Short Documentary analysis: Firsthand "Preston Strout"

"BALANCE"

     Preston Strout is a co-owner of High Cascade Snowboard Camp. FUEL TV does a firsthand documentary of what his life is like within the camp and how this has effected him on a personal level. High Cascade Snowboard Camp, is located at Mt. Hood, Oregon, and is a year-round camp that gives teenagers from all over the country a place to enjoy snowboarding and other outdoor activities to the fullest extent. In this documentary Preston constantly repeats his advice about the balance of responsibility that working at the camp has taught him. He explains that although the job is so fun, he must still balance the work aspect of it, in order to keep the camp running smoothly, and attempts to incorporate that as a message to the viewer as well. He also talks about how all jobs can be strenuous and that it is always good to step back, take a break, and make some time for yourself to relax. He says, that even though he has the most fun job he can think of, it still wears him down over time, after doing the same thing so consistently. To break this, Preston often enjoys snowboarding or fishing, and expresses his thoughts about this to the audience by encouraging them to pursue what they enjoy as well.

      In this video the cinematography does a fantastic job of helping the viewer connect to Preston, and even more to his experience and passion for snowboarding. By using shots of Preston working on paperwork, while daydreaming and staring at the snow-covered mountain out the window, with such curious and depressed expression, it helps understand his passion and desire to be outside doing the things he loves doing, but that he is responsible and does his work. In other shots,                                                     Preston can be seen snowboarding and smiling at the success of his tricks and just the amount of fun he is having. Preston even goes on to say that he has come to enjoy snowboarding for just the experience; not striding to pull off amazing tricks or impress people, but to just have fun doing what he loves.
      The sounds and music that accompany the documentary also help extremely to express the overwhelming emotions that fill each moment at this camp. The sad tune that plays as the buses leave the camp with the kids inside leaving the camp vacant for a period of time. During the competition between snowboarders there is an upbeat song playing that almost envelopes every aspect of the scene. This greatly helps to emphasize the unity that the kids feel while snowboarding; even during a competition all the boarders cheer for one-another and appreciate the joy that everyone shares.