{"id":248,"date":"2026-02-04T13:34:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T13:34:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/?page_id=248"},"modified":"2026-03-25T00:25:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T00:25:57","slug":"com-300-the-documentary-traditions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/com-300-the-documentary-traditions\/","title":{"rendered":"COM 300 The Documentary Traditions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video controls src=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fi\/luhlkaktjnazisv7xhedo\/Historic-Concert-Films-Steve-Ifantis.mp4?rlkey=dt0dsdxyp0c4bivptecq70o7k&amp;st=x1eemgji&amp;raw=1\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TITLE:<\/strong> Historic Concert Films: Performance, Persona, and Documentary Truth<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>MEDIA:<\/strong> Digital Video Presentation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SOFTWARE:<\/strong> Microsoft PowerPoint<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>HARDWARE:<\/strong> iMac OS X<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SPECIFICATIONS:<\/strong> 1920\u00d71080px, RGB, 72 DPI<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>CLASS:<\/strong> COM 300 Documentary Traditions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PROFESSOR:<\/strong> Patrick Ellis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SEMESTER \/ TERM:<\/strong> SP 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>INSTITUTION:<\/strong> University of Tampa<br><br><strong>DESCRIPTION:<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>This video presentation explores the evolution of the concert film, or \u201crockumentary,\u201d as a hybrid form that blends performance with documentary practice. Analyzing films such as Don&#8217;t Look Back, Gimme Shelter, The Decline of Western Civilization, and Stop Making Sense, the project examines how filmmakers construct persona, authenticity, and cultural memory through cinematic techniques. The presentation highlights stylistic elements such as handheld camerawork, rhythmic editing, and close-ups to intensify the performance, while also addressing key documentary tensions between authenticity and spectacle. Ultimately, the project argues that the most effective concert films go beyond documentation to create immersive, event-like experiences for viewers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Ybor-City_-Urban-Archive-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"792\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Ybor-City_-Urban-Archive-792x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-391\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Ybor-City_-Urban-Archive-792x1024.jpg 792w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Ybor-City_-Urban-Archive-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Ybor-City_-Urban-Archive-768x994.jpg 768w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Ybor-City_-Urban-Archive-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Ybor-City_-Urban-Archive-660x854.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Ybor-City_-Urban-Archive-scaled.jpg 928w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TITLE:<\/strong> Ybor City: Urban Archive (City Symphony Proposal)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>MEDIA:<\/strong> Documentary Proposal \/ Experimental Film Concept<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SOFTWARE:<\/strong> Microsoft Word, DaVinci Resolve (planned)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>HARDWARE:<\/strong> iMac OS X, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (planned)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SPECIFICATIONS:<\/strong> 4K Video (3840\u00d72160), RGB<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>CLASS:<\/strong> COM 300 Documentary Traditions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PROFESSOR:<\/strong> Patrick Ellis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SEMESTER \/ TERM:<\/strong> SP 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>INSTITUTION:<\/strong> University of Tampa<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>DESCRIPTION:<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>This project is a proposal for an experimental documentary film inspired by the city symphony tradition, focusing on the urban environment of Ybor City. The film is designed to capture the rhythm of the city from morning to night, combining contemporary 4K footage with archival materials to explore themes of history, memory, and cultural transformation. Drawing influence from <em>Man with a Movie Camera<\/em> and <em>Berlin: Symphony of a Great City<\/em>, the project incorporates montage, layered sound design, and poetic voiceover to present Ybor City as both a living space and an evolving archive. The work emphasizes the intersection of past and present, highlighting the city\u2019s role in shaping identity and cultural experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Lift_-Elevator-Space-Page-1-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"792\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"394\" src=\"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Lift_-Elevator-Space-Page-1-792x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Lift_-Elevator-Space-Page-1-792x1024.jpg 792w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Lift_-Elevator-Space-Page-1-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Lift_-Elevator-Space-Page-1-768x994.jpg 768w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Lift_-Elevator-Space-Page-1-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Lift_-Elevator-Space-Page-1-660x854.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Lift_-Elevator-Space-Page-1-scaled.jpg 928w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Lift_-Elevator-Space-Page-2-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"792\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"393\" src=\"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Lift_-Elevator-Space-Page-2-792x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-393\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Lift_-Elevator-Space-Page-2-792x1024.jpg 792w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Lift_-Elevator-Space-Page-2-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Lift_-Elevator-Space-Page-2-768x994.jpg 768w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Lift_-Elevator-Space-Page-2-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Lift_-Elevator-Space-Page-2-660x854.