My documentary pitch

By jasmine williams

IDEAS FOR VISUALS

A range of close ups (from extreme-big) for cutaways to theatre related objects (e.g.) and
interviews

Wide shots

Camera pan/vertical tilt shots

Handheld tracking shots

Exterior establishing shots of the theatre and any other places related to the theatre
being explored/the cultural lifestyle of its inhabitance

Interior establishing shots of particular places/departments, within a theatre

Generally I want to film the stereotypical glitzy and glamorous imagery of costumes,
performers, makeup etc, commonly associated with the theatre as well as the less
attractive and appealing imagery of behind the scenes activities and preparation which
goes into most theatre productions, in this day and age.

SUBJECT

Will (generally) be on life behind the scenes of theatre production and the performing arts

What its like to be a performer, in the theatre?

What its like to be a costume designer, in charge of creating what the performer wears?

What its like to be a set designer, for a theatre company ?

What its like to be a props designer, for a theatre company?

What its like to be a makeup artist, for a theatre company?

Culture adopted ?

Benefits of being a part of a theatre company?

Struggles of being a part of a theatre company?

How does a theatre function?

What are the different job roles, within a theatre company-required for a specific theatre production?

Or, depending on the amount of limitations (to original idea), a more vague subject-focusing on: the many faces of art

I would focus on what its like to be an artist in todays society, as well as references to what its like to be a performer

In todays society, giving the strengths and limitations of both and/or the similarities/differences of each art form

PARTICIPANTS
. I hope to gain participants from:

set designers

makeup artists

a range of different performers (each playing a unique role, within the production)

costume designers

Briefly, anyone who plays a role in the functioning of a particular theatre companies
(current) production-e.g. a sound effects assistant, to have insight into what its like to be
apart of a theater company/engage in theatre culture

INTERVIEWS

I would like to conduct interviews with:

Set designer/s

Make up artist/s

Costume designer/s

Performers

Anyone else, associated with a particular theatre company-to give me insight

STRUCTURE

My documentary will start from the end, demonstrating a final/completed theatre performance (in
front of an audience)

Then (possibly) a sound bridge of the live production, as it cuts to moving imagery of the chaos
backstage (involving performers, set designers etc.)

A voiceover will state the question that will be explored throughout the documentary, setting the
theme, as well as the background history (of chosen theatre being explored) and the general
association with the theatre culture.

The opening title sequence will be displayed

An interview with a performer-stating generalized facts about what its actually like behind the
scenes of a theatre production and maybe his history within theatre

Natural footage of theatre routine/activity being carried out (e.g. designer sewing a costume, set
designer building a prop, along with a narration/voiceover stating factual information, specifically
on the activity being displayed, as well as a busy, happy sound track (in background)

Perhaps a cutaway to another activity (within room) or a cut to an interview

LOCATION CHOICES

Any London based theatres, particularly the Royal Drury Lane theatre, Royal
shakesperare company or the national theatre

I may also film in locations outside of theatre, such as establishing/exterior shots of

costume/fabric shops e.g.

EDITING STYLE/ TECHNIQUES

Fast paced

During scenes of genuine theatre activities, e.g. a costume designer sewing costumes, I
will be using a continueuity editing style

Natural and discrete