(Figure 1: the poster of the final documentary project called Haven, source by Zhen)
What did you want to achieve in your film? What did you learn about the topic of food you focussed on?
Nowadays, the word ‘vegan’ appears more and more often in Australia, such as on the menu of some restaurants, the protest of animal organizations, people around us, and etc. However, it is not a popular concept in China. It is a good chance for me to learn different life attitude here. It is also part of the meaning of why I study abroad in Australia, to explore and received various culture and values.
After I watched the documentary called Forks Over Knives, it does shock me and make me start to worry about my health condition. It even inspires me to think if I should go vegan. As the same time, there is other information said that plant-diet requires a high-level of food combination. Otherwise, it could be more dangerous. I also did some research online. As a result, I think a person with rich experience as a vegan can help me solve the doubt. Jan Saunders is a perfect choice.
Jan Saunders is not aggressive about her own opinions. She doesn’t impose her points to others. Especially, when she talks about the plant-diet, she mentioned that ‘you can give up tonight, just pick up tomorrow.‘ What impressed me the most is her life attitude, she is always positive and enthusiastic with a heart that cares about all living beings in the world and respects others’ lifestyle. Besides, I really admire her brave to completely start a new career. All these above are also what we want to show to the audience.
(Figure 2: the photo of the editing process of the final documentary project named Haven, source by Zhen)
What do you think are the most successful elements in your film?
Content:
First, the most satisfying part of our film is the content. From my perspective, we get the answer after we met Jan. Besides, we present significant content in the documentary. I believe that if it can give us a positive influence, it could also influence others.
Technical:
The sound mixer of both the city scene and the farm scene is suitable and inspiring. It helps us to construct the sense of both scenes, such as the tension of the city and the peace of the farm.
(Figure 4: the screenshot about the editing process of the final project called Haven, source by Zhen)
What would you do differently next time?
Be more confidence
As an international student, I usually feel unconfidence to do communication work due to a lack of English skills. I am more like a listener in the meeting with Jan this time even I really want to discuss some point with her sometimes. Thus, I hope I can come out of my comfort zone next time.
Better preparation
Base on the experience of the gap between expectation and reality, I think I could prepare more details next time. For example, I could go to the place before the shooting day, take some pictures and draw the storyboard of B-rolls.
Technical skills
This time we have good footage of drone. However, the original plan that filming with stabilizator doesn’t work. I cannot figure out how to use it even I had succeeded before. Thus, this is the thing I need to learn before the next shooting project.
(Figure 4: a photo of the exhibition posters, source by Zhen)
What’s more?
I think choosing Food on Film studio this semester is one of the best decision I made. It provides me a chance to expand my acknowledge out of my own area. Fiction film is more like create a world for the audience to experience and feel. Documentary prefers to meet people, listen to them and present their real story. It is a process for the filmmaker to learn new things and new points. I would like to keep doing the same work in the future, talk to different people and present those significant stories.
Thanks to Kim for giving us a wonderful learning experience, especially she gives me some advice about my topic and willing to help me communicate with people who help the homeless community. Moreover, thanks to Kelly to help me find a wonderful restaurant called Lentil As Anything.
(Figure 5: a photo of the audience of Food on Film Studio on the exhibition day, source by Zhen)
