Conclusion

The editing is now complete however although I am happy with the finished piece. I feel that we maybe should have used our time more wisely – we could have improved the final piece to a large degree, for example we could have gone back to James’ voice over of character Boatswain - doing so we could have recorded in a small and more quiet room – this way receiving less background noise allowing for a more realistic and less processed voice to be used in place.

Edit problems!

With the edit almost complete we ran into two problems in particular.

Original Boatswain voice over; although the performance of the Character Boatswain was delivered well we received a lot of background noise due to trying to recreate a large hall and recording in quite a large room with the intention of displaying good use of binaural sound . This background noise was removed in the edit – to an extent but lowered the general tone of the performance.. Ultimately we had to process the voice a lot

Falling feel; This part of edit took a lot longer than expect and due to not practising on creating a sense of falling prior, a lot of time was wasted. In the end we used a series of whistles, gusts, hairdryer recording and even the sound of wind hitting oncoming car. I feel that we could have accomplished a sense of falling a little better but on the other hand without the visual aid I think that it was a hard task in itself – maybe we took on too much and should talked through a different scene.

Sound recording update;

Terrible weather

The weather throughout the majority of the weekend has been very bad. The rain made it impossible to record for the likes of atmosphere tracks like the field scene as scheduled for the Sunday.

Fortunately I had a contingency plan of doing some recording on Monday morning at around 8.30 – 10.30 (early enough to hopefully hear birds singing for the atmos track) The rain for that day is only forecast for evening around 5pm so this gives us plenty of time to record anything we missed also. Following this we will begin the edit.

Schedule for sound recording

The following attachment is a brief recording schedule which I put together for the weekend starting 9^th December.

Sense of space - Audio schedule

ROUGH DRAFT.

Connor Elliott & Ben Wilson

Saturday

·         Tie Clip mic | Car / death sequence setup and initial planning | 11AM - 12PM

·         Tie Clip mic | Car / death sequence  | 12PM - 2PM

·         Edit - Home computer / library mic | Rename collected files and briefly order and edit | 3-5pm

·         Tie Clip mic | Atmospheric sounds - crossing road prior to death - pedestrian crossing, beeping etc | 7PM-8PM

Sunday

·         Directional Rifle | Atmospheric sounds - Field "Heaven" sequence - park? | (AM - Midday)

·         Directional Rifle Mic |  Create/Foley sound - "Wind" / "Falling" etc | (1-2pm)

·         Directional Rifle/ Tie Clip mic | Plan and test voice over w/ actor (James) | 3PM - 6PM

·         Edit - Home computer / library mic | Rename collected files and briefly order and edit | 3-5pm

Monday

·         Tie clip mics | Setup - Performance studio | 12pm - 1pm

·         Tie clip mics / Directional Rifle | Close audio and Foley intake of protagonist - Mouth movements / scuffles etc | 1-2pm

·         Tie clips mics |  Initial interrogation/explanation scene w/Actor (James)     | 2-4pm

·         Tie clip mics | "Heaven" Flashback sequence w/ Child actor or alternate scene | 4.30- 5.30PM

Tuesday (PM)

·         Hydrophone mic | Underwater sequence - bathtub?  | 2PM - 4PM

·         Directional Rifle mic | Voice over & dialogue for above scene | 4:30PM - 6PM

·         Edit - harmer edit suites | Rename sounds and place in rough onto timeline |

8-10pm

Wednesday

·         Edit harmer edit suites | complete final draft | 11am  - finish

Inspirations 3 analysis - The Dark Knight

We wanted to incorporate an object into the project that character Boatswain plays with or uses throughout. This will help build up the tension whilst also contributing to maintaining audience attention throughout the long dialogue sequences.

We discussed many different objects but found that a coin is perceived well when manipulated in editing software from an audio perspective.

