How we work
We prefer to make the process of filmmaking as straightforward as possible. We explain things in plain English without jargon, and our budgets are clear and transparent, so you can see exactly what you are spending your money on. We will advise you what we think would work best to achieve your aims, but the final decisions are of course yours.
Filmmaking that responds to the needs of those you work with
You may be working with people who are very young, elderly, who have mental or physical health challenges or who are emotionally vulnerable. You will want to know with absolute certainty that they will be approached taking this into account, and their wishes respected.
Big production companies and agencies will hire a cameraperson, sound recordist and crew for the day, and these people will come in, do their job and leave. While most will do a good job technically, being there for such a short time they may not understand the sensitivities of the subject matter. Jo is involved from beginning to end, so she will find the right contributors to speak on camera, meet them in advance to put them at ease, and film with them herself, so she can really build up an understanding of what they are and aren’t comfortable with, as well as what they can add to your film, and respond to this. Working with one- or two-person crews means we can also be more adaptable to changing situations.
The Process: From Idea to Delivery
Initial stages
When we hear from an organisation interested in producing a film, we first ask a few questions about what they want to achieve with the film, who their audience is, where it sits alongside any other media they have or are planning to produce, what their budget is, and when they would like the film to be delivered. At this stage, they may have a rough idea of what the final film will look like, or detailed plans – or they may have no idea of what it will look like at all, but know what they want to achieve.
We would then produce some ideas for the film together with a budget, based on the requirements they had given us. We then discuss these ideas and budget with the client, and whether any changes are needed to produce the results the client needs. Redrafts may be drawn up, with the aim that
the client is happy, and understands all the costs involved and what they can expect of the finished film. Once a client is happy to proceed, we ask for half the cost of the film before production; this is to enable us to hire any additional crew and equipment, and book locations. The second half is to be paid on delivery of the finished film. To protect both ourselves and the client, we also ask you to sign a contract at this stage.
Pre-production
This is the research period, where we find any additional information we need to plan the film in more detail, source the right contributors to appear within the film and speak to them to find out if they are comfortable being filmed. Our plans are then discussed with the client for approval before production starts.
Production
The filming stage. Clients are welcome to attend the shoot if they think it is appropriate, and you may enjoy seeing your plans come together! Alternatively, if you prefer to leave it to us, we quite understand.
Post-production
After the shoot, the director goes through the unedited footage (rushes) and edits a rough cut, using an editor for most projects. You will be invited to view a rough cut of the film to discuss any changes you require with the director and editor. A fine cut is then produced incorporating these changes and you are again invited to view it, and asked to request all final minor changes. Following this, these changes are made, and the film is picture-locked and produced in its final form(s) to your technical specifications.
Delivery
The final film is delivered to you in your preferred format(s), on a pre-arranged date.
Get in contact about your next project
Email, message or call us for a friendly chat to talk through what would work best for you.