Documentary Unit: Lecture

Casting- Even with a small cast its good to be well organised and constantly keep your actors informed/up to date. Cast are more likely to drop out through lack of communication than lack of interest.
Paperwork- Actors could potentially sew you for putting them online without getting them to sign a contract. Useful for safety and risk assessments. Get this all done as soon as possible in advance
Locations- Recce- Important to fins out the potential risks, that its suitable in terms of access/storytelling/sound/lighting/storage/power source.
Scheduling- Estimating how long it's going to take to set up
Organisation- don't spend too much time on one thing; prioritise.
Characters- don't commit too early and don't burn the bridge

Have someone looking after people. Walkie-talkies can be very useful to communicate with crew.
Always have a 'Plan B'
Check equipment!
StarNow, Casting Call Pro, Local theatre, Facebook, schools/colleges. -CAST YOUR NET WIDE

Testing viability of your story
Develop a schedule/budget
What we're gonna show prior to pitching the story; watch stuff, whats coming up
So how do you go about this?
Begin researching online and relevant journals, publications and newspapers-
acquaint yourself with the broader picture and background to your story
Never call any of these contacts until you understand the basis of the story you wish to tell and have an appreciation for the remit/specialism of the individuals when you are calling.
Preparing bait questions which you would like to ask your contacts.

Legislation/regulations
organisations and experts
Existing research- Up to date as possible, if unpublished better- exclusively
Case studies
Previous coverage on TV/archive as appropriate

Require a Journalist Nose
What makes your story worth commissioning
WHAT IS NEW- YOUR ANGLE
Look for a USP (Unique Selling Point)
Who/ what/ when/ where/why/ how
The purpose of a pitch is to give people confidence in our idea
1500 synopsis on the 21st March 
10minutes

 Ethics and Representation
Those with disabilities
Vulnerable bodies are the ones we want to tread carefully with although it does apply to everyone
Tabloids summaries people under these headings we wouldn't usually use
All sorts of people without assumption
Disability
Income
Values/culture
Ethnicity/race
Religion
Sexuality
Issues
Tokenism
Youth/middle/old age 

OFCOM
Press Complaints Commission (independent self regulatory)
Broadcasters- Have their own guidelines
Pressure groups/interest groups/community groups etc. likely tone 'watchful'. e.g. Diabetes UK

A fair representation of the wider context
Fairly treated and represented (honestly)
Avoid 'LAZY' journalism

Keeping everyone happy is a tall order and not what its all about, though it may seem that way. Provide you have reliable sources, that are well tested a verified.

Always meet potential case studies in person
Make sure you're safe and go in pair or group
Take ID and key questions- Pen/paper with relevant notes
Build up a rapport with them

Schedule according to their availability- work and holiday commitments etc.
Parental consent or anyone vulnerable seek permissions
create a small sign which explains that you are filming at the location

Clare Jones: documentary directing mini master class

Trust
Honest
Consent

A really complex consent process, taking a risk especially when you've spent time and money shooting it and you can't put it out there





Usually need location agreements
A common experience when approaching members of the public is to already have experience of dealing with the public
Don't make promises you can't keep
Tell them its just research until you're with happy
Type up briefing notes

Louis There on Jimmy Saville
Past interviews, meeting him
People that were tormented by him
people that were affectionate towards him
Filmed in a very cinematic way- over the shoulder shots
Stuff thats added up, was very close to the line and shows in hindsight
Establishing shots
Revisiting places that were used in his last Jimmy Interview e.g cafe, flying pizza
Very relaxed setting for the people he talks to, less formal makes them feel more comfortable and easier to talk to then a more formal, setup setting
Handheld
Breaks 180degree rule without fear
Camera sometimes distanced from action



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