The coin could also be perceived as a metaphor to the primary plot – referring back to Michael’s two flashbacks and the coin have two sides... against the two sides to Michael’s past life – the good (Field scene w/ son) and the bad (argument with wife – w/ multiple voices crying etc)

 I guess a good example of a coin used within a film is The Dark Knight (2008) Directed by Christopher Nolan. Character Harvey Dent who later becomes Batman Comic-villain “Two-face” The villain leaves his victims fate to ‘chance’ with a coin flip deciding what happens.  The scenes in which he flips the leaves terrifying results upon the victim, usually leading them to confess etc, although their reaction is due to the script in itself and being terrified that they might be killed – I believe it’s the physical sound of the coin as its flipped through the air that keeps my attention and the tension of the scene at a high

Purgatory

I found this image and thought it was of relevance to our idea and script. The following is a painting of "purgatory"

 'Purgatory is the condition or process of purification or temporary punishment in which, it is believed, the souls of those who die in a state of grace are made ready for Heaven. This is a theological idea that has ancient roots and is well-attested in early Christian literature' [**]

Despite our idea not been about the choice between heaven and hell, the plot lands the protagonist somewhere between earth and heaven... Much similar to purgatory but this time character 2 boatswain acts as a mere guide to the next world which we perceive to heaven.

[**] Purgatory definition was found on Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purgatory

Script.

The script in which to be given to actors. The script starts after the death of protaganist.

INT. HALL
          The hall is pitch black.

                              ARCHIBOLD BOATSWAIN
                    There are only two sides to a coin,
                    two sides to which it can fall, but
                    suppose the coin lands on it's
                    edge?

          Boatswain's voice has the tone and language of a classic
          English gentleman (from the 19th century). Boatswain's voice
          gives off a large amount of reverberation (the area they're
          in, is to the scale of a large concert hall).
          Boatswain circles Michael talking at a speedy pace flipping
          a coin in his hand.

                              ARCHIBOLD BOATSWAIN
                    Dearest Michael, forgive me, but
                    you must solely listen to what I
                    say, for we have not a single
                    moment to lose.
                         (Beat)
                    I'll clue you in my friend, the
                    powers that be, deemed it time for
                    your passing and now you are in the
                    waiting room of worlds. I am your
                    guide, a damn good one I might add,
                    although, you mightn't think so in
                    the moments to come.  

          The sound of a huge coin being flipped chimes in the
          distance gradually filling the hall with it's sound.

                              ARCHIBOLD BOATSWAIN
                         (Slower and serious)
                    The life you lived has left you
                    with a choice, which side of the
                    coin you wish to fall? As your
                    guide I can only lay your paths
                    before you. NOW, allow me to show
                    to you, your sins.

          The huge coin strikes the ground, shattering the floor like
          glass. Michael plummets through air. Sounds of a woman's
          screams and crying fly past.

                              WOMAN
                    Why Michael! I loved you. You broke
                    my heart.

          The rushing of air quietens to the sound of running water
          below.
          Michael crashes into the ocean. All other sounds are drowned
          out, as Michael falls deeper the roar of the waves quieten,
          Archibold's voice sounds clearly in the distance.

                              ARCHIBOLD BOATSWAIN
                    This is your sin, stealing you,
                    drowning you, crushing you into a
                    black abyss.
          Dunned sounds of people crying create an inaudible din of
          noise. Then suddenly silence, Boatswain's voice whispers in
          Michael's ear.

                              ARCHIBOLD BOATSWAIN
                    On the other hand.

          EXT. FIELD
          Michael burst out of the water, gasping for air and coughing
          his way back to life. Inexplicably he's lying in a field,
          the sound of a soft breeze passes through summer trees.
          Slowly the sound of a child playing fades in from the
          distance, when Michael hears this he quietens and becomes
          attentive.
                              ARCHIBOLD BOATSWAIN
                    This is my favorite memory of
                    yours. Unmisstakable isn't it, the
                    smell of freshly cut grass, that
                    perfect breeze brushing through
                    summer trees. A broken heart didn't
                    stop you loving, this is your
                    salvation. All men are both good
                    and evil Michael, you're no
                    exception. And now you choose,
                    which side will you fall?
          A single coin flip is heard, it hits the ground, spins for a
          moment then falls on it's side.
          The End.
                             
                             
         
                             
         
                   
                             
         

Inspiration 2 - 'A matter of life and death'

A Matter of Life and Death" (1946) a romantic fantasy film set in World War II by the British director Michael Powell, the film follows David Niven who plays as a WW2 fighter pilot who is forced to jump out of his plane with no parachute. He then wakes on a beach unharmed or injured. The high courts of heaven made a mistake as he should have died but "could not find him" due to "Typical" English weather. Throughout the film the high courts decide whether or not he should be brought up to heaven or remain on earth - in court explaining both the good and bad parts of his present life.

Me and Ben loved this film and have taken some inspiration to it. We have tried to create a similar scenario of death and being guided the choice on what happens next. However we are looking into flashback sequences instead. On the other hand you could argue that this has little relevance to our audio project or the use of binaural sound and just briefly has some similarities in terms of plot.

 Our plot is done through the eyes of the protagonist for immersion purposes and also has several other inspirations (refer to blog)

Riddle of character

We felt that it was important feature to the plot if the character acting as a guide (‘Boatswain’) spoke in riddle and in a depth about wording and placement of what he says within the final edit.

Ben has written a few lines of dialogue that Boatswain will say;

“This is your sin, stealing you,

                    drowning you, crushing you into a

                    black abyss.”

“Dearest Michael, forgive me, but

                    you must solely listen to what I

                    say, for we have not a single

                    moment to lose.”

A new script?!

Me and Ben met up today and shared script ideas - these ultimately lead to a complete change in script.

Ben had the idea of the audio project again being through the eyes of the protagonist (audience) 1^st person effect.  The protagonist will be killed within the first 20 seconds of script (either murder - gun shot, argument out of control or car accident or hit by a car whilst crossing road.) From here there will be a brief silence before a roar of sounds syncing and mixed together in the edit arise and then again in silence. Voice on the other side of the room ultimately describes to the audience where you now are. The voice circles the protagonist creating a sense of space (tie clip mics in full effect) still speaking in riddle. He soon suggests looking at his SINS. Morph affect - glass smash plus roar of car again?

Drops in water and submerged - second character now shouts at protagonist (muffled effect processing to as he's still trapped under water) Transition to flashback scene in which he has an argument with his wife "How could you, I loved you"  - Character 2 voice softens " however on the other hand"  pulls him from water (choking and coughing sound) - Ambience is played | multiple sound recorded to recreated a summers day setting on field, bird tweets and trees etc. Child in the distance laughing.. "Pass the ball dad!” "I love you dad" "Can't we stay?"  - Second character resumes his riddle - (ultimately saying this is his favourite memory of you ) clicks his fingers - and back in large room; silence, slight echo on voice to create a large room feel. Circles protagonist still talking in riddle and says. Now you choose.

End

Unfortunately this idea was merely talked over and therefore did not write up the idea in full, however Ben has offered to construct a full script for the plan while I gather sound effects and ambience.

New plot needed?

We arranged a plot involving an interrogation scene. The protagonist would originally be in the boot of a car, (unaware to the audience) here sounds would have been inputted clinks, indicated, car skid, mouth movement in attempt to speak (gagged) the car stops and the boot opens and is dragged out of the car through a restaurant (binaural sounds in effect here) a back room - a generator or fridge is running. Large but empty room... Here echo as man on the other side of room is already interrogating another "suspect".

The man then turns onto the protagonist (the audience) circles while quizzing them about a money situation. Previous suspect begins shouting back at him "leave him alone" etc. directs conversation to both suspect.  GUNSHOT.  (Long break - audience think the protagonist has been shot) "The next one is for you" END

However following a tutorial with Debbie, although she liked the idea of binural sound she found it to be too generic and cliché. So over the next few days on how the script can be changed to be less cliché or scrapped for another script idea.

