mothtreebird

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Final Doc Reflection

Documentary Process Reflection

While I initially took on this project with only the vaguest idea of how I would like the final documentary to turn out, I am pretty satisfied with the results. My artistic vision fluctuated throughout the process. I originally envisioned a dark, sultry documentary examining the damaging psychological repercussions of hookup culture and how screwed up it is. The book I read to supplement my interview questions and to just have a broader context on the topic, Lisa Wade’s “American Hookup”, also gave me the impression that this documentary would inevitably have a much more serious tone. However, after speaking with my interviewees, I realize that while those darker components of hookup culture do exist, it has much lighthearted aspects as well. Afterall, hookup culture really just consists of inexperienced and often insecure teenagers figuring out what love is (or isn’t), and while these bumbling mistakes truly can have damaging results sometimes, overall the heartbreak and disappointment is inevitable no matter the seriousness of one’s relationship with a partner. It was difficult to completely let go of the original vision I had of the documentary; in the earlier interviews I felt myself trying to steer subjects to certain answers or prompts; however, I quickly learned that for the most candid interviews, I just had to throw my questions out the window. I found that the naturally occuring conversations that were not formal interviews gave me more interesting raw content. While these long, rambling, free-flowing and often raunchy conversations did make editing and shaping a narrative difficult, I think it turned out better than if I had tried to force subjects into my original vision for the documentary, which was much sadder. In fact, I actually wished I had collected more Broll and done less formal interviews. The Broll ended up being my favorite part of the doc and most of the time looked aesthetically nicer than the formal interviews. If I were to do this again, I would put more focus on the aesthetic of the film and lighting things more nicely, and I might attempt to do away with formal interviews completely and work solely with the raw footage of people’s conversations. I would try to get more interviews with people, but only people I am close enough with to get good footage. One of my favorite things about the documentary is how candid people were being on camera, which would not have been possible if the subjects were not people I already had a strong relationship with. My favorite parts of the film were the gloomy Saturday night of drinking tea and eating honey, and Rebecca’s letter scene. The moments I tried to plan turn out only okay, but the moments that I happened to capture on camera and assumed would just be mediocre broll serendipitously ended up being, in my opinion, the most gentle moments. I’m planning to continue to work on this film. I would like to shape up the funky sound bits and trim it down even more, attempt better color correcting, maybe add more music, and work on finding more moments that anchor the more comedic, frivolous elements. I would probably cut part of the “nakey” scene, but not the whole thing. I really liked it and thought it added a lot to the film until I watched it on the big screen and saw that maybe it didn’t come across as funny as I thought.

When starting to edit, I was surprised with the comedic elements of the documentary- it worked to change my perspective on hookup culture and made me wonder whether this is actually a serious issue, or an issue that has been amplified by insecure, privileged young adults who don’t have much else to focus on. However, that is definitely a harsh view and one that I no longer find accurate. I’m close with all of the subjects in the film, and know how smart and aware they all are; yet even the people who read Proust and the New York Times and write stunning poetry on climate change are also deeply affected by these hookups and ambiguous relationships, because hookup culture transcends pure physical validation to feelings of self-worth. I realize in retrospect this probably didn’t translate well on film; because I was so close to my subjects, it was hard for me to realize how the audience would see them as portrayed as strangers. However, I think that although there were definitely comedic, raunchy moments, I did try hard to anchor them with the more serious messages. Elena portrayed the element of anxiety and dissapointment that is present in the majority of these ambigious, poorly communicated hookups, while Rebecca bopped around on the screen, airily talking about hookups and sex, until it is revealed that she had a serious lover, serious enough to write her pages and pages of letters when most people don’t even bother sending text. In that scene I wanted to show that like everything, even serious relationships must end, so perhaps the tendency to distance oneself from any sort of emotional attachment while in this hookup culture makes sense.

