Making A Documentary - Walking the Nile

On Saturday 25th October, director Jamie Berry gave up his time to speak at the Imperial War Museum's free event 'Making a Documentary’, equipped with his trendy new laser pointer. He went on to speak about the production process of his latest work, 'Walking the Nile' which documents the year-long journey of ex-military man Levison Wood as he walks the world’s longest river. Jamie shared with us exclusive clips that may or may not exist in the final cut of the four-part series for Channel 4, as well as knowledge of logistics, research and of filming in conflict, all of which were of great interest to me, being the areas I wish to work in.

Walking the Nile - Tom McShane

The trip along the Nile meant traveling through dangerous territory. Directly, the newly independent South Sudan, with gangs, armies and rebels involved in the power struggle between the presidential contenders. With oil fields in the North and severe conflict surrounding the journey, Lev (the talent) was quite literally dodging bullets, sending Channel 4's alarm bells ringing and bringing the team's 52 page risk document complete with escape plan, into the spotlight to get Lev out. With Lev in low spirits when he arrived in Sudan the team then faced problems with this unanticipated jump in the journey and failed to secure their VISAs into Sudan. Even when problems like this occurred however, even after all of the kit was confiscated, after the team spent 24hrs under house arrest, after hotels were bugged and Lev was dehydrating in the middle of the Sahara, the production continued and they managed to capture some beautiful moments on film in return. The insight into the process doesn’t just offer up jeopardy to Lev’s outrageous attempt of walking 4250 on foot, but shows the remarkable talent of the production team in overcoming that jeopardy to complete the production.

Walking the Nile - Tom McShane

As the clips at the event were shown exclusively I won't reveal their content, I think the excitement behind the scenes is enough to whet your appetite, but you can be sure to expect unbelievable moments of cute and of crazy. There are remarkable examples of stunning scenery as well as culture, comedy, despair, elation and will. A real trip of a lifetime for us all. If you can’t wait that long then here’s a baby monkey clip to tide you over: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/walking-the-nile/videos/all/walking-the-nile-on-the-road-with-florence? 

Walking the Nile - Levison Wood

I think what I took from the seminar was that no production is a one-man job. Sure, Lev was the front man, a camera-op, an interviewer. Jamie was directing, editing but also counseling Lev along the way. And at every step there were researchers, contributors, production managers, security guards, fixers and camera crew all over the shot, bringing the series together. The core team were all present at the seminar too which shows what a real team effort the series was and that effort from all was evident, even in the short clips we got to sneak a peek at.

Jamie - Director

Speaking to Jamie afterwards, his advice for budding factual film-makers was to narrow down the programmes and genres you want to work in to specifics. Find the shows you want to make, research the companies that make them and email them directly. It might take 1 email, it might take 50, but if you talk about their work, as well as yours, flatter them, you will eventually be picked up. Just don't stop. It's always nice when people who've been there themselves still remember to give us newbies a little of their time, so a round of applause for Jamie!

Didi - Researcher

Didi, the researcher on the series also gave the advice to scour Talent Manager like it's the last thing you'll do. She had never worked in TV before but applied to work on the series and has not looked back since. And just for Didi if she ever reads this, your grandmother isn't the only one that can't wait to see the series!

I didn't think I was going to make it to the museum in time but having sprinted all the way from Elephant & Castle and arriving panting like I'D just walked the Nile, I'm so glad I made it. A huge thank you to the Imperial War Museum for putting on the free event. Remember to look out for 'Walking the Nile' in early 2015 and remember, no film is a one-man job, so buddy up!

