Open Cinema

THE PROJECT

Participants work with professional filmmakers to create a short film based on the issues affecting them, and the work of the organization to support them. A supervising filmmaker facilitates the management and direction of the film; the participants engage in the creative and technical process, gaining hands-on experience and the development of a range of life skills – confidence, literacy, sociability, purpose – in the production of the film.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim is to enable a group of individuals without previous film production experience to develop and create a short advocacy film, which will help them explore an issue affecting them and help the organization develop its work in this area. The supervising filmmaker works to incorporate wherever possible the creative contributions of clients and staff in the development of the film, while maintaining high production standards in final result. There are two, two-hour development sessions over the course of three weeks, with approximately 3 to 6 production sessions (half-day or full-day) in the following weeks, according to the requirements of the film.

SESSION 1: DEVELOPMENT Part 1An overview of the filmmaking process: what are the issues or greatest urgency? Who are the audiences who would benefit from clear treatment of these issues on film? What are the roles required of the team on this project? 

Talents amongst the participants are identified, and offered the means for being contributed to the project in creative and practical ways. Who can contribute to the story, stylistic approach, voice-over, technical production (camera, sound, edit)?  

What filmic treatment should be employed as most suitable or effective? How can they most powerfully communicate the required information?

SESSION 2: DEVELOPMENT Part 2Themes and creative ideas are finalized, a structure agreed and a script drafted. Equipment that will be involved in the production is introduced and participants have the opportunity to handle it. Roles and responsibilities for the production shoot are agreed.

SESSIONS 3-8: PRODUCTION SESSIONS 1-6 

A series of production (filming) sessions will follow the development sessions. These will either take place in one week or over the course of a few weeks. They will be conducted either on the premises of the support organization, in locations elsewhere in the city as appropriate, or both. Participants and equipment are covered by public liability insurance.

THE EDIT The edit is led by the supervising filmmaker, using their own equipment; it is not possible within the confines of this programme to introduce the participants to editing software, or to enable their contribution to the entire editing process. However, ‘rough cut’ edits will be presented to the participants at intervals during the process, to incorporate their responses and ideas into the ‘final cut’. 

Project leaders will also submit a rough cut of the film to the commissioner for feedback, and for specific instructions to be incorporated into the final cut.

DELIVERY AND PRESENTATION The film is typically delivered4 weeks after production commences. Each organisation will receive a master copy of the DVD, as well as a digital file of the film, to enable uploads to websites and the creation of additional copies. The film may be presented at the premises of the support organization by the participants and the supervising filmmaker, by arrangement.

IMPACT STRATEGY

The film may now be uploaded to the organisation’s website, distributed to the press and to online forums dealing with the issues covered, to policy-makers, sponsors and peer organizations. Consultation and further contacts for these purposes will be available to the support organization from Open Cinema.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

Up to 8.

PRICING

Subject to the brief.