- glasses
- plant
- ash trays
- mirror
- pub tables
- pub
- mirror
- watering jug
- cutlery
I want my documentary to create a window into johns working life therefore the props are crucial as they are the utensals he encounters and uses while working. So in order to create a true document of his work they must be included
Thursday 4 December 2008
location shots
- outside of pub
- pub garden
- mirror
- where I plan to interview mike (manager of pub)
- pub garden
- mirror
- where I plan to interview mike (manager of pub)
Update
On two occasions now I have turned up to do filming on the 29/11/08 and 2/12/08 and my participants either unable to do filming or didn’t turn up at all. On the Saturday (29/11/08) I was at the plough pub at 9 30 to set up and john was meant to arrive at 10, however by 12 when john arrived for work his worker said that nobody had informed her of this arrangement. A month ago I had made this date with Odyssey care homes as it was the first opportunity for an interpreted to be present for the interview. But now I still do not have my main interview filmed which means I am severely behind with my project. I have contacted Odyssey again to rearrange a definite time that John and the interpreter can do which is 6/12/08. I can edit this over the weekend but if I need to reshoot anything I will have to wait until the following sat which will leave me only a few days to edit and finish the project!
On the 2/12/08 it was arranged that I would filming the interview with my boss yet again when I turned up he wasn’t able to go forward with it. I have rescheduled this interview for Friday morning so will have the weekend to edit and if I need to reshoot anything I shall have to do it on 9/12/08.
On the 2/12/08 it was arranged that I would filming the interview with my boss yet again when I turned up he wasn’t able to go forward with it. I have rescheduled this interview for Friday morning so will have the weekend to edit and if I need to reshoot anything I shall have to do it on 9/12/08.
Thursday 27 November 2008
filming diary- update
what shots i did-
-mid shots of ash trays in garden
-low shot through mirror
-extreme close-ups of glasses as john then picks up
-out of focus shots of glasses
what did i need-
-camera
-tri-pod
I have now done my second day of filming however it didn’t go to plan as john was late so we lost out on precious time. I had to redo some of the shots from the first day of filming these were more successful however once I up loaded onto the computer I noticed that the light was different. This therefore restricts me from which group of shots I wish to use.
What I have found from the second day filming is that I need to film the interviews in order to move on and create a clear narrative. When I am able to do this my documentary will take shape.
-mid shots of ash trays in garden
-low shot through mirror
-extreme close-ups of glasses as john then picks up
-out of focus shots of glasses
what did i need-
-camera
-tri-pod
I have now done my second day of filming however it didn’t go to plan as john was late so we lost out on precious time. I had to redo some of the shots from the first day of filming these were more successful however once I up loaded onto the computer I noticed that the light was different. This therefore restricts me from which group of shots I wish to use.
What I have found from the second day filming is that I need to film the interviews in order to move on and create a clear narrative. When I am able to do this my documentary will take shape.
intial interview questions- john
1-How do you make your way to work?
2-What specifically do you enjoy about your work?
3-What are the people you work with like?
4-What do you do at work?
5-Do you feel you are treated equally?
6-Is you employer considerate of your needs?
7-Does your employer adapt to your needs?
8-How did you find this job?
9-Why do you choose to work/what does working add to your life?
10-How long have you had this job?
I wanted my questions to enable john to express his feelings about work without influencing his answers. For example if question 3 was phrased “are the people you work with nice?” the word ‘nice’ would put an idea in johns head thus giving him an easy answer? So by asking what they are like instead leaves john to fully express himself. However it’s crucial that some of the questions are very specific i.e. question 2, so that the answers are detailed in order for me to have images that correspond with the descriptions.
The questions start off general, simply asking about his working environment and experiences. However become more specific and focused on disability too the end; this is the way I want my narrative to progress in my documentary. I am aware that I do not need to film it in the order I want it as I could arrange it when editing however I feel this
2-What specifically do you enjoy about your work?
3-What are the people you work with like?
4-What do you do at work?
5-Do you feel you are treated equally?
6-Is you employer considerate of your needs?
7-Does your employer adapt to your needs?
8-How did you find this job?
9-Why do you choose to work/what does working add to your life?
10-How long have you had this job?
I wanted my questions to enable john to express his feelings about work without influencing his answers. For example if question 3 was phrased “are the people you work with nice?” the word ‘nice’ would put an idea in johns head thus giving him an easy answer? So by asking what they are like instead leaves john to fully express himself. However it’s crucial that some of the questions are very specific i.e. question 2, so that the answers are detailed in order for me to have images that correspond with the descriptions.
The questions start off general, simply asking about his working environment and experiences. However become more specific and focused on disability too the end; this is the way I want my narrative to progress in my documentary. I am aware that I do not need to film it in the order I want it as I could arrange it when editing however I feel this
intial interview questions- mike
1-What is John like as an employee?
2-What does John add to you team?
3-What does John bring to the workplace?
4-Can you describe to me John’s responsibilities?
5-How does John interact with other employees and customers?
6-How do customers react /respond to John?
7-Would you say that John’s disability affect him?
8-Are these special provisions set in place for John?
9-How did you come to employ John?
10-What advice would you give to other employers who wish to employ someone with a disability?
11- What legal responsibilities do you have as an employer?
12- What legal right do you have as an employer who employs someone with a disability?
It was important that the questions I asked allowed and encouraged Mike to talk about John as person not just an employee. I did this by asking how he interacts with others as this isn’t part of his job but more a reflection of his character. The following question again builds on John’s character as asks how people respond to him. I purposely chose the word respond as I didn’t want to directly ask if people liked John as this would be a loaded question.
The first questions are primarily about john and his work they do not specify his disability. However by the end it was crucial for me to focus on if they affected his role at work and what provisions are place for him. It was also key that I asked questions that related to disability laws as my focus group showed little knowledge of the subject so I wanted the documentary to highlight some of the key issues. I also decided to look at the role of the employer asking “how did you come to employ John?” which touches upon the disability employment process.
2-What does John add to you team?
3-What does John bring to the workplace?
4-Can you describe to me John’s responsibilities?
5-How does John interact with other employees and customers?
6-How do customers react /respond to John?
7-Would you say that John’s disability affect him?
8-Are these special provisions set in place for John?
9-How did you come to employ John?
10-What advice would you give to other employers who wish to employ someone with a disability?
11- What legal responsibilities do you have as an employer?
12- What legal right do you have as an employer who employs someone with a disability?
It was important that the questions I asked allowed and encouraged Mike to talk about John as person not just an employee. I did this by asking how he interacts with others as this isn’t part of his job but more a reflection of his character. The following question again builds on John’s character as asks how people respond to him. I purposely chose the word respond as I didn’t want to directly ask if people liked John as this would be a loaded question.
The first questions are primarily about john and his work they do not specify his disability. However by the end it was crucial for me to focus on if they affected his role at work and what provisions are place for him. It was also key that I asked questions that related to disability laws as my focus group showed little knowledge of the subject so I wanted the documentary to highlight some of the key issues. I also decided to look at the role of the employer asking “how did you come to employ John?” which touches upon the disability employment process.
filming diary- first day filming
what shots did i film-
-table shot of glasses
-both angle walking shots of John with glasses
-extreme close-up of John watering plant
-clos-up of ash-trays being placed on table
what i needed-
-camera
-tri-pod
I have completed my first morning of filming and I feel reasonably confident with my progress. From today I realised how much I would need to co-ordinate john although he is very wiling I found that I had to spend longer on simple shots. In future I shall be aware of this and set more time aside and try to set things up as much as I can to speed up the process. John seems very aware of the camera however this didn’t fit my purpose of the real life shots of his work. It important that I am able to show a true representation of his work and capabilities therefore I need him to not focus on the camera.
Some of the shots from the day will have to be re-shot as I am unhappy with their outcome. For example I was trying to use manual focus and iris shutter speed but the school camera was allowing me to achieve the look I wanted. So I am going to use a different camera that has a more adjustable iris.
-table shot of glasses
-both angle walking shots of John with glasses
-extreme close-up of John watering plant
-clos-up of ash-trays being placed on table
what i needed-
-camera
-tri-pod
I have completed my first morning of filming and I feel reasonably confident with my progress. From today I realised how much I would need to co-ordinate john although he is very wiling I found that I had to spend longer on simple shots. In future I shall be aware of this and set more time aside and try to set things up as much as I can to speed up the process. John seems very aware of the camera however this didn’t fit my purpose of the real life shots of his work. It important that I am able to show a true representation of his work and capabilities therefore I need him to not focus on the camera.
Some of the shots from the day will have to be re-shot as I am unhappy with their outcome. For example I was trying to use manual focus and iris shutter speed but the school camera was allowing me to achieve the look I wanted. So I am going to use a different camera that has a more adjustable iris.
update
I now have all permission needed to film! This is really important as the deadline is approaching and i have been restricrted in what i have been able to do.
I had a meeting with Oydessy Care Solutions where i had to present my proposal for my doccumentary. In order to gain permission they needed to ensure that i wasn't taking advantage of John. I had to present them with all the shots that I wanted to film in order to access that John was capable to do so. However this wasn't a problem as all my shots are observational, meaning that they are following his daily tasks.
In order to secure filming permission for the location 'The plough' I had to get this fromt the area manager. I wrote a letter outlining what it was that i wanted to do and for what pupose. However this took a number of weeks to be cleared as she was always really busy and also had to send my lettter to head office.
I had a meeting with Oydessy Care Solutions where i had to present my proposal for my doccumentary. In order to gain permission they needed to ensure that i wasn't taking advantage of John. I had to present them with all the shots that I wanted to film in order to access that John was capable to do so. However this wasn't a problem as all my shots are observational, meaning that they are following his daily tasks.
In order to secure filming permission for the location 'The plough' I had to get this fromt the area manager. I wrote a letter outlining what it was that i wanted to do and for what pupose. However this took a number of weeks to be cleared as she was always really busy and also had to send my lettter to head office.
character profiles
John- my documentary is based around john
-He will be shown at work doing his regular tasks
-Shown interacting with helper in interview
-Shown interacting with customers and other employees
Simple questions and leading questions
Mike- manager
-Mike will be interviewed; he gives a voice to company and employer
-Shown working along side john
-Mike is used to show john as person and not just an employee
Leading questions also some informal questions thus informal answers.
Customer-
-Gives documentary another dimension and more importantly opinion. I think the opinion of the customer is very valid as shows the effect john has not only on workers but success of company.
Leading questions that are opinion orientated so that customers give own views.
In doing character profiles for my participants it has enabled me to get a better grasp on their function within my documentary. This will mean that my interview questions will be specified to their function which ultimately makes constructing a narrative in the edit simpler. As I have very little time to complete this project this step will hopefully prevent me struggling later.
-He will be shown at work doing his regular tasks
-Shown interacting with helper in interview
-Shown interacting with customers and other employees
Simple questions and leading questions
Mike- manager
-Mike will be interviewed; he gives a voice to company and employer
-Shown working along side john
-Mike is used to show john as person and not just an employee
Leading questions also some informal questions thus informal answers.
Customer-
-Gives documentary another dimension and more importantly opinion. I think the opinion of the customer is very valid as shows the effect john has not only on workers but success of company.
Leading questions that are opinion orientated so that customers give own views.
In doing character profiles for my participants it has enabled me to get a better grasp on their function within my documentary. This will mean that my interview questions will be specified to their function which ultimately makes constructing a narrative in the edit simpler. As I have very little time to complete this project this step will hopefully prevent me struggling later.
potential shot problems
Establishing shot of the pub
The problem that I am going to have with this shot is transportation of the equipment needed. The crane that I am going to need to use is very large and expensive there fore I couldn’t bring it home myself on public transport. I also live too far away from school for a teacher to drive it to my house and then back to school.
Circular shot of the area
When filming this shot I will need to ensure that I do not obstruct the public. In order to filing in the street I may need filming permission from Southwark council, unless I Film from the pubs car park. It would be preferable to have the crane for this shot also in order to take advantage of its height.
Hand held shots walking behind john
I want a hand held shot however I don’t want the shot to be too unsteady. Therefore I should be conscious of keeping my hands steady as possible while walking. When filming shots similar to this before I found that resting the camera against own body can help this. I also need to ensure that john walks at a normal pace so that the camera is keeping up with him and not him keeping up with the camera.
Low hand held shot of his feet walking
Same as above
Mid shot of camera sitting on table with glasses in view and the rest of the shot out of focus
This should in theory be a very simple shot as all I need is table and glasses. As I am not using a tripod I need to check that the table and floor is level so that my shot is.
Extreme close up of different objects (glasses, cutlery, ash trays ect), out of focus, then steady zoom out revealing object
In order for the change in focus to be steady I should change from manual to auto so that the camera automatically finds the focus. This is even more helpful considering that I have to zoom out simultaneously; its also crucial that zoom is steady.
Close up of plant as being watered, resembles wilderness
Again I am going to need to ensure that the zoom out is steady. Also that john is in the shot but not showing face as this will be part of the opening when we don’t want to establish johns disability.
Close up of glasses and ash trays
When you are doing an extreme close-up everything is exaggerated therefore must ensure that camera is completely steady or will look very bad.
Mid shot of john in garden placing out the ash trays
This again should be a simple shot. All I will need is a tri-pod.
Low mid shot through reflection of mirror showing john working.
When filming this shot i must be conscious that the camera cannot be seen in shot. It will also be hard to get a tripod in place as is an awkward space that is between two tress. Therefore I will need to place against my body in order to keep as steady as possible.
Side hand held shots of john walking with glasses
I will need to hold the camera against my body so that shot is as steady as possible. It is also important that john walks normally and doesn’t slow down for the camera, the camera needs to keep up with him.
Hand held mid shot from behind as john walks with glasses
Same potential problem as above.
Time lapse shot of the pub from a high angle in order to cover much of the working space.
I need to find a secure yet high enough place for the camera to be situated. I also want to try get in as much of the pub as possible.
Interview shots
-mid shots of john and worker communicating with each other
-close up of hands communication
-stylised mid shots of manager mike talking about John as worker and individual also about views on disability in the workplace
-mid shot of customer in their pub environment
The entire interview shots should be easy to film as all I will need is a tripod. However the construction of the shot is crucial as I must ensure that the mise-en-scen conveys what I want to convey, yet it must be reflect the interviewee natural role within environment. The lighting is also crucial I must decide if I wish to use naturalistic lighting or not. The lighting I decide doesn’t have to be the same in each of the interviews however I would like it to for coherency. Each interview should have a different style of shot so that documentary is more visually interesting. While the close up used in john’s interview are crucial to convey his way of communication.
The problem that I am going to have with this shot is transportation of the equipment needed. The crane that I am going to need to use is very large and expensive there fore I couldn’t bring it home myself on public transport. I also live too far away from school for a teacher to drive it to my house and then back to school.
Circular shot of the area
When filming this shot I will need to ensure that I do not obstruct the public. In order to filing in the street I may need filming permission from Southwark council, unless I Film from the pubs car park. It would be preferable to have the crane for this shot also in order to take advantage of its height.
Hand held shots walking behind john
I want a hand held shot however I don’t want the shot to be too unsteady. Therefore I should be conscious of keeping my hands steady as possible while walking. When filming shots similar to this before I found that resting the camera against own body can help this. I also need to ensure that john walks at a normal pace so that the camera is keeping up with him and not him keeping up with the camera.
Low hand held shot of his feet walking
Same as above
Mid shot of camera sitting on table with glasses in view and the rest of the shot out of focus
This should in theory be a very simple shot as all I need is table and glasses. As I am not using a tripod I need to check that the table and floor is level so that my shot is.
Extreme close up of different objects (glasses, cutlery, ash trays ect), out of focus, then steady zoom out revealing object
In order for the change in focus to be steady I should change from manual to auto so that the camera automatically finds the focus. This is even more helpful considering that I have to zoom out simultaneously; its also crucial that zoom is steady.
Close up of plant as being watered, resembles wilderness
Again I am going to need to ensure that the zoom out is steady. Also that john is in the shot but not showing face as this will be part of the opening when we don’t want to establish johns disability.
Close up of glasses and ash trays
When you are doing an extreme close-up everything is exaggerated therefore must ensure that camera is completely steady or will look very bad.
Mid shot of john in garden placing out the ash trays
This again should be a simple shot. All I will need is a tri-pod.
Low mid shot through reflection of mirror showing john working.
When filming this shot i must be conscious that the camera cannot be seen in shot. It will also be hard to get a tripod in place as is an awkward space that is between two tress. Therefore I will need to place against my body in order to keep as steady as possible.
Side hand held shots of john walking with glasses
I will need to hold the camera against my body so that shot is as steady as possible. It is also important that john walks normally and doesn’t slow down for the camera, the camera needs to keep up with him.
Hand held mid shot from behind as john walks with glasses
Same potential problem as above.
Time lapse shot of the pub from a high angle in order to cover much of the working space.
I need to find a secure yet high enough place for the camera to be situated. I also want to try get in as much of the pub as possible.
Interview shots
-mid shots of john and worker communicating with each other
-close up of hands communication
-stylised mid shots of manager mike talking about John as worker and individual also about views on disability in the workplace
-mid shot of customer in their pub environment
The entire interview shots should be easy to film as all I will need is a tripod. However the construction of the shot is crucial as I must ensure that the mise-en-scen conveys what I want to convey, yet it must be reflect the interviewee natural role within environment. The lighting is also crucial I must decide if I wish to use naturalistic lighting or not. The lighting I decide doesn’t have to be the same in each of the interviews however I would like it to for coherency. Each interview should have a different style of shot so that documentary is more visually interesting. While the close up used in john’s interview are crucial to convey his way of communication.
potential shots
Firstly I am going to plan the reconstruction and general shots as they will be the main part of the documentary because I am going to use voice over’s. I want the images to correspond with what the interviewees say so these are rough idea which will change once I have interviews. However some of the shots are crucial to show john working life and his responsibilities while preventing audience to judge him i.e. extreme close up of hands as doesn’t show his disability.
- Establishing shot of the pub.
- Circular shot of the area
- Hand held shots walking behind john
- Low hand held shot of his feet walking
- Similar issues as the shot before however now must
- Mid shot of camera sitting on table with glasses in view and the rest of the shot out of focus
- Extreme close up of glass, out of focus, then steady zoom in revealing object
- Extreme close up of cutlery, out of focus, then steady zoom out to reveal object
- Close up of plant as being watered, resembles wilderness
- Close up of glasses and ash trays
- Mid shot of john in garden placing out the ash trays
- Low mid shot through reflection of mirror showing john working.
- Side hand held shots of john walking with glasses
- Hand held mid shot from behind as john walks with glasses
- Time lapse shot of the pub from a high angle in order to cover much of the working space.
Interview shots
- mid shots of john and worker communicating with each other
- close up of hands communication
- stylised mid shots of manager mike talking about John as worker and individual also about views on disability in the workplace
- mid shot of customer in their pub environment
- Establishing shot of the pub.
- Circular shot of the area
- Hand held shots walking behind john
- Low hand held shot of his feet walking
- Similar issues as the shot before however now must
- Mid shot of camera sitting on table with glasses in view and the rest of the shot out of focus
- Extreme close up of glass, out of focus, then steady zoom in revealing object
- Extreme close up of cutlery, out of focus, then steady zoom out to reveal object
- Close up of plant as being watered, resembles wilderness
- Close up of glasses and ash trays
- Mid shot of john in garden placing out the ash trays
- Low mid shot through reflection of mirror showing john working.
- Side hand held shots of john walking with glasses
- Hand held mid shot from behind as john walks with glasses
- Time lapse shot of the pub from a high angle in order to cover much of the working space.
Interview shots
- mid shots of john and worker communicating with each other
- close up of hands communication
- stylised mid shots of manager mike talking about John as worker and individual also about views on disability in the workplace
- mid shot of customer in their pub environment
update
At this point I am feeling dubious and doubtful about how my end project is going to turn out. I am uncertain about getting the permission needed to carry out the project; although my documentary would be shining a good light on the company Mitchell and Butler they may still decline or not respond quick enough. My main participant and subject- john- still hasn’t given full permission which puts the project on hold.
The problems I have encountered on my blog have also caused a major set back as I have had to re-enter and date all of my work. This has resulted in me falling slightly behind and am not where I had wanted to be in the project.
From here I aim to create a clear and adaptable structure to the documentary so that once I get permission filming can go underway. firstly to do this I will plan the type of shots i will use as this will help me to create an narrative.
The problems I have encountered on my blog have also caused a major set back as I have had to re-enter and date all of my work. This has resulted in me falling slightly behind and am not where I had wanted to be in the project.
From here I aim to create a clear and adaptable structure to the documentary so that once I get permission filming can go underway. firstly to do this I will plan the type of shots i will use as this will help me to create an narrative.
Update- Final documentary concept
I am doing a three minute wonder style documentary which would be aimed at older students and perhaps teachers. This is because it would be aired at a time where most people would be at work therefore it would most likely be watched by people with an interest with this issue or film style. I also think it would appeal to charities that work in this sector as it provides an alternative way to educate people about the issue.
I want my documentary to subvert people’s initial prejudices or expectations of someone with a disability. I shall try to achieve this through my style of shots which are at first going to be abstract and not showing his face. The extreme close ups are meant to highlight that he is as capable to complete these jobs as anyone else as audience haven’t seen him in order to judge. The voice over that will accompany these images will be over numerous voices talking about john as a person and worker but not mentioning his learning difficulties. This should hopefully enable audience to understand him as a person and not define him due to learning difficulty. Then I want to begin to hear johns voice and use wider shots that show more of him. I want his interview to enable him to have a voice and state his feelings about his work.
I want my documentary to subvert people’s initial prejudices or expectations of someone with a disability. I shall try to achieve this through my style of shots which are at first going to be abstract and not showing his face. The extreme close ups are meant to highlight that he is as capable to complete these jobs as anyone else as audience haven’t seen him in order to judge. The voice over that will accompany these images will be over numerous voices talking about john as a person and worker but not mentioning his learning difficulties. This should hopefully enable audience to understand him as a person and not define him due to learning difficulty. Then I want to begin to hear johns voice and use wider shots that show more of him. I want his interview to enable him to have a voice and state his feelings about his work.
Intitutional ideas- 3 minute wonders
“3 Minute Wonder is a documentary shorts strand that follows Channel 4 News on weekdays. It provides an opportunity for directors who have not previously worked for Channel 4, directors who wish to cross genres and first time directors and assistant producers.
The scheme is open to anyone with clever and intriguing stories that have a new and surprising way of reflecting who we are today. Films should be engaging and inventive in form and can be about any subject, but must be suitable for pre-watershed transmission.
For a chance to stretch your creative legs and experiment with short-form docs as an entry-level filmmaker, FourDocs should be your first port of call: and there are numerous case studies of FourDoccers progressing to produce for the 3MW broadcast slot.”
All of the highlighted words and phrases within this criteria statement point out why this style documentary is relevant to me. When doing my product research of different documentary styles I found that I was drawn to a range of styles and i think the experimental nature of 3minute wonders would allow me to play around with styles. The fact that you do not have to be a skilled film maker with finacial backing made this a perfect option to me as a student with limited resources.
The scheme is open to anyone with clever and intriguing stories that have a new and surprising way of reflecting who we are today. Films should be engaging and inventive in form and can be about any subject, but must be suitable for pre-watershed transmission.
For a chance to stretch your creative legs and experiment with short-form docs as an entry-level filmmaker, FourDocs should be your first port of call: and there are numerous case studies of FourDoccers progressing to produce for the 3MW broadcast slot.”
All of the highlighted words and phrases within this criteria statement point out why this style documentary is relevant to me. When doing my product research of different documentary styles I found that I was drawn to a range of styles and i think the experimental nature of 3minute wonders would allow me to play around with styles. The fact that you do not have to be a skilled film maker with finacial backing made this a perfect option to me as a student with limited resources.
Product research for drug documentary- Kids Knives and Broken lives
Camera Shots
-Low angle shots of back of interviewee. This works to the advantage of the doc because the person is anonymous therefore more likely to be truthful.
-There are extreme close up of hands while he is talking. Use of hands is important as shows as much emotion as face would while talking so enables documentary maker get same effect while still anonymous.
-Continuous shots of urban feature i.e. surveillance cameras. This creates an uneasy feel to the doc and mirrors the emotions of interviewees.
Editing
-Shots freeze then zoom in on person. Writing appears to introduce each interviewee. This works well as immediately points out who the doc is following to audience. It also adds an urban and movie like feel to the doc which will engage target audience.
-Colloquialisms and slang defined through a split screen. This shows that the documentary makers are conscious of their audience which would have been adults due to the screening time. Or perhaps they may have simply been trying to broaden their target audience from just teenagers.
-Switching from interviews to real life footage of them. This editing makes what they are saying more interesting. It also makes audience connect more with participant as they have an insight into their lives.
Mise-en-scene
-Numerous establishing shots of urban areas used throughout the documentary. They are important as they bring audience into the culture and environment of the interviewees hence can relate to them more.
-Participants shown in their own environments.
Sound
-Voice over used while establishing shots used. This works well as opens doc and set scene simultaneously, also makes introduction more interesting to audience.
-Urban noises. These common sounds not only work to create setting but also highlight that these are real and common issues.
-Urban music. This music was used to directly gain the interest of target audience while also illustrating the culture of its interviewees.
-Voice over was used throughout the doc to keep a fluency. It mainly quoted relevant statistics. This worked well as kept a pace to doc and the statistics worked to show real affect of gun and knife crime.
There are numerous things that I found in teresting about the construction of this documentary and would want to apply to my own. For example the editing which sets the toneof documentary through its mix of interview shots and real life shots. However i wouldn't want to have a voice over as i do not want have a 'voice of god' style narrative. I as film maker do not want to influence the audience or action.
-Low angle shots of back of interviewee. This works to the advantage of the doc because the person is anonymous therefore more likely to be truthful.
-There are extreme close up of hands while he is talking. Use of hands is important as shows as much emotion as face would while talking so enables documentary maker get same effect while still anonymous.
-Continuous shots of urban feature i.e. surveillance cameras. This creates an uneasy feel to the doc and mirrors the emotions of interviewees.
Editing
-Shots freeze then zoom in on person. Writing appears to introduce each interviewee. This works well as immediately points out who the doc is following to audience. It also adds an urban and movie like feel to the doc which will engage target audience.
-Colloquialisms and slang defined through a split screen. This shows that the documentary makers are conscious of their audience which would have been adults due to the screening time. Or perhaps they may have simply been trying to broaden their target audience from just teenagers.
-Switching from interviews to real life footage of them. This editing makes what they are saying more interesting. It also makes audience connect more with participant as they have an insight into their lives.
Mise-en-scene
-Numerous establishing shots of urban areas used throughout the documentary. They are important as they bring audience into the culture and environment of the interviewees hence can relate to them more.
-Participants shown in their own environments.
Sound
-Voice over used while establishing shots used. This works well as opens doc and set scene simultaneously, also makes introduction more interesting to audience.
-Urban noises. These common sounds not only work to create setting but also highlight that these are real and common issues.
-Urban music. This music was used to directly gain the interest of target audience while also illustrating the culture of its interviewees.
-Voice over was used throughout the doc to keep a fluency. It mainly quoted relevant statistics. This worked well as kept a pace to doc and the statistics worked to show real affect of gun and knife crime.
There are numerous things that I found in teresting about the construction of this documentary and would want to apply to my own. For example the editing which sets the toneof documentary through its mix of interview shots and real life shots. However i wouldn't want to have a voice over as i do not want have a 'voice of god' style narrative. I as film maker do not want to influence the audience or action.
Thursday 16 October 2008
product research- for drug doccumentary
- High angle shots and hand held shots of club/bar showing people having night out. Low shutter speed so that action and lights blurred, may create drunken affect.
If I wanted to use the crane this wouldn’t be possible due to permission and accessibility. Therefore I would have to get on a table or somewhere high to take the what which would be dangerous for me and the equipment.
- Hand held shots asking teenagers in this club/bar about drugs.
People may not want to be filmed or if they do might not be truthful.
- Reconstruction of someone selling drugs, to illustrate how easily accessible they are.
Actors would be needed for these shots. Easy to film but would need to arrange for actors to be involved.
- Interview shots of teenagers on views and experiences of drugs, range of shots needed. Permission letters and forms needed from the teenagers taking part. Again teenagers may not be honest in the interviews.
- Interview shots of recovering addicts in rehabilitation centre (Thames Reach).
Permission letters from the addicts also Thames Reach. They may not react well to some of the questions and they also may not be entirely truthful.
- Film some of the work that goes on in the rehabilitation centre i.e workshops.
Permission letters from Thames Reach and participants. Gaining permission may be hard and getting people to igmore the camera and act normally.
- Interview a Thames Reach worker in order to get another view on the problems. Filmed in other environment than the recovery addicts.
Permission letter from worker and Thames Reach.
- Interview recovered addicts to highlight how lives have moved on.
Permission Letter from participant. Again may not be truthful.
- Back to club/bar footage to highlight nothing has truly changed. Refer to first shot.
In the end I decided not to go forward with my initial idea of a drug documentary. I think it would be hard to arrange and even if I got permission it would be hard to know if my participants were being truthful. I think this idea had lot of potential and for that reason disappointed that I was unable to proceed.
If I wanted to use the crane this wouldn’t be possible due to permission and accessibility. Therefore I would have to get on a table or somewhere high to take the what which would be dangerous for me and the equipment.
- Hand held shots asking teenagers in this club/bar about drugs.
People may not want to be filmed or if they do might not be truthful.
- Reconstruction of someone selling drugs, to illustrate how easily accessible they are.
Actors would be needed for these shots. Easy to film but would need to arrange for actors to be involved.
- Interview shots of teenagers on views and experiences of drugs, range of shots needed. Permission letters and forms needed from the teenagers taking part. Again teenagers may not be honest in the interviews.
- Interview shots of recovering addicts in rehabilitation centre (Thames Reach).
Permission letters from the addicts also Thames Reach. They may not react well to some of the questions and they also may not be entirely truthful.
- Film some of the work that goes on in the rehabilitation centre i.e workshops.
Permission letters from Thames Reach and participants. Gaining permission may be hard and getting people to igmore the camera and act normally.
- Interview a Thames Reach worker in order to get another view on the problems. Filmed in other environment than the recovery addicts.
Permission letter from worker and Thames Reach.
- Interview recovered addicts to highlight how lives have moved on.
Permission Letter from participant. Again may not be truthful.
- Back to club/bar footage to highlight nothing has truly changed. Refer to first shot.
In the end I decided not to go forward with my initial idea of a drug documentary. I think it would be hard to arrange and even if I got permission it would be hard to know if my participants were being truthful. I think this idea had lot of potential and for that reason disappointed that I was unable to proceed.
Product Rsearch- Analysing types of Doccumentaries
The Expository mode- “Streetdancer” (Josephine Baker)
-Interview used to move point on
- Sound bridge used between location shots and interview to introduce the interview. This works as we hear the voice before we see the person but we expect to see it therefore are prepared. This also works other way where maybe diegetic noise comes over interviewee which then prepares use for next shot ie noise of car then see image of street.
-Voice of narrator heard throughout
Although I do not wish to make an expository mode documentary, there are numerous conventions I can take from this documentary such as voice over. However I would employ a voice over from my participants rather than myself. The use of sound bridges that are used in “streetdancer” may also translate nicely into my documentary. The editing is simple and doesn’t take away from the content which is crucial to a documentary as you want audience to focus on issues raised.
The Observational mode- “Clown Children”
- Establishing shots showing the hustle and bustle of the city, Audience shown busy main road, it illustrates uninterrupted everyday life as there isn’t much editing.
- Over this is diegetic sounds of birds and transport (city sounds) which builds creating true representation of this environment.
- Children shown getting ready (putting on face paint), although camera close to them they ignore it in order to illustrate that this is their normal routine.
-Only see face full on through shot of mirror- building on idea that camera isn’t there.
-Continuously returns to close up of traffic lights that continue to change this is important as creates idea that city isn’t stopping we are simply dipping into their world.
I really liked the feel of this documentary as the shots gave the piece an authentic feel. The participants ignoring the cameras presence worked well and this is something I would like to transfer into my own documentary. There are many abstract shots within this documentary which are achieved through extreme close-up, playing with focus and iris shutter speed, also altering the lighting. I thought this style of shots worked well as it was visually interesting and didn’t enable audience to be passive they had to interact with images. This style of filming mirrors styles from other genre which made the documentary interesting and appeal to wider audience. I think parts of this doc were reconstructed however is filmed as the participants would acknowledge camera otherwise. However its filmed so doesn’t seem so.
The interactive mode- “my kid could paint that”
- The documentary starts with the film maker and follows his journey.
- Child shown playing with camera functions
- Child and interviewer shown sitting together as he shows her how to use camera and they test the microphone together.
- The camera switches from the camera man to the view from camera.
The good thing about this style of documentary is that it doesn’t pretend to be anything else. The process and product isn’t hidden of perfected, which allows the audience not only to enjoy the issues raised but appreciate the process. The shots explicitly show the documentary maker interacting with participant; I do not wish to be featured in my documentary as I want the focus to be on subject. I also think that the time allowed is too small to shows the making of the doc; either I make as small doc that will be simply be about the making process or will featured in a snippet of a larger doc but ultimately take away from overall issue.
Ethnographic film- nail parlour
- Voice over of many voices all talking about same topic. Shows what they have in common.
- Repeatedly closer shots of nail varnish, all same just closer.
- Lots of fades used between shots of the same topic
- Many shots that come in and out of focus of the topic.
- Most shots were reconstructed as were extreme close ups of items and not actually of people.
I like the use of numerous voice over’s in the beginning of this documentary, it almost becomes a sound scape of different views. This is a successful opening of the documentary as the audience don’t know what the participants are referring to but the snippets of words and phrases draws them in as they want to know more. The extreme close ups and jump zooms are visual interesting while complimenting the voice over. However if you don’t have such a direct focus as this doc does I am not sure if it would work.
I t was extremely useful to examine different styles documentaries as it made the conventions of each of them clear. I also think it was very helpful for me to see what I like from each and begin to think about how I could apply them to my own documentary.
-Interview used to move point on
- Sound bridge used between location shots and interview to introduce the interview. This works as we hear the voice before we see the person but we expect to see it therefore are prepared. This also works other way where maybe diegetic noise comes over interviewee which then prepares use for next shot ie noise of car then see image of street.
-Voice of narrator heard throughout
Although I do not wish to make an expository mode documentary, there are numerous conventions I can take from this documentary such as voice over. However I would employ a voice over from my participants rather than myself. The use of sound bridges that are used in “streetdancer” may also translate nicely into my documentary. The editing is simple and doesn’t take away from the content which is crucial to a documentary as you want audience to focus on issues raised.
The Observational mode- “Clown Children”
- Establishing shots showing the hustle and bustle of the city, Audience shown busy main road, it illustrates uninterrupted everyday life as there isn’t much editing.
- Over this is diegetic sounds of birds and transport (city sounds) which builds creating true representation of this environment.
- Children shown getting ready (putting on face paint), although camera close to them they ignore it in order to illustrate that this is their normal routine.
-Only see face full on through shot of mirror- building on idea that camera isn’t there.
-Continuously returns to close up of traffic lights that continue to change this is important as creates idea that city isn’t stopping we are simply dipping into their world.
I really liked the feel of this documentary as the shots gave the piece an authentic feel. The participants ignoring the cameras presence worked well and this is something I would like to transfer into my own documentary. There are many abstract shots within this documentary which are achieved through extreme close-up, playing with focus and iris shutter speed, also altering the lighting. I thought this style of shots worked well as it was visually interesting and didn’t enable audience to be passive they had to interact with images. This style of filming mirrors styles from other genre which made the documentary interesting and appeal to wider audience. I think parts of this doc were reconstructed however is filmed as the participants would acknowledge camera otherwise. However its filmed so doesn’t seem so.
The interactive mode- “my kid could paint that”
- The documentary starts with the film maker and follows his journey.
- Child shown playing with camera functions
- Child and interviewer shown sitting together as he shows her how to use camera and they test the microphone together.
- The camera switches from the camera man to the view from camera.
The good thing about this style of documentary is that it doesn’t pretend to be anything else. The process and product isn’t hidden of perfected, which allows the audience not only to enjoy the issues raised but appreciate the process. The shots explicitly show the documentary maker interacting with participant; I do not wish to be featured in my documentary as I want the focus to be on subject. I also think that the time allowed is too small to shows the making of the doc; either I make as small doc that will be simply be about the making process or will featured in a snippet of a larger doc but ultimately take away from overall issue.
Ethnographic film- nail parlour
- Voice over of many voices all talking about same topic. Shows what they have in common.
- Repeatedly closer shots of nail varnish, all same just closer.
- Lots of fades used between shots of the same topic
- Many shots that come in and out of focus of the topic.
- Most shots were reconstructed as were extreme close ups of items and not actually of people.
I like the use of numerous voice over’s in the beginning of this documentary, it almost becomes a sound scape of different views. This is a successful opening of the documentary as the audience don’t know what the participants are referring to but the snippets of words and phrases draws them in as they want to know more. The extreme close ups and jump zooms are visual interesting while complimenting the voice over. However if you don’t have such a direct focus as this doc does I am not sure if it would work.
I t was extremely useful to examine different styles documentaries as it made the conventions of each of them clear. I also think it was very helpful for me to see what I like from each and begin to think about how I could apply them to my own documentary.
Product Research- Types of Documentaries
The Expository mode
-Interviews used by filmmaker only in support of film’s argument
-Direct relationship between images and voice- over
-A conversational narrative formation
-‘voice of god’ narration directly addressing viewer
-The narrator may also appear as ‘character’ within documentary (such as David Attenborough)
The expository mode would not be relevant for the style of documentary I wish to make. As I am aiming to do a ‘workers profile’ I think the voice of the participants is crucial and certainly more important that a voice of god narrator, the two wouldn’t work successfully.
The Observational mode
-Editing which gives the impression of ‘real’ time
-Relatively long takes connoting that nothing has been ‘cut out’
-Overheard speech which is not directed at camera
-Only diegetic music (originating in the documentary’s world)
-Fly-on-the-wall style presentation (non-interventionist)
-Hand-held camera or zoom lenses used to follow action
-Unobtrusive camera work, appearing to offer a window on the world
I think that the observatory mode could work well with my subject as I want to show john (my participant) in his natural surroundings. I think it is imperative that my documentary highlights his capability in the workplace therefore a fly-on-the-wall style will allows me to achieve this. However I can not afford to have a very long shots and ‘real’ time editing as this only a short documentary.
The Interactive mode
-The filmmaker speaking directly to interviewee
-The acknowledged presence of camera and crew
-Lots of monologues and dialogues
-Editing maintaining logical continuity
-No definite argument enables audience to choose
-Represents many and alternative viewpoints
I do not think that it would be appropriate to have the camera and crew acknowledged in my documentary as I want the focus to be on films issues rather than the filming process. If my documentary was full of monologues it would get boring, take up most of the time allowed and give it an acted feel, whereas I want it to be genuine and real. However I do want there to be no definite argument so that the audience can form there own views on the subject.
The Reflexive mode
-Discuses the problems of making a documentary
-Making explicit the process of representation
-Clearly showing the institutional issues (such as who is funding it)
This mode isn’t relevant to me as it would be an independent documentary made by a student film maker for channel 4’s three minute wonders hence doesn’t need funding. And as this is a short documentary there is no time to show the problems of film making, unless that would be my chosen theme/issue.
The Performative mode
-This is where the ‘maker’ stars in the film and becomes the protagonist, it also has an element of the reflexive mode.
If I was to be featured it would take away from the issue I am examining. I also question weather I would be able to follow my story in a short documentary this may be more relevant if I had chosen to only create a snippet of a documentary.
Ethnographic film
-motivated by the desire to understand the ways of life and perceptive of a culture or sub-culture.
-they focus on a group, or an individual, or object or place that relate to that culture
-They are primarily focused on the human experiences and how people interact with world around them.