Walking the Nile - Tom McShane

 See the rest of this week's IWM Film festival Programme where you can view over 20 short films for free! http://www.iwm.org.uk/film-festival-programme

Find out more about the show and the team here: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/walking-the-nile

Pictures: http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2014/aug/08/walking-the-nile-in-pictures

More info: http://luxortimesmagazine.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/british-explorer-levison-wood-in-luxor.html

http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-11-26/walking-the-nile-one-man-will-attempt-to-trek-the-worlds-longest-river

 

The Trench

A Monday night at the theatre after a busy weekend of filming was apparently just what the doctor ordered. Greenwich Theatre was host to hit Edinburgh Fringe Show 'The Trench' by Les Enfants Terribles. The audience walked into a smoky auditorium with the outline of a blackened trench showing the stage. It took a while for me to notice the members of the cast sitting in the darkness also.

http://lesenfantsterribles.co.uk/shows/the-trench/

My lack of awareness was probably because of the sense of dread I had at the amount of teenagers there on a school trip. I wouldn't normally have minded this but fifteen minutes into the production, having listened to a wealth of inappropriate comments by a single teenage boy, I, not far from teen-hood myself, had to turn around and tell him to be quiet for me to actually begin to start understanding and becoming part of the performance.

Back to the show.

As the play began I found it a little difficult to get used to the main character's third person narration. Once I'd settled into it though, it got easier to follow and the physical theatre was not only supportive of this narration, but simply brilliant. The incorporation of minimal props, of shadows, of projection, of movement, of puppetry and of song was what made a fairly ordinary written piece, into a stunning one.

The still images I've included show you just how imaginative Les Enfants Terribles have been with their production although it doesn't not show you the carefully choreographed movement that accompanied each episode. The breathing in of the monster during the 'gas attack', the moving of the set across the stage during the projections to give the illusion of time and movement, the beautiful embodiment of the beast and of our soldier's wife. 

The set was more than just a prop, it was a part of the production, cleverly designed to seamlessly interact with the cast. The props are passed through it, the lights are shone through it, the cast are seen within it and above it, it folds down to show the bedroom of our soldiers pregnant wife, it moves and collapses to become part of our soldier's journey and to show the disorientation of being buried alive - but to name a few.

The props and puppets were beautifully made and we as an audience appreciate them all the more as they are so tenderly manoeuvred. A particular favourite moment was when the wife reaches out her hand for the rain and snow and smooths over the snow beneath her.

There was symbolism everywhere too. The story follows our entrenched soldier as he faces three challenges from the beasts of his prison, challenges to prove his good and strong heart. The first, is to walk the path of the dead and not falter. Overcome his fear and walk on towards the exit - The fear that comes with war. The second, to tell another beast what you could possibly give those in charge of war to stop them, as smoke rises and blisters his skin, he answers nothing - a gas attack and battling hallucination and pain to stay true to the cause of war. The third, to put his inner child aside and others first as he rescues his comrade buried alongside him - the loss of childhood innocence and camaraderie that came with war, lost brothers in arms. All symbols within the symbol of walking the path towards death. Pain, loss of hope then one last push before denial and death.

The walk towards the light could have been him facing death, it could have been the end of the war, it could have been his escaping the tunnel. The truth may be death but the production leaves it so we make up our minds, create our own story, our own endings... as they who fought could not.

Overall a wonderful piece with a voice that transcended our subconscious into seeking every metaphor, asking every question. A tremendous voice that I am eternally grateful exists outside of the theatre circuit. He stills your soul with his falsetto and makes our journey with 'The Trench' complete. You can buy his music here: http://alexanderwolfe.bandcamp.com/

Enough of the poetry, a truly stunning show that was not to be ruined by the ignorant teenage boy at the start, who failed to appreciate the emotive performance we all became a part of.

http://lesenfantsterribles.co.uk/shows/the-trench/

The Greenwich Show

The Greenwich Show has just recently broadcast its second episode. It's not just local, it's hyper-local and it's all about the community. Films made by the community, about the community for the community. Episode 1 featured some lovely pieces including Park it in the Market; a vintage car get together, the tallship festival, a restored gothic castle and a short film 'Men of the Tideway' by Danny Bullman which you can see here:



It's a great venture, and very much down to some very dedicated individuals. You may recognise the executive producer of the programme as Rugby League presenter Ian Ramsdale. Ian was inspired by a similar show elsewhere and now is absolutely committed to success in Greenwich, with its impressive wealth of things to see and do.

