Being Professional & Knowing The Responsibilities of a Film-maker

Throughout the film-making process I learned how to built a rapport with my subject. I also learnt how to act professional as a Director would working for a professional Television company. Throughout the filming I had to be aware of my subject. For example when I was getting Billy to punch in the ring and punch bag I had to be aware of his age and keep cutting in-between shots so that I did not leave Billy feeling tired or under pressure. I think my personal skills have been boosted due to working with people who are initially strangers to begin with and who are outside of my family circle or peer group. This is a skill that I learned I am good at.

When making the documentary I was always aware that this was a piece of work that was being made for public viewing and not just my own personal use. I had to be aware that my subject would be wanting copies made to give to family and so on. Bearing this in mind I was always being very carful about which information to take from the footage and I was constantly aware about the story I was trying to tell. When analysing my rushes I came across some footage which could have been taking the wrong way for example sequences that were almost comedy. Although I was telling a personal portrait I was aware that it can be risky and decided to leave it out of the edit.

Although I am a fan of the controversial channel 4 style documentaries I surely do not want to offend anyone whilst making my own. I started thinking about this when I seen an article in the Guardian which talks about the controversy surrounding channel fours reality series 'Benefit street' The subjects who had agreed to be filmed by channel 4 for are feeling cheated as they believe they are being shown in a bad light. I believe I performed professionally and I believe my subject will be happy with the final result.