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My Documentaries

Painted Body, Painted Soul

A Safe Place

Death By Cosplay

Role:

Director, Editor, Producer, Writer, Interviewer, Camera 1 , Project Coordinator

 My Deliverables

Situation:

Developed a documentary exploring the artistry and cultural significance of body painting through the work of internationally recognized artist Angela Rene Roberts

Obstacles:

  • COVID-19 restrictions prevented two planned artists from other cities from participating, limited access to living canvases, and canceled competitions where body painters typically showcase their work

Actions / Deliverables:

  • Adapted script and production schedule based on uncertain, changing circumstances

  • Refocused the documentary on Angel's creative process, conducted multi-day studio shoots, used observational and interview-based techniques, and documented how she adapted her workflow during pandemic limitations

Results:

  • Produced an intimate portrait of artistic resilience that highlighted the precision, emotion, and adaptability required to continue body art during a period of reduced opportunities​

  • Documentary gained 2K+ views on YouTube

Situation:

Produced documentary during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting LGBTQ+ community members and their experiences with coming out, identity, and mental health

Obstacles:

  • -Lockdowns and social distancing limited access to participants and increased emotional strain, making it challenging for subjects to safely share vulnerable personal stories

Actions / Deliverables:

  • Conducted interviews with LGBTQ+ individuals and a licensed counselor, captured real experiences of family conflict and identity suppression, and shaped a narrative centered on finding supportive environments

Results:

  • Released a documentary that preserved powerful testimonies and increased visibility for LGBTQ+ mental health issues and providing an empathetic resource during a period of heightened isolation

Situation:

Created a documentary during the COVID-19 pandemic following the award-winning cosplay group Death By Cosplay as they prepared new builds after winning Best Group at a major competition

Obstacles:

  • The pandemic shut down conventions, competitions, and gatherings, removing the deadlines and events that typically motivate and structure cosplay production

Actions / Deliverables:

  • Captured interviews, crafting sessions, archival footage, and group collaboration to document how the team stayed connected, motivated, and creatively active despite having no events to debut their work

Results:

  • Completed a documentary that preserved a moment of creative uncertainty and showcased the group's dedication, humor, and resilience within the cosplay community with the goal of spreading positivity and inspiration during uncertain times

Platforms & Tools:

Adobe Premiere Pro, Audition, Photoshop, Storyboarding, Script Writing, Videography & Photography, Release Forms, Microsoft Word, DSLR Camera, Mirrorless Camera, Smartphone Camera, Microphone, Softbox, Backdrop

 My Deliverables

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For each documentary, I had a pitch, storyboard, and release forms. Here are examples:

Pitch:

FINAL Doc Ideas-1.png
FINAL Doc Ideas-2.png
FINAL Doc Ideas-3.png

Storyboard:

FINAL DOCUMENTARY RESEARCH-2.png
FINAL DOCUMENTARY RESEARCH-1.png

Release Form:

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Interviews:

Trailer:

ALYSSA LORINA

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©2021 Alyssa Lorina Taranto

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