Creating a Documentary
Constantly changing technology offers students limitless possibilities in developing media-based presentations for the documentary category. Students may create documentaries using slides, film, videos, and/or computers. Whatever presentation format is chosen, students must be able to operate all equipment, both during production and at each level of competition.
Important: The most important aspect of any entry is its historical quality. Students should not get so caught up in the production of a documentary that they lose sight of the importance of the historical quality. Judges are not looking for glitzy productions; rather, they are looking for solid research and a thorough analysis of the chosen topic.
The computer has become a very important tool for editing documentaries. Students usually begin with photographs, documents, film, and/or video and use computer technology to create special effects, animation, graphics, transitions, and other visuals. Students who choose to use the computer to edit their entries should have access to computers with multimedia capabilities and should be familiar with at least one type of presentation software. QuickTime, Adobe Premiere, and iMovie are examples of software packages that students use to produce finished projects. While most students are using computers as tools to help them to edit various aspects of their presentations, some students are using computers as their vehicle for presentation. Although doing so is acceptable, there are a number of limitations to using the computer as the presentation device: Computer equipment is not supplied at all of the levels of competition—students will have to provide their own equipment; computer presentations cannot be interactive (judges cannot push buttons, etc.); computer monitors are often too small for the judges and the audience to see; and computer presentations often inadvertently focus on the technology behind the presentation rather than providing an in-depth analysis of a historical topic.
Film and Video Presentations
If students choose this type of presentation, home video cameras are the most popular devices, although movie cameras are still used by some. If students are able to use editing equipment in their school or elsewhere, this can be an exciting and educational project. Many communities have cable access stations that have video equipment available for public use. Following are some suggestions for film and video entries.
Although the students primarly use video and computer-based presentations in the documentary category, slide presentations can still be effective. Slides can be either purchased or produced by students. A slide The key to an effective entry is a good combination of visual images and recorded narrative. Here are some things to keep in mind: