Lessons learnt so far:
-Casting- Appropriate actors for the roles need, appropriate ages, use of Casting Call Pro
-Locations- I need to make sure that I seek permission several weeks in advance for locations.
-Paperwork- All paperwork needs to be in depth, put in all ideas/ development.
Health and Safety- Recce
Permissions- Recce
Casting
Organisation- Backup Plan- Research
Scheduling- Timings
Location- Health and Safety, Permissions- Recce
Research and developing an idea:
-Test the viability of your story.
-Develop your script and rough schedule/ budget
-Essential for you to understand the potential of your idea,
Where to research:
-begin researching online ad relevant journals, publications and newspapers.
-Acquaint yourself with the broader picture and background to your story.
-Establish key contacts.
-NB- NEVER make a call to any of these contacts until you understand the basis of of the story you wish to tell and have an appreciation of the remit/ specialism of the individuals you are calling.
-You can then prepare some basic questions which you would like to ask your contacts.
Relevant background information:
-Legislation/ regulations.
-Organisations and experts.
-Existing research- up to date as possible, if unpublished better- exclusivity.
-Case studies.
-Previous coverage on TV/ archive as appropriate.
Factual films require a 'Journalist's Nose':
-What makes your story worth commissioning.
-What is new- Your angle.
How much research should you do prior to pitching?
-Enough to answer the basic questions about the story and to form your proposal.
-Who/ what/ when/ where/ why/ how?
-Find your USP (Unique Selling Point)
Pitch:
Email Helen with a summary of pitch idea:
-Working Title
-Top line
-One paragraph synopsis
BY 3PM on 21st MARCH
Present in whatever style and with whatever supporting material you feel is helpful and relevant to your idea.
Practice your pitch and time yourself- 10 minutes of pitch of questions.
What is 'Representation'?
Disability
Income/ class
Values/ culture
Ethnicity and Race
Religion
Sexuality (gender)
Issues e.g. Crime
TOKENISM!
Youth/ Middle/ Old Age.
Relevant Organisations:
OFCOM (regulatory body for broadcasters)
-Press Complaints Commission (independent self-regulatory body deals with complaints about the editorial content of newspapers and magazines (and their websites)
-Broadcasters
-Pressure Groups
Representation:
Ensure the people you feature are:
-A fair representation of the wider context.
-Fairly treated and represented (honesty)
-Avoid stereotypes and reinforcing prejudices.
-Avoid 'lazy' journalism.
-treat people with respect.
Who's film is it anyway?
-You as a filmmaker
-The contributors
-the owners of locations
-those connected with the subject matter
-Those paying the bills- sponsors/ commissioners
-The film's 'facilitators'.
Dealing with 'real' people:
-It can feel daunting at first, calling what are effectively complete strangers- some of whom will not be expecting your call and may initially feel worried or nervous about even speaking to you.
-People are very aware of the power of the media and its potential to do ham as well as good, therefore you need to find a way of dealing with people which not only helps you and your film, but which represents the industry.
Finding case studies/ characters:
-These should be the people who best illustrate your story and who are also the best talkers/ characters.
Where to find them:
-Via relevant organisations- usually via press office.
-Via experts- e.g. Doctor/ scientist/ professor conducting study- cases.
-Via reported cases in the media- think of yourself as a detective! Piecing together a story can be exhaustive.
Meeting your characters:
-You should always meet potential case studies in person having initially had a brief chat on the phone outlining who you are, how you have found them and what you are doing.
What to ask?
-Name/ age/ contact details.
-Availability
-Potential locations for filming them
-Potential sequences
-If under 18, always need parental consent.
-If in any way 'vulnerable' seek relevant permissions e.g. If mental or other health issues.
Contributor consent forms:
-Use consent forms provided to gain permission to film your major contributors.
-As a courtesy, you can create a small sigh which explains that you are filming at the location today so that people can decide whether they want to be in the background of any shoots.
RECCE LOCATIONS:
Your research should include recce of locations- again press officers, case studies and experts etc.
You should be considering:
- Locations aesthetics
- Practicalities
- Relevance
- Permission
-Shot and storytelling possibilities
- Costs
-Filming possibilities.
Do not commit too soon and make promises you cannot keep.
-Applies to all people you deal with.
Professionalism:
-'Friendly but not friends'
-Behave as if to a potential employer.
-Don't get too involved.
Keep accurate and legible notes and keep them safe and organised:
-Keep records of discussions.
-Type up notes- essential information.
No comments:
Post a Comment