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Jeanie Finlay's avatar

I concur with all of this. It’s all storytelling. All of it.

B-roll suggests a shot list to be ticked off.

“What is the conversation this place or time is holding” “how do we show that”

Things I think about a lot

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Elaine McMillion Sheldon's avatar

Yes, your films do this well with SCENES

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Brian Gabriel Canever's avatar

I always refer back to what happens from 6:36-8:50 in "Tutwiler," the—allusion? prelusion? foreshadowing?—with the specific mama who holds that plastic baby, closes her eyes, stares at it, and then tells you that her real baby son is a week old and with DHS.

As the viewer, you have to be paying attention for the "reveal"—which is a term I hate, perhaps more accurate as the revelation.

Some rockstars get far on notes that are repeated, and some writers throw away sentences and paragraphs for pacing. But I love when you just know every single moment was methodically pored over and is there because the artist wanted it there for you.

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Elaine McMillion Sheldon's avatar

thanks Brian. That is definitely a great example of "a moment" that could be seen as coverage but holds far more weight than a typical cutaway

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Paula Froehle's avatar

Absolutely love your work and that you're sharing your process and thinking here. So inspiring Elaine!

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Elaine McMillion Sheldon's avatar

Thank you for reading and subscribing, Paula. AND for supporting Recovery Boys (mentioned here)!

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Maurice Carlisle's avatar

Elaine I read this everyday when I’ m editing something, I know this can only make me a better filmmaking. You have a student once again! Thank you

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