Catherine was the producer of the film and was very helpful. I knew very little about equipment and she helped set up equipment and figure out an interview schedule that worked for everyone. She was also really helpful in showing me when the documentary got a little too raunchy, and highlighting moments that should be taken out and were too flamboyant to be digested well by a large audience. Catherine also crafted the hilarious “Real Love Doesn’t Exist” introduction, which added necessary flavor to the doc, and encouraged me to put in some music. Catherine gave me free reign to make directioning choices and guide interviews, but was also instrumental in letting me know when things were straying too far from the point of the documentary; for example, I was originally doing close-ups on Delilah and Zach’s faces during their interviews, because I found their facial expressions to be both informative and funny, but Catherine advised against it because it was distracting to larger points that were being made, which was true. While my filming style was sporadic and spontaneous at best and disorganized and messy at worst, Catherine was always there to help guide the doc back on track or help work out a scheduling kink, and put up with me when I had to cancel an interview last minute or forgot to charge the camera batteries. Overall, I think we made a good team; Catherine added an element of structure to my chaos and her own quirky touches when I hit creative blocks.

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more stills

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doc updates...reaching the end

When starting to look at the rough cuts and when showing the cut to other people, I was surprised by how much people were laughing. The doc ended up being a lot funnier than I had thought. I wasn’t really sure how I felt about this- is hookup culture supposed to be so funny? But then I realized...yeah maybe! I guess a reason why the comedic elements of the film shone through so much was because my subjects were really comfortable with me, just blurting out the first things that popped in their heads, and the absolute candor was also funny. Yet I also think that there were more serious moments that anchored the whole film. Also...it just wouldn’t be realistic if it was completely serious. People can’t be serious all the time, especially when talking about something like hookup culture. When the subjects tried to be sincere, it felt force- the best moments were those that were most authentic, both the raunchy funny ones and the true moments of self-reflection and disappointment. 

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Scene edit feedback

I showed the scene edits of Elena’s nighttime routine and lament and Rebecca’s more humorous interview to some family and friends recently. Overall the feedback was positive- some of the older viewers wanted a more explicit explanation of what hookup culture actually is. Some people really liked the warm orange color scheme, some people hated it. Something to keep in mind when continuing to edit is that hookup culture is generally a foreign topic to a lot of older generations, and it will be helpful starting out with more basic, clear cut information in order to make the doc itself more digestible for people who are more removed from the current college scene. However, I also do not want to water it down in anyway, or take away any sort of authenticity by making it too informational, as in separating myself from my subjects by pausing to parse out their every word...if that makes sense?

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Hookup Culture Doc Storyline

Want to start out with snapchat videos of crazy party scenes maybe, then shift to BRoll of pierce, the campus. First I will have general information about hookup culture, as told (probably) by a professor. I will then start out with more formal interviews of students that then dissolve into the impromptu, more casual interactions, in which the subjects either confirm their early statements or contradict them. I will focus on 4 people, including one couple, and have their conversation naturally transition to the next. I don’t have a super clear idea as of now because I’ve discovered that taking out my camera during genuine conversations gives very good raw, authentic footage (with subject’s consent) so I am playing off that. 

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Heart of Gold Response

“Heart of Gold” examined Larry Nassar and the circumstances that enabled him  to get away with abusing young gymnasts for so long. I thought the film was incredibly moving, especially the climax of the film, when dozens of women and girls gave testimony about their experiences with Nassar’s abuse, as Nassar himself sat directly in front of them, avoiding eye contact with his head down. It definitely left an impact on me and prompted me to think deeply about the issue of sexual abuse and our deeply sexist society that allows for such long term exploitation. I think the strength of the film was that it was objective- there were no fancy cuts or remakes, just raw footage capturing people’s raw reactions. Home videos of the gymnasts along with archive footage from past competitions gave the film an even more authentic feel. It is interesting that Nassar was not really interviewed for the film, but just seen as an omnipresent villain, with his only speech being from archival footage. Why was that choice made? Would it have been a different film if Nassar was formally interviewed? Would his delusional behavior have been made even more apparent, or would that have just served to give Nassar a voice he doesn’t deserve?

