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