-On the whole they have been known to look at diverse and uncommon places in the world, but are very relevant to our culture also.
I do wish to focus on a subculture in society therefore emy documentary could be classed as an ethnographic film. Again I do wish to show how john interacts with his surrounding world more specifically the world of work. However I will be examining within our own culture and not travelling to search for an unusual group as I am restricted in what I can achieve. Although my documentary can be classed as ethnographic film I want to include elements from other genres.
-Interviews used by filmmaker only in support of film’s argument
-Direct relationship between images and voice- over
-A conversational narrative formation
-‘voice of god’ narration directly addressing viewer
-The narrator may also appear as ‘character’ within documentary (such as David Attenborough)
The expository mode would not be relevant for the style of documentary I wish to make. As I am aiming to do a ‘workers profile’ I think the voice of the participants is crucial and certainly more important that a voice of god narrator, the two wouldn’t work successfully.
The Observational mode
-Editing which gives the impression of ‘real’ time
-Relatively long takes connoting that nothing has been ‘cut out’
-Overheard speech which is not directed at camera
-Only diegetic music (originating in the documentary’s world)
-Fly-on-the-wall style presentation (non-interventionist)
-Hand-held camera or zoom lenses used to follow action
-Unobtrusive camera work, appearing to offer a window on the world
I think that the observatory mode could work well with my subject as I want to show john (my participant) in his natural surroundings. I think it is imperative that my documentary highlights his capability in the workplace therefore a fly-on-the-wall style will allows me to achieve this. However I can not afford to have a very long shots and ‘real’ time editing as this only a short documentary.
The Interactive mode
-The filmmaker speaking directly to interviewee
-The acknowledged presence of camera and crew
-Lots of monologues and dialogues
-Editing maintaining logical continuity
-No definite argument enables audience to choose
-Represents many and alternative viewpoints
I do not think that it would be appropriate to have the camera and crew acknowledged in my documentary as I want the focus to be on films issues rather than the filming process. If my documentary was full of monologues it would get boring, take up most of the time allowed and give it an acted feel, whereas I want it to be genuine and real. However I do want there to be no definite argument so that the audience can form there own views on the subject.
The Reflexive mode
-Discuses the problems of making a documentary
-Making explicit the process of representation
-Clearly showing the institutional issues (such as who is funding it)
This mode isn’t relevant to me as it would be an independent documentary made by a student film maker for channel 4’s three minute wonders hence doesn’t need funding. And as this is a short documentary there is no time to show the problems of film making, unless that would be my chosen theme/issue.
The Performative mode
-This is where the ‘maker’ stars in the film and becomes the protagonist, it also has an element of the reflexive mode.
If I was to be featured it would take away from the issue I am examining. I also question weather I would be able to follow my story in a short documentary this may be more relevant if I had chosen to only create a snippet of a documentary.
Ethnographic film
-motivated by the desire to understand the ways of life and perceptive of a culture or sub-culture.
-they focus on a group, or an individual, or object or place that relate to that culture
-They are primarily focused on the human experiences and how people interact with world around them.
-On the whole they have been known to look at diverse and uncommon places in the world, but are very relevant to our culture also.
I do wish to focus on a subculture in society therefore emy documentary could be classed as an ethnographic film. Again I do wish to show how john interacts with his surrounding world more specifically the world of work. However I will be examining within our own culture and not travelling to search for an unusual group as I am restricted in what I can achieve. Although my documentary can be classed as ethnographic film I want to include elements from other genres.
Intial Documentary Ideas- further planning
I now have numerous potential ideas for my documentary; however I only have so much time and resources to make it. So I have decided to do some further planning that should enable me to see which ones are suitable and consequently come to a final choice. I have put each documentary into relevant categories to organise my planning but also to see which aspects would work and which wouldn’t.
Changing Southbank
Groups
-People involved in the London film festival
-Members of the Tate and other cultural institutions
-BFI employee- Alisha
-Londoners who enjoy the Southbank space.
Spaces
-BFI
-Tate
-Areas along the river (Royal Festival Hall)
-London eye
Visual symbols
-iconic buildings
-Southbank landscape
-clips from Southbank archive
Sounds
-Talking
-Music (composed)
-Theatre (clapping)
-Traffic
I would have access to the people needed in this documentary due to the work I did with the BFI during the summer. However gaining filming permission for the Southbank can be problematic as I would need to go through the local council. Therefore I have decided that this idea will need too much organisation and would result in me needing large amount of limited resources and teacher’s time thus is not fair to other students.
Out to play
Groups
-Parents
-Children
-‘playground community’
Spaces
-Schools
-Dulwich Park
-interviewee’s home/street
Visual symbols
-playground structures
-low shutter speed shots of children playing
-tracking shot of child’s hand running along railings
Southbank archives
Sounds
-playground noises
-children laughing
-ice cream van
-Old nursery rhymes
I was initially really interested in this idea as “out to play” highlight how different it is to grow up in today’s society and it would be interesting to explore why this may be. All the spaces and people should all be reasonably accessible as I know several parents of young children and there is a very family orientated park near where I live. Although I would need to consider how I would arrange this as I live quite far from school. Therefore my filming would need to be completed on the weekends, so I would need my teacher’s commitment. If I was to go ahead with this documentary the sound would be crucial to the over affect and I could either use diagetic sound from the park (however may not be very good quality due to the camera’s we have access to) or I can download sound affects from website: In the end I have chosen not to progress with this idea as I was ultimately more interested in another theme.
Exams
Groups
-A level students
-Primary school students
-Teachers
-Parents
Spaces
-My school
-Primary school
-Interviewee’s house
Visual symbols
-Exam papers
-Children playing
-Clock
Sounds
-School bells
-Clock ticking
-People talking
I came up with this idea over the summer while I myself was apprehensively waiting my AS results. I wanted to examine the pressure that young people are put under due to the examination process. Although most of filming spaces would be achieveable as would mainly be in my own school this was never truly plausible as results come out before school term starts.
Class
Groups
-Upper class/middle class family
-Primarily Abigail’s family
Spaces
-Abigail’s house
Visual symbols
-Family style portrait
-Quills
Sounds
-Classical music
-Piano (Abigail playing)
This idea was based upon my friend’s unusual family who came from upper class background, however now live in state of poverty. As based on someone I knew all access would be very easily gotten. However as I am good friends with her I think I would be too personally involved and the documentary may become biased. This idea would have also needed a lot of commitment from my teachers and having good access to equipment as the family live very far from school.
Disability in the workplace
Groups
-People with disabilities and their helpers
-Employer and businesses
-Charity workers/ organisers
Spaces
-Businesses along Lordship Lane
-The Plough pub- his place of work
Visual symbols
-Close ups of hands
-Shots in interview not focused on face
-Closed shutter shots of pub- time lapse?
Sounds
-Silent?
-Voice over- if so who’s voice
-Classical? Graceful
Gaining filming permission shouldn’t be too problematic as I intend to film where I work. However I would also need permission from the organisation that work with john which may be more complicated. The shots that I intend to take are all rather straight forward as I want to show john in his working environment, its also important that they correspond with the speech from interview.
In the end I decided that I wanted to go forward with “disability in the workplace: A workers profile” as I am strongly interested in the related issues. The filming should be accessible and easy to complete within the time period given. I feel that the theme gives me room to explore and experiment with filming and documentary styles.
Now I need to further think about how I wish to construct the documentary thus which genre and style I will want to achieve. The style of documentary determines which channel it would be most suited to therefore will outline my institutional research.
Changing Southbank
Groups
-People involved in the London film festival
-Members of the Tate and other cultural institutions
-BFI employee- Alisha
-Londoners who enjoy the Southbank space.
Spaces
-BFI
-Tate
-Areas along the river (Royal Festival Hall)
-London eye
Visual symbols
-iconic buildings
-Southbank landscape
-clips from Southbank archive
Sounds
-Talking
-Music (composed)
-Theatre (clapping)
-Traffic
I would have access to the people needed in this documentary due to the work I did with the BFI during the summer. However gaining filming permission for the Southbank can be problematic as I would need to go through the local council. Therefore I have decided that this idea will need too much organisation and would result in me needing large amount of limited resources and teacher’s time thus is not fair to other students.
