Equipment Rental

"Hello Matt, long time no see.
Between the 31st of March to the 18th April I am shooting an Observation documentary on the homeless community in Leeds for my FMP. This is extremely late notice for equipment rental but it would be extremely helpful if I could rent out:

- Canon 5dmk3- Tripod- Shoulder mount- Spare battery- Charger- SD card- Rode mic- Radio mic


Let me know if it is possible to get this equipment when you have a spare moment.


Tom Stephens"

Interview Styles

Documentary Interview: Composition, Lighting and Style

In order to develop my own style in documentary I must first look at other practitioners. Documentary filmakers that coined their own cinematography style in an interview process.

More Than Honey (2012) Directed by Markus Imhoof. Cinematography by the macro insect specialist Attila Boa.

This is a beautiful setting for a interview with an amazing composition that capture an array of different colours in this natural landscape shot. Natural lighting used extremely well on this bee keeper laying in the Swiss Alps
"Here the bees are feeling good. They are having Sunday today. No wonder they are making such clear honey. Pure nature, no fungicide, no poison, anywhere"
This natural setting has produced a natural interview that suits the context of the documentary message.

How To Survive A Plague (2012). Directed by David France. Director of Photography Derek Wiesehahn.

This close up shot of Peter Staley is simple, soft and beautiful in a rich black back drop. In this shot Staley explains his survival journey through HIV/AIDS, and how he has the luxury and burden of reflecting upon it with us "Just losing and uh just so many, so many good people and uh you know, like any war you wonder why you came home"

Imelda (2003) Directed by Ramona Diaz. Cinematography by Ferne Pearlstein.

Ferne Pearlstein has set a beautiful composition for this shot, with great natural lighting.

After Tiller (2013). Directed by Martha Shane and Lana Wilson. Director of Photography Hillary Spera.

A compelling interview as DR. Warren Hern, one of the only four doctors practicing late-term abortions in the U.S describes his families fear in the light of the assassination of Dr George Tiller; a fellow doctor in his field.
This mid-close up shot makes for a compelling interview, with great depth of field and colour definition in the background.

Cane Toads: An Unnatural History (1988) Directed by Mark Lewis. Cinematographer Jim Frazier.

Beautiful scenic wide angle shot of Tip Bryne. Bryne a sugar cane farmer reminisces the moment in history when the Cane Toads invaded Australia.

Indie Game: The Movie (2012). Directed by Lisanne Pajot and James Swirsky.

This relaxed medium shot in Indie Game: The Movie is light beautifully. The cinematography is simple but careful, light by a soft natural light. I want to shy away from using production lights for my interviews, for I feel that it will attract away from the authenticity of the work. However, this shot is beautifully light, without an over whelming presence that equipment was used, due to the natural light coming through the window on the far right hand side.

A Very British Gangster (2007). Director Donal Macintyre. Cinematographer Nick Manley and Mike Turnbull

A very British Gangster follows the profile of a Manchester gangster named Dominic Noonan. There are many shocking events that unravel in this documentary that would discourage many viewers. However, the cinematography prides itself on the Manchester setting has captured the dull, ugly and deprived areas of Manchester that Dominic reigned. Nick Manley has done an excellent job on capturing a very grey and unsettling place. This is an aspect I should take on board for my production, due to me shooting in a similar area, primarily using natural light.

Life According to Sam (2013). Directed by Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine. Cinematography by Sean Fine

Sam Berns the hero of this film, sufferes from a rare genetic disease called progeria. In this interview he explains "I didn't put myself in front of you to have you feel bad for me. I put myself in front of you to let you know that you don't need to feel bad for me. Because this is how, I want you to get to know me. This is my life."
An amazing close up shot, the soft lighting accompanies the clear and natural message that Sam reveals the the audience.

Exit Through The Gift Shop (2010) Directed by Banksy. Cinematographer Thierry Guetta

Thierry Guetta and the 9 other Cinematographers involved in this feature (Eric Coleman, Jaimie D'Cruz, Jerry Henry, Karoly Holbon, Melody Howse, Romain Lefebure, Todd Mazer, and Andy Phipps) have contributed towards an amazing piece. In this scene if you look closely you can see the black mask over the hoodie hole, ensuring the identity of Banksy is hidden. For a particular interview I have arranged, the interviewee Jennifer wishes to keep her identity safe for personal reasons. Therefore I will need to conduct her interviews in a silhouete, or use post production covers such as a blur or a black mask on this shot.

Saving Face (2012) Directed by Daniel Junge and Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy. Cinematography by Asad Faruqi, Aaron Kopp, Martina Radwan.

