PRODUCTION: NEW ROLE - EDITOR

For this project my role isn't only as the Director of Photography, I'm also the Editor for our documentary. Since during Pre-Production my focus was on being the DOP and we move closer to Post-Production, I've begun to start researching into what it is to be an Editor for a documentary and also how to go about editing a documentary.

Already, speaking with my tutors Simon & Helen, the main point they've made which is important is the communication between the Director and the Editor. Although it is my job to work through all the footage and assemble it, the Director gets the final say and will help shape the documentary with me. Looking online I found an article by Mark Heidelberger who is a writer with 22 years of experience as well as holds a Masters Degree in Fine Art. He used many different research formats and put together an online article about what you need to be an Editor for Documentaries.

PRODUCTION: CHANGE OF STORY & BUDGET RESTRICTIONS

After a production meeting with the team I've been told the story is going to be adapting much more in the new script. Jemma also explained that she didn't have enough of an input on the visuals from the previous times so from this point on, she'll be noting the visuals she wants within the script and I will then sit and work through in more detail what she wants and how I will achieve this visually, looking more into the technical side of it with her.

Jemma and Victoria explained that we may not have Oliver as a contributor now as he is currently working and getting time off is an issue so he may not be able to come onboard. Jemma also explained that the owner of the Tom Thumb Theatre has given her a contact for a woman called Amy who is a co-founder for a famous Drag event called 'Sink the Pink' and she may be coming onboard with the documentary. A new script is currently underway so all I can do for now is keep researching and preparing for the Production.

Victoria explained to me that we're having some issues with budget and we may not be able to get the Canon C100 for the price we found it on via Fat lama. I explained that I can work with either the Sony A7S however we won't get as good audio as it doesn't have the option to put in an XLR cable. Or I could use the Panasonic DVX200 but it's not as easy to operate with a rig or handheld. I've asked if I can try and find an alternative, i'm aiming to speak to a view contacts I have about borrowing a camera or finding an alternative.

PRODUCTION: TECH RUN - TOM THUMB THEATRE

As we're planning on having Tanya's first performance as a Drag Queen at the Tom Thumb Theatre and I've planned for it to be a 2 camera set up to film the performance (see camera plan below) as well as lighting for the performance which is supplied by the theatre.

Floor Plan:

Camera Plan:

PRODUCTION: MOVING FORWARD

From our last unit (Pre-Production) the main feedback for myself that was given was not enough thought and creativity into the visuals and communication between myself and Jemma (The Director) needs to improve as we need to work together on the visuals for the documentary rather than just me or just her.

Moving forward towards production I also need to begin researching into being an Editor as well as preparing for editing alongside going into Production and filming the documentary. However, we aren't ready yet as the script is still being worked on and we haven't finalised the narrative or the story of the documentary.