My documentary was an extremely fun experience. I was able to use all the tips/techniques I learned in class and put them to life. Each Episodic and Op-Documentary gave me a better understanding of how to develop my own documentary. In addition, I was able to learn about Book Bans and how they have affected various schools in Florida. I was able to learn how the banning of certain books have affected student's educational programs. Ultimately, I am grateful to have been able to learn about documentaries and complete the process.
My documentary is based upon the Book Ban issue going on in schools of Florida. As of this year, hundreds of books have been banned in Florida classrooms. This is because each of these books may have included forms of sexual content, racism, violence, use of illegal substances, etc. As a result, books are censored for classes and/or a teacher's curriculum. However, teachers are beginning to disagree with the concept of book bans. Teachers are starting to become more vocal on the fact that some books should not be banned. This social group believes that some books are essential to the topic they are teaching, and the banning of them will affect the classroom. My documentary speaks for social groups/issues because it highlights teacher's opinion on Book Bans. During my documentary process, my team and I interviewed two teachers. Each one teaches a Language Arts course at Cypress Bay High School and was eager to discuss how they felt about book bans. The names of the teachers are Mr. Berna and Ms. Herring. Mr. Berna and Ms. Herring gave their honest opinion on Book Bans and how they have affected their classroom. Furthermore, my product is a pathway for people to learn a teacher's feelings toward the popular Book Ban issue in schools of Florida. Two popular books, George Orwell's "1984" and Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" have been banned. In the past, these books were a vital part of both of these teacher's curriculum. These books added to the depth of understanding that these teachers are trying to teach their students. Mr. Berna and Ms. Herring argued that the censorship of these books have had negative affects on their classroom. Meaning, students are being denied the experience of learning about these books lessons or concepts. Students are unable to see important examples or topics that need to be discussed throughout courses. For example, AP English Language and Composition and AICE Language A/AS Level. These are college level classes and need to be taken very seriously.
A production should always engage with its audience. It is important that an audience creates a relationship or understanding with what they are viewing. This stems from a production's effectiveness being able to develop and deliver in a concise manner. The designated target audience for my documentary is parents and/or conservative groups. This is because most books are banned based upon the complains of these people. For example, the main books that parents and conservative groups target are diverse stories, Black history, and the LGBTQ+ community. However, my documentary allows conservative groups and parents to hear reasons on why they should not ban certain types of books. Teachers discuss how the books being banned are important to their curriculum and the learning of their students. The audience is able to view Book Bans from a different point of view and possibly rethink their choices in the future. Additionally, my documentary does a great job with connecting to its audience because it includes exactly how a certain book being banned has affected certain courses. Meaning, parents and conservative groups are able to become aware of exactly what novel being banned has caused negative effects on classrooms. It is important that my documentary's audience is clearly aware of what they are watching!
Research is the basis of any project or product. Research gives filmmakers knowledge about the subject they are focusing on and educates them on what they should or should not incorporate. Research informed my product in various ways. Research on Book Bans allowed my group and I to make sure we incorporate all essential facts in our production. It was our goal to make sure that the audience was provided with necessary background information. This is essential to the audience's comprehension of the topic being discussed. In addition, through research, my documentary was able to challenge Book Ban conventions. Our target audience is very accepting or supporting of Book Bans. My documentary challenged this convention because it provided a point of view that was not in support of Book Bans. It allowed the audience to understand ways that Book Bans are not always useful or practical. The audience will be able to understand how book bans could possibly result in negative effects in schools. Moreover, the documentary provides interviews from two reliable sources. These sources are reliable because they are interviews of two experienced teachers who have seen their course/curriculum change from the banning of George Orwell's "1984" and Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye". Ultimately, research will always be an essential part of productions. Research will continue to allow filmmakers a way to better portray their subject and give them a great outlet to help connect to their audience. As said before, research is the foundation of any production. My group and I's ability to create a concrete foundation really shaped the outcome of our documentary. Our documentary was able to clearly explain how Book Bans continue to shape classes' curriculum. Our target audience is able to understand that their choices do not affect everyone or everything positively. Parents and Conservative groups are able to see every result of their choices!
Learning about documentary has changed my view on the Media Industry. I am glad to be able to learn about yet another type of production and all of its attributes. My documentary journey has not been easy, but it has been informal. Being able to learn new things is all apart of the growing process. That being said, thank you for reading and I will see you soon!
Link to Documentary:
https://browardcountyschools-my.sharepoint.com/personal/0615044668_my_browardschools_com/_layouts/15/stream.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2F0615044668%5Fmy%5Fbrowardschools%5Fcom%2FDocuments%2FDana%20Grace%20Morgan%20Documentary%20Project%2FDocumentary%2Emp4&referrer=StreamWebApp%2EWeb&referrerScenario=AddressBarCopied%2Eview
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