2.+Creative+and+Editorial+Choices

**//Often Awesome: The Honeymoon// (Episode 14)**
This documentary begins with a clip of the main characters, Tim and Kaylan, sitting on a bed in a hotel room. Tim and Kaylan seem to be the only people in the room as the camera appears to be a low quality handheld that had been placed on a table. Both of them look like they just woke up, the bed is not made, and Tim is not wearing a shirt. The couple make a joke about Kaylan and then camera quickly cuts to the opening title sequence for the episode. When the story resumes the setting is now in a different room with Tim sitting up in a bed supported by pillows. The camera is close up in Tim's face as he talks. The lighting seems to be overhead and florescent but there is not but outside of Tim's face and chest to be seen in the shot. As he talks about growing up in Scotland several pictures of a younger Tim are cut into the picture and quickly switch from one to another. When the documentary moves back to recorded action Kaylan is in the shot. Tim's bed has now been lowered and he appears to be resting in bed and his eyes begin to close as Kaylan talks. The camera was moved farther back for this shot and we see more of the bed and more of Kaylan.
 * Visual Elements**

The room that Tim and Kaylan are now in is very different from the one in the first scene and from what they are saying the audience understands that the first shot was from their honeymoon trip to Scotland. For the rest of the video the filmed material switches back and forth from Tim and Kaylan talking about the trip and scenes from the trip they recorded. Again, the placement of the camera and the lighting give the documentary a homemade feel to it. The only indication that there is someone else in the room with Tim and Kaylan during the "present" day portions of the episode it the fact that they do not speak directly into the camera but appear to be telling the story to someone just off camera. However, this still does not seem to be made by a large production company where everything was set up and staged previously. This gives the film a personal and close feel. They take about 1 full minute to set up the reasons why and how the tip to Scotland was made.

Once the story for this episode is established (1:30) the camera quickly cuts from Tim and Kaylan talking to a close up of the control on Tim's chair that reads "joystick error" and then cuts back to Kaylan explaining that this trip was not perfectly easy. From here the footage cuts back to the trip and a couple experiences in the airplane flying over (1:50-2:35). These are quick shots of the couple on the airplane, in their seats, holding the camera themselves. To establish that time has progressed there are clips of the airplane's inflight map showing the plane in London and then a shot of an airport that had an at for the Royal Bank of Scotland Group on the gate.

Cutting back to a close up of Tim he explains to the audience that he was nervous about Kaylan meeting his Scottish friends and during this second portion of the episode the mood is light as the footage depicts the fun and joyous side of the trip. This mix of humor and footage of people smiling and laughing gives the episode an upbeat feel to it during this middle section. At 3:12 it shows Tim doing them chicken dance and then several girls cartwheeling in the grass. At one point the camera cuts to a shot of the wheel chair Tim is using at the hotel room and the audience can see Tim's feet as he lies on top of the bed and reminds Kaylan that the wheel chair is good for sex. The joking continues until 5:15 when Tim reveals the toll the trip is taking on his body.

The third section of the episode shifts the mood from the wonderful time they had and focuses on the reality of how it affected Tim with his disease. From 5:20-7:45 the camera pretty much just stays on a tight close up shot of Tim's face. From the angle of the shot it seems that Tim is holding the camera himself at the level of this chest. This draws the viewer into the moment where he describes how his body is shutting down and the price he is paying for the fun they had over the previous two weeks. Time even says (5:50) that the camera angle is what it is because he physically cannot raise the camera any higher. The affect of having the camera be so close on his face as he describes what is happening and how scared it is making him has a powerful impact. The viewer can easily see the tears in his eyes and hear the emotion in his voice as he says he cannot make it go much louder. This is especially meaningful when the scene cuts away and the audience is back in the "present" day. Going back to the room with the hospital bed and Tim sleeping next to Kaylan as she gives her perspective on the impact of the trip is noticeable. The Tim in this shot and this bed is much less mobile or vibrant than the Tim in Scotland. This is a visual exclamation point representing exactly what Tim had just said he was afraid of facing.

Kaylan wraps up the episode (7:45) by talking more about what has happened to Tim's condition since they took the trip. From this point to the end of the episode (9:52) Tim stays asleep. The final shot of the documentary is of Kaylan crying as she confesses that life with this disease is really hard. Then the camera cuts to ending credits that slowly change from thanks to various people, explanations of how to give to an ALS research fund, how to connect to Tim and Kaylan on Facebook, and then the names of the two people who edited the footage for this episode.

