Unlike feature films, most documentaries (or reality shows) are unscripted. In many cases, they start shooting with only an outline and the script is developed as the material is shot and edited.

However, just because a documentary is unscripted does not mean it is disorganized, or that it can ignore the basic tenets of storytelling. In fact, just the opposite. As hosts Norman Hollyn and Larry Jordan explain, story-telling is just as important as scripted projects. And in this episode, they give you some tips you can use to improve your own unscripted projects.

Episode 18: Documentaries and Reality

Episode 32: Crafting Storytelling into Wedding Videos
John Goolsby  is legendary in the wedding video industry for the quality and story-telling in his wedding videos. Yet, he follows the same rules as any other story-teller who wants the audience care about their characters and story.
In this episode, hosts Norman Hollyn and Larry Jordan talk with John about what makes a successful wedding video. During the discussion John shows segments from some of his recent video shoots,.
Wedding videos are a huge opportunity for all ranges of filmmakers to work with characters, locations and emotions to craft compelling stories.
“How Editing Enhances the Script” – this week, on the 2 Reel Guys.
TRT: 12:36

Episode 32: Crafting Storytelling into Wedding Videos

Episode 31: How Editing Enhances the Script
In Episode 30, we discussed how to find the emotional “turn” of a scene and how to shoot it. In this episode, we take the same scene and show how editing can build on what the cameras captured and enhance the performance of the actors.
This 2-part series looks at how to stage and shoot a scene, then take it into post-production to develop the “first cut.” Join hosts Norman Hollyn and Larry Jordan as they discuss that the first cut is the editor’s opportunity to put together their version of the story.  It sets the framework for the rest of the editing that will follow.
“How Editing Enhances the Script” – this week, on the 2 Reel Guys.
TRT: 13:32

Episode 31: How Editing Enhances the Script

Episode 30 – Changing Emotion is the Key to Good Storytelling
Drama, by defintion, is emotion. The key is to figure out which character is the emotional core of each scene, then find ways to enhance the audience’s response to the emotional change that character is going through.
Emotion doesn’t always mean yelling, or tears, or fights. Sometimes emotions are subtle; just a lifitng of an eyebrow. But every story-teller needs to find the emotional ‘hook” in a scene and make sure the actors bring it out so the audience can feel it.
This is the first of two episodes looking at how to take a scene from staging to shooting to post. Watch as hosts Norman Hollyn and Larry Jordan work with the 2 Reel Players to find the emotional “turn” of a scene, figure out how to make it work and determine the best way to shoot it. This series concludes with Episode 31.
“Changing Emotion is the Key to Good Storytelling” – this week, on the 2 Reel Guys.
TRT: 11:25

Episode 30: Changing Emotion is the Key to Good Storytelling

Episode 29 – Lighting Techniques
In episode 12 we looked at how to use color to tell stories.  In this episode, we look at how lighting enhances a multiple character dialog.
In this episode, our two actors find themselves at a restaurant. How does the lighting change depending upon which actor is the center of the scene?  Join hosts Norman Hollyn and Larry Jordan as they look at the power lighting has to tell stores; especially when multiple actors are involved.
The 2 Reel Stage has never looked this good.
“Lighting Techniques” – this week, on the 2 Reel Guys.
TRT: 9:11

Episode 29: Lighting Techniques

Episode 28: Secrets from a Casting Director
Jane Jenkins is a legendary casting director – Apollo 13, When Harry Met Sally, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Jurassic Park and the Princess Bride, to name only a few of the hundreds of films she has cast.
Jane joins hosts Norman Hollyn and Larry Jordan to discuss the process of casting, what she looks for in an actor and casting session, then runs Andrew and Patrick through a sample casting session.
Casting is about 80% of any movie; and the job of a casting director is to get the best people possible. Watch as Jane describes what you need to know.
“Secrets from a Casting Director” – this week, on the 2 Reel Guys.
TRT: 10:52

Episode 18: Documentaries and Reality

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