Filming completely solo is a challenge but it has rewards, you get a chance to build a strong relationship with your contributor and can really get inside a situation. I like filming this way and new technology has made it much easier to cope with sound and video problems. I have a shoulder mounting rig that adds stability and lets me have freer use of my right arm ( I can’t use my left arm as it’s paralysed due to catching Polio when I was a baby ).
The trick is to relax, if you are relaxed the people you are filming will also relax and get used to you. They then act completely naturally, you become accepted, and ‘hey presto’ your filming real life and as life is subjective you don’t have to worry about being ‘objective’ because it’s impossible. Though it’s strange how people accept what they see in a film or TV documentary as a ‘truth’ that just happened.
Hello,
Very interesting, now I believe you were working all that time!!!!! x
In response to the articles and what I know of the disgraceful and bonkers banning of the screening of your film, LAST AMERICAN FREAK SHOW, in association with BAFTA for the X’08 Festival - as a BAFTA member I simply want to say that those that decided are not properly representative of the membership.
This a wrong-headed and I suspect prejudiced decision that can’t stand examination. As a BAFTA member, I don’t feel the need of the protection of the Head of Events or the committee to censor what I see. What I have seen (on YouTube) of your film, I very much like and want to see it in full.
BAFTA (the organisation) owes you a big fat public apology. Maybe worth arranging a picket outside the Opera House on Sunday because if they don’t realise that this is a piece of sheer stupidity then that might drive the point home.
And now you know how to get them to REALLY relax.
Smiles to you my very good friend.