Out to play
Groups
-Parents
-Children
-‘playground community’
Spaces
-Schools
-Dulwich Park
-interviewee’s home/street
Visual symbols
-playground structures
-low shutter speed shots of children playing
-tracking shot of child’s hand running along railings
Southbank archives
Sounds
-playground noises
-children laughing
-ice cream van
-Old nursery rhymes
I was initially really interested in this idea as “out to play” highlight how different it is to grow up in today’s society and it would be interesting to explore why this may be. All the spaces and people should all be reasonably accessible as I know several parents of young children and there is a very family orientated park near where I live. Although I would need to consider how I would arrange this as I live quite far from school. Therefore my filming would need to be completed on the weekends, so I would need my teacher’s commitment. If I was to go ahead with this documentary the sound would be crucial to the over affect and I could either use diagetic sound from the park (however may not be very good quality due to the camera’s we have access to) or I can download sound affects from website: In the end I have chosen not to progress with this idea as I was ultimately more interested in another theme.
Exams
Groups
-A level students
-Primary school students
-Teachers
-Parents
Spaces
-My school
-Primary school
-Interviewee’s house
Visual symbols
-Exam papers
-Children playing
-Clock
Sounds
-School bells
-Clock ticking
-People talking
I came up with this idea over the summer while I myself was apprehensively waiting my AS results. I wanted to examine the pressure that young people are put under due to the examination process. Although most of filming spaces would be achieveable as would mainly be in my own school this was never truly plausible as results come out before school term starts.
Class
Groups
-Upper class/middle class family
-Primarily Abigail’s family
Spaces
-Abigail’s house
Visual symbols
-Family style portrait
-Quills
Sounds
-Classical music
-Piano (Abigail playing)
This idea was based upon my friend’s unusual family who came from upper class background, however now live in state of poverty. As based on someone I knew all access would be very easily gotten. However as I am good friends with her I think I would be too personally involved and the documentary may become biased. This idea would have also needed a lot of commitment from my teachers and having good access to equipment as the family live very far from school.
Disability in the workplace
Groups
-People with disabilities and their helpers
-Employer and businesses
-Charity workers/ organisers
Spaces
-Businesses along Lordship Lane
-The Plough pub- his place of work
Visual symbols
-Close ups of hands
-Shots in interview not focused on face
-Closed shutter shots of pub- time lapse?
Sounds
-Silent?
-Voice over- if so who’s voice
-Classical? Graceful
Gaining filming permission shouldn’t be too problematic as I intend to film where I work. However I would also need permission from the organisation that work with john which may be more complicated. The shots that I intend to take are all rather straight forward as I want to show john in his working environment, its also important that they correspond with the speech from interview.
In the end I decided that I wanted to go forward with “disability in the workplace: A workers profile” as I am strongly interested in the related issues. The filming should be accessible and easy to complete within the time period given. I feel that the theme gives me room to explore and experiment with filming and documentary styles.
Now I need to further think about how I wish to construct the documentary thus which genre and style I will want to achieve. The style of documentary determines which channel it would be most suited to therefore will outline my institutional research.
Intial doccumentary ideas and influences
Changing Southbank-
-Examine how the landscape of the river has transformed, looking at this now thriving and iconic setting.
-Interesting as is the centre of the London’s media scene (BFI)
Influenced by Jaques Brunius’s “Brief City” (1951) which documents a very different Southbank that is desolate and abandoned. The documentary is in Black and white and employs generic documentary feature such as voice over. There doesn’t seem to be any reconstruction in the documentary and the editing comprises of simple cuts. Although the techniques used are still used alone they seem rather dated therefore I wouldn’t use them like this in my own documentary. I would want mine to be an update of Southbank’s activity.
Out to play-
- This will focus on the culture that children now grow up in compared to their parents childhoods
- Aim to highlight and question the fears of parents
- Focus on the ‘playground community’
This idea was influenced by a documentary I watched- “Out to Play” 1936- in the BFI’S media tech which is an archive of thousands of movies from all genres. Although “out to play” was filmed in black and white using very simple shots and documentary conventions what was being documented caught my attention. The documentary was showing the life of young children, London was their playground and sanctuary. There weren’t any reconstruction shots meaning that it was probably filmed over a long period of time, which wouldn’t be relevant to me as I have small time period. This completely contrasted my experience with growing up in London as I wasn’t allowed to go anywhere by myself until I was at least 11. However I did have a taste of this freedom when I went to Ireland to visit family and I would be allowed out to play on the green and go out with my cousins. So I grew up with a mix of these cultures and I thought it would be interesting to look at parents views of how their childhoods contrast with their children’s or if they did at all.
Exams-
- I want to examine the pressures that public exams but on young people today.
- It would aim to highlight the voice of the people sitting the exams rather than the people who makes the laws.
- Also wish to look at the effect exams have throughout ages, meaning that I would want to interview range of students.
I didn’t watch any documentaries about this issue in order to influence me. Instead it was my own anticipation of my forthcoming results which spurred the idea. Although I am aware that several documentaries surrounding the question of public exams, I knew that this idea wasn’t truly possible as results come out in the summer therefore I would have access to resources.
Class: upper class family in poverty
- I wanted to document the life of a family who come from wealthy background however now finds themselves living in poverty.
- I aimed to subvert some people initial views of people who appear to be upper class.
- I wanted to illustrate that the social boundaries are becoming more and more blurred.
- I think the documentary should address prejudices and stereotypes.
I was strongly influenced by a channel 4 documentary called “The f**cking Fulfords” which followed the life of an upper class family. The documentary showed this family who lived in large Aristotle estate that was crumpling away. Many voice bridges were used between the interviewee and the corresponding images on the screen, I found this worked well as made what was being said more interesting. The images also reinforced what the audience was hearing. This is something I would like to employ in my own documentary.
Disability in the workplace: a workers profile
- Want to question and subvert the prejudices surrounding disability in the workplace.
- I aim to illustrate the worker and not the disability
- I want to get a view of an employer on the disability rights act
During the summer while on my BFI course one of the mentors- Edward Owles- showed one of his documentaries he had made about ‘deaf dj’s’ It created a window into the deaf community and more specifically the deaf raving community. The documentary had a voice over and sound bridges that were of the voice of participants and not documentary maker. This gave the documentary a truthful feels as the voice of the participants was clear; I would like my documentary to also achieve this as I do not want ,voice to shadow the issue I am documenting.
-Examine how the landscape of the river has transformed, looking at this now thriving and iconic setting.
-Interesting as is the centre of the London’s media scene (BFI)
Influenced by Jaques Brunius’s “Brief City” (1951) which documents a very different Southbank that is desolate and abandoned. The documentary is in Black and white and employs generic documentary feature such as voice over. There doesn’t seem to be any reconstruction in the documentary and the editing comprises of simple cuts. Although the techniques used are still used alone they seem rather dated therefore I wouldn’t use them like this in my own documentary. I would want mine to be an update of Southbank’s activity.
Out to play-
- This will focus on the culture that children now grow up in compared to their parents childhoods
- Aim to highlight and question the fears of parents
- Focus on the ‘playground community’
This idea was influenced by a documentary I watched- “Out to Play” 1936- in the BFI’S media tech which is an archive of thousands of movies from all genres. Although “out to play” was filmed in black and white using very simple shots and documentary conventions what was being documented caught my attention. The documentary was showing the life of young children, London was their playground and sanctuary. There weren’t any reconstruction shots meaning that it was probably filmed over a long period of time, which wouldn’t be relevant to me as I have small time period. This completely contrasted my experience with growing up in London as I wasn’t allowed to go anywhere by myself until I was at least 11. However I did have a taste of this freedom when I went to Ireland to visit family and I would be allowed out to play on the green and go out with my cousins. So I grew up with a mix of these cultures and I thought it would be interesting to look at parents views of how their childhoods contrast with their children’s or if they did at all.
Exams-
- I want to examine the pressures that public exams but on young people today.
- It would aim to highlight the voice of the people sitting the exams rather than the people who makes the laws.
- Also wish to look at the effect exams have throughout ages, meaning that I would want to interview range of students.
