producing short documentaries: from good ideas to ... · producing short documentaries: from good...
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Producing Short Documentaries:
From Good Ideas to Financing & Distribution
Dr Phoebe HartQueensland University of Technology
ATOM Conference3 November 2017
@hartflicker
Who am I?AcceptanceHumanity Equality UnderdogsHumourConnection
What makes a great doco?
Research is key
Obsessive character(s) with clear goals and high stakes
Strangely compelling, a fresh angle, “never before seen”
Ideas are everywhere
Don’t be boring!
https://vimeo.com/7296473
Creative risk taking in the class room
Allow the space for students to feel safe and confident to voice their differing views
Designing learning activities to foster ambiguity, playfulness and flexibility based on ‘a strong atmosphere of mutual trust and affective support’ can promote students’ creative risk-taking (Steers 2009, 131)
Lindstrom (2006, 62-3) suggests that providing flexible, playful, and open learning environments can foster improvements in creative ability.
Choi, Jaz Hee-jeong , Payne, Alice , Hart, Phoebe , & Brown, Alice V. (2017) Creative Risk-taking: Developing strategies for first year university students in the creative industries. International Journal Of Art & Design Education. (In Press)
Choose a style1. Expositional
2. Essay / hybrid / experimental
3. First-person / Participative
4. Observational
5. Autobiographical https://vimeo.com/13320867
Write it up
[TITLE] is a [GENRE] about an [INTERESTING CHARACTER] who must [DO SOMETHING DIFFICULT] and [ACHIEVE SOMETHING WORTHWHILE]. It’s really about [THEME] and I’m excited to work on it because [PERSONAL CONNECTION].
TRY IT OUT!
Scripting A/V split
A story / B story – narrative arcs
For a presenter led, it’s important to put VO or a “Nat sot” or “Montage” sequence between IV and PTC https://vimeo.com/112462609
Repetition is death
Shotlists are handy to have in the field so you don’t forget anything
Hit the Field A good “survival” kit consists of camera,
radio mic, directional mic, tripod, reflector, wide angle lens
Small vs large? Bigger not always better
Extension is boom pole, mixer, lighting kit (the Kino Celeb LEDs are great), steady cam
What people don’t often think about! Utility belt (screwdriver, sunscreen, water, etc.)
Hit the Field Crew a minimum of two people – camera &
sound
Often take a long time to get everything you need – but remember you can get pick ups
Ratio 1:100 is not unusual (particularly for Observational style)
Made in the EditThe edit is very important for documentaries
Story cards (A/B stories)
Selects, assembly, rough, fine, lock
https://vimeo.com/175568734
Archive
Value of pick ups
Fix it in postHow much can you fix in post? A lot!
Sound mix
Grade (some terrific tutorials on Lynda.com)
Animation
Titles & supers sometimes organic technology is more effective!
Financing It’s not cheap “It will always be a labor of
love.”
Student films can’t access money easily
Even indies need broadcast or distribution deal before they can access state funding
Clever ideas to save money.
CrowdfundingFamily & friends, acquaintances or strangers?
Small goals work better ($10K)
Preparation is paramount
It’s hard work
Need a team (social media manager, PR, rewards manager, etc.) – do radio & live events
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/276607986/handbag-the-final-countdown
CrowdfundingNeed lots of visual marketing materials
The “pitch” video – grab them from the get go!
Personal outreach (face-to-face, phone calls, emails) work best
“Nobody ever teaches you how to ask for money”
Distribution1. Broadcast opportunities (iView – Grad
Season)
2. Create your own screenings
3. Festivals & Awards (hint: ATOM Awards are well respected)
4. YouTube is watched mostly by young people
5. Partner screenings – are there organisationsthat align to your story’s message?
Thank you!