Progress Update 03

1. Key Activities

  • Project Proposal Completed – Now fully focused on research.
  • Attended Webinar – Participated in a session by Kent Lamm (Standard Story Company) on making festival-worthy films on a budget. Some useful tips were gained, but the webinar was largely an advert for a paid course (£500, not pursuing it).
  • Casting Progress – A potential dancer has expressed interest, but no formal casting has been done yet.
  • Filming Schedule Adjusted – Planned Easter holiday shoot is no longer feasible due to college closure. Filming has been pushed to the week after Easter, compressing post-production and evaluation timelines.
  • Music Licensing Challenges – Received a response from Kobalt Music Publishing, which claims ownership of 60% of Supernatural by Barns Courtney (contradicting the artist’s claim of 40%). Licensing will not be free, and full permission is required for festival submissions. Need to clarify details and draft a response.
  • Primary Research Plans – Planning test shoots next week with Owen, Kyle, Ava, and Becca to explore various techniques and effects.

2. Feedback & Progress

  • Project proposal is more detailed than last year’s.
  • Casting is moving slowly; flyers and a casting form need to be created.
  • Licensing issues remain unresolved but are being addressed.
  • Test shots planned for next week will contribute to primary research.

3. Challenges & Solutions

  • Delayed Progress on Casting – Initially planned to start immediately after the pitch but hasn’t. Solution: Prioritising flyer creation and a casting call form, distributing them widely to attract interest.
  • Filming Schedule Setback – College closure over Easter means no access to equipment or facilities. Solution: Delaying filming but using the extra time to catch up on research.
  • Music Licensing Uncertainty – Kobalt’s ownership claim is different from Barns Courtney’s statement. Solution: Drafting an email response, consulting Paddy before sending it early next week.
  • Behind on Research – Needs to be accelerated to stay on track. Solution: Expanding research timeframe due to the filming delay, incorporating test shoots and potential interviews.

4. Upcoming Plans

  • Finalise and distribute casting call materials.
  • Conduct test shoots next week (Tuesday and Thursday).
  • Continue researching cults and other relevant themes.
  • Attempt to organise interviews for primary research.
  • Respond to Kobalt Music Publishing regarding licensing concerns.

5. Additional Comments

  • Adjusting to setbacks while maintaining progress on research and casting.
  • Recognising the importance of research in shaping the project.
  • Struggling to maintain twice-weekly updates but aiming to improve consistency.
  • Hoping the filming delay will be beneficial in the long run.