Inspirations 1

Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller are proclaimed to be experts at creating binaural audio recordings that provide uncannily convincing experience of whispering, etc. They also know how to compose compelling filmic images.  Cardiff and Bures Miller In their show of 05, they presented two large-scale pieces: The Berlin Files, 2003, a video projection with immersive sound, and Cabin Fever, 2004, a miniature diorama/drama including headphones with binaural audio. Both polished, professional productions, they were technically impressive and wowed many.

I terms of relevance Janet Cardiff & George Bures Miller work has helped me understand binaural sound and the great sense of immersion it gives off. I consider Cardiff & Bures to be a key inspiration for this piece and think the effect they use to convey binaural whispering pays off and will suggest to Ben to look at this technique.

What is Binaural sound?

Binaural recording is a method of recording sound that uses two microphones, arranged with the intent to create a 3-D stereo sound sensation for the listener of actually being in the room with the performers or instruments. This will give a greater sense of immersion and me and Ben also had an idea to do through the eyes of the protagonist for the above reason.

However me and Ben have slight doubt because when played through loudspeaker interferes with binaural reproduction, headphones are required for full immersion.

I have found a good example of binaural recording as a virtual haircut.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUDTlvagjJA 

This is reasonably relevant as me and Ben has talked about recording a torture sequence? With the one character tied to a chair and the other character circling the tied up character and interrogating. Takes a similar form to the scene from Casino Royale where Daniel Craig is beaten to a pulp. 

Week 19 - Inspirations

After researching a lot into holophonic sound I found two great sound recordist who base their work around the use of holophonic sound and/or immersion - " To feel as if you are there"
Janet Cardiff & George Bures Miller have done many collaboration projects based on this idea and therefore I consider there work to be useful and inspirational in terms of getting ideas.
Their content can be found here - http://www.cardiffmiller.com/

Week 18 - Idea outline

Me and Ben both agreed that we wanted to do something different - out of the ordinary, so that the listener would stay immersed within the piece for the whole 3 minutes. Ben had experience with small mics called tie clip mics and therefore together decided that we would attempt holophonic sound (proclaimed to be "3D" sound immersion)
This would require a lot research and tests runs to pull off effectively but felt it was a strong enough idea to go upon.

CREATIVE MEDIA PRACTICE PROJECT 2 - AUDIO

Thurs, WEEK 18 -  Today we recieved a brief into the next project which is entitiled "Sense Of Space". For this assessement I with a partner construct a 3 minute audio piece. From here I need to put ideas together and do research into audio production methods.

Today was the day before presentation. I had a few looks over the final film for any wrong harsh cuts etc before rendering into both a quicktime file and into dvd format for dvd playback during the presentation

WEEK 15 - Monday and Tuesday

These two days I made the change as requested and once again rendered out in rough quality.

The next day it was shown to Amy, she was unsure on one of the shots so it was replaced;

Week 14 Useful website (Sunday)

I found a useful website link which can find bible quotes based on inputted keywords. This will benefit me as it will help me find relevant extracts in a matter of minutes

website links;
http://friendship.about.com/od/Friendship-In-Culture/tp/Bible-Quotes-On-Friendship.htm
http://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/death-bible-verses/

Week 14 Review of rough draft (Thursday)

Today we had ameeting with Debbie, although she liked it there were some changes which she suggested;

*Lose the split cut editing - As it doesnt seem to flow with the pace of the rest of it. More appropriate for a high action sequence.
* Few shakey camera shots during "Forest" sequence - replacement needed
*Obtain a possible bible quote thats relevant 1-2 max (don't over do it, rough draft had 3-4 in place) this is to create a sense of mystery - i.e. What book is she reading etc
*Unnessary credits - equipment used / programs used etc

Both me and Amy agrre that the above suggestions were fair and can see how it will benafit the film.

