For those that do not know, research is an essential process of any production. Research allows us to obtain vital information about the topic that is being discussed. Additionally, research is an important way to generate new concepts, material, and understandings. However, before we get into my research process let me inform you on the topic my Documentary focused on. My group and I decided to do a production on Book Bans in schools.
What are Book Bans? Book Bans occur when there are objections to the content of a specific book. Action is taken against the book as a result of parent or community objections. As government officials become aware of the issue, previously accessible books can be completely removed from students and classrooms. As this takes place, teachers are beginning to oppose or disapprove of the concept of book bans. Their argument is that some of the books being banned are essential to the curriculum of their classroom. Curriculum is the subject(s) comprising a course of study in a school or college. Every teacher has a duty to follow the curriculum of their course and it is important that this is not challenged. Teachers are concerned that Book Bans will continue to challenge their curriculum and ultimately, lead to a decrease in the quality of education they are providing.
Here are some links that my team and I used to research Book Bans:
- https://pen.org/issue/book-bans/
- https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/roughly-300-books-were-removed-from-libraries-in-florida-last-school-year-heres-the-full-list/3113184/
- https://pen.org/book-bans-frequently-asked-questions/
- https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/more-than-350-books-banned-in-florida-schools-since-last-july-16817328
Regarding the documentary that my team and I created, we focused on Book Bans taking place in schools in Florida. As of 2023, hundreds of books have been banned in Florida Schools. Two of these books are "1984" by George Orwell and "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison. Both of these books have impacted Language courses in schools. For example, courses such as AP English Language and Composition and AICE Language A Level. George Orwell's 1984 is about the negative effects of government control on society. The novel focuses on themes of control, power, violence, and loyalty. Moving on, let's talk about the central topic of "The Bluest Eye," by Toni Morrison. Toni Morrison's book highlights the oppression of women. In the novel, women not only suffer the horrors of racial oppression, but the violence and torture brought upon them by men in their lives. Here are illustrations of each of the books that I just discussed:
As important as research is, so is planning. Planning allows you to organize information and make sure that you are getting everything completed in a timely manner. Planning improves commitment and motivation and provides a guide for action. Three essential ways my group and I planned for our documentary was creating questions for interviews, writing the script for our VoiceOver, and creating an outline/shot list.
Interviewing is an important process of documentaries. Interviewing gives a way for people to have the opportunity to tell their experience or opinion directly to the audience. In return, the audience is given a deeper understanding of the subject being talked about. With this being said, my group and I decided to interview two teachers at Cypress Bay High School. One teacher teaches AP English Language and Composition (Mr. Berna) and the other teaches AICE Language A/AS Level (Ms. Herring). Both of these teachers are passionate about the curriculum they teach, and so my group and I devised interview questions to ask them. Here is a screenshot of the questions:
Moving on, let's begin to discuss VoiceOver. VoiceOver is a piece of narration in a production or broadcast. It is not accompanied by an image of the speaker, solely their voice. Regarding my documentary, my group and I decided to include a VoiceOver on the background of book bans. The VoiceOver would explain how book bans have affected classrooms and teachers' curriculum. For our VoiceOver we primarily focused on George Orwell's 1984 and Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye. These books are extremely well-known and their banning has taken a toll on various teacher's classes. Here are examples of VoiceOver:
Last but not least, let us dive into the outline and shot list my team and I created. Outlines are used for the organization of information. Regarding documentary, outlines are essential for the organization of the material being represented. Proper representation allows the audience to perceive information in the correct way. In addition to outlines, creating a shot list is an important way for the organization of material. Shot lists allow creators to plan what they want to show at that exact time. Both of these allowed my group members and I to stay on track! So as you've heard about my research and planning let's get into production. PSA, its on the next post!
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