Lots of loose tangents of thought this week. I'm continuing the
refining process for my documentary proposal. We didn't spend much time
talking about scriptwriting since it was covered in previous modules.
You can review previous episodes for more information about that
practice. Check out the Grim Reader podcast (be aware that this link will open iTunes) for quick, but insightful advice about preparing your script.
Here a link once more to some video that I produced on my company's website.
Some
of the topics this week are about creating a proposal; a written
document that describes the film's goals and outlines production
responsibilities. Others topics are more personal, illuminative. Such
as,
You, the client and the film - always choose the film first.
There's always going to be conflict, and the client is going to think
they can add just one more thing, or they'll insist you act on a really
bad idea. Instead of coming back with what you, IYHO as a
"professional" would do and further alienate the relationship, take the
middle ground. Come in on the side of the film. When you advocate
what's best for the film, you demonstrate that you care about the
product. That gains you a lot of respect and keeps the focus off what
individuals want.
I've included some ideas about interviewing
people. Lots of places on the web give advice about interviewing
people. I like to listen to podcasts on the subject, they give me
insight into different approaches and as well as something to compare
my own skills against.
Relax and ask a lot of questions. Listen
to the person and instead of running down a bullet list of unrelated
questions. Tie each answer to the following question, or ask them a
question that expands what they're saying. Find subtle ways to direct
the speaker along paths you want to explore, so it feels as though they
are a part of the conversation.
It continues to surprise me how willing people can be to talk if you demonstrate you're interested.
A
brief note about the minimum for producing video for the web. Don't go
too bare bones in production or post if it's going to reflect poorly on
the client.
Finally, I'm going to NAB.
It's a great training conference and a chance to see the latest and
greatest hardware and software for digital film and video. I'd love to
meet up, if anyone listening is going to be there. If you're not, you
can send in requests for information I can report on. Let me know
either way.
I posted a couple shows last year, #21 and #22. I plan on posting a show each day this year.
