As a media creator, I understand the importance of doing research into different existing media products. It allows me to gain a better understanding of what works and what doesn't, which can save me time and effort in the long run. By analysing and taking inspiration from successful media products, I can apply similar techniques to my own work to make it more effective and engaging. Additionally, researching existing media products can help me identify gaps in the market, enabling me to create content that is unique and fresh. Ultimately, doing research into different existing media products is a crucial step in ensuring that my work is professional, high-quality, and meets the expectations of my audience.
So with the focus of the brief being that the client wishes for the whole piece to go onto YouTube, I decided to go delving into a bit more research into the analytics of YouTube. A focus would definitely be how the UK audience side of YouTube, consumes content on the platform & the best way of formatting the piece's production.
YouTube is the largest video-sharing platform in the world, with over 2 billion monthly active users. The platform allows anyone to upload, share, and view videos, making it a versatile and accessible tool for content creators. According to a 2019 survey by the British Video Association, YouTube is the second most popular platform for video viewing in the UK, after broadcast television.
Starting off with Age Demographics within the UK, with 24% of UK users being aged between 16-24 years of age & 44% being aged 25 - 44. 24 - 44 being the 44% of the UK users really is beneficial to know, this is because according to Zippia.com, "The age group of 35-44 is the most employed. The labor force participation rate among this age group in the U.S. is 77% as of 2020". Meaning majority of the people who will come across the video will be people already settled into an industry, raising the likelihood that they will bring the video to attention of a potential employer or are in fact an employer themselves. I will use this information to really nail the client brief & audience I am aiming for.
Going off another demographic, which would be the gender diversity within the platform for the UK. For this focus study, it was between the genders of male & female, with 54% of UK users being male whilst 46% are female. What's impressive about this is that it's only a 8% difference, personally I am surprised as I more believed that YouTube would be more leaned towards male's due to gaming videos & that demographic.
Though not as noteworthy as the previous demographics, UK is the 4th highest YouTube using country, only behind the USA, Brazil & Russia.
One interesting fact I learnt whilst research was that YouTube has a cap of 20GB's for videos being uploaded. Though a more generalised fact, I do think it is quite interesting to know, for now & the future.
So I decided to do a bit more research into lighting, especially on this video made by Danny Gevirtz, this seemed like I might be able to learn quite a bit more than I already do on lighting. I already know how to set up lighting when needed, but I don't really know how to set up specific lighting for certain scenes, that's why I want to get a bit more inspiration.
The reason I am choosing this video is because at 0:16, they have a shot which takes place within a boxing gym and just seeing this I was able to imagine how exactly I would light my shots.
The shot at 0:16 specifically in locker room is something I would really like to replicate for my piece, maybe not in a locker room but I do like the shot of a long corridor or sorts with a light source at the end & at the foreground you have the halo lit individual.
This is definitely a shot I will be taking inspiration from & will try to recreate in my piece. One of the main takeaway from it is definitely that the camera using handheld movement really adds to the fact that the shot makes boxer look alone & singled out.
The next shot within their piece, shows a distant light, on the opposite side of the subject which gives a halo, whilst also illuminating the ring which shows the audience the boxing setting once again.
Another thing to note here would be the lack of background element lit up apart from the back of the main subjects head. This gives a antural looking halo on both sides of the subject, adding more to the context that the individual is srong & fighting something alone.
Even though these are just 2 small shots within the the video and not the main focus, they were both definitely interesting and helped me get more ideas on how to light or do certain shots.
Something that they mention within the video is that the individual a lot of the time uses the natural light a lot of the time, not just the natural light, but more of, looking at how you can use the natural light within the scene before solely focusing on just using other light sources on the subject. They mention that making sure to have natural lighting in your shot (by natural lighting, meaning natural sources of light that you could find already in the area) and using that as the back light in the shot to make sure it feels more real whilst then using your main light as a fill light to add to that natural light.
A thing that he mentions heavily within the video is the statement, "light spaces, not faces", this can by making sure you are prioritising the enviromental light first and then faces next. With close in shots where you've established the light coming from the natural source, you can use the artificial light to replace the window light in close up shots.
