CONTEXT

Candidate name: Eduarda Oliveira

Candidate number:

Pathway: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media, Production and Technology

Project title: THE ARCHIVE

Section 1:

RATIONALE

1. I am passionate about this project because it focuses on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which is something I am personally connected to and see regularly. I find it interesting how the sport is often misunderstood from the outside.
2. I have a strong understanding of BJJ through my environment, which allows me to recognise authentic moments and choose footage that accurately represents the sport. I also have experience in video editing and production, including using software like Adobe Premiere Pro, which will help me structure the documentary effectively. 
3. I have previously created content that involved storytelling and editing, but this project allows me to develop those skills further by focusing on documentary style filmmaking. It also connects to my interest in creating more professional, cinematic content rather than casual or social media-style videos.
4. One of the main creative challenges I want to explore is telling a strong story using primarily found footage, rather than filming everything myself. This requires careful selection and editing to make the clips feel cohesive and meaningful. I want to improve my skills in pacing, sound design, and transitions.
5. This project is relevant to my career aspirations because I am interested in media production,.This project will help me build a portfolio piece that demonstrates my ability to create meaningful, high-quality content using creative editing and narrative techniques.

Sections 2:

PROJECT CONCEPT

My project is a short documentary-style film that explores the reality of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through found footage. It begins with a simple scene of someone opening a laptop, which transitions into a curated sequence of clips showing the contrast between how the sport is perceived and what it actually feels like. The main theme is repetition, struggle, and persistence, highlighting how progress is not always visible in the moment.

The aim of my project is to create a visually engaging and realistic portrayal of BJJ without relying on staged filming or narration-heavy storytelling.

To develop this project, I will research existing sports documentaries and found-footage storytelling, as well as analyse how platforms like YouTube present real training content. The project will be produced as a short video, as this format is best suited for visual storytelling and audience engagement.

My target audience is young people aged 16–30 who are interested in sport or media content. I will use editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, and the production process will include research, planning, sourcing footage, editing, and final evaluation.

Section 3:

EVALUATION

I will evaluate my project through weekly reflections, reviewing progress against my original aims and identifying improvements. I will document decisions and changes using written logs and screenshots. Audience feedback will help assess engagement. Working independently allows full creative control but may limit external input and perspectives.

Bibliography

FloGrappling (2024). Top 25 SUBMISSIONS From The 2024 IBJJF World Championship. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6V48jZq7vM [Accessed 18 Mar. 2026].

The Origins Of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (The Untold Story) – YouTube. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiVyUQqkWro. [Accessed 18 Mar. 2026].

‌Chris Cross Jiu Jitsu (2026). The BJJ Lightweight Who Broke Heavyweights | Lachlan Giles. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfLnXGP9wfk [Accessed 18 Mar. 2026].

‌FloGrappling (2025). The Return Of Tainan Dalpra | Full Documentary. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbcXTsQ91A0 [Accessed 18 Mar. 2026].

‌Redbull.com. (2026). Available at: https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/tags/martial-arts [Accessed 18 Mar. 2026].

‌FloGrappling (2025). The Year Of Mica | FULL FILM | Mica Galvão’s Quest For The Super Grand Slam. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueCLcXc_SHM [Accessed 18 Mar. 2026].

FloGrappling (2025). Behind The Scenes At FloGrappling HQ Before WNO 31 | WNO 31 Vlog Series. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2fIpI_E-zY [Accessed 18 Mar. 2026].

StudioBinder. (2025). Documentary. [online] Available at: https://www.studiobinder.com/tag/documentary/.

‌Adobe.com. (2022). Edit video in Premiere Pro. [online] Available at: https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/premiere-pro/using/video-editing-basics.html.

“THE ARCHIVE”

A short documentary-style video exploring Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through curated found footage, revealing the contrast between perception and reality.

Description

I am creating a short documentary film using primarily found footage to explore the true nature of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The film will contrast how the sport is perceived from the outside with the reality of training, repetition, and persistence.

Backstory

This project is inspired by modern short-form documentaries and sports films that use archival or found footage to tell authentic stories. It draws influence from sports documentaries produced by brands such as Nike and platforms like YouTube, where storytelling is built through real moments rather than staged scenes.

Additionally, the project is influenced by documentary styles that rely on observation rather than narration, allowing the audience to interpret meaning through visuals and pacing.

Opportunity

This project allows me to create a high quality film without the need for complex filming setups, actors, or large production. By using found footage, I can focus on editing, storytelling, and sound design.

Challenges include:

• sourcing high quality and relevant footage
• ensuring clips are cohesive and tell a clear story
• maintaining a consistent visual style

It also allows me to develop skills in:

• video editing
• narrative structure
• documentary storytelling

Scope

This project will focus specifically on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a process, rather than as a competitive sport.

It will explore:

• repetition
• failure
• progression
• persistence

It will NOT include:

• detailed technical explanations of BJJ
• interviews with large groups
• full competition breakdowns
• other sports

The film will remain focused on the experience of training, not performance outcomes.

Target Audience

The target audience is:

• teenagers and young adults (16–30)
• people interested in sport, discipline, or self-development
• viewers who consume short-form documentaries on platforms like YouTube

This audience will relate to themes of:

• struggle
• repetition
• feeling stuck
• personal growth

Constraints

• Limited time to source and edit footage
• Minimal original filming (only opening/closing scenes)
• Copyright limitations on found footage
• Working individually without a full production team
• Access to only basic equipment (laptop, editing software)

Assumptions

• I will have access to editing software (e.g. Premiere Pro)
• Found footage will be available online and through personal sources
• The target audience regularly consumes video content online
• Short-form documentary content is engaging and accessible
• Basic filming equipment (camera/phone) will be available

Resources

• Myself (director, editor, researcher)
• Laptop and editing software
• Found footage sources (online platforms, existing clips)
• Minimal filming equipment (phone or camera for opening scene)

No additional crew is required.

Success

Success will be measured by:

• A clear and engaging narrative structure
• Smooth and professional editing
• Strong use of sound design and pacing
• Positive feedback from peers or tutors
• The ability of the audience to understand the message without explanation

Envision

The final outcome will be:

• A 2–4 minute cinematic short documentary
• Clean, minimal, and visually consistent
• Built primarily from found footage
• With a strong opening (laptop concept) and subtle ending

It should feel like:
– a real short documentary
– something that could exist on a professional platform

Deliverables

• One final short film (2–4 minutes)
• Edited in a professional format (landscape video)
• Supporting planning documents (proposal, research, development work)
• short clips and stills used for presentation or promotion