This documentary used a variety of both diegetic and non-diegetic sounds. As each episode includes a great deal of interviews, much of this episode includes actual dialogue from Tim and Kaylan. When the documentary cuts to clips from Tim and Kaylan's home video, we can hear diegetic sounds in the background. For example, when they are on the plane to Scotland, we can hear the roar of the airplane's engines while Tim and Kaylan speak (2:05-2:35). We also see clips of Tim and Kaylan as they hang out with their friends in Scotland, and when these clips are shown, we can hear noises of life in a busy home in the background, such as side conversations and doors slamming -- the clamor of a busy house. These sounds support the viewers' belief that these are real home videos. Had these sounds not appeared in the videos, viewers might believe that they were filmed in a studio, or edited to serve some greater purpose. Additionally, these sounds help the viewer feel that they are in the moment with Tim and Kaylan: we can hear what they hear as if we are sitting on the plane next to them, or on the couch across the room from them. We are as much a part of Tim and Kaylan's story as they are.
 * Aural Elements**

The filmmaker uses a lot of musical non-diegetic sounds throughout this episode. When the title and episode slide (explained in greater detail in the iconic/graphic elements section) appears on screen, a piano and organ play simultaneously (0:09-0:22). The music is very soft, very slow, and very mellow. With a series titled "Often Awesome," the slow music is unexpected, but it contributes to the seriousness of the storyline.

The piano reappears when Tim and Kaylan recount their honeymoon in Scotland (0:55-3:20). This time, however, the music is much quieter, and much higher on the register. The music has a magical, other-worldly quality, as if it was pulled from a fairy tale world. It's a mellow tune again, but has a happier tone than the music that first played in this episode.

When Tim and Kaylan start sharing their video footage, the music shifts to a more traditional Scottish sound, with bagpipes and horns (3:21-4:26). This new tune accompanies their home video footage of their trip, and contributes to the feel of their Scottish vacation. With traditional Scottish music playing in the background, the video footage seems more realistic to the viewer. It creates a happy, fun mood in the viewer, demonstrating the positive attitude and fun times Tim and Kaylan had on their trip.

Once Tim and Kaylan begin discussing toll the trip took on his body, the music shifts back to soft piano chords (4:30-8:45). However, the piano is much slower and more morose sounding than the piano that accompanied the segment from 0:55-3:20. This shift from upbeat Scottish music to mellow piano highlights the shift in Tim and Kaylan's tone and the gravity of what they say. The music does not distract from what they say, and allow the heavy message they share to take the limelight. The piano music here gets louder as the time progresses and as Tim's voice gets quieter, building anticipation about what Tim says.

The last song played accompanies the credits, and is titled "Die Trying," released by a band called Snuzz. The lyrics of the song are as follows:

"Well I'll die trying, I'll never give up. Even when the odds are down and no one gives a fuck, and even when pigs are flying and hell is frozen up, I'll die trying, I'll never give up. I know it's wrong to love someone whose head is in the stars, but don't give up - hold on until I've kept my promise and given you the moon. I will die trying, I will never give up."

The lyrics reveal the central message that Tim and Kaylan are trying to share: they are not defeated by this disease, and Tim will fight until the very end. They do not want the viewers' pity, but their support in order to help future patients. The song is very simple in composition - the only instrument accompanying the singer is a piano. This instrument has been present in all but the Scottish music portion of the episode, which gives the episode a sense of connectedness - each part blends into the next, linked by the mellow sounds of the piano. With no other instruments to distract from the song's message, the lyrics' power comes through loud and clear.

Almost of the iconic/graphic elements appear as white text and images on a black background. This contributes to a clean, simple feeling, and does not distract from the message of the video.
 * Iconic/Graphic Elements**

The first slide to appear serves as the title slide:



This slide appears after Tim and Kaylan introduce themselves on every episode of the series. Though the series addresses Tim's battle with ALS, the title slide only alludes to his illness through the fact that the silhouette relies on a cane to stand upright. The text on the slide merely states that the series tells Tim and Kaylan's love story; they are continuing to live their love story in the face of his disease.

The black bird image appearing on Tim's heart is a sparrow, a reference to the hymn "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me." Many ALS support groups reference this hymn as a mode of support, and many of Tim's supporters eventually got sparrow tattoos (shown in Episode 24).

The next slide to appear introduces this specific episode:



The episode element continues in the same font as the title slide, and maintains the element of simplicity. Meanwhile, "The Honeymoon" appears in a scripted font, also used for the phrase "Often Awesome" on the title slide. This font creates a more romantic feel when compared to the emotionless font of "Episode 14," and also reveals the fun aspects of Tim's personality. Perhaps, this font was selected because it mimics Tim's handwriting, or it appears handwritten. This would generate a personal feeling, rather than the sterility of the basic Arial-type font of the other text.

The fact that each episode includes which number it is in the series shows the continuity of Tim and Kaylan's story. We are told that these episodes are posted once every two weeks, so we as the viewers are able to track how long Tim has been sick with every episode. The episode numbers also make it easy to track down past episodes to watch once more and more videos are posted; it's easy to keep track of where you are chronologically in Tim and Kaylan's story.

