Thanks to the This means that if you choose to make a purchase through one of the following links, we may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. 12 Comedy Prompts: Ideas for Writing Funny Short Stories. Also, try to briefly review the idea and take a moment to figure out and record what you find interesting about it and whats worth thinking about and developing further. I loved using these to get students familiar with Shakespearean language and historic context. I had to wait 20 years before I could tell the story because a lot of it and a lot of the people were kept secret. come at a price. social media and the internet. Before we get into how to come up with ideas for documentaries, its worth taking a moment to think about the different types of documentaries because they can greatly affect your idea and how you execute it. Then, try and identify any gaps in the information and use your research to fill them. In American Movie, the filmmakers follow hapless filmmaker Mark Borchardt as he struggles to complete his horror film, Northwestern. Through a series of hilarious and mind-boggling attempts to complete the film, we gain a view into the inner workings (or not workings) of a truly indie filmmaker. The trailer explains the premise pretty well, but basically when two friends tape record their violently noisy neighbors, they accidentally create one of the first viral pop-culture sensations. It seems that people may have to compromise on their privacy This is why the subject should tell the story as they can easily evoke emotions from the audience. Fictional narratives, on the other hand, put you in a fantasy world and sometimes in a fantasy time frame.Tolkien talked about how he imagined The Lord of the Rings in a time period that wasnt in the real world. Why being small is better than being big. Sometimes characters and stories in fiction actually come from real people and real situations, from real things youve read in a newspaper or magazine, but they can also be completely made up. While not laugh-out-loud funny, the wry ending will elicit a smile from your students. Crafty and decorate-y. Song Database Information in such a documentary should be factual and referenced to increase credibility. Why do we love funny documentaries? Connoisseur of coziness. Some of these ideas include the impact of human activities on the environment, technology, health care, and substance abuse. Here's a documentary made without a camera. Take multiple shots of each scene for easy editing. Leacocks description of the main character fumbling his way through opening a bank account had me laughing out loud. We are off-campus, so I am at home. face. comes to the opioid crisis. Like climate change, healthcare is also a A short documentary on the subject would be an excellent eye-opener for Youll notice a lot of Dave Barry here hes lots of fun! A great read. Very often theyre related to your own inner beliefs. This is because you need to do further research, thinking, and development to turn it into a statement that drives the film and that we can call the main idea. Like Charles, this is another classic, well-known story. Then, try and identify any gaps in the information and use your research to fill them. Recycling is an excellent idea. The value of pitching cannot be overstated in determining whether or not you have a good idea for a documentary. You can also get great tips from experts in the field. My story/ book is called considerable population of Americans is turning to illegal drugs such as environmental destruction and pollution. Short Film Ideas: 46 Ways to Brainstorm. Joshua: Teenager vs. Time to throw a curveball into the game. This list proves it! And movie theatres are just an Uber ride away. It has made communication seamless. Most of STEP 1. One of the differences between a documentary idea and a fictional idea is that a documentary idea can be tested and investigated. 9. Vaping is a close alternative to smoking. Drug abuse has been a pestilence in the U.S. You can also look closer to home and 2. 2. The tale of the worst kindergarten student ever, as told by a student in the same class to his mother at the end of every school day, your students will love hearing all about Charless antics. A story of a missing student or family member can also be a good documentary idea. But, regardless of the level of simplicity, they should inform the audience of some hidden truth. For instance, a feature on air pollution alone can pass as a documentary. in the air. Its an escape from ordinary life. Or even stock footage, including in free online libraries like archive.org. and associated with the society. This can lead to a much stronger story. For instance, a student can create a documentary on World War I, which can be used as a learning aid. The underlying cause is something you care about and believe deserves to be brought to the attention of others. Climate change is one of the most prominent subjects of global discussion today. The best ideas for documentaries have multiple levels of engagement and interest. war as the continuous pressure will yield positive results someday. Student Documentary Ideas. The play follows the story of Peter Pan before he ever went to Neverland. This short story caper takes on the classic detective trope and mocks it mercilessly. In this poem, we meet a grumpy old man who is always telling people to grow up. Unfortunately, most people have not realized this. In contrast, characters in fiction can be constructed completely free from the imagination. institutions have enabled the crisis through prescriptions. these immigrants are from North Africa and the Middle East. these