Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Scream Bloody Murder

There may never be a sufficient online audience for feature-length documentaries. Most computer users don't have the time, patience, or opportunity to watch more than a few minutes of video at a time on their monitors.

However, producers of longform documentaries, including TV networks and filmmakers, are recognizing the value of creating mini-video segments and trailers to promote their programs.

"Scream Bloody Murder," Christiane Amanpour's two-hour documentary about the heroes who tried to stop genocide when no one listened, premieres this week on CNN. To promote it, CNN posted a compelling segment of that documentary online. In "Witness to Torture," we are introduced to Nusreta Sivac, who survived horrific atrocities while imprisoned in a Bosnian concentration camp. She is still haunted daily by her nightmarish experience. For her, the war never ended.

In a rare move, CNN also put together a short behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Scream Bloody Murder," incorporating interviews with Amanpour and her producers, called "In Our Words." Like "Witness to Torture," it is a self-contained documentary unto itself, and appropriately targeted for the intimacy of watching it on a computer monitor rather than a TV screen.

But in all instances, be forewarned: There is graphic content, and viewer discretion is advised.

2 comments:

Shaping Youth said...

Ken, Gina over at What About Our Daughters has been following this development in depth...you'll like her content; very raw and real POV. I just cited her blog on Shaping Youth for her piece on 'Scream' here:

http://tinyurl.com/5bseja

Would love to repost yours if you're game...best, Amy

Prof. Ken Kobre said...

Sure, Amy... Poke around KobreGuide.com and of course feel free to link to or quote whatever serves your purpose...