As Tim explains why they traveled to Scotland for their honeymoon, pictures from his childhood in Scotland appear on screen:



These pictures serve two purposes. The primary purpose is to prove Tim's words true - he did actually grow up in Scotland. However, none of the pictures presented show recognizable traits of the Scottish landscape; they merely show Tim hanging out with friends and being a normal kid. This shows the second, and perhaps unintended purpose: Tim was an everyday, normal kid, just like many of the viewers. He never expected to get such a debilitating disease, and life as he knew it has changed considerably.

The pictures are the only iconic/graphic elements not to appear on a black background; instead, they appear on a fuzzy, colorful background. This creates more homey, warm atmosphere, as if we were viewing these pictures in a stack while sitting on a couch with his family.

The only other images/icons that appear in this episode are the credits. These slides continue with the black and white scheme from the opening slides, which contributes to a sense of continuity; we are not shocked by a major change, and we can tell that someone thoughtfully put this documentary together. Many of these slides also include the series' website, giving viewers a way to follow Tim and Kaylan's story.

The first credit slide shows the series' sponsor:

[[image:Credit 1.png width="560" height="459"]]
By introducing the sponsor, All Aces Media, this slide proves the relevance of the series. Tim and Kaylan have a sponsor's support; someone else wants this story to be told, so it must be important. This is also the first slide to show that "Often Awesome" is a series. If the viewers have missed the episode number or were unable to make the connection that there are multiple episodes, this slide implies that there are more parts to the story.

The idea of multiple parts reappears in the next credit slide:

[[image:Credit 2.png width="560" height="200"]]
This slide builds a sense of camaraderie by inviting the viewers to "be a part of the Often Awesome Army." We are no longer passive viewers, but active participants in this community's battle against the disease. The slide also implies that this is an ongoing battle; we will see new segments every two weeks. Viewers are more likely to tune in to future episodes if they know when to expect them, so this slide helps build the series' viewing audience.

Now that the filmmaker has created a sense of community, he invites the Often Awesome Army to donate to ALS research:

[[image:Credit 3.png width="560" height="145"]]
This slide appeals to the viewers' ethos; if they want to do the right thing and help fund research, they should donate at the above-mentioned site. After viewing the very emotional video, the viewers are likely to want to support the fight against this disease. We have seen Tim's inner battle with how his disease is progressing - who wouldn't want to help beat this terrible disease? Additionally, the donation is tax deductible, so it will help the viewer as much as it will help future ALS patients.

Furthermore, the viewers were just invited to join the Often Awesome Army in the previous slide. An army supports its leader in any way possible, and because so many of these viewers are not actual friends of Tim and Kaylan, the only way they can help is to donate. It is the Often Awesome Army's duty to donate.

The next slide to appear gives viewers other ways to follow the Often Awesome story:

[[image:Credit 4.png width="560" height="176"]]
In sharing other media links, Tim and Kaylan can generate support on multiple formats, not just the All Aces Media site. People who follow these other formats will also receive notice when Tim and Kaylan upload a new episode, so it makes it easier for the viewers to follow the story; they no longer have to check the All Aces channel for new episodes. Also, viewers' Facebook friends can see if and when someone likes a new page. Many people will check out a page they are unfamiliar with, so this is another good way to build a viewing audience.

Next, slides appear showing companies and people Tim and Kaylan want to thank for support:

[[image:Credit 5.png width="560" height="186"]]


These slides cast Tim and Kaylan as polite and grateful people in the viewers' eyes. The supporters named in the slides would feel appreciated, and thus more likely to continue supporting Often Awesome. Viewers who have not supported Often Awesome yet would be more likely to help and/or donate, as they can see that Tim and Kaylan are thankful for any help they receive, and they voice their thanks. These slides are also a good way for companies or individuals to improve their reputation; if future customers see that this person has supported Tim's battle with ALS, they may think that this person is a better, more moral individual.

The next slide to appear gives credit to the producer and director:

[[image:Credit 6.png width="560" height="287"]]
By naming the producers and filmmaker/editor/directors, the filmmaker implies that this is more than just a homemade project that someone threw together - a great deal of time and effort has gone into crafting each episode. While the episodes chronicle Tim and Kaylan's daily lives, someone has invested their time to make this product the best it can be.

The sparrow motif reappears in this slide. This image brings the episode full circle, as it is one of the first images viewers see when the episode begins, and one of last they see when it ends. By associating the sparrow with the producers and directors' names, the filmmaker shows that these people also support Tim's battle and the battle other ALS patients face; it acts as a digital representation of their tattoo.

The very last slide to appear shows Tim's involvement with the Young Faces of ALS campaign:

[[image:Credit 8.png width="560" height="123"]]
New viewers of this documentary may not know that ALS affects more young people than just Tim. By giving a plug to this campaign, the filmmaker can generate support for other young ALS patients, and open the viewers' eyes to the fact that this is a widespread issue. Furthermore, Tim is "proud" to be part of this campaign. He is not ashamed of his disease - he is proud to share his struggles with the world.