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Rawrrrr footage

I decided to try getting less structured, less formal conversation footage and was really happy with the result. Everything was a lot more candid and heartfelt. My friend Elena and I were having a conversation about hookup culture and certain people we had been with. I asked her if I could film parts of our conversation and she agreed, and then some other friends came into the common space. It was a true depiction of a Friday night, after a party, when everything is winding down and things get a bit more reflective. 

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Stills from the doc. Everything is a little orange...but I like it!! The first three images are from an impromptu interview where I was just playing around with the camera, but then manage to capture some of Elena and I’s conversation. 

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Visual representation of how a doc subject described catching feelings

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Doc updates!! 11/5

More updates! So far, filmed 5 interviews. Two straight women, two queer women, and one gay man. They all had really interesting things to say and it was interesting that they perceptions of hookup culture didn’t always line up. Some interviewees thought it was harmless and fun, others thought it was symbol of sexual liberation, and others thought it was a corrupt culture that fosters objectification and low self esteem. Overall, lots to unpack. I shot some decent Broll as well. Was a little self conscious bringing a camera into pierce but it all worked out in the end. I really just need to start cutting some footage down and find maybe just a couple more people to interview- I would also like to get some more raw footage as well of people just talking candidly, not so much a formal interview. Scheduling has been a bit of an issue with interviewees but Catherine and Jack have been wonderful (obvs). Editing does terrify me a little but I guess the sooner I start the better off I’ll be...So I really should just get on that. 

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Doc updates

Checked out equipment and filmed one really great interview. Still need to shoot Broll and navigate everyone’s schedules. When interviewing the interview I strayed a lot from the original questions just played off what Rebecca was saying. We ended up having a really interesting conversation and she had some unique things to say. Overall my biggest challenge right now is both figuring out the technicalities of filming (though I’ve had help) and scheduling. 

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“This lake now has legal rights, just like you” response

This short informative documentary explored the effects of large scale factory farming on Lake Erie, specifically manure disposal. Manure from large corporate farms running off into Lake Erie set up perfect conditions for the growth of toxic algae, which has the potential to affect people’s drinking water and result in horrible health consequences. The solution to this environmental catastrophe was to give Lake Erie the same rights as a human being- so if Erie continues to be polluted, the farmers could be taken to court and tried the same as if they committed harm against a person. This documentary incorporated a lot of interesting, overhead shots of the Lake landscape and farmland. It gave a very informational, scientific subject a lively twist by framing the documentary around the Lake’s human rights. Is it always necessary to give these dryer, more informational subjects a twist or pull to get viewers? Or does that just happen naturally as the filmmakers get truly invested in the story they are helping to share?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwhcrpJTzGQ

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Hookup Culture Doc project updates

Project Updates: I still have to solidify the actual production aspects of the project, such as figuring out how/when to check out equipment, but so far ten people have agreed to be interviewed. Most of the people are straight white women, which also seems to be Kenyon’s overwhelming demographic (race/gender wise, not necessarily sexuality speaking), but I was also able to recruit a few lgbtq+ identifying folks. I was pleased to see how enthusiastic people were about participating in this project. I really want to focus on how the Kenyon hookup experience differs depending on one’s sexuality and gender, and I want to probe people to reflect on what the root of hookup culture may be (search for intimacy? Embracing a more sex-positive age?). I’ve also been thinking more about Broll and have been finding some cool reference images (I’m really drawn to lit windows at night, shades being drawn, people and movement just out of one’s view...). As of now I am mostly just stressed about the technical aspects of filming the project, of which I don’t have tons of experience- setting up cameras, managing people’s schedules, getting stranded at the Wright center (why oh why don’t I have my driver’s license yet?) But it is going to get done!! Right now I am just focusing on making sure my questions are strong and that I know what I want to get out of each interview, so I can really hit the ground running once I do have my equipment. 

