Schilly, what the heck is an "Op-Doc"?

    Hello, all! I hope that everyone is happy and healthy during these... UNPRESCIDENTED times.  If I had a penny every time I have both heard and said that word, I'd be friends with Adam Weitsman. Anyways, I digress.  You are here to read about the experience of a high school Senior taking SUPA Writing 105 at Cicero-North Syracuse High School. Thank gosh for zoom. In class as of late, we have been doing a lot of work with Op-Docs via the New York Times. Now, going in, I had no idea what these were... but I was very excited that they were videos.  I have always been extremely interested by media, video production, and everything along those lines.  For me, watching these is so much more than just the story (which is very important).  I find myself being infatuated by how the story is told... the camera shots, cinematography, art, music... all of the choices that the creators make in order to effectively tell the story that they want to tell. To put it simply, an Op-Doc is a short video that presents a unique story, character, or argument from a specific point of view.   In this blog, I will be taking an in depth look at two Op-Docs that I really enjoyed, adding my own personal commentary on the topics, and tossing you guys the link to view the videos for yourself.  Enjoy!

DON'T. MESS. THIS. UP.

Op-Doc #1: “The Lonely Goalkeeper”

"The Lonely Goalkeeper" is about the experiences in the net of Bob Wilson, an English soccer goalie who spent 11 years as the starting keeper between the pipes for the Arsenal Football Club, based in London. He spent the later half of his career in soccer as a broadcaster on the microphone, calling games. For me, this was a no brainer in choice, because I am both a goalie and a broadcaster. Though I do not tend the pipes on the "pitch", I protect the six foot by six foot net on the lacrosse field.

In this Op-Doc, Bob Wilson talks about the fact that he was a "nervous goalie". He talked about how before a game, his head would just go off into this unknown world. Throughout his entire pre-game, he was a "bag of nerves" and even used the "loo" multiple times. Wilson speaks to how there is an incredible loneliness and isolation to being the goalkeeper in a team game. At the end of the day, the pressure is all on you to make the saves that win the game. You are what is between the a goal being scored or not. This isn't the case for anyone else on the field. he talks about how even the star players make mistakes like missing shots, but they do not prove to be all that important when put into the equation that is a soccer match. As a keeper, you can play outstanding the entire game and "stand on your head" as they say, but if you slip up right at the end of the game and give up the one game winning goal, all of that goes away. That is the pressure that comes with being a goalie. Bob drives home the point that in order to be a goalie, there is a certain kind of courage that you need to posses within you. He says his greatest reward was not winning games, individual awards, and even championships. The greatest reward for him, was gaining the respect and trust of his teammates. Knowing that all 10 guys in front of him could trust him to make the big play and save the day when all else failed. I feel as if I can relate to this, because I truly do believe that through a lot of practices and games, I have earned that same trust and respect from my teammates, which is why I now serve as a team captain.

I really enjoyed the artistic approach to this Op-Doc by the creative team that put it together. It is full of illustration that animates and tells the story from a very unique lens. A spot that really stuck out to me, was the part where Bob Wilson talks about how playing goalie is like walking on a tight rope. While this narration is taking place, the animation is his cartoon self walking this tight rope that creatively forms into a soccer net. it is one of those things that you definitely have to see for yourself and check out in the linked video! The artistry in this piece added a whole extra element to it.

All in all, I found this Op-Doc very relatable, as a goalie myself. I have never felt this exact anxiety before a game. My pre-game approach is to get my mind extremely focused and extremely amped up before a game. What I love most about the position is the pressure that comes with it. The incredible opportunity to lead your team and make some of the biggest plays in a game. Typing this is actually making me extremely emotional, a sit has been over a year since I have played in a competitive lacrosse game. The experience of having our season taken away from us last year has taught me to never take these experiences for granted. I could go down this rabbit hole of my lacrosse team all day, so I digress. I would give anything to play one last game alongside my brothers. Being a goalie is very special, and I cherish that opportunity.

WISDOM

Op-Doc #2: “What My Grandfather Taught Me About Courage”

"What My Grandfather Taught Me About Courage" is a unique Op-Doc, that spotlights an in-depth conversation between 29 year old Kris Bowers, one of Hollywood's rising young composers, and his grandfather, Horace Bowers.  Horace was diagnosed with cancer a short time before this video was put together, and this shock was the driving force behind the Op-Doc being put together by Kris, his grandson.  Kris wanted to really have a deep discussion with his grandfather, learning about their family history, his grandfathers struggles with social injustice, and the values of his family.  It all started with Horace hitch-hiking in 1941 from Florida, all the way to Detroit, then to Denver, and finally settling in Los Angeles, California.  His reason for leaving was the racism in the deep south, something that he has been exposed to his entire life.  In Los Angeles, Horace found himself a job at a job at a dry cleaners.  Two years later, he bought the joint, and the rest was history.  He continued to persevere through social injustice and stay true to his heritage, instilling this same pride within his children, and eventually his grandchildren.   Kris Bowers is proud of his minority as an African American musical composer, and has already achieved so much in his young career.  One of the proudest moments for the two of them, was Kris composing the music of the award winning film, "Green Book".  The film reflects the history of African American culture and struggle in the United States during the time that his grandfather was a young man. The entire Op-Doc was super heart felt and at times, emotional.  It was inspiring and genuine.  The family values were true and apparent throughout.  I specifically enjoyed how the Op-Doc was put together.  The cinematography was unique, showing photos from the past of Horace and the accomplishments of Kris years later.  It truly is all connected.  This made me want to go give my grandfathers a huge hug and thank them, because without the choices that they made, we would not be here.

I really hope that you enjoyed this post, ad I certainly encourage all of you to go view these fabulous Op-Docs for yourselves.  The links are right with each segment.  I appreciate you taking the time as always, and can't wait for more Blogs in the future. Stay home. Stay safe.  Wear your masks.  Happy Holidays!!

-Heater out!