Documentary Script Feedback

We received feedback on our documentary script earlier this week.

It appears that the script was very well structured and up to a professional standard. However, one major point that was given was that we have not given enough time to properly introduce the characters/ the band before jumping straight into the interviews. Therefore we need more development of characters and the music scene around them. Thankfully, due to the group's familiarity with the group, this shouldn't be too m much of a problem.

One more point which I particularly would make for a great idea is to et in contact with bands which have reached a certain amount of success in the long run in the independent music industry scene. throughout all of a feedback we have been given, a main point that is given is that we need to ensure that we develop the scene around the live independent music industry and find out whether there is actually a decline in the industry, therefore giving the documentary some weight and actually having a story to go through. The research I have conducted such as looking at the article about the club owner who believed that the live music scene is dead would attribute to adding to this story so our documentary having focus.

Having more successful bands to talk to would enable us to also see the point of view from the people who had to make it through the struggle of being in the live independent music scene amongst hundred of other hopeful independent bands. This way we can see if there are any differences between how difficult things were then as opposed to how they are now, whether it is easier or if it is, indeed, more difficult for newer independent bands to break through.

One piece of advice which was given that I believe would give extra weight to this point is seeing if we can interview and even have some more famous people such as Suggs from Madness to meet the our independent band and we would film this. This could give a big indication of the differences in the industry between then and now. However, we would need to contact the likes of Jools Holland, who conveniently does several activities around the Maidstone Studios, to get in touch with these kinds of people.

I have already looked into this, seeing what type of university protocols need to be carried out if we are to get people like this into a documentary. Thankfully there is so full protocol and I can ask certain key members of staff who would pass on the message to these people whenever is nessecary.


Our group films the first part of the documentary at the Attic Venue on 7th April. Here we should be able to get footage of the band setting up, playing and also get interviews from the Attic owner and the staff that work there.

Regrettably I cannot make it there to the shoot due to the traveling distance from my location and the inconvenience it will cause to my transportation due to the lateness and how far it is at that time of night. However, I have been able to put forward several questions which we can ask the Attic owner and staff. These are as follows:

-On average, how many people come to watch live bands at this venue?
-Have you noticed either any increases or decreases in popularity for live bands playing at this venue?
-What kind of feedback do you get from customers who have come to watch the live bands?
-What are your opinions on the current independent music scene?

I feel that these questions are very formal and will get the answers that will inform us of the current state and reaction to the current independent music scene.
I have also offered to do my part in the editing to make up for my lack of presence for the shoot. Whether this will come into fruition is another matter but I have definitely been appointed to Narrator for the documentary, ensuring that I do have a big part in the overall documentary project. I will be able to make it for the rest of the shooting days, however.