Morticians: Another Documentary Idea

So this was an exciting idea i was exploring for my documentary concept:) Morticians…OOOOOHHHHH.

I’ve been somewhat fascinated at the process of after life, and not death. I mean, I think for a documentary, the selling point for this film would be the in depth insight I could get (if possible) footages of a mortician dolling up the dead; say a kid, an old granny and so on.

Another idea would just be a simple piece to camera interview plus an observational documentary about a mortician’s life and I was hoping to find an ordinary joe who probably faced a lot of ups and downs/ discriminations/ hurtful comments etc. from his passion to beautify and assist the dead and their loved ones. Maybe a failed marriage or weird paranormal dreams and you know, something that creates an epic but most importantly, an authentic and interpersonal experience where the audience and myself, can relate and understand his feelings.

Once again! another idea i have in my head… Chinese morticians. I think in a western culture (even in australia) i’m pretty sure everyone will find it beyond queer and bizarre, at how chinese morticians carry out their jobs. I think there’s definitely an added edge/spice to the documentary story as religion and spiritual factors might need to come into place. For instance, superstitions: In chinese families, there used to be (or maybe it still is an existing belief) a belief when someone has perished, before putting the dead into the casket, a coin (regardless of colour) has to be placed into the mouth so that the dead can reincarnate into a wealthy family in his/her next life. I’m definitely not a believer but it’s fascinating isn’t it?? Why not just die peacefully and step into the white light? HMMM, this are some thoughts I have and i think it’ll be a pretty tough but exciting documentary idea to explore:)) I’ll keep on updating so tune in docu addicts<3

xoxo

Charmaine

Reading: Pawel Pawlikowski

“It seems to me that in a world where video cameras are omnipresent and where everything is being filmed all the time, it is essential that the film-makers concentrate on the film-making as opposed to recording. The thing that can salvage the documentary amid the increasingly meaningless glut of images is FORM.”

If only we could take video cameras withe us and film stuffs real life. I think everything on this universe can definitely be a documentary as long as you have the right angle tone and form. Maybe I’m wrong but even a pile of wood could be interesting. haha, who knows? I’ll take  a swing at it one day. For now, like what Pawlikowski said:” the point of making films is not to convey objective information about the world, but to show it as I see it and to find a form which is relevant…” Well I’d love to make a documentary that can also be viewed from my angle and perspective, but i’ll have to be super involved or at least in it to win it. hahaha. I should just be schizophrenic and be on the best of both worlds to produce a balance and strategic docu in the perspectives of a viewer and the filmmaker.

“TV is killing documentary”

– Well yes and no. Think about it there are many TV series now that takes on documentary styles as well. Reality shows, MTV, Discovery Channel… I think in many ways journalism and current affairs also undertake a documentary phase. It authentic and the form and tone of all these TV shows or segments can be transformed into a documentary easily. Think about it, like Gossip Girl,the cast and people (like Leighton Meester and Blake Lively) act out as a bunch of rich and famous people who probably do exist in the real world as well – real candidates who live on the Upper East Side, party and get dead drunk. MTV series, Jersey Shore, well that’s a reality documentary as well. It’s probably scripted but so are documentaries..

“One of the reasons why i made documentaries rather than fiction films was because they give you more freedom and fun. They were much cheaper to make and you dont have nervous producers and accountants breathing down your neck.”

– True that. I really do hope that in FTV2, I’ll get to experience the realities of creating a documentary from scratch. And I would love to be able to understand Pawell’s point of view and enable all my motivations and ideas to put across my message in the most optimistic and fun way possible. I think in some ways, our subjects have got to have the right chemistry and character as well. I would want someone’s who passionate about my topic and not someone who stages all his emotions and acts. Ain’t as effective I guess!

 

Fingers crossed my dearest team members and I wont have to end up filming ourselves! HAHA. Till then:)

 

xoxo

Charmaine.

First Documentary Concept

Check It!

The Language of Autism:

Autism affects a person’s ability to speak, communicate, socialise, learn, play and behave in an ‘appropriate’ manner. For a child who suffers autism, he or she has difficulty understanding the world around them, often isolates themselves, throw tantrums.

As someone who has seen loved ones suffer this illness, I’ve always been fascinated and empathised with families who have devoted their time and love to their autistic children. This documentary will be informative and observational, showcasing the the lives of autistic kids/ an autistic kid either in a centre where they’re cared for, or at home where family members take charge.

Introduction: This will include a short insight on autism and its effects. An introduction to the life of the autistic child will also begin. Voiceovers could be used to describe his/her life in general.

Body: More in-depth interviews can be done with the loved ones of the autistic child and an insight of how they learn to communicate and express love, patience and concern. Further details or significant testimonies will be captured as well. This includes more specific difficulties for the families while they communicate. A one-to-piece camera can also be done where someone will interact and play with the autistic child to get a more personal and intimate interview.

End: The end will include a voiceover of information which regards to help and support/funding for autism in Melbourne. More visuals of autism centres/online campaigns will be showcased as well.