I have just finished filming and editing on a bunch of web films on How to Tile - lots of tips which will be put on YouTube by Dunlop, so I know how to tile - not that I can of course. I've been working with my colleague Andy Green at Leagus Video in Huddersfield which is always a pleasure.
A recent video project completed was for the Yorkshire Concept Proof of Commercial Development Fund, which is a partnership between all the Yorkshire Universities and Yorkshire Forward. Academics who develop new ideas for longer lasting light bulbs, and the like, can apply to the Fund for support to develop their ideas further.
For this video we filmed at various locations around the region, including a the extremely old York Merchant Venturers Hall, which made a nice contrast with the high tech to be found on other locations at Leeds Metropolitan, York and Sheffield Universities. We heard from board members of YC, experts and academics about the value of the fund. The editing required a number of 'film' grades, and use of Magic Bullet effects to create a film which had a strong visual style which complemented the innovative nature of the subject matter.
Our client said: "In getting out the message of what the Yorkshire Concept Fund is about, to attract potential investors, possible commercial partners to funded projects and further applications from Yorkshire's universities I needed footage that reflected that diversity with a number of individuals in different settings and contexts to not only come across clearly but was also upbeat, dynamic and vibrant in its presentation. I am very pleased with the work Matt Dowson produced and impressed by his professionalism and approach to achieve what I think is a great result."
We're currently making a pair of films - one concerning the Future of Social Care for Older People - support etc so we're filming people in Bradford District to get their views on what they want, and how it should be provided and paid for. The other video is on older people's experiences of care in hospital, particularly for those suffering from mental health problems. We started filming yesterday at a Bradford Council event, and got some good stuff. One of the interesting things about video production is that you have the privilege to enter peoples lives for short periods when you film them for a video, DVD, or website. I heard some amazing stories as part of this Total Place project which is a national programme currently being undertaken by the Government.
This film - in both standard and subtitle version - was produced to explain the issues surrounding dementia from a south asian perspective in Bradford. Meri Yaadain is the name of the project and it provides support and sign-posting to NHS and council services to users and their families. The video we produced was show at a the National Media Museum in May 2009 to an invited audience, and was the outcome of four weeks of planning, filming and post production as well as 750 DVD copies in a full library case. The final video has been used extensivley by other authorities and a further 500 DVD copies were run off on our CD/DVD duplicator for the client a few months later.
Meri Yaadain Film - quicktime streaming
Making presentations to national bodies where you need to have video testimony from individuals is something that many organisations need to do from time to time. The Adult Services team from City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council were presenting in early January 2009 in London on the subject of how they were engaging and involving older people in the district. The problem was that their elderly clients were unable to accompany them and tell their side of the story, so we did the next best thing - we produced a video that took the users to the audience. We filmed Vera Jacques in her own home where she could explain the practical support she had been given that made living in her own home a lot easier. The authority's Chief Executive was also able to go to London - on DVD of course!
We were back down to work with the NHS in Bournemouth and Poole, shooting a new film for them which looks at the challenges the PCT face with a high proportion of older people on their patch. We visited a number of people with long term conditions, terminal illness, recovering from alcoholism, and heard about the issues they and their carers face. It's always a privilege to hear about peoples situation and experiences as you enter their lives for an hour or so - we had a great session filming a couple and afterwards over coffee we chatted, as you do - the husband had fought with the Polish Army in WW2 and we heard about his experiences escaping from a Nazi labour camp, I wish I'd kept the camera rolling! The short film was edited by Dave Burnham, filmed and directed by Matt Dowson, with camera assistant Tom Jones.
Film 3.42mins - streaming quicktime file
We have been shooting a new film for KC Mobility, a West Yorkshire provider of disabled mobility systems - essentially all the transformation needed to make a vehicle disabled friendly. The shoots have taken us from Norwich to Widnes, to hear how people value their independence and how it has changed their lives. We produced a film for the Robostore system a few years ago, and its been great working on a project which really touches peoples lives, some of the stories have been quite awe inspiring.
shooting Assia King in Shipley
A fun day with actors at Undercliffe Health Centre in Bradford, which makes a change. But remind me never to have someone filing their nails
it makes continuity a touch difficult. Lee Martin on camera, Matt Dowson directing, and camera assistant Tom Jones.
Many thanks to Gill for the teas and coffees! Boiling hot day in May, we should have been outside.