After looking up lighting, which really did help me get a lot ideas, I decided to look a bit into an individual who I know does a lot of good work and someone I definitely look up to with how way they formulate their videos, which helps both with the retention rate of viewers. This individual known as GxAce is someone who always does beautifully cinematic pieces about cameras & I believe their videos just showcase their personality beautifully and is something I really want to replicate for my work. Especially within the thumbnail of the video which is also important to really showcase the piece, which makes sure that the viewer clicks on it wether that be because of FOMO or just because it looked naturally interesting, you can see one of these on the right.
Something important to note is the fact that within the first 10 seconds, there's only one shot, the first 3 seconds because black screen with nothing but music ambience, which then on beat with the music switches to a cinematic up panning shot of something unrelated to the subject, there's no vocals & speaking for the entire first 10 seconds.
Only after the 20 second mark, does the main voice of the piece start talking, though personally re-watching this does this feel like a little too long & I would personally say that it should more start at the 15 second mark instead but that's my only negative so far as I absolutely love the sound design of the piece & will be making sure it's of the main focuses of my piece, allowing for the viewer to be engrossed within the piece itself.
I will also note that both of the "cinematic" shots in the prior to videos I've analysed have both been in a format which allows for black bars on the top & bottom. Something I will experiment with in my piece also.
The next shot then showcases whose talking, which is shrouded in blue light with the only other light is the headset thing which the viewer is meant to be caught off guard with and make the view question once again what is happening, whilst the voice talks in cryptic & philosophical babble, creating an atmosphere of unease and unknowing for the viewer.
If anything I would take the action & talking part but definitely get rid of the jarring for viewers part. This will be utilised in a way which makes my piece bring more intrigue, allowing for the engagement o the audience to stay interested in what exactly is going to happen.
Since my piece was going to be an aired piece of media on the internet, I wanted to allow it be OFCOM safe incase of any ability to broadcast it on Television. So taking this into consideration, I took my time to look into OFCOM & how I could apply it to my project.
Protecting the under eighteens - OFCOM's "Protecting the Under Eighteens" guideline outlines the regulations for broadcast media content that is accessible to children under the age of 18. This includes television programs, video-on-demand services, and online content. The purpose of the guideline is to ensure that children are protected from harmful and inappropriate content and are provided with content that is suitable for their age and development.
The guideline covers a range of topics, including violence, sex, language, and commercial references. With regards to violence, the guideline states that scenes of violence should be kept to a minimum, especially if they are graphic or gory. The guideline also states that the depiction of violence should not be justified, glamorised, or trivialised, and it should not encourage imitation.
In the context of a boxing documentary, the OFCOM guidelines would apply to any scenes that depict violence or injury, as well as any discussion of violence or injury. The documentary would need to ensure that any scenes of violence or injury are not excessive or graphic, and that they do not glamorise or trivialise the subject. Additionally, the documentary would need to ensure that any discussion of violence or injury is appropriate for the target audience, including children under the age of 18.
Protecting the under-eighteens - observing the watershed on television and music videos - The TV Watershed guideline set by OFCOM is a set of guidelines that define the appropriate scheduling of television programming in the United Kingdom. The TV Watershed was established to protect children from exposure to harmful or inappropriate content, and to provide a framework for scheduling adult content on television. The TV Watershed applies to all television programs in the UK, and is set from 9 pm to 5:30 am. During this time, more adult-themed programming is allowed, as children are generally assumed to be asleep.
The TV Watershed guideline is relevant to the boxing documentary, as it will impact the scheduling of the program. If the content of the documentary is considered to be adult-themed or contains material that may be harmful to children, it will need to be scheduled during the TV Watershed. Additionally, the guideline will impact the type of advertising that can be shown during the program, as advertising for adult-oriented products or services is also restricted during the TV Watershed.
It is important to note that the TV Watershed is not a censorship mechanism, but rather a scheduling guideline. Programs that fall within the Watershed are still subject to the same standards of taste and decency as all other programming. However, the Watershed provides an additional level of protection for children, and ensures that adult content is clearly labeled and scheduled appropriately.