Week 14 Finished rough draft (Wednesday)

Today i finished a rough edit of the film. I rendered without colour correction for the simple sake of keeping the file size smaller to allow me show to Amy and Debbie tomorrow during our review.

I uploaded the rough draft to vimeo also to prevent the film getting lost. Having it on vimeo at this point is also good because both you as a marker and myself can compare the rough draft to final thing after taking on any critisim Debbie might have of the film

Rough draft can be found here: http://vimeo.com/31579022

Week 14 Start Post-Production (Monday)

With my role as editor I now needed to start the editing. Firstly I arranged the files in a general order before selecting appropriate shots that will go into the film for sure to fit into the 3 minutes time limit.

This was a long process but eventually after many hours found an appropriate ordering and colour correction for the film

Week 13 - Finish Filming today

We did a few shot today include that on a train and tracking shots around the city. Both me and Amy are happy with these shots. We also were going to film a bedroom scene however both me and Amy agreed that starting the film in a bedroom waking up etc was too generic and maybe not needed. Also Amy had an unmissable doctors appointment that day. Depending on the rough edit we may reschedule a brief shoot another day

Week 13 - Edale filming today

Today went reasonably well, We got all the shot we needed despite the bad weather. I feel that the shots would have been better if the rain stayed off as it was hard to compentsate with the lens getting wet and condensation on the lens also.

We are filming some more tomorrow including the start to the film and train shots (see storyboard 1 - 6)

Other than that it was a success, we also changed the story slightly on the day with a photograph being of friends that passed away as appose to a lover; this was due to Amy not having that picture. Thanking fully we contingency planned effectively enough the day before so if the initial picture could not be found we had a back up and knew how the film narrative would change.

Week 13 -Shot list (Wednesday)

I have put together a brief shot list that will be printed out and used on the day. This will prevent me and Amy missing any vital shots required on the day, where as without the list we could easily forget potentially ruining our film.

(originally a word document)

Thursday 27^th shot list (Edale trip)

AM  / 10-12PM

AM 1) Shot on train  - on route to Edale ( interior) See story board #6

Complete?   Y    N          If not why ____________________

AM 2) Open colour shot / top of hill – strong daylight preferred (see storyboard #7)

Complete?   Y    N          If not why ____________________

AM 3) Forest location – reading bible sun shining on her face / book if possible (see storyboard #8)

Complete?   Y    N          If not why ____________________

AM 4) Same scene – close up on book and face

Complete?   Y    N          If not why ____________________

AM 5) Tracking shots x 3

Complete?   Y    N          If not why ____________________

AM Establishing shots ) Forest location, tracking, river / stream, stone terrain, wildlife.

Complete?   Y    N          If not why ___________________

PM  / 1-5pm (some scenes need less sunlight to show passage of time)

PM 1) Mountain top scene – Amy on rock reflecting

Complete?   Y    N          If not why ____________________

PM 2) Over shoulder shot with photograph

Complete?   Y    N          If not why ____________________

PM 3) Photo burial within rocks

Complete?   Y    N          If not why ____________________

PM Establishing shots)  Forest location, tracking, river / stream, stone terrain, wildlife. Used in contrast with shots earlier in the day.. passage of time etc.

Complete?   Y    N          If not why ____________________

Friday 28^th shot list (opening part of film and shots involving trains)

FRIDAY S1 – Interior, pull focus bible (on table) to Amy just walking in (see storyboard #1)

Complete?   Y    N          If not why ____________________

FRIDAY S2 - Interior, close up – Amy’s placing bible into bag

Complete?   Y    N          If not why ____________________

FRIDAY S3 -  interior – Mid shot – Amy placing bible into bag then looking out of window  (see storyboard #2)

Complete?   Y    N          If not why ____________________

FRIDAY S4 – Exterior tracking shot – busy high street

Complete?   Y    N          If not why ____________________

Week 13 - Vimeo inspiration (Tuesday)

After doing research into religous themed filmed I came across one film named "Be Wise" which can be found here http://vimeo.com/18179955 and was made by "Munn Brothers"

This video has two main uses in my opinion; first being, that the film ends on a religious quote before fading to credits. I found this to be of big impact and despite the quote used in the film "Be Wise" not being relevant to my film - the technique on the other hand could be relevant and may or may not be used in the final film.