Here is a woman named Rukhsana, still living with her husband in-laws after they performed unspeakable horrors upon her; dousing her in acid and gasoline and setting her alight. "This is where they burned me alive. My life was destroyed in this room"
This wide shot has made a great use of the props in the room and the proxemics, making a cold and chilling interview as you can see the whole room as she described what happened here.

Whores' Glory (2011) Directed by Michael Glawogger. Cinematography by Wolfgang Thaler

This Cinematic masterpiece is just as dark as it sounds. Veering between the shocking and banal lives of whore, pimps and johns in three brothel districts around the world. This is perhaps my favourite shot in this blog post, this naturally light mid shot is both athletically pleasing and figuratively relevant as an unnamed John in Faridput, Bangladesh describes his consumer act while shaving a mans heads.
"When I have a break I go to the bazaar and fuck, to enjoy myself. I go at least once or twice a day. It's all I think about. Without the Faridpur brothel district, women couldn't go out on the streets without being molested. Men would be so horny they would rape them. Without these women, men would be screwing cows and goats."

603 Documents

Production Documents

Gant Chart

Location Permission Form

Location Reece

Release and Consent

Requirements

Footage Log

Interview Techniques

Interview Techniques

Before conducting my interviews for FMP I have written a list of 10 basic techniques from leading film makers, that I must establish before I start my shoot.

1. Question preperation.For the interview process I must think ahead about the type of questions that I want to ask the interviewee. I need to think carefully to what information i'm looking for from this particular person, considering what questions will prompt the information needed. According to Faith Fuller, a leading news reporter, video producer and documentary film maker I need around 5-10 questions, stating that i shouldn't go dramatically over the top with too many questions.

2. Avoiding "yes" and "no"My questions should be asked in a way that avoids “yes” or “no” answers. It is emperative that I ask the right questions so that the interviewees gives substantive answers that will make it to the final cut. Faith Fuller again gives an example quetion that will prompt a better response from your subject. Instead of asking “Are you happy with the outcome of the court case?” Ask, “What is your response to the outcome of today’s court case?”

3. Allow spontaneity.Although I will prepare questions in advance, I will let the interview flow through the interviewees hands, allowing room to veer away from my preset question. Encouraging the interviewee to express points that they believe is relevent to the topic in hand. I believe that the unplanned “spontaneous” questions & answers will produce footage that will make the final cut.


4. Sit back and relax
At the start of the interview I will ask a string of question to warm up both of our voices. Once the video camera starts to roll I will ask the interviewee basic and east information, such as their name, what they eat for breakfast, whether they have a family or not etc. These questions are designed to ease the interviewee into a comfortable situation where ideas and information flows naturally. I will also ask them to spell their name out on camera, for the post production process - referencing their involvement in the project.

5. Keep it to yourself.
Another tip given by Fuller is keeping your questions secret. Giving the interviewee a list of questions will promt a memorized response to your questions, this will cause answers that are less spontaneous, answers that will appear stale, rehearsed and unauthentic.

6. Have them repeat your question
Since there will be no narration I will encourage the interviewee to repeat my questions in their answers. This will help grately in the post production process as I carve a narrative out of the footage I have. For example, asking, “How are you feeling?” The interviewee may reply, “How am I feeling? I’m feeling excited!”

7. Camera Positioning.

In the interview process I will be the both shooting and interviewing at the same time, this means that I must position myself away from the camera, eliminating the possibility of the interviewee looking into the camera. Although looking into the camera for an interview can produce footage that feels personal, I beleive that the interview will flow better with the eye connection centred on the interview rather than the daunting camera. I will take up an off-camera approach which is the most common interview techniques used. The interviewer sits or stands right next to the camera so that the interviewee is looking just off camera. I beleive that I will get the best results if the interviewer is standing right next to the camera, that way you can see the full face of the person you’re interviewing and not a profile. Which may be unattractive and distracting to the viewer because you can’t see their eyes and facial expressions very well.

8. Keeping my mouth closed.
It is important to stay quiet when the interviewee is talking. I do not want to hear myself in the background when in the post production process. This includes making any affirmations such as "hmmmmm" or "Oh right...". I will soley ask the questions that need to be asked and avoid interrupting the interviewee. In stead I will make gentle facial expressions to encourage conversation.

9. Final comments.
Always ask the interviewee if they have any final thoughts. Ask them if there was anything you missed. This can sometimes bring out some great information you hadn’t thought to ask about.

10. It's not all over yet.
If the interviewee didn't loosen up in the interview I will anounce after asking for their final thoughts that I am finished with the interview; whilst making sure that the camera is still rolling.

