We challenge the staff to produce a documentary nearly every year. This means no narration, no on-camera reporters, a story told just in the words and sounds of the people involved. It's the ultimate in natural-sound production.
This removes the reporter as a filter for the audience, and gives the program a tone of authenticity. To be sure, HTV students are there shooting every inch of footage and conducting the interviews; but you never hear or see them on the finished project. Reporters learn to ask questions differently, eliciting a more thorough response--in fact, good reporters may ask the same question three or four different ways to get the person they're interviewing to express something just right.
Here are some of the projects we have worked on:
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| A half-hour program about a three-day camp for cancer survivors held twice a year in the Ozarks, the show lets those involved, both survivors and caregivers, describe the emotions they experience during the camp. Camp Bluebird is a special place, and it continues today to be a highlight for many who have overcome cancer and are learning to carry on. The camp is sponsored by St. Johnís Regional Health Care Center in Springfield, MO. |
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| This program was shown in two parts in August of 1996. It was shot
on two days in late June of that year at a local Indepenence Day
celebration sponsored by the city of Springfield.
Firefall, the Concert in the Sky is a yearly fireworks display set to the sounds of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Over 60,000 people attend, arriving early to enjoy the live entertainment, summer food and other special events. It's the Ozarks' biggest party, and this hour-long program documents everything that goes into the final day of preparation all the way through the big blast on Saturday night. The program is a true slice of midwestern patriotism and wholesome summer fun. |
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| Viewers get a close look at one of southwest Missouri's largest community festivals. Taped on a September weekend, the final program is 30 minutes. Over 30,000 people come every fall to this small town on the outskirts of Springfield to enjoy authentic Ozarks crafts, food and entertainment. |
Documentaries are tremendous motivational tools for high school video students. But we must warn: Documentaries like this require very detailed logs of all footage and interviews shot, and they take twice as long to edit as regular stories. The Firefall Experience took eight weeks to log and edit. The special about Camp Bluebird took about six weeks. A real commitment is required to complete a natural-sound documentary, and it is best attempted by experienced students.
