Link to proof of concept:

Proposal Document:

proofofconcept.docx-compressed

 

Blog post reflections:

Blog post 1: Pre-Production:

In this post I will discuss how I have contributed to the pre-production of our documentary, “Neutraliser”. I am the producer for our project and have loved being in this role for our group. For this project, I have been on the logistical side of production planning. Working alongside our editor, director and cinematographer to help flush out their creative ideas. In terms of my own research, I took the time to watch a few musical documentaries. As our topic focused on one band, I wanted to note down some structure and aspects I enjoyed from other documentaries about bands. I viewed ‘The Last Waltz’ 1978, Scorsese captured the final performance from the legendary country-rockers the Band. I admired his interviewing style that was verbose and his directorial decisions to highlight the bands skill, energy and drive. I took this into our pre-production meetings when we were discussing our initial idea, structure and indented mood. However, I did pitch into some conversations, I gave the lead vision to our director, editor and cinematographer.

Martin Scorsese’s 1978 ‘The Last Waltz’ screen grab from film.

As the producer, I wanted to give the creative decisions to those on the camera and editing. Pitching in when some ideas would be too broad, expensive or would not work with or scheduling with all participants and crew. I wanted to make sure I was not stamping down on their ideas but rather making sure we were remaining accessible and an achievable shoo our project. In class when discussing and learning about locations, scheduling, what we can and cannot do on set and while shooting. Such as the use of cars, smoking scenes, public property. I wanted to make sure my teams’ ideas were able to come to life but in a way we can work around challenges such as, public property, cars and safety requirements. I wanted to take this approach to hear other ideas, work cohesively together but remain organised and achievable to make the best work we can. This made pre-production a smooth and collaborative process.

Blog post 2: Pre-Production Collaboration:

The collaborative process thus far has been enjoyable and exciting. Working on a project in a group all motivated to construct the best work we can. I will be discussing my groups process, and reflection on how we’ve gone thus far.

In the beginning we all worked together to draft a structure and brief for the project. Really honing into our designated roles. In our first meeting, as the producer I assigned myself and everyone tasks to complete for the following weeks. Each of us sharing responsibilities and collaborating so that the following week we can build off what we each had completed.

For example, the editor researched into editing styles he enjoyed and vice versa with cinematography and directing. We took this approach as it allowed each of us to stay focused on our roles which we enjoyed and contribute equally to the project. As we played to each of our strengths. However, with group chats and frequent communication outside of class, if anyone had a question we had an welcoming space where each of us would contribute and help where needed.

Once tasks were completed each class we would discuss what we found, write down what we completed and what we needed to work through in the class and for the following week. I kept writing down the production meeting minuets, to make sure we were on track as the producer.

Blog post 3: In class feedback:

The most successful element of our rough cut has to be the story structure and shot selection. We captured some beautifully framed shots b-roll. Which had great feedback on how the rough cut came across visually. We have also established our story quickly and engaged our audience from the beginning which is positive. The least successful element would be audio. We hadn’t put the lapels on our subjects from the start, which has made it difficult to edit the audio as it dips in and out when the subject turns away from the mic. We will need to go deeper into audio mixing and see what we can do to mitigate this problem.

To prepare for our proof of concept we will try to select our chosen shots and interview answers differently. Focusing more on the band’s struggles and them interacting together. This will help give our project a more ‘impactful’ piece and show the realities of creatives. Overall reinforcing our overarching issue.

As a media practitioner, on feedback given regarding audio, we will learn more about mixing. Assessing where we can lower elements or increase the gain. Hoping to smooth out the high and low dips of audio. We also will add more elements of the band playing together in the short, so we get a real feel of the band together. As this was a piece of feedback, audiences wanted to see more of the band playing and interacting together.

In future pitching, I will discuss less about timeline and budgeting, focusing more on the story and what drew me to this story. Adding a more personalised element to my pitch and exciting the audience. Discussing the visual elements rather than the paperwork and back end of the project. However, still include the timeline and budget slides, being briefer to show the audience we have thought about it to gain confidence within them.