resources are at risk of being depleted. Audrie & Daisy opens by recounting the horrific events that led to the suicide of 15-year old Audrie. Boy mom. Stay up to date with what is going on, and being commissioned. Just like it should be. A persuasive argument should be easy to formulate in one or two sentences. We may participate in other affiliate programs as well. As a high school student, writing a short story can be a fun and creative way to explore your interests and passions. This one-act play is sure to snap them out of their Shakespeare-only mindsets and get them up out of their seats as the characters in Waltons story team up to beat this feline-ish fiend! All You Need To Know About Google Photos. Here is an overview of 15 great topics that would make for a good documentary. Its perfect for upper-elementary and middle school students. Most students struggle to choose the most suitable topics for their documentaries. Vernon, a. This will help your audience to understand better and make meaning of your message. In class: I dont know if The Prince is still used in many English or political science classes, but if so, what a phenomenal accompanying text this would be. For example, a student could start by painting a picture of how the environment was before industrialization. Exit Through the Gift Shop My very first major film, Soldat, was shot over the course of a year. Children read the book. The site features humorous pieces on a variety of timely topics. 4. Former teacher; current educational resource author @ The Littlest Teacher. Write my essay. You can then vet the ideas depending on the relevance of the project. Play with camera settings, use different lighting conditions, subjects, and locations to create an aesthetically pleasing bokeh effect. For example, you can document a victims life who probably met a tragic end from drug abuse. I suggest you look into how doctors and medical Lifestyle channels are popular because people love watching someones life. But finally, I was able to make my film The Warning and tell a story thats very close to my heart. His tongue-in-cheek humor columns make for great short stories. The story should be able to appeal to the viewers emotions. It should be noted that historical documentaries require a lot of research. So, technically, this counts as two plays, or at least, two one-act plays that can either be performed as a cohesive unit or individually if you're crunched for time.Kiley's play takes place in a high school, and as a result, there's a whole lot of teenage shenanigans and passive-aggressive mean girls that students will immediately relate to . Pay special attention whenever you stumble across a compelling story, and ask yourself what the story idea was. while others consider it an invasion. The simplest form of a crime documentary could be narrating stories of wrongly convicted individuals. The Golden Rule is Rubbish in, rubbish out quality in, quality out in other words, make sure that the sources of your information and inspirations are good ones. Film director Sam Peckinpah would spot any crew member, high or low, on set without a notebook and pen. around the world is blamed on air pollution, particularly the release of carbon Thats the nature of time in fiction, but in documentaries, time is a real thing. Get the WeAreTeachers Middle & High School ELA Newsletter right to your inbox. As mentioned, the documentary should focus on reality. But first - drumroll please -, BookWidgets proudly presents the 17 selected short films. the companies behind the influx of opioids. It may be because real life is weirder than fiction and sometimes real life is funnier too if only because as viewers were tempted to think oh my god, this is actually happening! The humor in these films often comes from the unexpected. 15 Short Documentary Ideas. I always find that when Im traveling, on vacation, or in everyday life, I often encounter something that piques my interest or grabs my attention that I can use as the basis for a documentary. Remember that the first time someone has a story is the most interesting; thats when the mind is first open and fresh to the idea, so make sure you make the most of that opportunity. a student, there are plenty of subjects on which you can base your documentary. divisive in host countries as some people have been welcoming to immigrants, It has its benefits and demerits for all parties involved. Before he was found hiding in plain site, Osama bin Laden was the worlds most wanted terrorist. In this story, two aliens discuss the bizarre new life form theyve discovered and try to figure out how it thinks and lives. Informational films are boring and shallow. Look for experience, wit, and wisdom as essential signs that you are in good company. In class: This piece would be perfect for students who are struggling to grasp concepts like theme or characterization. 9. Its important to remember that a documentary tells the story of the subject. 1. This is why selecting the correct account to document is an invaluable step in making your school documentary. And if you thought hearing the same joke told over and over again might get old youll be surprised that it doesnt. Its feature-length, its bloody, and the zombies dont run. I love introducing my students to examples of real-life writing that is actually going on today. Thanks for your post. hot topic globally. The Aristocrats is quite, quite funny and definitely worth a watch. Another one of the most popular inspiring documentaries to watch as a student is Audrie & Daisy. People take opioids for a variety of reasons, including to calm mental conditions such as as anxiety, and to cope with physical pain. When it comes to documentary ideas, there are seemingly endless possibilities. That representation can be very creative, and probably should be, but its about the world of the real. The issue has been They can also feed into an interview you might do on camera. Which image has caused me to pause, and keeps coming back to my mind? We would also love to hear all about your own favorite funny plays for high schoolers in the comments below. His story of overcoming those obstacles will earn their admiration. It would also be an eye-opener for you and your peers. 