Uncharted Thoughts.

As some of you are aware, I have been working on a documentary these past 5 months. On the whole, it has been an absolute blast. I thought I would just give you an update on how things are going.

Progress

We have made some great progress, there have been some setbacks due to the Christmas period and scheduling issues with interviewees. However, on the whole a very positive experience.

Introduction – The introduction took three attempts to get right. The first attempt was very much rushed, we had script issues, sound problems and equipment. The second attempt was called off due to weather and the third was almost perfect. Collectively, this has been the biggest issue in turns of recording so far. My chief editor Sean is editing this as I type and we will have a completely edited intro by next Monday.

Script writing and research team – The script team have been amazing, they have provided very professional scripts with the perfect amount of context for the documentary to flow smoothly. Additionally the research team has been brilliant in providing fact that we have put together with the script team to produce quality information.

Trailers and Teasers – The trailer has been edited, the teaser as well. I think they are both perfect at setting the tone of the documentary. Perhaps a little dramatic at points but that is exactly what I like when it comes to the promotion of this documentary. There have been some, creative differences revolving around the trailer and the teaser. This is understandable and it was easy to navigate with the team I have around me. Teaser 2 was called off due to creative differences, but besides that, I am happy with how the trailers have turned out.

Interviews – The trip to London, to collect interviews was incredible, we managed to get a lot of information from both the protestors and the counter protestors. We interviewed between 50-60 people. Most of which are usable and most of which will be used in the documentary. As for individual interviews, talking to MP’s, academics and so on, it has been a real struggle to obtain them. I have managed to get three in total. Two of which are vital to completing this documentary. I am in waiting on three others, however I am not sure the likely hood of them participating is. I have emailed over the last 6 months, over 40 academics, over 20 MPs and 10 social influencers on X that are big in the world of politics… Only 3 of the 70 or more have secured me a interview. This has been the most frustrating part of the whole process and if there is a downfall to this documentary, this is it.

Marketing – Jess, one of my course mates, has take the roll of marketing. She has been amazing, creating poster, banners, helping with trailer ideas and logo ideas. Unfortunately, I was unaware of the importance and the complexity of marketing and set this up too late in the game. She has done amazing with the time provided, however, I feel as though my next documentary should have this from the beginning. Aesthetics and branding is so vital to make a documentary known.

Timeline – As stated before, we have had to push this documentary back from December 1st, to January 1t and now February 3rd. I was unaware how much could go wrong and how much we were relying on dates and times to make this happen. Next time I think there needs to be more organisation and securing interviews before setting dates and times for release. I wish to get another 2 documentaries done before I finish in July, however, time is running out.

Overview – On the whole, I have absolutely enjoyed being the director, organiser and producer for this project. I have been able to work along side a great team and have managed to improve my leadership skills. I am definitely looking for more projects like this in the future and hope that my career is based around this line of work.

Where will this be published.

You can find our teaser and trailer on YouTube @ Frontline Office. https://www.youtube.com/@FrontlineTeam

This will be released on YouTube on the 3rd of Feb 2025.