Filed under: Documentary
MicroDocs are new ultra-short documentary format. If traditional documentary is an essay and a Short Doc a statement, then a MicroDoc is an exclamation!
MicroDocs are about taking an idea – a pure concept – and wrapping it into 59 seconds of prime time. Remember, length is a major factor in a film’s narrative structure and brevity requires discipline and efficiency. You can’t just cut down a longer story and expect it to work as a MicroDoc.
Many TV commercials last sixty-seconds and are legendary for their complexity, clarity and impact. Cleverly made observational documentaries ought to work perfectly at this length too. Just remember to use your theme, structure, or visuals to immediately hook the viewer. Shock, humour, and counter-intuitive story structures are likely to work well.
The 59-second MicroDocs challenge will help focus you towards unexplored viewing spaces like phones, hand-held devices, Satnavs and laptops, attracting new audiences to the genre. If they like your MicroDoc they might want to share it with a friend or perhaps contribute to the debate you have started by replying with their own MicroDoc.
MicroDocs need to be enjoyable and make a big impact. Editing by the juxtaposition of very big close-ups and ultra wide shots is one way of creating a memorable style for a small screen. Conversely the use of a single, 59-second uncut shot as a complete story may work for you, and cleverly edited stills can have huge impact over short durations. Clear, well-recorded synch and commentary is always important, particularly when the speakers might be small or the viewer is likely to be using earphones in a noisy place.
Links
Free Archive Resources
● The Prelinger Archive
● The NASA Archive
Advice from other people on making Microdocs
● From DepicT filmmakers
Where else can you show ultra-short docs on the web?
● BAFTA Orange 60 Seconds of Fame
● DepicT
● Texas DCI mobile content festival
● Super Shorts
Making films for Mobile
● Pocketshorts
● MicroCinema advice on mobile distribution
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