Therefore, as the producer of the boxing documentary, I should consider the content of the program in relation to the TV Watershed and to schedule the program appropriately, to ensure that it is accessible to the intended audience and complies with the guidelines set by OFCOM.
Offensive language on radio & TV - OFCOM's Offensive Language on Radio & TV guideline outlines the acceptable standards for the use of potentially offensive language in radio and television programming in the UK. The guideline states that language that is likely to cause significant offense to most members of the audience should be avoided, and that broadcasters should exercise caution when airing content that includes strong language.
In the context of a boxing documentary, the guideline would apply to the language used by the participants, particularly when they are participating in live interviews or commentating on boxing matches. Care should be taken to avoid using language that is likely to offend or cause harm, and in some cases, the broadcaster may choose to censor or bleep out certain words or phrases.
It is important to note that the guideline applies not only to the actual use of offensive language, but also to the representation of such language, for example, through written text or gestures. The guideline also outlines the importance of considering the time of day, the target audience, and the context in which the language is used, and taking these factors into account when making decisions about content.
In conclusion, while the use of strong or offensive language may be a part of the boxing culture, I should be aware of the standards set out by OFCOM and take steps to avoid causing harm or offense to the audience. The guideline is designed to promote responsible and ethical standards of broadcasting, and to ensure that television and radio content is suitable for all members of the audience.
Section two - Harm and offence - OFCOM's "Harm and Offence" guideline provides guidance on what is considered harmful and offensive content in television and radio broadcasts. This guideline is relevant to my boxing documentary, as it outlines specific considerations that must be taken into account when filming and airing footage that includes violence, strong language, or other potentially offensive material.
The guideline states that content should not cause harm to individuals or to society, and that all broadcasters must take into account the potential for harm or offence when deciding what to air. This includes considering the timing, context, and audience of the broadcast.
In the case of the boxing documentary, it will be important to consider the potential for harm or offence when filming and airing footage of boxing matches and training sessions, as well as any interviews with fighters or trainers that may contain strong language or explicit content. The documentary should also consider the audience for the film, including the age range and interests of the target viewers, and adjust the content accordingly to minimise the potential for harm or offence.
Additionally, the guideline requires that broadcasters ensure that the content is appropriately classified, and that any necessary warnings or guidance is provided to the audience. This could include providing clear warnings about strong language, violence, or other content that may be considered offensive, and ensuring that the content is appropriately rated for its intended audience.
Section three - Crime, disorder, hatred and abuse - In accordance with OFCOM's guidelines on "Crime, Disorder, Hatred, and Abuse," it is important for me to ensure that the content does not incite or encourage criminal behavior or depict crimes in a manner that glamorises or condones them. The guidelines state that all content should abide by the law and must not contain anything that is likely to encourage or incite the commission of crime or lead to disorder.
I must consider the potentially harmful impact of the content on viewers, especially children and young people. They must avoid depicting violence or hate speech that could be interpreted as promoting or glorifying criminal or anti-social behavior.
In the context of a boxing documentary, this guideline applies to the portrayal of any illegal or unethical activities that may occur in or around the boxing world, such as the use of performance-enhancing drugs or the involvement of organised crime in the sport, though I may or may not touch upon this topic I believe stating this here alone should help in future. I must ensure that they do not depict these activities in a way that may condone or glamorise them, and must instead present a balanced view that recognises the harm and negative impact they may cause.
I must also be mindful of the potential for offensive language in the film and ensure that any strong language or offensive content is justified by the context and does not exceed what is acceptable for broadcast. They should also be mindful of the potential for harm or offense to be caused by any portrayals of hate speech or discrimination, such as racism or sexism.
Section four - Religion - The OFCOM guideline on Religion outlines the standards that are expected in the portrayal of religion on TV and radio in the United Kingdom. This guideline applies to all religious content, regardless of the religion being depicted.
One of the main considerations outlined in the guideline is that religious content should not be used to incite hatred or discrimination against individuals or groups, and should be treated with respect and sensitivity. In the context of a boxing documentary, this would mean that any religious references or symbolism should be depicted in a way that does not offend or discriminate against any particular religious group.
