The Process

We involve clients in the decision making at all stages of production:

Stage 1 - Establishing aims and objectives

We feel it is crucial to develop a good relationship with clients and participants from the onset as this will influence the depth of the film and we spend time in establishing goals and communication channels prior to filming. The client owns the copyright of the finished film so any financial gains after the project has been completed will be theirs.

We spend time discussing new projects with clients so that we are aware of the aims of the film, the audience and the content. We will discuss in detail what is possible to film, the themes of the questions and identify locations and subjects to be filmed.

Giving clients choice is very important to us so we spend time planning the budget and if requested, will offer different packages. As we have a range of industry trained professional associates, we are also able to offer a variety of services to suit all of our clients’ budgets, remits and needs. We will discuss this at the beginning of any project and work out a suitable package.

One of our main objectives is to work alongside our customers so that they are empowered and involved throughout the whole process. Whilst we are experts in film-making, our clients are experts in their own field therefore from the very start of any project, we spend time listening and finding out information about the organisation and their approach as well as the aims of the film project.

Stage 2 - Filming

We approach filming sensitively and see it as a priority that subjects enjoy taking part in the process and will, when possible find out what makes them feel comfortable before introducing the camera. We film using broadcast quality cameras, lights and sound recording equipment. We can provide a professional on-site photographer if the project requires.

Each stage of the filming process is important and we treat all areas of production with equal care. Our standard of production is professional. Russell Hall is an experienced cameraperson, Media teacher and has an MA in film. We have a choice of professional camera and sound equipment and a number of lights including Arri and Kino-flo Diva lamps.

Usually, there will only be 2 of us filming meaning less disruption and health and safety issues. We use lights when necessary but if inappropriate due to available filming space will creatively use other alternatives e.g. reflectors, available light and gels.

Preparing Subjects for Filming

We prepare subjects for filming by meeting or telephoning them beforehand. This helps them relax in front of the camera and therefore provides better footage for the finished film. It may be that we can only spend 10 or 15 minutes with them but whatever time we have, it is important to explain the process and make them feel more in control and less apprehensive. When filming Newham Council workers, we discovered that some interviewees were worried that the film would affect their work and were unaware of its purpose. Once we explained the objectives and the themes of questions we would be asking, they relaxed and as a result, their interviews were excellent.

We are very approachable, can tackle challenging subjects and have strategies to make people feel comfortable during filming. Minimising subjects’ anxieties is a priority and people who have at first been cautious have reported enjoying the process.

Planning & Filming Selectively

Because we edit all material ourselves, we are aware of how much footage is needed so will film selectively. This is less disruptive to subjects and also a timesaving strategy as there is less footage to view when logging and transcribing.

We can film on any format.

Stage 3 – Editing

Commissioned films are carefully crafted to suit the client’s style and philosophy. The group can take part in the editing process if they wish. We often provide a paper edit for clients before editing. If requested, our professional music composer can score the film or library music can be used. We offer the services of subtitling, sign writing and dubbing the film in different languages. DVDs can be duplicated in large quantities and DVD covers can be designed by our multi-media artist.

Telling a story clearly and succinctly is the most important challenge in film-making so editing creatively is a vital stage of production. Organising and making sense of the footage can be a challenging task but this runs smoothly because we have planned carefully from the beginning.

Because we have asked focused questions and filmed sequences creatively and thoroughly this means there are few issues at the editing stage. To date, we have not had to return to location to film extra footage. We find that having spent time in pre-production, we are focussed in what we film and this ensures we have all the footage we need.

If required, the project can be onlined at a professional external edit suite.

We can produce a certain number of copies of the finished film in-house and for larger amounts we have a list of preferred professional duplication companies who can output to all formats – video, DVD, CD Rom, Windows Media Movie etc.

Stage 4 - Marketing and Distribution

If required, we will give advice and guidance on how best to use the completed film. Most clients have their own audience but if more publicity and marketing is needed, we can give advice and guidance. We can help produce materials with exercises to accompany the film in training or can suggest places for distribution. We have close links with Thames Gateway TV and The Community Channel so when appropriate, will suggest exhibiting the films there.