Download Intensive Production Project Idea

Intensive Production
Project Idea
BY LUCY ROSS
My proposal

I propose to make a documentary about a person who has learning
difficulties as a result of having brain damage. I was inspired by my
older sister, Leah who has suffered from learning difficulties as a
result of brain damage from birth. Leah will be the main contributor
for my documentary giving a first-hand experience of living with
disabilities. The main aim of the documentary is to inform the public
about those who have special needs, the life and people involved
and the opportunities that are available for people who have
learning difficulties. My documentary will not only illustrate the daily
struggles those with special needs face but also the positive aspects
of their lives and the incredible support received by some. Growing
up with a sister who has special needs has exposed me to the harsh
realities of bullying and stereotyping of people who are special
needs, I want make a point that we are all the same and everyone
deserves as much respect as anyone else.
Why did I choose this idea?

I was inspired by my older sister Leah who is 29 years of age. She has
Learning difficulties as a result of having brain damage from birth.
Leah has brought me and my family so much joy over the years and
we wouldn’t change her for the world, even though what she has is
very sad. We have all learned to get on with it in the best way that
can and do what is best for her. I want to make a documentary to
educate people about someone who has learning difficulties as I
feel that there isn’t enough knowledge about people who are
special needs and this causes many to discriminate. I also want to
shed light on the help that is available for people who have learning
difficulties and show how my sister is supported by family, friends and
companies.
Personal Research

Although I have a lot of knowledge about my sisters disabilities and
behaviours etc, it is important that I take some further research to
further understand how Leah has developed as she has got older.
Leah currently lives in supported accommodation that is managed
by an innovative registered charity called Drive. I have asked for her
most recent review that explains her current physical health, mental
health and behaviour, along with risk assessments etc. This enables
me to have a wider understanding about what I want to include in
my documentary and whether it is appropriate to document certain
things for example. On the review document there are contacts
that will be very useful for my research, that include Leah’s GP,
psychiatrist and her support workers.
Leah’s review
Theoretical texts

As I am creating this documentary mainly to raise awareness about
people who suffer with learning disabilities, I want to look at how
people are increasingly using film through social media to raise
awareness, not just about disabilities but about a whole range of
different matters. I think that it is important to research into some
contextual information to have a deeper understanding about the
type of film that I am creating. It may fuel further ideas and
inspiration for the way that I want to raise awareness within the film.
Here is a link to a text that I will be looking into as part of my further
research.

Mahoney, M.L. and Tang, T. (2016) Strategic social media: From
marketing to social change. Wiley-Blackwell.

This book explores social media in five distinct sections. One being
social change, which will be relevant to my research.
Theory continued

Other theory that I plan to look at is Documentary film techniques
and debates. My film will come under the form of a drama
documentary, which is a film/documentary based on real events.

Online article talks about docudrama techniques

‘stimulating interest in issues through empathy with characters and
narrative, or to apply documentary style to fictional content,
thereby enhancing its immediacy.’ (Rolinson,2003)

‘However, critics and theorists continue to debate the extent to
which these techniques 'blur the boundaries' of fact and fiction’
(Rolinson,2003)
….

Online article- ethics and safeguarding

‘To film or not to film? How close to a subject is too close? How far is
too far? These are questions that documentary filmmakers should be
asking themselves when they set out to record a true story.
Sometimes lines are crossed, and sometimes boundaries are set
beforehand. Sometimes the filmmaker and the audience disagree
on where the line is, and a divide is created between them.’
(Cipriani,2017)

Interesting as it is my sister in comparison to someone I don’t know.
Contributors

Contributors of my film:

Leah (sister)

My mum and grandparents

Her carer

Her GP

Social worker

So far I have arranged a filming week with Leah’s head support
worker and of course Leah. I aim to have most of the filming done
by the end of the week beginning 6th march and then will finish off
any other parts after that.
Thank
you for listening!!
Any questions?