Another key point in the guideline is that religious content should not be presented in a way that is likely to cause harm or offense. This would include, for example, depicting acts of violence or religious extremism in a way that is likely to cause harm to an individual or group, or presenting religious beliefs in a way that is derogatory or mocking. The guideline also states that care should be taken when portraying religious practices or beliefs that may not be familiar to the general audience. This could mean avoiding misrepresenting religious practices or beliefs associated with boxing, and taking care to ensure that such practices are depicted in a way that is accurate and respectful.
Section five - Due impartiality and due accuracy and undue prominence of views and opinions - The OFCOM's guidelines on Due Impartiality and Due Accuracy and Undue Prominence of Views and Opinions outline the regulations and standards that must be upheld when presenting factual information and views or opinions on broadcast media. This is particularly relevant for my boxing documentary as it seeks to present information about the sport, the fighters, and the history of the sport.
According to the guidelines, broadcasters must ensure that their programs are impartial, accurate, and balanced in their representation of facts, views and opinions. This means that no one perspective or viewpoint should be given undue prominence or weight, and that different perspectives should be represented in a fair and balanced manner. For a me, this could apply to the representation of different boxers, the various styles of fighting, the history of the sport and its cultural significance, as well as any opinions or viewpoints held by volunteers, trainers, or fighters themselves.
In order to ensure compliance with these guidelines, the documentary must be carefully researched and fact-checked, and all viewpoints must be represented in a balanced and impartial manner.
Section six - Elections and referendums - The OFCOM guidelines on Elections and Referendums provide regulations and guidelines on the broadcasting of political matters during the periods of elections and referendums. The guidelines aim to ensure impartiality, accuracy, and fairness in the coverage of political matters in the broadcast media. In the context of a my piece, the guidelines on Elections and Referendums would not apply directly as the subject of the documentary does not involve political matters. However, it is important to maintain impartiality and accuracy in the representation of facts and opinions within the documentary. The guidelines can serve as a general reminder of the standards of impartiality and accuracy in the production of my documentary.
Section seven - Fairness - In OFCOM's Guidance notes on Section Seven: Fairness, it is stated that all broadcast content must be fair and not unjust or unfair to any individual or organisation featured in the material. This is in line with the requirement of the Broadcasting Code, which states that "the treatment of individuals and organisations in television and radio programmes must be fair."
The principle of fairness applies to all types of content, including documentaries and other factual programming. It is important that I ensure that all parties involved in the sport, including the fighters, trainers, and volunteers, are treated fairly and their perspectives are represented in an impartial manner.
To ensure that my boxing documentary adheres to OFCOM's guidelines on fairness, it is important to consider the following points:
Present a balanced representation of the sport: The documentary should aim to provide a balanced representation of the sport and all its aspects, including its benefits and drawbacks.
Avoid sensationalising: The documentary should not aim to sensationalise the sport or any particular aspect of it, as this may be deemed unfair to the people or organisations involved.
Ensure accuracy: The documentary should aim to be as accurate as possible, and any factual inaccuracies should be avoided. If the documentary contains opinions or viewpoints, it should be made clear that these are just that and not presented as facts.
Protect privacy: The documentary should aim to protect the privacy of the individuals involved and not reveal any information that may cause harm or distress to them.
In conclusion, the boxing documentary should aim to adhere to OFCOM's guidelines on fairness and ensure that all parties involved are treated fairly and their perspectives are represented in an impartial manner. This will help to ensure that the documentary is in line with the principles of the Broadcasting Code and will be appreciated by both viewers and critics alike.
Section eight - Privacy - The OFCOM's Privacy guidelines, found in Section 8 of the broadcast code, state that broadcasters must take due care and attention in order to respect the privacy of individuals. It is necessary for me to be aware of this guideline when making a my documentary, as privacy concerns may arise in the filming and editing process. I will ensure that individuals in the documentary are not subjected to unwarranted intrusion into their private lives, and that any information or material that is potentially sensitive is dealt with in a responsible manner. This could include information about their personal, financial or health related issues, or any other information that would be considered private by a reasonable person. The guideline also states that if any individual's consent is not given to be filmed or interviewed, the filmmaker must respect this and not use the footage or information obtained. Additionally, if an individual's consent is given, the filmmaker must ensure that their rights are not exploited or abused in any way. These guidelines must be considered throughout the production process, in order to ensure that the documentary is compliant with OFCOM regulations and that the rights of all individuals involved are respected.
