As part of the Learning the Ropes six-month programme the group took part in a 3-day intensive Industry Bootcamp which comprised a whistle stop tour of all things production from Commissioning to Post Production and everything in between. Inspirational talks, masterclasses and workshops were run by the amazing folk at in-house Fremantle UK labels, some freelance creatives and a few of our amazing mentors including Channel 4 commissioners & writers.
Written by Bil-Marhamah Rahman
Day two of our Industry Bootcamp was jampacked with insightful sessions. James Harmer kicked things off with an essential guide to successful development in unscripted TV. Directors Georgina Cammalleri and Jackie Waldock shared their top tips on creating meaningful documentaries during and after filming. We then concluded with an in-depth look at the ins and outs of the post-production process with experts from Picture Shop.
As an aspiring filmmaker who has been paired with writer-director Riffy Ahmed as my mentor, I valued the variety this day had, showing not only what makes a story a story, why pre-planning and duty of care matter to a story, but also how intricate post-production is. As my mentor, Riffy, mentioned during our one-on-one session, communication is crucial in the industry, especially for directors and filmmakers. Day 2’s sessions underscored this point, illustrating that the success of various facets of the industry—from contributors and directors to editors, colour graders, and producers—hinges on effective communication. The ability to convey ideas, aims, and aspirations across all sectors ensures that everyone can collaborate, meet in the middle, and contribute to a project they can all be proud of.
We started off the day with an immersive session on crafting a "Development Hit" led by Head of Development at Naked James Harmer. Through engaging sizzle reels and detailed insights, James illustrated the journey behind each idea, showcasing both successes and lessons from failures. This exploration highlighted the inherent creativity and dynamic energy of the industry, where every idea is a potential breakthrough. The initial stages of brainstorming, free from constraints, offer a thrilling opportunity to explore diverse concepts. As ideas evolve, the challenge lies in shaping them with compelling beginnings, engaging middles, and satisfying twists to captivate audiences. While not every pitch reaches fruition, the process of creating sizzles and collaborating in brainstorming sessions remains exhilarating. Rejection is a natural part of the process, yet it shouldn't dampen the creativity and kinetic energy inherent in this field. It's in these moments of synergy and innovation that the essence of a "Development Hit" truly comes to life.
Our visit to Picture Shop, a globally renowned post-production company, provided invaluable insights into the intricate workflow of filmmaking. We explored the comprehensive services they offer in creative pictures and sound across various genres, from feature films to episodic content and commercials. Engaging in mini masterclasses, we delved into the specific roles of Offline Editor, Online Editor, Dubbing Mixer, and Grader, gaining a deeper understanding of their contributions to different formats. The experience underscored the collaborative nature of post-production, where various post-production professionals invest significant time in aligning their work with the creative vision of directors and producers. This process demands patience and resilience as they iterate to ensure every detail enhances the storytelling of each project. As an aspiring filmmaker, this immersion was enriching, offering clarity on the dynamics of the post-production and director relationship. It highlighted the vital role of effective communication and rapport in delivering a cohesive project. Witnessing firsthand how professionals navigate these complexities affirmed the importance of these skills in my own future endeavours.
All in all, it's safe to say that this day was incredibly valuable for deepening our industry knowledge while just scratching the surface of what the industry has to offer. It left me contemplating what I could contribute to the working world of TV & Film and how I could progress my own journey as a filmmaker. The diverse range of sectors covered during the three-day industry bootcamp underscored the generous nature of the industry, demonstrating that there's something here for everyone. This was both inspiring and encouraging as we embark on what we hope will be the start of long-lasting careers in TV and Film!
Huge thanks to all the speakers, and to Mark Wynter and the team at Picture Shop for the brilliant tour & talks and to Peter Green and colleagues at Hot Cam for the technical camera, light and sound workshop.