pre-production with a twist

So the course seems to be moving full steam ahead as far as moving our projects along is concerned. This week we're focusing on the research aspect of our proposals - seeing as the written draft is going to be due at the end of next week. Talk about a whirlwind process! But it's keeping us on our toes at least.

Having read Rabiger's reading for this week, I am starting to feel a little overwhelmed. There just seems like there is so much intense ground to cover, so much thorough preparation that we need to undergo... and we haven't even decided on what to do as yet! I know that a strong pre-production is essential for any final production to work out... Things can't exactly go according to plan if there is none! But it just feels like the undertow of the semester will drag us all with it unless we get cracking - sooner rather than later.

On the plus side, it's good that we have been told just what specifics we need to address. Thus eliminating the possibility of leaving anything out. I really do hope we get to follow through with my concept; I think a subject matter such as a drag queen will give us a better chance of crafting a documentary that is both engaging and contains a visual edge. Either way though, the way we go about it will determine the outcome - and as long as we're all prepared to put in 100% then I'm sure the outcome will speak for itself.

Getting the chance to make a documentary on a subject who happens to be my friend will also give me a chance to examine the nature of our friendship. Which, for reasons I won't detail here is quite complex. The lens of art would be a brilliant dimension to add to it though.. Which is why I am quite intent on seeing it through, because I really think it will be a positive dynamic not just for the purposes of this project but for the possible enrichment of one of my dearest friendships. Creativity is a wonderous thing.

getting it together

Groupwork is on the horizon again - this time I'm not the only Prof Commer in the group, in fact there are two of us so watch out folks: strength in numbers!

I'm with Antony and Christine this time around. Really looking forward to working with these guys, they seem really enthusiastic and willing to include others which is always a plus.

Both of this weeks readings served to reinforce what Christine covered in the lecture - that is, to focus on the nature of storytelling and to define that burning question in pre-production (in other words, to pin down the 'main point' that you wish to illustrate).

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it to MIFF this week - being flown to Sydney tomorrow afternoon as part of a work function. BUT I will be getting my rear into gear next week, so hopefully there will be a few familiar faces there. Would hate to think of myself as the one and only doco geek in this entire course :P

Also, not that is even deserves a mention, but the final of Big Brother is going to be on next week. Even though I never watch the show during the 'season', I always like to tune into the final, keeping up appearances with popular culture so to speak. And, although it pains me to admit it, reality TV has changed the face of communications forever, and as annoying as it is, I can't really spend an entire year of my life having studied the intricacies of both 'drama' AND 'documentary' without fostering some kind of appreciation for the formats in which they converge.

And that, friends, is what the real success of 'reality TV' - for all its unmistakable crassness - can be rightfully attributed to.

a sneak preview of my pre-production

1 - mike's pipe, tv hits mag, tablecloth
2 - dull kitchen painting by request of jen
3 - gwen stefani - emo bedroom fodder
4 - fruit bowl, 2 oranges, 2 aprons, there's also a hairtie for the lou that isn't in the shot
5 - 2 x 2 placemats, one being of reverse phallic design (peaches, ahahahah *ahem*)
6 - marilyn monroe poster as per the script

Enjoy.