The 10 minute documentary's working title is 'Teen Spirit' and needs to be made in a style that would be broadcast at 9pm on Channel 4. It needs to "seek to inspire and empower the teen audience - think of positive role models and emphasise diversity" and should "be a ‘teen’s eye view’ and engage the audience with consideration of multi-platform applications".
In a pair with Mary, we considered all of the above and have decided that our documentary will be about LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) teens. To explain why we think this subject will make a strong documentary, below are my answers (factoring in Mary's answers) to questions our course leader asked...
Q: Does this subject resonate with me? Will it do so with others? Who?
A: Being L/G/B/T is a lot more commonly ‘out there’ now days. So many teenagers who have come out, are thinking about coming out or are afraid to come out could relate to the documentary and feel less alone. It could also help both teenagers and older generations who don’t have much of an understanding about LGBT to learn more and possibly become more considerate.
Q: What can I show people about this which is new?
A: The new part is that society is becoming more and more excepting of this topic over time, so what we could show is the change from then and now (e.g. decades ago, even a few years ago and now). This topic allows for a modern spin.
Q: What would I and others like to know more about?
A: I would like to know more about LGBT organisations as I’m not aware of how popular they are and what they consist of. I’d also like to hear about the topic from someone who is L/G/B/T to get their insight. I think audiences who want to be drawn into the documentary may want to see the above, as well the ups and downs. For example, parades, the culture, positive personal stories, emotional stories.
Q: What is unique?
A: This topic itself is unique. There are so many ups and downs to LGBT due to people who embrace it and people who discriminate against LGBT people that the documentary can go anywhere.
Q: Where is the best focus for this film?
A: The best focus in the film is most likely capturing emotion. From talking to teenagers of today who are dealing with their sexuality as well as older generations who are trying to get an understanding of the topic. The best way to keep an audience watching is to play on emotions and this topic can really do that, in the most sensitive way possible.
Q: What can I film? Remember it is a visual medium – the rule is always "show me, don't tell me"
A: What could be filmed: Organisation meetings, organisation activities, LGBT events (parades, parties), older generation interviews, teenager’s interviews, re-enactments of personal experiences, and a day in the life of someone who is L/G/B/T.
Great idea development here - it's good to question the story angle and the way you are going to approach it
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