943 words. With facts in hand, a student can score remarkably with war documentaries. Such a documentary should reveal any atrocities committed by the organization. relevant, and insightful documentary. Ive noted some of the highlights, but Im sure youll find plenty more of your own! There should be no wars in an ideal world. it would make for an excellent documentary of the moves expected benefits of Discussion questions and activities included on the page, A satire of American English idioms written in an amusing science fiction style. differences between advocates for climate change and the naysayers using For example, its known that gas effluents from industries cause respiratory problems. Sometimes this can be very intense and take weeks or months. Theatre Degree Programs. A documentary should be made to educate, inspire as well as entertain its audience. Allow ideas and concepts to bounce off each other in your mind and in your mind mapping. It involves shooting videos of subjects and taking a record of all the relevant accounts. Your research should also give you an idea of the best shooting location and logistical considerations. Does The egg came before the chicken. If youre not familiar with him, hes a columnist for the Miami Herald, and has been for many years. Then, ask students to write their version of an alien race trying to figure out a birthday party, after-school detention, or lunch in the school cafeteria. 5. This means that when you order something through an affiliate link, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The teacher studies the journal, and two guys are bored. It entails all the things that one has to do before grabbing a camera. Curiously, the top-rated hacking documentary of all time is not even about hacking technology of any type, but instead focused on how social media data is being weaponized for political gain. I hope youre able to use some of these fun stories in your ELA classroom! In the 1990s, a VHS tape was passed around from person to person starring Winnebago man, the worlds worst camper salesman. There are a ton of materials to work Some folks think Michael Moores documentaries are hit or miss, but this one is definitely a hit. Its a good practice to write down ideas as they come to you. Sometimes you discover a great idea for a documentary by accident. Documentaries can be just as funny, and sometimes funnier than fictional films. Southern. Here are just a few ideas to get started on your own documentary journey. This is what will make your documentary juicy. What fascinates me, and puts me on a journey of learning? The viewer should be able to appeal to their intellect and think about the issues raised in the documentary. Besides, the film needs to be educative and informative. Americans are looking to more than just Your students will laugh out loud when they discover that the aliens are talking about humans and love figuring out the everyday activities and items the aliens just cant seem to make sense of. In class: This piece is perfect for students who arent ready to grapple with some of the more complex satirical pieces theyre often given in school. What better way to engage students in centuries-old stories than by helping them see that the things Ophelia and Juliet dealt with are still happening today? If your students are requesting some lighter literature, check out some of the funny short stories for high schoolers Ive rounded up. Like any other historical film, war documentaries require a mastery of knowledge backed by a ton of research. Your audience should also guide this. cocaine, heroin, and opium. Some great questions to ask, as part of your documentary idea discovery process are: All of these questions, and more, can spark chains of thinking that lead to great documentary ideas. And unfortunately, theatre is often one of those words. There For more helpful ELA classroom resources, check out my Big List of Free Resources for ELA Teachers! It determines how effective the entire process of filming the documentary will be. Unfortunately, most young people do not realize the dangers they The idea that the plays were, at one time or another, the main form of entertainment is crazy to a student who has the internet in their pocket. Gift Guides Crafting a funny short story can improve your writing skills, and it can also help you push through writer's block. the future. Whether its in books, magazine articles, or maybe the daily news. A good documentary idea should be a story worth telling. I love introducing students to science fiction. Nevertheless, people should not stop talking about 5. other sectors, has become intimately intertwined with technology. race is using more resources than what is available at our disposal. Mixing riveting footage, hilarious animation and candid interviews with everyone from the NRAs Charlton Heston to shock-rocker Marilyn Manson, Bowling for Columbine is a brilliant tour de force in documentary filmmaking. All these ideas feature relevant and insightful subjects. So here's a list about me: Christian. So, how do we get our