I also am reading Peggy Orenstein’s “Girls and Sex” for more context on contemporary hookup culture and its gender norms. And I ordered an SD card. Process...whoooooo

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Dollhouse

Dollhouse Documentary 

Directed by Terri Timely 

This documentary follows the work of Kate Charles, who devotes her time to creating extremely life-like baby dolls. Kate narrates the documentary, comparing her work to that of Michael Jackson’s genius and explaining that she only creates African American baby dolls because it’s easier to make it look as if blood was flowing through darker skin. The pace of the film is slow and methodic, mirroring the painstaking process of doll making, and has a slightly sinister tone as close up shots of disembodied plastic heads and hair are paired with gentle piano music. There are many interesting and unsettling visuals of Kate rocking the fake babies and cuddling them sweetly, a baby that seems alive but is not alive enough. It was interesting having the entire documentary told from Kate’s perspective, because it forced the viewer to take the doll making more seriously than one might otherwise. It would also have been interesting to have gotten more feedback from the customers, and to explore what sort of person buys Kate’s dolls. 

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The King of Fish and Chips

“The King of Fish and Chips” tells the story of Haddon Salt and the rise and fall of his fish and chips empire, including his rift with KFC. The film has a lively pace, and incorporates lots of lighthearted vintage footage of Mr. Salt’s 60s advertisements. Closeups of crispy battered fish and chips add a tantalizing element; when the quick detailed closeups are coupled with Mr. Salt’s witty narration, the film takes on a very nice rhythm. Because the story is told from Mr. Salt’s perspective, the drama of the story is heightened, because as Mr. Salt describes it, he had his reputation on the line when the quality of the Salt Fish and Chip shops started to decline. If the story was told from a different perspective, the film would probably be duller and less dramatic. To anyone else, the decline of a fast food franchise is usually only vaguely interesting; but because Mr. Salt’s franchise was his big business break and life’s work, the story has a more heightened emotional component. 

watch here:

https://vimeo.com/355126055

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Documentary brainstorming

4 potential ideas- work in progress!! Will most likely shift a lot. 

1. Old Side vs. New Side

Even prospies touring the school for the first time are warned of this epic divide. This very Kenyon specific topic explores the divide between old side athletes and artsy new side field frolickers. Everyone is at least dimly aware of this divide, but how did it come to be? Does the side of the dining hall you sit on really determine who you are, or is it just a manifestation of a split that was already present? What would happen if a self-identified new sider swapped friend groups with a self-identified old sider? This is a little dramatic and a little goofy but explores the precariousness of first impressions, a clique mindset, and the snap judgements we make about people. 

2. Portrait of Ariella

This is a more intimate study of one of my best friends, who has had a very interesting life. I would like to interview her on her childhood spent at a Yoga commune, her Waldorf experience, her dentist, her eleven pets, and explore how this more alternative upbringing affected how she sees the world. 

 3. Hookup Culture

A study on hookup culture at Kenyon College, featuring people’s individual stories. Is hookup culture simply reflecting a more fluid, sex-positive age, or does it encourage objectification? What are the benefits of such casual hooking up, and what are the detriments? Does hookup culture embody gender inequality? Through interviewing every gender’s experience with Kenyon hookup culture, this documentary aims to unearth the root of hookup culture, why people participate in it, and if there are gendered norms. Also has the potential for interesting visuals with a somewhat taboo subject on the darker side of Kenyon. 

4. Kenyon students’ relationship to Walmart.

Hordes of Kenyon students stream into Walmart weekly for alcohol, Cheetos, bulk ramen, and the occasional tube of deb gall glitter. A large section of the student body comes from more urban coastal areas such as New York and L.A, where Walmarts are few and far between. Walmart is able to sell products at consistently lower prices than mainstream stores, through undercutting workers’ wages and importing cheap foreign products. Has Walmart simply become part of one’s rural aesthetic for some Kenyon students? Is there a problem with the well intended but undeniably privileged liberal arts students strutting into a rural Ohio GoodWill? What are the thoughts of Walmart employees on this divide between the college (situated literally on a hill)  and the rest of Mount Vernon? 

Bonus: exploring frat/sorority culture? What does brotherhood/sisterhood entail?