Section nine: Commercial references in television programming - OFCOM's Commercial references in television programming guidelines outline the regulations surrounding the integration of commercial references within television programs. These guidelines aim to ensure that such references are not misleading and do not influence the content of the program in an undue manner. The following are the key points of the guidelines, with applications for a boxing documentary:
Factual accuracy: OFCOM requires that all commercial references in television programming are factually accurate and do not mislead the audience. This applies to any references made to commercial products or services within the documentary. The documentary must not make false or exaggerated claims about products or services that could mislead the audience.
Independence: The boxing documentary must not be influenced by commercial considerations, and all references to commercial products or services must be editorially justified. The documentary must not be used as a platform for promoting commercial products or services in an undue manner.
Clear distinction between editorial content and commercial content: The guidelines require that it must be clear to the audience when commercial content begins and ends. This applies to any references to commercial products or services within the documentary. For example, the documentary must not blur the line between editorial content and commercial content by promoting commercial products or services in a manner that is indistinguishable from the editorial content.
Identification of commercial references: OFCOM requires that commercial references are clearly identified as such. This applies to any references to commercial products or services within the piece. The documentary must make it clear to the audience when a reference is being made to a commercial product or service.
Undue prominence: The guidelines prohibit the undue prominence of commercial references within television programming. This applies to any references to commercial products or services within the piece. The documentary must not give undue prominence to commercial products or services in a manner that is not editorially justified.
These OFCOM guidelines must be followed when creating my boxing documentary to ensure that the documentary is compliant with the regulations and does not mislead the audience or promote commercial products or services in an undue manner.
In conclusion, OFCOM is the UK regulatory body responsible for ensuring that broadcast content complies with codes and guidelines. These codes and guidelines cover a range of areas, including the protection of minors, offensive language, harm and offence, crime, religion, due impartiality and accuracy, elections and referendums, fairness, privacy, and commercial references in television programming. Each of these guidelines provides specific instructions and restrictions to ensure that broadcasters maintain high standards in their content and do not harm or offend viewers.
When it comes to my boxing documentary, OFCOM guidelines would apply in many ways to ensure that the content is appropriate and in line with the standards set by the regulatory body. For example:
The protection of minors guideline would require that any scenes or language that might be harmful to minors are properly restricted or edited.
The guidelines on offensive language and harm and offence would also ensure that no material is included in the documentary that could be considered to be harmful or offensive.
The due impartiality and accuracy guideline would apply to the boxing documentary by ensuring that the facts and opinions presented are accurate, impartial and not given undue prominence.
The privacy guidelines would ensure that the privacy of individuals is respected and not violated by the use of footage or other personal information.
The commercial references in television programming guidelines would require that any commercial messages or product placements in the documentary are clearly identifiable as such and do not mislead or confuse the viewer.
Overall, OFCOM's guidelines play a crucial role in ensuring that broadcast content is appropriate, of high quality, and in line with community standards. In the case of my piece, these guidelines would ensure that the content is appropriate and that the viewers are protected from harm, offence, and inaccurate information.
After researching OFCOM, I decided to look at a bit more of the legal & ethical stuff which I may need to be cautious of when making my documentary piece.
Copyright Law: When using footage of boxing matches, I must ensure that I have the rights to use that footage. This may mean obtaining permission from the owners of the footage, or purchasing a license to use the footage. I will ensure this by getting written consent from copyright holders.
Defamation Law: When making a documentary about individuals, including boxers, I must be mindful of the potential for defamatory statements. This means avoiding making false or damaging statements about individuals, or presenting information in a manner that could be seen as defamatory. I will fact check each bit of information before stating it in my piece.