kiddos excited about reading/analyzing/acting out plays? Use your research findings to develop a detailed script for your documentary. You have a rough idea of what the film is about, but the theme can be developed and refined, and the structure can change. do try to quit. You can cover all forms of environmental contamination or focus on a specific A documentary should be made to educate, inspire as well as entertain its audience. There are concerns that the young and Attitudes have changed towards sexual Additionally, Shel Silversteins voice is perfect for discussions about tone. The film should also inspire them to participate in the world in some way, to make a difference, or to try to make a difference. No matter how much we love what we teach, there are simply some words that will have our students groaning like a herd of seriously ticked-off alpacas. There is much research on the impact of technology on mental health. Emily is twelve. it will slow down the rate at which we exploit the earths natural resources. Marijuana was once frowned upon as an Should You Trust It? In a not-so-far-off dystopian world, one enemy prevails: cat hair! This will guide you to come up with a documentary relevant to your audience. While many arent appropriate for school, others, like this one, are perfect examples of how people are still writing and creating today. Unfortunately, most of them do it because of peer pressure, oblivious of its consequences. Credit U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Highly sensitive person. Have you heard of The Moth? But theres just one difference between her film and every other zombie movie youve ever seen. It entails media managing practices. You never know where your next idea or story will come from. Kileys play takes place in a high school, and as a result, theres a whole lot of teenage shenanigans and passive-aggressive mean girls that students will immediately relate to Theyll surely laugh at the ridiculousness of the protagonists pursuit of popularity. So, technically, this counts as two plays, or at least, two one-act plays that can either be performed as a cohesive unit or individually if youre crunched for time. Make sure to watch documentary series on Netflix and so forth. Yes, its a poem. It must be both exciting and Blurring the lines between art and exploitation, Shut Up Little Man is a darkly comic modern fable. These 25 Stunning Tablescapes Will Work All Year Long. 1. You can find lots of them on the Moths website and on YouTube. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. They could write down feelings, descriptions, and images. Za izdavaa / Published by: Marija Ratkovi Vidakovi Sanja Zanki. It's feature-length, it's bloody, and the zombies don't run. One can also focus on the causes of climate change. You'll also be opted in to receive freshteaching ideas and resources. I truly appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for 6. As students head back to school, they'll be looking for ways to entertain themselves and their friends. Just click on the titles to access the full version of each story! The 25 Best Documentaries On Netflix To Watch Right Now, 50 Aaron Sorkin Quotes That He Actually Said, menjohnson diamond with snap button collar, https://gehddijiwfugwdjaidheufeduhwdwhduhdwudw.com/fjhdjwksdehfjhejdsdefhe. Thanks for sharing your info. 30 Ways to Brainstorm Short Film Ideas You Can Actually . You have all the resources at your disposal from your school. Since the legalization of marijuana is still new, Tabloid The main character in this funny short story becomes famous. But it also tells a story, which makes it a great addition to this list of funny short stories. This makes it an excellent idea for a documentary. In Religulous, avowed atheist comedian Bill Maher takes on what he sees as a scourge on the modern world: organized religion. Some satirical pieces are almost too serious for students to see as satire, but this one does a great job of taking a serious subject and turning it on its head to make a point. We really dont use it enough in our English classes. Of course, you dont have to watch through all the films you see, but if you take a quick look at a few, an interesting idea might come to mind. internet, people thousands of miles apart can communicate in real-time. The learner should choose a topic familiar to them and tell the story creatively to win their audiences attention. your peers. Brainstorming is a very important part of idea generation and development for documentarians. Its also a great text to use for practice discussions or Socratic seminars. Romeo and Juliet, Of Mice and Men, short stories like Lamb to the Slaughter and The Most Dangerous Game all told tales of death and despair. Smoking is an unhealthy habit. You will not be charged extra by purchasing through these links. Terrific paintings! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 6. with, whereby most of the research is already done. So, what are the best. Theatre Trip participates in affiliate programs. I have my family as possible interviewees and I can also use Zoom to film anyone else. It also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other affiliate program sites. considered clean, and many concerned parties have come up with creative ways of 5 Things to Consider Before Buying A Documentary Film Camera. In this piece, the personified afternoon walk explains to the person taking it that it cant be everything the walker needs it to be. environmental pollution and climate change. Many people have become addicted to these drugs, and most have lost their lives as a result.
funny documentary ideas for highschool students