If we thought episode 1 was good, then episode 2 definitely topped it. There are features on developments on the ever-changing peninsula, the Greenwich Show's predecessor 'Cablevision', the Crossness pumping station, the South London Special League and Mycenae House. All feature great examples of just why Greenwich is unique, fun and has a huge amount of historical relevance. You can still watch the episode via http://www.thegreenwichshow.co.uk/

The Greenwich Show is set for great things. There are plenty of local film-makers (myself included) eager to get out there and make films about anything and everything Greenwich. If you have suggestions for future features or short films of your own, then please do get in touch with the team via info@thegreenwichshow.co.uk

The next broadcast is available to watch on Freesat 401 and Sky 212 on 3rd November, so make sure to tune in then!

Pakistan's Hidden Shame

Pakistan is considered to be one of the most developed Eastern countries and one of the few governed by democracy. Channel 4 showed us that there is a lot more to the Pakistan story than this, delving into a hidden habit of child abuse, rape and drug addiction on the streets of many cities. Over 90% of street children are said to have been raped or sexually abused, with many of the abused boys ranging from just 7-14 yrs old. 

www.rferl.mobi

The documentary is a frightening one as numerous men openly admit that they have had sex with young boys multiple times. Bus conductor Ejaz tells us of an example where a bus of about 7 grown men took turns in raping a young boy before paying him for his services. Another bus driver tells us how he rents out beds to bus drivers who drive late which is also a magnet for young children to find a bed for the night when they have nowhere else to go. He tells of how he tried to stop a man from taking a young boy and raping him before admitting to us that he too had sexually abused two young boys. 

There simply aren't words to tell of how shocked I was at how freely and openly these men admitted their crimes but it quickly became apparent that there was no feeling they would face retribution for their crime, the police simply do not have the time or care to arrest them.

We then follow the story of Naeem, 13yr old boy living on the streets of Peshawar. A boy who first sold his body when his brother beat him and told him to earn some money. He was just 8 years old. By the age of 9 he was also a drug addict and now regularly prostitutes himself to earn money to fund his heroin habit. We follow Naeem willing him to overcome his troubles but instead witness his gradual decline as he tells the camera that he too had raped a young boy. And so, the cycle starts again. It brought weight to my heart to watch, I should hate him for doing it, but can a boy who has lived surrounded by this 'norm' for almost 6yrs of his young life, be expected to know different or to feel that anyone else should be spared from the pain when he couldn't.

Imran Khan - dawn.com

It's a horrible and vicious cycle that no-one seems bothered enough by to change. Naeem is extremely brave in taking the crew to the 'best spots' for prostitution and catching men on camera trying to pay him for sex and by the end of the film we only hope that Imran Khan will stick to his word and propose change. Although it has to be said, that the film has still not seen a a local screening despite being offered free of charge.

Film-maker Mohammed Naqvi, gives an honest account about the emotional toil he suffered on completion of the film.

Now that we have completed this film, I can say unequivocally that this is by far the most emotionally trying film I have made.

I think it truly captures the life and passion of a film-maker. They care enough about the story to get it made, to hear and retell it, but only once they've switched off from telling it can they really take in what it means for them. It's a wonderfully powerful film and one that I really hope drives change in Pakistan to break this horrible web of child prostitution and drug abuse amidst incredible poverty.

Here is trailer. The complete film is still available on 4oD.

Here's a link to the director's thoughts on making the film: http://www.dawn.com/news/1130635
Here's a link to another article about the film: http://www.rferl.org/content/pakistan--hidden-shame-sex-abuse-peshawar/26574900.html

Donkey Sex: The Most Bizarre Tradition

While we’re on the subject of Vice News… here’s something a little lighter than my last post. What is it? Wait for it… DONKEY LOVE MAKING!

Yep, absolutely 100% genuine traditional Columbian human/donkey relationships.

It seems a little too absurd to be real and for the most part you expect the entire 10 minute doc to pure satire but our hopes for it all to be proved a joke are squandered in the final minute of the film, when the famous saying ‘the camera doesn’t lie’ shows clear as day. The crew’s guide taking the plunge…into his donkey’s tunnel of love – sorry about that.

