Category Archives: Documentary

Danny MacAskill Gymnasium

Documentary

Camera

  • The filmmaker uses a close up Danny’s face as he looks inside the gym class rooms. Why do you think he does this?
  • Close up shots of Danny collecting and transporting the equipment are used. Do you think this is effective?
  • Can you spot any low or high angle shots? Why do you think these have been used?
Colour

  • Describe the colours you can see throughout the clip
  • How do they make you feel?
  • Do you think the colours used throughout the clip work effectively alongside the mood the filmmaker is trying to create?
Character

  • What can we infer from the receptionist at the beginning of the clip.? Does she look happy at her job?
  • How could we describe Danny? What kind of skills and qualities would you need to have to practise and perform these stunts safely and successfully.?
  • Do you think the janitor seemed bothered with Danny?
Sound

  • As Danny enters and walks around the gym, there is music playing. Have you heard this or similar music before? Why do you think the filmmaker chose to use this music?
  • As Danny pops his head in to look in each room, the soundtrack changes. Do you think the new music suits what is happening in each gym class?
  • As Danny begins his stunts, a new song begins to play. Do you like it? Do you think it matches the story in the clip? Listen to the words of the song. Do you think they are relevant to the clip?
Story

  • Danny joins the gym and has a look around. Do you think he likes the look of the classes? Why do you think he doesn’t go into any of them?
  • Danny uses lots of different resources to help him perform stunts. How do you think he would feel before and during the performance of the stunts?
  • Do you think Danny may have made mistakes when filming the stunts?
  • If he could give viewers a message to go along side this clip, what do you think he would say?
Setting

  • Where do you think the clip is taking place?
  • Do you recognise the setting from anywhere you have been before?
  • Have you seen any similar stunt clips before? Where have they been set?
Task

The next time you are in PE, use an iPad to record a clip of you demonstrating a technique or skill you have been learning. Use Clips or iMovie to add a soundtrack or narration. You could even use the Clip as a resource to teach someone else the technique or skill!

Credit: Laura McEachran @MissLMacDonald

Planet Earth Mother Polar Bear and Cubs

Documentary

Camera

  • The camera movement shows various angles and setting of the sun rising. Why do you think the filmmaker does this?
  • As the cubs travel on the slope, the camera uses close ups and establishing shots. Why do you think it does this? Is it effective?
Colour

  • Describe the colours you can see throughout the clip
    How do they make you feel?
  • Look at the colours used at the beginning of the clip and compare these with the rest of the clip. Is there any contrast?
Character

  • The polar bear begins to stir as the narrator tells us it is now Spring time. What do you think the polar bear has been doing?
  • Do you know of any other animals that do this too?
  • How do you think the cubs would feel experiencing this for the first time.? Can you think of any potential dangers that they may face?
Sound

  • Do you think the soundtrack at the beginning matches what it happening? How w
  • As the cubs take their fist steps, listen to the soundtrack. Do you think it
  • There is a narration over the clip. Do you think he narrates the clip well? H
  • Listen for any new or unfamiliar vocabulary and try to find out what it means
Story

  • Why do you think the filmmaker has chosen to film and promote this particular clip?
  • Does this clip help raise awareness of anything that is happening in our world today?
  • Think about the story being told in the clip. Who do you think the intended audience were?
Setting

  • Where do you think the clip is taking place?
  • Do you recognise the setting from anything you have seen before?
  • Why do you think the filmmaker chose to film in this particular setting?
Task:

The population of polar bears is decreasing. Create your own 2 minute movie about polar bears and what we can do to raise awareness of everything we could do to help prevent this.