Privacy Law: Boxers, like all individuals, have a right to privacy. I must ensure that I do not capture or share information that is considered to be private or personal, unless they have the individual's consent to do so. Following this, I will make sure to run through the boxer prior to airing pilot.
Ethics: I must also consider ethical considerations when making a documentary about boxers. This may include avoiding sensationalizing the subject matter, or presenting it in a way that is misleading or inaccurate. I will make sure to get feedback beforehand to make sure the topics I cover are comfortable for a general audience.
Health and Safety: I must also be mindful of the health and safety of the boxers I am filming. This may mean avoiding filming in dangerous or hazardous situations, or ensuring that boxers are not put in harm's way while they are being filmed. I will adhere to this by making sure to do risk assessments
Informed Consent: It is important to ensure that all individuals who are featured in the documentary have given their informed consent to be a part of the project. This includes ensuring that they understand what their involvement entails, and that they are aware of any potential consequences of appearing in the film. I will make sure to get everyone to fill in a specified consent form.
Safety: Filming a boxing documentary may involve capturing high-stakes and potentially dangerous scenes. It is important to ensure that all participants are aware of the risks involved, and that the production team is taking steps to minimize those risks, such as providing proper protective gear and monitoring the safety of all involved, which stated before, I will also do risk assessments.
Fair Representation: It is important to ensure that all individuals and perspectives in the documentary are treated fairly, and that the film does not perpetuate harmful stereotypes or inaccuracies. This includes avoiding sensationalism, and taking steps to accurately and respectfully represent the experiences and perspectives of all involved.
The movie "When We Were Kings" is a documentary film that tells the story of the famous "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match that took place in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo) in 1974. The film focuses on the lead-up to the fight, the cultural impact of the event, and the impact it had on the two fighters, Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.
One important scene in the movie is the buildup to the fight, where Muhammad Ali is seen as the underdog against George Foreman, who was considered the heavy favorite. The film highlights Ali's unique style and charisma, and how he was able to rally the people of Zaire behind him and make the fight a cultural event. I can use a similar technique to make my main actor the underdog & have people root for him.
Another important scene is the famous "rope-a-dope" strategy that Ali used to defeat Foreman in the ring. The film explains how Ali used his wits and energy to tire Foreman and ultimately knock him out in the 8th round, winning the fight and becoming the Heavyweight Champion of the World once again.
Additionally, the film explores the cultural and political impact of the fight on Zaire and the world. The "Rumble in the Jungle" was a symbol of hope and unity for the people of Zaire, who were going through a difficult time under the regime of Mobutu Sese Seko.
In conclusion, "When We Were Kings" is a powerful film that tells the story of one of the most memorable boxing matches of all time. The film highlights the talent and charisma of Muhammad Ali, the significance of the fight to Zaire and the world, and the impact it had on both fighters. For a documentary film on boxing, "When We Were Kings" is an essential viewing to understand the sport and its cultural significance.
"Undisputed Truth" is a 2013 documentary film that chronicles the life and career of the legendary boxer Mike Tyson. The film is directed by Spike Lee and is based on Tyson's one-man stage show of the same name. The movie provides an in-depth look at Tyson's rise to fame and his controversial fall from grace.
The film opens with Tyson discussing his troubled childhood and his experiences growing up in a rough neighborhood in Brooklyn. He then goes on to recount his early boxing career and the people who helped shape him as a fighter. This includes his trainer Cus D'Amato, who becomes a father figure to Tyson, as well as trainer Kevin Rooney, who helps him to hone his skills in the ring. I could take inspiration & have my actor talk about there upbringing and how it led them to boxing.
Throughout the film, Tyson reflects on the many ups and downs of his life and career, including his marriages, his legal troubles, and his experiences with drugs and addiction. He also provides a candid look at the events that led to his downfall, such as the rape conviction that put him behind bars for three years. This could be used in my piece, rather than rape conviction, the emotional weight behind boxing.
Overall, "Undisputed Truth" provides a compelling and personal look at the life of one of the most famous boxers of all time.
"The Fighter" is a 2010 American biographical sports drama film directed by David O. Russell. The movie tells the story of boxer "Irish" Micky Ward and his older half-brother Dicky Eklund. Micky Ward is a struggling lightweight boxer who eventually becomes a world champion, and the film follows his journey as he tries to break away from the shadow of his troubled half-brother and overcome the obstacles in his life.