Secondly its shot on a Pentax KX dslr which I also own. From this I will email Dom Green asking if using the dslr is appropriate and/or aloud. If so it will most likely be used due to holding hd capabilites and the fact I have experience with the camera and doubt I will run into many technical issues.

Week 13 - Storyboard designs (Tuesday)

I put together a brief storyboard prior to our visit to Edale, so that when we arrived I would know exactly the shots we need and be able to recreate the storyboard. This again will help us in the intrest of time as we only have one day in Edale and therefore would be much better to get it all done together.
Below I have imaged the storyboards. I will also hand in the storyboards with my presentation in case any part of it is un readable etc.

Week 13 - Editing ideas and inspirations (Monday)

I figured that with the film being a silent film (no sound) the shots and editing must be interesting enough to keep the audience entertained. So with this I have an idea to use split editing onravel sequences i.e. tracking shots / train etc.

 I orignally got inspired on this concept after watching an episode of popular american tv drama series "24"

I feel the split editing keeps the viewers attrention on the frame as there is a lot to take in and therefore by the end of the film the viewer won't be bored.

Week 13 - Script idea (Monday)

I put together a brief outlie of a script idea / concept behind the film which was also printed and given to Amy so that we could plan ahead and make any last minute chnages if required.

(orignally in a word document)

Brief Idea for Edale shooting. – Reflective experimental film

·         Focused around girl holding strong religious views

·         Open with a bible quote

·         Fades in first shot (black out white) pull focus onto bible with the girl getting ready to go out in the background, to clear her mind (Edale )

·         External city shots – tracking the girl with Split editing (e.g. “24” style ) Again with significant focus on the bible she is clutching (Still black and white)

·         Walks into train station with split editing again – establishing shots included (message board, people buying tickets etc)  still in black and white

·         Cut to shot of girl on a train, head against window.. bible on the seat next to her. Black and white.

·         Train comes to a stop, girl hints a smile and walks past the camera and out of shot. Black and white.

·         A sharp cut to external shot (edale), girl walks past camera into the shot. Her back is only visible as she walks up a hill towards an oak tree at the top. Colours return fully here..With added colour correction added to the green grass.

·         Cuts to split editing. Tracking her movements.

·         Within same frame she looks left, the split editing on the left side of the frame changes to what she can see (p.o.v) This is repeated on the right side with a shot of a cow/sheep (if poss). Bible quote involving the animal appears in the bottom right of the frame i.e. involving Sheppard etc..

·         From here a montage sequence follows with multiple different tracking shots and just general shots of edale as a place as on overlay on top of the tracking shots of the girl.

·         Including shots of a couple walking past, a group of friends having fun – In hope to create a sense of mystery on the viewer (what is she thinking about; what’s her past)

·         The editing style from this point seems to slow down to reflect her mood – reflective but content with her surroundings.

·         She sits up by a big tree at the top of the hill and looks out over the fields

·         She goes into her bag and retrieves the bible opening at her book mark which consists of a photograph.

·         Close up of the photograph as she picks it up. The photograph is herself with either a ex boyfriend/girlfriend or a group of friends. Bible quote appears in the bottom right relating to friends/love life?

·         Cut to her facial expression.. at first seems upset but a quick smile says otherwise. She puts the photograph down and perches the bible on her crossed legs and begins to flick through. It begins to rain but she doesn’t flinch.  