Psychologically, the interviewee will no longer feels the pressure of the camera and will relax, allowing for a last chance to snap some authentic footage.

St Annes Centre

St Anne's Resource Centre

R.A.I.S.E. = Resources, Advice, Information, Support and Engagement

On Tuesday the 25th of March I organised a preliminary interview with Liz a colleague working at St Annes. She agreed to talk to me explaining the work the charity does. Liz explained to me that St Annes Resource Centre is a base where homeless can find help in a variety of different areas. Explaining that housed in the Resource Centre building are the Big Issue in the North, Harm Reduction Service and Tier 2 and 3 Drug Treatment Services; all located in one building
The charity also provides:

• A drop in centre where you don't have to pay

• Safe mail address to contact friends, family and to sort benefits

• Shower facilities

• Sign posting service 

• Laundry/Clothing supplied

• Advice and guidance on drug and alcohol issues

• Timetable of group activities and education classes. Including English speaking classes, computer training and cooking & eating

• Hostel referrals 

• Repatriation 

• Mental and Physical health help

• Court Appearance service

• Language Interpreters 

Liz went on to add that the homeless communities need for help fluctuates throughout the year. Waves off homeless will come for help at the same time, depending on the season. She added that in the summer most of the community are out drinking in the sun, along with the rest of the country; so the summer months are quiet. Where as around xmas deep into the winter months are busier. Liz went on to inform me to the winter protocol that Leeds city centre council has established during extreme weather conditions, where all homeless are guarantied a bed. The council also run a 'second night out scheme' which will provide a bed for the homeless if they've been out on the streets two nights in a row. 

I questioned Liz on how St Annes is funded, she explained that the company 'Supporting people' funded the resource centre, setting the syllabus to what the centre must teach and the classes as well as the classes that need to be provided.She continued to explain campaigns they've run in the past, such as the rucksack appeal, to donate a ruck sack filled with clothing, food and toiletries to the centre. The appeal was a huge success, with a ruck sack being one of the key items needed when living rough on the streets. 

I asked Liz if she has noticed the rise in 17 - 24 year olds in the homeless community. She told me that St Annes mainly deals with older members of the community, referring people to Archway in Leeds - a young persons safe house that cares for homeless between the ages of 16 - 25.

St Georges Crypt

St Georges Crypt

St Georges Crypt is aChristian charity organisation that started 83 years ago after the depression, for men without work . The reverent Percy Donald Robins cleared out the crypt to make way for a sustainable and reliable charity that continues to house and rehabilitate members of the homeless community. Set up as a social enterprise that made coat hangers the Crypt now run 3 different centre across Leeds, offering a bed, 3 meals a day and lunch for £1.

I was informed of the Crypt by my tutor Annabeth, who suggested that the charity would be a great place to start in gathering information on the homeless community in Leeds. I took the initiative to call the charity, where I was greeted by Andrew Omond a manger at the Crypt. He agreed to meet up for a preliminary interview on monday the 24th of March.

• Andrew began by explaining the work that Crypt in giving the homeless two feet to stand on. They run a self catering program that leads to employment as well as teaching the less fortunate basic cooking skills.
• The charity run 2 shops that bring in funds towards the crypt as well as employing homeless to run the shop.
• St Georges run the main centre home which can house 15 people in single beds. The charity lso have two other bed sites, one wet and one dry; both of which have 15 beds. 
• The wet centre allows individuals to continue drinking if they so wish but are encouraged to cut back. Andrew explained that it is better for these people to be drinking in a safe controlled environment as opposed to drinking on the streets.
• The dry centre runs a strict abstinence regime, where drinking is not tolerated and can see you expelled from the facility. The site runs of the 12 step program to sobriety.
• The dry centre runs a therapeutic gardening program that teaches the less fortunate to nurture and grow. The centre also runs training engagement that looks at confidence training.
• The crypt future plans are for a purpose built housing that combine the work place with a home for the less fortunate.
• Andrew explained that there are very few long term homeless, however there has been a massive increase in young homeless, as well as an increase in food parcels. 
• However, their public spending has not been cut and work successfully with the council with 20% of their funds paid by the government.

Andrew Omond was a excellent person to talk to in furthering my project, further more he agreed to appear on camera for me, adding new characters, dimensions and topic of issues o be discussed in the documentary. We parted way with each others e-mail addresses, with the confirmation of an interview in the next couple of weeks.