One specific scene that could inspire a boxing documentary is when Micky trains hard to make a comeback in the ring and fight for the welterweight title. This scene showcases the physical and mental dedication required to be a successful fighter, and the determination it takes to achieve a goal. It highlights the importance of hard work and perseverance, which are qualities that are necessary for any athlete to succeed in their sport.
Another inspiring scene is when Micky stands up to his family and decides to break away from the influence of his mother and half-brother. He decides to take control of his own life and career, which is a key moment in the film. This scene could be used to show how fighters often have to overcome their own personal demons, as well as external pressures, in order to succeed in their careers.
Finally, the relationship between Micky and Dicky is an important aspect of the film, and the two characters play off each other in a complex and dynamic way. Their relationship showcases the importance of family and support, but also highlights the difficulties that can arise when family members have different goals and desires. This relationship could be used to show the importance of support networks for fighters, and the impact that family and friends can have on a fighter's career.
In conclusion, "The Fighter" provides several key themes and scenes that could be used to inspire a boxing documentary. The film showcases the physical and mental dedication required to be a successful fighter, the determination it takes to achieve a goal, the importance of hard work and perseverance, the challenges of overcoming personal demons and external pressures, and the impact that family and friends can have on a fighter's career.
"Hands of Stone" is a biopic film that follows the life of Panamanian professional boxer Roberto Durán. The film showcases his journey from his humble beginnings to becoming one of the greatest boxers of all time, and how he eventually gained the nickname "Manos de Piedra" (Hands of Stone). Some specific scenes and important information that could be used to inspire a boxing documentary are:
Durán's childhood and early life: The film portrays Durán's childhood in a poor neighborhood in Panama and how he started boxing at an early age to make a living. This information could be used to show the challenges that young boxers face, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.
Durán's relationship with his trainer Ray Arcel: The film depicts the close relationship that Durán had with his trainer Ray Arcel and how Arcel was instrumental in shaping Durán's career. This relationship could be used as an example of the importance of the bond between a fighter and their trainer and the role that trainers play in shaping the careers of boxers.
Durán's fights against Sugar Ray Leonard: Durán's two highly publicised fights against Sugar Ray Leonard are some of the most memorable moments in his career. These scenes could be used to show how two great boxers can create exciting and unforgettable fights.
Durán's comeback: After losing a few fights, Durán made a comeback in the ring and regained his world title. This part of the film could be used to show how a fighter's determination and willpower can lead to a successful comeback.
In conclusion, "Hands of Stone" provides valuable insight into the life of one of the greatest boxers of all time. By showcasing specific scenes and important information, it inspired me by highlighting the challenges, relationships, memorable moments, and comebacks in a fighter's life.
Boxing Futures is a UK-based charity aimed at using boxing as a tool to inspire and empower young people. The charity focuses on using the discipline, structure, and values of boxing to help young people build their confidence, resilience, and determination, and to develop positive life skills that can help them overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
The program consists of various initiatives, including training and mentorship, educational and skills-based workshops, and community outreach programs. The program also offers young people the opportunity to get involved in competitive boxing, and provides access to high-quality training facilities and equipment.
One of the key benefits of the program is the way it uses boxing as a tool for positive social change. The sport provides a structured and supportive environment that encourages young people to develop self-esteem, teamwork, and leadership skills, and to set goals and work hard to achieve them.
The program is also designed to help young people overcome barriers to success, such as poverty, lack of access to education and employment, and social exclusion. By providing young people with the skills and support they need to succeed, the program helps to break down these barriers and provide a pathway to a brighter future.
In conclusion, the program is a valuable resource for anyone looking to create a boxing-based documentary that highlights the positive impact of the sport on young people's lives. The program provides a wealth of information and resources on the benefits of boxing, as well as inspiring real-life stories of young people who have overcome challenges and reached their full potential through the sport.