Animal Rights activists are sure to have a field day in exposing just how far this goes but as an audience member you simply cannot draw yourself away from the fact that mothers admit that they would rather their young boys lose their virginity to donkeys, than to women. One young boy describes his actions so graphically that it made me blush. The caption to the left is only the beginning. I simply cannot compute an 11yr old boy speaking like he does, even if he’s been brought up as a ladies man. Apparently being the village ‘player’ gets a whole lot weirder across the Atlantic.

Film-maker listening in awe to the boys' donkey tales

I think somehow that popular misogynistic phrase, ‘love a bit of ass’… may have been mistranslated - although the conclusion is true - they do. Unfortunately the donkeys don’t look as impressed, drearily munching on tufts of grass until their owners finish the job. YAWN.

It seems a bit strange to call it a great documentary but it’s certainly enjoyable, which is surely what film-making is all about. The film-maker finds himself holding his head in his hands as he hears graphic recollections from young boys. It’s the first film to leave me wide-eyed and with my jaw-dropped since ‘Dogging Tales’ on Channel4. So there’s a comparison for you!

The Islamic State - Vice

news.vice.com

It's always hard to set aside your own views when reviewing a politically-charged documentary with politics you disagree with. The film in question is 'The Islamic State' by Vice News. The Islamic State is a Sunni jihadist group who formerly had ties to al Qaeda. It has conquered large areas of Iraq and Syria with significant speed, with aims to expand their current powers into a viable Islamic State. The documentary follows soldiers of the IS as they build up institutions in Raqqa, the Hisbah as they enforce harsh Sharia law and an educational doctrine that supports the belief that arming 10year olds with Kalashnikovs has no bad consequence. It is clear that these extremists will stop at nothing to preserve their belief and Vice stopped at nothing to show us this.

news.vice.com

The 43min documentary is a poignant one that gave us access to one of the most inaccessible groups of modern conflict. The film has been viewed over 3million times on youtube showing just how much documentaries about conflict and human interest should very much be shown as part of mainstream television. It seems a travesty that in the face of modern conflict, major world leaders shut off their media outlets to such programming and it could even be construed as a federal crime if the US government wanted to prosecute Vice or its filmmaker Medyan Dairieh as IS gained further media attention and gained a wealth of new media material. Of course, if that happened I hope that public opinion would ensure that the decision would be rebuked as this is one of the most relevant and poignant documentaries I have seen of late and one that should certainly be deemed 'of public interest'. The question should not be 'should we show it to the public', it should be 'do you trust your own citizens with the truth'.

Down to the documentary itself, it is one that is both informative and compelling. The map graphics help us to understand the scale of IS and the voiceover is crafted well to suggest that those who offer up loyal reactions to their harsh Sharia punishments, may not be doing so of their own free well, but merely for their own good. If they speak ill of the Hisbah, they will be punished so of course they are going to compliment their oppressors and champion what they have learned. The voiceover offers us enough as an audience to decide for ourselves, which responses are questionable.

adage.com

There are some interesting shots that are offered to us without the support of a voiceover too, allowing us to make up our own minds about the extremist views we witness. Perhaps the most prominent for me, was down by the river where children were washing and swimming. A teacher is introduced, followed by his son. His son seems unsure at first of whether he should say he is from the Islamic state or from his home land...but soon turns to talk of Caliphates, an Islamic state and killing infidels. Coming from such a young boy, it is clear that the messages are enforced young. If the message were just to have their own independent state then I would not have a problem with that, but arming ten year olds with kalashnikovs, murdering innocents, pushing out the Kurds and not allowing citizens the choice, is where that all goes wrong.

businessinsider.com

The exclusive images of those young armed boys, of young boys travelling from far away villages to swear to the caliphate. It is a disturbing thing to see. There is a clip of a fourteen yr old boy angrily telling the camera how he will kill all of the infidels and he is not alone in his beliefs... is this what IS' interpretation of their own peaceful religion has come down to?

