Synopsis
Title: We wanted the title of our documentary short to be very abstract, but still one that captures the essence of the main message that we want to put across to the audience - the positivity behind the sport's subculture. Tamuka then mentioned a phrase that him and his friends used to say when skateboarding, "It's not raining!". This was a motivational phrase that was said within his group when it began to pour down with rain; it helped them forget the weather, encouraging them to continue what they started, regardless of the setbacks - "It's not raining if you don't think it is."
After hearing this, I agreed that this phrase could be a great title since it links to the main message of our short and the interview questions we asked Khi Graham about dedication, which is a significant skill that skateboarder's need. It's also short and catchy; it doesn't reveal too much about the film's content without explanation, possibly causing the audience to be more curious.
DEDICATION
Our documentary short film's title is...
'It's Not Raining'
CARE-FREE
POSITIVE ENERGY
Synopsis Research:
Definition: A synopsis is a brief summary or general survey of something. It is simply a clear, factual summary of your novel's storyline. It is not a blurb and the text should not be 'salesy'.
A synopsis needs to explain the Point of View of the story – how the story is told. It should explain who the characters are; give an outline of the plot (beginning – middle – end). It should also have a good, brief description of setting, the aims of the character(s) with very brief character description. It should show the journey from commencement to resolution or final outcome of story.
Various Synopsis' from Sporting Films
The Motivation: Eight of the world's top skateboarders prepare for an annual street competition in New York.
Hill Street: The evolution of skateboarding culture in Ireland since the late 1980s.
What Moves You?: Told from the point of view of runners from all walks of life, the film explores the inspiration and motivation that modern cultures associate with running.
Skateistan: To Live And Skate Kabul: a beautifully shot film that
follows the lives of a group of young skateboarders in Afghanistan.
Waiting for Lightning: A documentary on pro skateboarder Danny Way's tough childhood and his contributions to the sport, including footage of his jump over the Great Wall of China.
These documentary synopsis' were a key inspiration for us because they're succinct and show the different, interesting angles you can take when documenting a sport-based short film.
Synopsis: Exploring how the tight-knit skateboarding subculture has formed in the city of London, this film explores the positive vibes and benefits behind such a daring action sport.
Our synopsis was inspired by a range of documentary short films about sport and how they explore the inspiration and motivation that a physical activity can give you. From reading this synopsis, we want our audience to be instantly curious of the tight-knit skateboarding subculture, which many non-skaters know nothing about. Additionally, we want it to attract those current skateboarder's and those within the creative industry who seek sporting films to motivate and inspire them.
By Ashley Fontaine and Tamuka Walker