Proposal Organizer

Proposal Organizer

Working Title - Sleeping rough on the streets of Leeds (WIP)
Director - Tom Stephens
Sound - Luke Terry 

Others (Role) - William Attwell (Camera assistant, Art director)

Format - 720p 50fps
Camera - Canon 5Dmk3
Editor (Role)  - Tom Stephens (Rough Cut), Ben Carrigan (Colour Grade, VFX)

1. Working Hypothesis and Interpretation. What are your persuasions about the world you are going to show in your film, the "state-ment" you want to emerge out of the film's dialectics?

    - Hypothesis Statement.
I am looking to tackle the alarming increase of the homeless community in the UK, focusing on the city of Leeds. My film will explore the day to day homeless life styles, where they acquire food, where they beg, whether or not they sleep rough and how they survive from a day to day basis. The documentary will also look at the bigger picture of the the homeless situation, talking to charities such as Simon on the Streets and St Georges Crypt to determine the cause of rising homeless figures. I will also be pursuing the work of these charities and how they are helping the homeless situation.

2. Topic and exposition. Write a paragraph that includes
    - A. Your films subject (person, group, environment, social issues, and so on)
    - B. Expository information (factual or other background information) so that the reader can see           the enclosed world into which you are going to take us

My documentary will be centred around several members of the homeless community in Leeds, however, the documentary will look at the broader picture of poverty in the UK. I shall explore the correlation between cuts in public spending that has triggered a domino effect to the lower classes, charities and food banks of Britain.

3. Action Sequence
    - A. I hope to capture action sequences that unravel whilst documenting several members of the            homeless community. Nat sound breaks that emphasis that harsh reality of sleeping rough              on the streets.
    - B. I anticipate that the local charities will relay shocking stories and statistics of the rising                  homeless.

4. Conflicts

• The main conflict in this film will be between the homeless and the street they live in.
• The social situation of drink & drug abuse amongst the homeless will be another conflict in this film. Capturing the homeless opinion on drink vs drugs vs sobriety.
• Opinions on social and political influences towards the rise in homeless will be confronted as I am to get a variety of different visions and views.

5. Social Significance

• I am hoping that my film will be thought provoking towards the middle and higher classes. 
• Evoking feelings of relief and gratitude towards their own lives.
• The overall focus of the film should connect the homeless characters with the audience, highlighting the relatable aspects of being human.Prompting the audience to make a kind gesture in their day and to spare a thought for the less fortunate.

6. Resolution

• I imagine that my film will end on a footnote from an interview, either with Andrew or members of the homeless community.
• A chilling quote that summaries the situation of Poverty in Britain.

Swansea: Living on the Streets

Swansea: Living on the Streets

Swansea: Living on the Streets is a hard-hitting documentary series on the homelessness in Wales. The documentary touches upon personal and compelling stories of the homeless community in the run up to Christmas. The series offers an insight into the day to day life of individuals sleeping rough on Swansea's streets, as the community is hassled by Police presence struggling to build a life of their own.
Although the documentary may appear to be a downward spiral of depression, the homeless stories are compelling and relatable which allows the series to fluctuate between a variety of emotions. Episode 2 followed 3 different characters as they all work towards the end goal of getting off the streets. Their stories are diverse and their backgrounds deep, with one character Helena who is a university graduate and mother, who lost everything. It is these relatable characteristics that I am looking for to be documented, someone that has suffered misfortunes of life but still maintains stability. 

Shot list and Questions

Shot list and Questions

Questions for the homeless -

Name, Age?
How long have you lived in Leeds for?
How long have you lived on the streets for?
Where do you sleep?
How much do you earn of begging?

Where are the best begging spots in Leeds and why?

How did you become homeless?

Where are your roots?
What is your relationship with the police?
Do you drink on the streets?
When was your first drink?

Questions for charities: 

St Georges crypt 

Have you noticed a rise in homeless over the last couple of years?
The number of 17 - 24 year olds who are homeless is on the rise, have you noticed an increase at the crypt?
Does St George crypt rely solely on public donations?
Have the cuts in public spending effected the work at St Georges?
What is crypt doing to get homeless back into work? And how hard is it to find individuals work in this economic climate?

Shot list - 

Interviews - which tell the story
  - Simon on the Street
  - St Georges Crypt 

B-Roll - visuals that cover up the talking head of the interviews
  - Street Preachers, plate shot praising god
  -

Nat Sound Breaks - an event that unfolds on camera, adds drama and suspense 

Shelter: a look at Manchester's homeless

Shelter: a look at Manchester's homeless

Shelter: a look at Manchester's homeless. Full film. from Mike Staniforth | Film on Vimeo.

