Judges' Comments

• The entries that got top nods from the judges shared several attributes. Among them, a compelling story told using visual narrative tools in sync with visual narrative skill. The three winners employed the visual tools using different methods – video, stills, music, text, interview and natural sound.

  Using black and white stills and a video interview recapping the experience, first-place winner "Black Market" documented the activity and impact of the illegal and illicit world of wildlife trafficking. The interview was shot against a simple, clean black background. The editing was tight, the pacing on point. The music used was appropriate to the tone of the piece and wasn’t overwhelming or distracting. The documentary package included visual sidebars of the experience and its challenges, employing the same techniques, which enhanced the understanding.

  “Be Not Afraid” was named the second place winner. The piece was shot and edited simply, focusing on the interview. It was beautifully lit, against a black background. The close-up was intimate, not intrusive. At times, the extreme close up used as a dramatic cutaway timed to the music seemed misplaced and unmotivated. The judges also noted that the editor should take care in cutting to black when using a black background. This can cause the interview subject to seem to disappear and reappear, which can be jarring. Also, it is important to guide your viewer to the next visual. Since the piece relied primarily on the interview, the introduction of b-roll, or transitional video, at the end seemed to lack some motivation and seem a tad extraneous.

  “The Women of Evangel” was selected the third place winner. The piece opens with beautiful portraits against a background of strong, evocative music, immediately engaging the viewer. The first woman’s interview, however, goes on a bit long without relief – no breaks or b-roll. A tighter edit and possibly additional shot variety could have helped here. Also some of the translated interviews might have benefited from captions/text on screen. Overall, however, the story was engaging and nicely conveyed.

  Michelle Maltais