Opps-Docs

FADE IN:
INT. STOKLOSA'S CLASSROOM
A flashback of SANDRA on her laptop, scrolling through some documentaries during class on Monday to get some inspiration. Opps by Vince Staples from the Black Panther soundtrack is playing in her headphones. She feels invincible.
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I have a confession to make.
I am an addict. An Op-Docs addict, that is.
For those of you who aren't aware of the time-sucking black hole vortex that is the New York Times Op-Docs site, let me just give you a brief summary of what it is:

Op-Docs is a video channel where people around the country (possibly even the world) submit their own original documentary shorts on any topic of choice. The filmmakers are free to represent their story in any format they wish, which can be traditional, with direct interviews and standard B-roll, or more artistic in nature, with animation and a voice-over guiding the story line. However, the incredible thing about all of these documentaries are made by everyday people, some younger, some older, but all amateurs. And amateurs can do some incredible things.

Over the past couple of days,  I have been watching several new Op-Docs. Let me highlight my current favorites:

• Birth Control Your Own Adventure by Sindha Agha: I just love the artistic method taken to describe something as taboo as birth control from a young age. It was a refreshing topic presented in an unorthodox way, yet told the story just as well. However, for my purposes, I think my documentary won't be going this artistic route.
• Black Colleges in the Age of Trump by Stanley Nelson: Now this is much more traditional. While most of its footage comes from archives and news reels, the structure flows a lot more like a traditional documentary with voice over narration and standard B-roll footage. I think my documentary will lean more in this direction, just to keep it safe and conventional. However, I still think I can be creative and have fun with my editing even if I decide to stay conventional. I am also still deciding as to whether or not include a voice over narration (I'm leaning towards no).
• My Grandfather's Memory Book by Colin Levy: I am struck with envy watching this at first because of the sheer beauty of the animation. It gave me Pixar vibes and consequently, I cried Pixar tears that was close to the first five minutes of UP as far as sentimental tears go. Documentaries can make you feel. I want a feeling to be provoked out of my work too. I want these creative writing kids to make my audience laugh, or be provoked by their words because what they say matters. 

With these works in mind, I can continue building the structure/ambiance I want out of my work through inspiration. Now, I gotta go wipe my tears. I just re-watched My Grandfather's Memory Book. 

Until then,

SLS