Vice filmmaker Medyan Dairieh took a risk in entering himself into the territory of filming in the state. Not only placing himself among extremists who deem the West as infidels... but also placing himself in a troubling position in providing the West with the documentary to view. In my opinion, this is what real news is. It is what real documentary is. Documentary is to document and what better document is there than one created within the subject. Dairieh is a brave man and the documented is a poignant and pressing one that anyone and everyone should watch. He gives us access to an inaccessible group of contributors and for that, I think we should applaud. More than that however, we should applaud the restraint of Dairieh in allowing us as an audience, to decide for ourselves what we think of 'The Islamic State'.

You can watch the film here.. remember to like, subscribe to the vice youtube channel and comment.

102 Minutes That Changed America

news.nationalgeographic.com

We've all seen footage of 9/11 and we've all probably seen it more than once. We've all been shocked at the images of the buildings, the second explosion, of the extensive fire and smoke on the upper floors, the falling debris and the collapse of the towers. In this documentary, it isn't just the same images you've already seen. It pieces together the story of the people, using their own footage from personal camcorders from all around the city. What touched me more than the images of the towers, was seeing the reaction of the everyday New Yorkers.

The film was produced by the History Channel and first broadcast commerical-free on the 7th anniversary of 9/11 in 2008. It is now a historical record of the minutes that took New York by surprise.

thetimes.co.uk

In the film we have access to footage of businessmen stopping in their tracks as they walk through Time Square and see the images on the screens, we see the devastation in their eyes and watch as a middle-aged lady struggles to run from the falling debris, crying in fear. It is angle we have not seen before and it shook me to the core. The worst for me was when the second plane hit the second tower, filmed from the NE side of town. Two girls are filming the first building from their apartment whilst on the phone to their mother and the second plane hits. The camera pans to the left to show the remainder of the blast as the engine fuel explodes and all we hear are the shrill screams of the girls as they cannot take in what has just happened. It is the sound of that genuine fear, the screams that really got me.

nerdylorin.net

Another powerful reaction is filmed from the NW side of town, in an apartment with a couple and their child. The mother has told her child to go to bed so she doesn't see whatever happens next and when her mother screams, she calls from her bedroom crying. Her mother makes up a lie about 'daddy deleting the tape on the camcorder' but quietly so her daughter cannot hear her, she cries. It's heartbreaking. 

It is incredible, the power of an entire city, stood still, simply watching, trying to compute what has happened. To watch so many, caught unaware on what began as a normal day. The footage we see shows the scenes from every angle and from in amongst the people who themselves are trying to figure out what has happened. We hear immediate reactions, see an outburst of violence, we hear anger, we see fear. We are shown what seems like every human emotion within the film's 102 minutes.

nationalgeographic.com

We see hundreds of people as they flee the city, we see residents of apartments crowding into lifts and sharing what they know, we hear people calling relatives, we see exhausted firemen arriving from all around New York to fight the fire, ambulances helping the injured, policeman recalled from their homes to help and watch as cars are left abandoned as the streets empty and become covered in dust and rubble.

thomasefranklin.com

The storytelling was brilliantly selected but the logistics of piecing together such a collage of personal accounts, video recordings, radio broadcasts, news reports, emergency radio communications...is one to marvel at, and edited together cleverly. The production keeps account of the scene down to the very second it unfolded as though we too are a part of the New York community shocked by what they see before them. I have never before been hit so hard by images of 9/11 and never before been touched by both the fear and anger and the courage and compassion of those who witnessed it. It was fantastically edited together by Seth Skundrick as it seamlessly moves from account to account, with recordings overlapping and phone calls and radio communications providing the reaction when the images are silent. Skundrick's work was recognised with Emmy awards to match. We cannot compliment the camera operators personaly but have to thank the American people who thought to record what has become a prominent moment in American History.

I can't say it's a documentary that I enjoyed, as I spent the majority of the first half in tears, but it is certainly an example for programming that follows similar events. A poignant film and one that is a must-watch if ever you wish to truly understand the impact that 9/11 had on everyday Americans and why the words of a US news reporter have never been so accurate 'It is the 9th September and you will not forget this day'.