DOCUMENTARY: LECTURE [Research and Ethics w/HCurston (10/3)]

Research:

Casting
Communication - Cannot build a rapport via e-mail - ring them!
Interesting characters can change a production
Never commit or throw away until you're 100% ready
Make the cast feel important
The wider the net, the higher your chances
Use social networking

Locations:
Plan early
Take photos everwhere you go, build a bank of locations
Actually go there - Sound, Lighting, Risks, Access, Storytelling, Power, Storage
Is best to go when quiet
Take laptop or spare SD to store footage
Always be polite
Always have a plan b

Scheduling
Always overestimate
Schedule lunches!!

Organisation
Prioritise
Always have crew to mind kit and cast etc
check your equipment - be sure you know what you're using and how it works
ALWAYS get consent forms signed before shooting

Paperwork
Get it done early

You've got your idea, now what?
-Test viability, is your story relevant? possible?
- Develop schedule/budget and script
-What is the audience going to see? Think visual potential?

NEXT STEPS:

• Begin research online and relevant journals
• Acquaint yourself with the broader picture and background to your story
• Establish key contacts
• Don't call anybody without doing background research!!
• Keep records and notes
• Prepare basic questions

Relevant b/g info:

Legislations/Regulations

Organisations and experts

Existing research - up to date as possible, if unpublished better - exclusivity

Case studies

Previous TV coverage/archive if appropriate

What makes your story worth commissioning?

What is your angle? What's new about it? Your USP

Ethics:

Your cast are more than just subjects for discussion
Avoid lazy journalism
Treat people with respect
Think about your representation - diversity

Ofcom
PCC
Broadcasters have own guidelines and regulations eg. BBC has producer guidelines
Pressure/interest/community groups likely to be watchful

Finding case studies/characters:
-Those who best illustrate your story
-Interesting and engaging for an audience

Where to look:
-Relevant organisations
-Via experts
-Via reported media cases

Always meet them - building a rapport is important.

Important information to get:
name/Age/Contact details - write it down and keep it safe!
-Availability (work and holiday commitments)
-Potential filming locations
-Potential RELEVANT sequences
-For under 18s - Parental Consent

Listen to: 'Word of Mouth - Journalsese - Looking at Lazy Journalese' - Podcast via EStream

Claire Johns: Documentary Directing
Inspired by socially minded films
Went through a lot of red tape
Found pos whilst researching