So I took sometime to research the next steps I may need to look into when I have finished my piece, this involved possibly submitting it to film festivals. So the first step in submitting my short film to a festival is to research film festivals. There are many UK-based film festivals, so it's important to do some research and choose ones that align with the type of film I have made. One great resource to use is FilmFreeway, a platform that lists a wide range of film festivals, including many in the UK. I can filter the results based on my film's genre, length, and other criteria to find festivals that are the best fit.
Another resource to use is the British Council's Film Festival Directory, which provides a comprehensive list of UK-based film festivals. This directory includes information on upcoming events and deadlines, as well as festival descriptions and contact information. It's a great starting point to get an overview of the festivals that are available in the UK.
When researching festivals, I also look at their past lineups and awards to get a sense of the types of films they typically showcase and the quality of their programming. For example, I might look into the London Short Film Festival, which is held annually in January, as it has a focus on documentaries and sports films. Additionally, I could look into the Sheffield Doc/Fest, which is one of the UK's most prominent documentary film festivals held in June. They have a "Sports Docs" category which may be fitting for my documentary.
After researching various UK film festivals and selecting a few that are a good fit for my documentary, I need to prepare the submission materials as per the requirements of each festival. Generally, I need to prepare a high-quality screener of my film, a synopsis, a trailer, and any additional materials required by the festival.
To prepare a high-quality screener, I need to make sure my film is exported in the correct format and resolution specified by the festival. Some festivals require online screeners, while others may require physical copies on DVD or Blu-Ray. I need to make sure that the screener I submit is of the highest quality possible to make the best impression.
The synopsis is an important aspect of the submission, as it provides a brief summary of my film's story and themes. It should be engaging and compelling, enticing festival programmers to watch my film. I also need to prepare a trailer that gives a sense of the film's style, tone, and content. It should be short, yet impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.
Additionally, some festivals may require additional materials, such as a director's statement, production stills, or press kit. It's important to read the submission guidelines carefully and provide all the necessary materials as per the festival's requirements.
It's also important to note that by submitting your film to a festival, you may be required to give the festival certain rights to screen your film during the festival. These rights can vary depending on the festival, so make sure to read the submission guidelines carefully to understand the terms and conditions of the festival's screening rights.
Finally, it's important to keep in mind that many festivals receive a high volume of submissions, so it's important that I submit my film early and follow the submission guidelines closely to give my film the best chance of being selected.
Submitting my documentary to Netflix would require me to keep the following steps and factors in mind to increase the chances of success. The first step is to research Netflix's submission process, which can be found on their website, at: https://help.netflix.com
It is essential to ensure that the documentary meets Netflix's requirements before submitting it.
The next step is to find a distributor who can help in submitting the documentary to Netflix. There are various distributors who have experience in working with Netflix and can provide guidance and support throughout the process. One such example is FilmRise, a distribution company that specialises in documentary films within the UK and has previously worked with Netflix. They can help in submitting the documentary to Netflix and negotiating a deal on behalf of the filmmaker.
Before submitting the documentary, it is important to prepare the materials required by Netflix. This includes a high-quality screener of the documentary, a synopsis, and a trailer. It is also essential to have all necessary legal documentation, such as music licenses and talent releases, in order. These materials should be presented in a professional and polished manner, as they will be used to evaluate the documentary's potential for distribution on Netflix.
Once the materials are ready, the distributor can submit the documentary to Netflix on behalf of the filmmaker. It is important to note that Netflix receives a large volume of submissions and only accepts a small percentage of them. As such, it is crucial to have a well-crafted and compelling documentary that stands out from the competition.
Another important consideration is the distribution deal negotiated with Netflix. The filmmaker should work with their distributor to ensure that the deal is fair and equitable, and that they are not giving away their rights for an unfair price. It is also important to consider the length of the license period, the regions where the documentary will be available, and the revenue share between Netflix and the filmmaker.
In summary, submitting my piece to Netflix requires careful preparation and attention to detail. I as the filmmaker & other talented filmmakers should research Netflix's submission process, find a reputable distributor, prepare high-quality materials, and negotiate a fair distribution deal. With the right approach and a compelling documentary, there is a possibility of success in getting the documentary distributed on Netflix.