
still have to keep learning, since I started to fall into my micromanaging self
towards the end of the project. I
learn that, in such a major group project, one needs to learn the strengths and
weaknesses of the people working with them and use them to make the project as
good as can be.
This
project was also the pinnacle of my media and communications education so
far. We were blessed with the
ability to schedule very high quality interviews. In the hours I spent in the suites editing our film, I
became very strong in my editing skills (though not at the level of Paul). I wrote almost all of the script for
the project, which was a new challenge in writing style. Most of the time when I am writing
about a complicated and wonky topic, I can put a lot of interesting and useful
details in a longer piece. Since
the script is to be listened to, instead of read, I had to choose the best pieces of information
that conveyed our point in the most compelling manner. I also had to work with Paul and Anna
to create and find the best graphics that complemented the script, not just repeated
it. We were also able to learn how
to deal with problems when they arise, especially technical problems. This entire experience gave me a more
relaxed and focused outlook when creating a production, instead of running
around like a chicken with his head caught off. I think that, through good filmmaking skills and great
teamwork, we were able to create a project that informs the viewer of an issue
that isn’t discussed as often as some of the other documentary topics and
creates a strong public policy argument.
I was able to refine my production skills, as well as my skills as a
leader and director. This was one
of the most enjoyable and rewarding projects that I have ever completed and it
will likely have a long lasting effect on my education.
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