Mike Staniforth's documentary on the homeless community in Manchester has won a variety of different laurels from UK and Europe film festivals. Mike Stainforth's film is shot in an Observational mode where characters such as Lukasz describe their daily life style. Their story to say the least is compelling and shocking that observing them alone informs the audience of their situation far greater than any narrator could. It is this style and dramatic impact that I hope to achieve through the shooting process.

Homeless Statistics

Poverty in Britain statistics

Homeless statistics

"Young homeless numbers on the rise, says Citizens Advice" - http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/25930493

• During 2012-13, 4,529 people asked for help, an increase of 57% from 2007-08 when the service received 2,890 calls.

• The number of people getting in touch because they were about to become homeless but were still living in a house or flat went up from 5,461 to 7,576 between 2007-08 and 2012-13 as well.

• Emma Reynolds, the shadow housing minister, accused David Cameron of breaking his promises to tackle homelessness and get Britain building.

• "Homelessness has risen every year under this government, the number of families with children living in bed and breakfasts is at a 10-year high and house-building is at its lowest in peacetime since the 1920s," she said.

• 185,000 a year affected, say Crisis and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, because of benefits cuts and a shortage of housing

• On Tuesday official statistics showed a 5% rise in rough sleepers, an indication of more and more households being affected by benefit cuts and a lack of affordable housing. 

• According to the government there were 2,414 people reported by local councils across the country sleeping rough on any one night in 2013, up from 2,309 in 2012 and from 1,768 in 2010.

"The number of homeless in England has risen for 3 years in a row, report says" - http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/dec/13/homeless-numbers-increase-three-years-england

• "We keep hearing that the economy is on the mend. Yet as we watch our GDP figures slowly rise, cuts to housing benefit and woefully inadequate house building will keep pushing up homelessness.
  "Shamefully, it is the poorest and most vulnerable that are bearing the brunt," she said.

"Homeless living in shocking, rat-infested conditions, report says" - http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/26/homeless-shocking-rat-infested-conditions

Welfare budget slashed statistics 

"Counting the Cuts" - http://www.centreforwelfarereform.org/library/type/pdfs/counting-the-cuts.html

In 2010 the UK government began 'austerity' programme in order to cut public spending. This was it's response to a financial crisis caused by:

• A house price bubble

• Mounting personal debt and mortgages

• Excessive lending by the bank

• Poor governance by the government and the bank of England

In reality the governments plans had the opposite effect, in particular the government decided to:

• Increase VAT to 20% - a tax that hits the poorest hardest.

• Introduce a wide range of cuts to the benefit system.

• Cut housing benefit and mortgage interest relief.

• Cut local government, which is responsible for social care of adults and children.

• Cut legal aid and systems used to defend rights.

• There have also been significant increases in the cost of meeting basic needs, e.g utilities, housing.

Social care cuts.

The government committed itself to make these cuts fairly: to place the greatest burden of cuts on those who were better off. With David Cameron stating "It's fair that those with broader shoulders should bear a greater load" David Cameron speech October 2010

Worryingly the UK government has not conducted a 'cumulative impact assessment' in order to to calculate the social impact of theses cuts.

The biggest and deepest cut is to local government, there are many possibilities for the targeting of local government:

• Local government finance is organised in a very complex way.

• Most of it's funding comes from central government, but some of this funding is ring fenced (e.g education) and some comes from council tax.

• The public neither understands nor highly values local government.

• Local government can take the blame for any cuts that it is forced to make.

• Local governments have often tried to protect social care from the worst of the cuts; but also that it cannot manage to fully protect social care.

• Between 2007 - 08 and 2012 - 13 services had already been cut by %25. Further pressure on social care is inevitable and it is likely to a cut of £7.5 billion by 2015 - 16; a cut of %33

• The government hope to use funding from the NHS to fill the gap in social care funding; however this would mean reversing its promise to protect NHS spending.

Individuals affected 

The consequences of these cuts have been felt by a staggering number of British citizens, especially those who struggle financially. In particular we already see:

• People in poverty (20% of the population) bear 36% of the cuts. On average individuals in poverty will lose £2,774 per year due to annual cuts by 2015/16.

• Disabled people in poverty (4% of the population) bear 13% of the cuts. On average disabled individuals will lose £4,660 per year due to annual cuts by 2015/16.

• People using social care (3% of the population) beat 13% of the cuts. On average individuals using social care will lose £6,409 per year due to annual cuts by 2015/16.

• Growing numbers forced to use food banks.

• Rapid %25 reduction in social care services.

• Growing crises in health care services as social care diminishes.

• Increased personal debt.

• Increased mental health problems.

• Increased family breakdowns.

• Growing inequality.