I didn’t watch any documentaries about this issue in order to influence me. Instead it was my own anticipation of my forthcoming results which spurred the idea. Although I am aware that several documentaries surrounding the question of public exams, I knew that this idea wasn’t truly possible as results come out in the summer therefore I would have access to resources.
Class: upper class family in poverty
- I wanted to document the life of a family who come from wealthy background however now finds themselves living in poverty.
- I aimed to subvert some people initial views of people who appear to be upper class.
- I wanted to illustrate that the social boundaries are becoming more and more blurred.
- I think the documentary should address prejudices and stereotypes.
I was strongly influenced by a channel 4 documentary called “The f**cking Fulfords” which followed the life of an upper class family. The documentary showed this family who lived in large Aristotle estate that was crumpling away. Many voice bridges were used between the interviewee and the corresponding images on the screen, I found this worked well as made what was being said more interesting. The images also reinforced what the audience was hearing. This is something I would like to employ in my own documentary.
Disability in the workplace: a workers profile
- Want to question and subvert the prejudices surrounding disability in the workplace.
- I aim to illustrate the worker and not the disability
- I want to get a view of an employer on the disability rights act
During the summer while on my BFI course one of the mentors- Edward Owles- showed one of his documentaries he had made about ‘deaf dj’s’ It created a window into the deaf community and more specifically the deaf raving community. The documentary had a voice over and sound bridges that were of the voice of participants and not documentary maker. This gave the documentary a truthful feels as the voice of the participants was clear; I would like my documentary to also achieve this as I do not want ,voice to shadow the issue I am documenting.
Audience research- second questionaire and focus group
Advanced Production Questionnaire- Disability in the workplace
When do you think the Disability Rights Act was passed?
1950’s
1960’s
1970’s
1980’s
1990’s
Since 2000
Do you think that Disabled people should be given the right to be employed?
Yes
No
Explain why
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you believe that people with disabilities are employable?
Yes
No
Explain why
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What do you think the legal duty employers have to their employees with disabilities?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What is your occupation?
________________________________________________________________
Do you work along side anyone with Disablity?
Yes
No
In your opinion how well do they fulfil this position?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you think the rights of people with disabilities are important?
Yes
No
Explain why
_____________________________________________________________________
When do you think the Disability Rights Act was passed?
1950’s
1960’s
1970’s
1980’s
1990’s
Since 2000
Do you think that Disabled people should be given the right to be employed?
Yes
No
Explain why
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you believe that people with disabilities are employable?
Yes
No
Explain why
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What do you think the legal duty employers have to their employees with disabilities?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What is your occupation?
________________________________________________________________
Do you work along side anyone with Disablity?
Yes
No
In your opinion how well do they fulfil this position?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you think the rights of people with disabilities are important?
Yes
No
Explain why
_____________________________________________________________________
Wednesday 15 October 2008
Audience reserach- results
UPLOAD IMAGES OF RESULTS!
Fourteen out of twenty people said that channel four was their preferred channel. This was an interesting result as I didn’t give the participants options but left it blank for them to identify their favourite. As my target audience mostly watch channel four I should aim to create a documentary that would be suitable for this institution.
However only six people out of twenty actually said that documentaries were their favoured genre. They were more likely to watch dramas or comedies so perhaps it would be possible to touch on some of their conventions to appeal to my audience. But this could be problematic, as my target audience don’t particularly like this genre; therefore I should try to aim for a time slot that they would be likely to watch. This may encourage them to watch as it’s convenient. It also crucial that the documentary is based on a topic that would interest them in order to encourage them to watch.
Only one person, out of twenty, said directly that they didn’t actually like documentaries. This is good as shows that although not favoured they do all watch documentaries.
The majority of the participants said that they preferred ‘real life’ documentaries. However this isn’t a conceivable style for me to attempt due to the time restrictions and limit on resources. I would have a large enough time period and access to equipment as have to share with other students to create a successful real time documentary. Alternatively I would create a window into real person’s life or way of living, which would be classed as an ethnographic film.
All participants identified the function of a documentary was to either give insight into a persons life or highlight key social issues. I would hope to have an idea that would aim to achieve both.
Fourteen out of twenty people said that channel four was their preferred channel. This was an interesting result as I didn’t give the participants options but left it blank for them to identify their favourite. As my target audience mostly watch channel four I should aim to create a documentary that would be suitable for this institution.
However only six people out of twenty actually said that documentaries were their favoured genre. They were more likely to watch dramas or comedies so perhaps it would be possible to touch on some of their conventions to appeal to my audience. But this could be problematic, as my target audience don’t particularly like this genre; therefore I should try to aim for a time slot that they would be likely to watch. This may encourage them to watch as it’s convenient. It also crucial that the documentary is based on a topic that would interest them in order to encourage them to watch.
Only one person, out of twenty, said directly that they didn’t actually like documentaries. This is good as shows that although not favoured they do all watch documentaries.
The majority of the participants said that they preferred ‘real life’ documentaries. However this isn’t a conceivable style for me to attempt due to the time restrictions and limit on resources. I would have a large enough time period and access to equipment as have to share with other students to create a successful real time documentary. Alternatively I would create a window into real person’s life or way of living, which would be classed as an ethnographic film.
All participants identified the function of a documentary was to either give insight into a persons life or highlight key social issues. I would hope to have an idea that would aim to achieve both.
Monday 29 September 2008
Audience reserach
Audience research
Firstly I am going to hand out questionnaires to my target audience that focus on their television habits so that I can get a general view of their lifestyles and expectations. My questions shall be centred on documentaries and how they interact with them; I think it is crucial to recognize my audience’s expectations before I begin the production as this will enable me to meet them.
Secondly I will comprise a second questionnaire that now focuses on the issue I am exploring in my documentary, which is Disability in the work place. It is essential to know that my target audience not only have an interest in documentaries but the topic I am investigating. I aim to have a clear indication of my audience’s knowledge of the subject so that I can build form it in my documentary.
Initially I had chosen to have the Disability in the workplace based audience research as a questionnaire, however after doing more in-depth research into this area
Firstly I am going to hand out questionnaires to my target audience that focus on their television habits so that I can get a general view of their lifestyles and expectations. My questions shall be centred on documentaries and how they interact with them; I think it is crucial to recognize my audience’s expectations before I begin the production as this will enable me to meet them.
Secondly I will comprise a second questionnaire that now focuses on the issue I am exploring in my documentary, which is Disability in the work place. It is essential to know that my target audience not only have an interest in documentaries but the topic I am investigating. I aim to have a clear indication of my audience’s knowledge of the subject so that I can build form it in my documentary.
Initially I had chosen to have the Disability in the workplace based audience research as a questionnaire, however after doing more in-depth research into this area
Brainstorming
I am considering two options, either a documentary or a music video. During my foundation production I discovered that my strengths lie in practical film aspects of production, while still enjoying the planning process.
Documentary initial ideas-
1- I am interested in creating a documentary focusing on the effects of drugs throughout generations. I plan to examine teenager’s interactions with drugs in a social setting. While later interviewing recovering drug addicts who are currently in a drug rehabilitation. I would also like to gain feedback from fully recovered addicts and their families to illustrate how their lives although moved on are still affected by these addictions.
Music video-
1- I am interested in music videos as I would get to focus on the relationship between editing and soundtrack.
2- I would intend to create a narrative once I had chosen my track thus it is difficult to form any solid ideas at this stage.
Documentary initial ideas-
1- I am interested in creating a documentary focusing on the effects of drugs throughout generations. I plan to examine teenager’s interactions with drugs in a social setting. While later interviewing recovering drug addicts who are currently in a drug rehabilitation. I would also like to gain feedback from fully recovered addicts and their families to illustrate how their lives although moved on are still affected by these addictions.
Music video-
1- I am interested in music videos as I would get to focus on the relationship between editing and soundtrack.
2- I would intend to create a narrative once I had chosen my track thus it is difficult to form any solid ideas at this stage.
Problems with my blog
My blog has broken down twice due to problems with my email address, however it is now fixed. This has meant that organization of my work has been harder as I have had to date everything myself so please refer to my dates rather than that of the blogs. It has also affected my feedback as my teachers haven’t had such easy access to my work.
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