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Lift_-Elevator-Space-Page-2-scaled.jpg 928w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TITLE:<\/strong> <em>Lift<\/em>: Space, Realism, and Observational Documentary<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>MEDIA:<\/strong> Written Analysis \/ Digital Essay<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SOFTWARE:<\/strong> Microsoft Word<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>HARDWARE:<\/strong> iMac OS X<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SPECIFICATIONS:<\/strong> 8.5\u00d711 in, RGB, 300 DPI<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>CLASS:<\/strong> COM 300 Documentary Traditions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PROFESSOR:<\/strong> Patrick Ellis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SEMESTER \/ TERM:<\/strong> SP 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>INSTITUTION:<\/strong> University of Tampa<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>DESCRIPTION:<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>This essay explores Lift by Marc Isaacs as an example of observational documentary filmmaking. The analysis focuses on how the film creates a sense of presence through minimal techniques, including a static camera, real-time duration, and natural sound design. By confining the viewer to the physical space of an elevator, the film transforms an ordinary setting into a microcosm of human interaction. The project also considers how the absence of narration and editing enhances authenticity, allowing meaning to emerge organically from the interactions within the space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Main-with-Movie-Camera-Steve-Ifantis-Page-1-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"792\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Main-with-Movie-Camera-Steve-Ifantis-Page-1-792x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-392\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7734532065327882;width:563px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Main-with-Movie-Camera-Steve-Ifantis-Page-1-792x1024.jpg 792w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Main-with-Movie-Camera-Steve-Ifantis-Page-1-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Main-with-Movie-Camera-Steve-Ifantis-Page-1-768x994.jpg 768w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Main-with-Movie-Camera-Steve-Ifantis-Page-1-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Main-with-Movie-Camera-Steve-Ifantis-Page-1-660x854.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Main-with-Movie-Camera-Steve-Ifantis-Page-1-scaled.jpg 928w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TITLE:<\/strong> <em>Man with a Movie Camera<\/em> and the City Symphony Tradition<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>MEDIA:<\/strong> Written Analysis \/ Digital Essay<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SOFTWARE:<\/strong> Microsoft Word<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>HARDWARE:<\/strong> iMac OS X<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SPECIFICATIONS:<\/strong> 8.5\u00d711 in, RGB, 300 DPI<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>CLASS:<\/strong> COM 300 Documentary Traditions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PROFESSOR:<\/strong> Patrick Ellis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SEMESTER \/ TERM:<\/strong> SP 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>INSTITUTION:<\/strong> University of Tampa<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>DESCRIPTION:<br><\/strong>This essay analyzes Man with a Movie Camera as a defining example of the city symphony film. The project examines how Dziga Vertov uses montage, rhythm, and repetition to portray the modern city as a living organism. It also explores Vertov\u2019s concept of the \u201cKino-Eye,\u201d emphasizing cinema\u2019s ability to reveal truths beyond human perception. The essay connects the film\u2019s experimental techniques to contemporary media, including social media and video editing practices, highlighting its lasting influence on visual storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Some-Kind-of-Heaven-Page-1-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"792\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Some-Kind-of-Heaven-Page-1-792x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-395\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Some-Kind-of-Heaven-Page-1-792x1024.jpg 792w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Some-Kind-of-Heaven-Page-1-232x300.jpg 232w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Some-Kind-of-Heaven-Page-1-768x994.jpg 768w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Some-Kind-of-Heaven-Page-1-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Some-Kind-of-Heaven-Page-1-660x854.jpg 660w, https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/261\/2026\/03\/Some-Kind-of-Heaven-Page-1-scaled.jpg 928w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TITLE:<\/strong> Documentary Ethics in <em>Some Kind of Heaven<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>MEDIA:<\/strong> Written Analysis \/ Digital Essay<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SOFTWARE:<\/strong> Microsoft Word<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>HARDWARE:<\/strong> iMac OS X<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SPECIFICATIONS:<\/strong> 8.5\u00d711 in, RGB, 300 DPI<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>CLASS:<\/strong> COM 300 Documentary Traditions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PROFESSOR:<\/strong> Patrick Ellis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SEMESTER \/ TERM:<\/strong> SP 26<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>INSTITUTION:<\/strong> University of Tampa<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>DESCRIPTION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This essay analyzes Some Kind of Heaven through the lens of documentary ethics, drawing on the theories of Bill Nichols. The project examines how stylistic choices\u2014such as aesthetic framing and narrative construction\u2014can influence the audience\u2019s perception of real subjects, particularly within vulnerable communities. Focusing on themes of loneliness, aging, and representation, the essay questions whether the film\u2019s stylization risks aestheticizing or exploiting its subjects. Ultimately, the work explores the ethical responsibility of documentary filmmakers in balancing storytelling with respect for the lived experiences and agency of their participants.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>TITLE: Historic Concert Films: Performance, Persona, and Documentary Truth MEDIA: Digital Video Presentation SOFTWARE: Microsoft PowerPoint HARDWARE: iMac OS X&hellip; <a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/com-300-the-documentary-traditions\/\">Read more <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">COM 300 The Documentary Traditions<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":256,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-248","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/248","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/256"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=248"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/248\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":408,"href":"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/248\/revisions\/408"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pf.fmxut.com\/ifantis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=248"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}