Friday, 10 March 2017

Documentary Unit - After You Have Got Your Idea...

Things I have learnt about setting up my films so far.

Interesting Characters can transform your into something more interesting (Never commit someone until you're ready and never discard someone until you're fully sure)

Lots of time scheduling could save you a lot of time on the shoot day

Solid communication throughout with your actors will make it more likely that they don't drop out

Prioritising parts that are more important should mean a better overall piece

Locations, make sure you go and look at the location before you film. Make sure it's right, access, storytelling opportunities,sound,lighting and power possibilities

Get the paperwork done early to make sure you have time to plan other things

Asking if "it's a good time to talk" when on the film to actors or people needed for the cast

Professionality on shoot even if you're not fully sure what you're doing

Checking your equipment beforehand is important because you don't want any issues when filming

Make sure when casting that you are particular with who you are filming with

Pictures of locations even if you are out and about just to keep them as options throughout

Trust and honesty about what you are filming. Proper consent needed.

After getting an idea - What's next?

- Test the viability of the story
- Develop script, schedule and budget
- Understand the potential of your story

- Begin researching online journals and newspapers
- Look at the broader picture and background info
- Establish contacts
- Understand the story, know what you're going to talk about, don't call until you have the info
- Prepare basic questions which you would like to ask your contacts

Background Info
Legislation / regs
Organisations or experts
Existing research , up to date as possible
Case studies
Previous coverage on TV, archive if appropriate

What makes your story interesting?
What is NEW? What is YOUR Angle?
Find your unique selling point

Email a summary of our idea, working title, topline, one paragraph synopsis - 21st March

Ethics and representations:

Disabilities
Income/ Class
Values/ Crime
Ethics and race
Religion
Sexuality (gender)
Issues
Tokenism
Youth/middle/old age

If it goes wrong:
OFCOM (Regulation body for broadcasters)
Press complaints commission's
Broadcasters each have their own guidelines
Pressure groups/ interest groups/ community groups

Keeping everyone who's involved happy is key
Make sure you OWN the material that you use
Consent forms should be done before shooting as things can change after.

Meeting your characters
Arrange in a public place
Ensure you tell someone responsible
Go prepared

Essential questions:
Name/age/contact details
Availability
Potential locations
Potential relevant sequences
Under 18's have to sign consent forms
Seek permissions if you are talking with someone vulnerable

Don't make promises that you can't keep. All people that you deal with.
 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Production - Major Project Evaluation

Overall Process The creation of "Dream Chaser" has certainly been the hardest challenge of my life. I took on board the responsi...