·         Camera moves behind the girls now, the shot includes hills in the background and herself in the lower right part of the frame with her head buried in a book.  This forms a 15 minute time lapse.

·         Begins to get dark and she retrieves her things and begins walking back the way she came. Looking left and right like she did before but now much happier.

·         Arrives at train station. Shot from behind girl as train pulls up and she gets on. As door begins to close. Black and white is key framed into the shot, until the doors close and it’s completely black and white again.

·         Cuts to credits.

WEEK 12 - P.O.P project update

Tody me and Amy had a second meeting to discuss ideas and roles within the production of the film.

I plan to focus on the Script / Editing and Cinematography
where as Amy is also focused on Script wants to create the film into an experimental "Artsy" film so therefore will be focused on Art direction and continuity withi the film.

I breifly brainstormed ideas of the story following a girl with strong religious views, who uses the bible as a form of escapim. - Amy liked the idea and it may / may not go ahead.

WEEK 12 - Portrait of place project

Today we were given our brief into the project we will be creating in pairs. After Debbie took us through what was required we were paired up and briefly brainstormed ideas as to the film we would be making and research we would need to undergo in order to complete this task.

Me and partner Amy Jackson liked the idea of using the theme of Escapism for this project. As we are going to Edale (Open countryside) However debbie believed this to be too vague. So over the weekend we plan to have another meeting to discussed we will combat this.

"Chrismas with Dad" - Conor McCormack (2008)

After watching Conor McCormack's "Christmas with dad" I have started to break down the film and ultimately analyse in depth. Doing this will help me get back into the right mind set of analysing films I watch and hopefully by doing this, it will help me in my assessment.

‘Christmas with dad’ (2008) is a story based documentary directed by Conor McCormack which revolves around 23 year old AJ, a young father of two who despite social representations and initial stereotypes he holds within society, pushes on and contends with fatherhood.

The film can be found on the bbc film network website.

 I did enjoy the film, primarily due to how well the story unfolded as the film progressed and we learnt more into AJ on a personal level.. Initial stereotypes from the beginning therefore feel manipulated as you learn more about his life which leads the viewer feeling possible sympathy towards the 23 year old father. On the other hand you cannot make a judgement on his personality/behaviour from a short documentary like this; Conor McCormack has structured the documentary very well in terms of story - however the film seems to highlight the positives of his behaviour as appose to the negatives, thus a sense of bias?

Some aspects of the film definitely stood out and shocked me. The initial reveal on how much the family spends on Christmas was built up quite well – holding negative connotations on the family prior to the reveal such as the interview with AJ in which he describes all the children in the house and explains there is another one on the way despite their living conditions being primarily lower class. When asked about the age of each of the children he answers “Dominic WHICH is eight” which questions the viewer – is he a suitable father? But Conor then shows a contrast and the next clip shows AJ in a positive light – talking with the kids. This contrast in positivity and negativity works well and keeps the film interesting and thus the viewer may change their initial views on AJ.

On the same point later on within the film AJ tells the BBC in an interview outside his home that he holds a terrible eye condition in which he will lose his eye sight in two years. Personally from this point I believe the film takes a mellow turning and ultimately feel sympathy the remainder.

To conclude I do like how the documentary is structured in terms of narrative.. The story unfolds as the documentary progresses giving the viewer more and more information as time goes by, potentially changing initial stereotypes; However as discussed earlier is this truly a reality or is what we perceive from AJ purposely manipulated so that we only see what Conor wants us to see?

Another technique that I found interesting within Christmas with dad included the cinematography; for a documentary there are some shocking shots – featured was one of the youngest child of 1 chewing on an empty pack of cigarettes. Shots such as this tell more of a story that any line of dialogue can and in my opinion has a much more powerful effect on what is seen.

The theme running throughout the documentary focus’ around realism and how the viewers initial view on social class types differ and can change the more you see of that person, Conor displays this well throughout the film by contrasting between shots that show the family in both a positive and negative light.