Research into Short Films

Researching the short film, "Dealer" has inspired me to use various concepts relating to a drug programme. Although I am creating a documentary, the research process has aided me to have a clearer focus when I start filming. It has also given me a deeper insight into lives of drug dealers and addicts.

General Info on Cannabis

Marijuana can relieve the symptoms of neuropathic pain, arthritis, asthma, glaucoma, and nausea, it is an appetite stimulant for those suffering from HIV, the AIDS wasting syndrome, and dementia, current research is showing that it may help protect the body against cancer and treat a huge range of other illnesses, one doctor stated "Marijuana will be the wonder drug of the next century".

Drugs and their side effects do kill and can have a wide range of very negative side effects, even so called "safe" drugs like marijuana; some organisations believe that ignorance is one of the biggest killers and that simple prohibition does not work.

• As well as exploring the negative effects in my documentary, I also hope to show the apparent medicinal benefits of cannabis for terminally ill patients. The information above shown in green demonstrates that research suggests that the drug can have positive effects when used as a form of palliation for terminal care.
• This also is an exmaple of my intentions to challenge typical conventions of a documentary by presenting a two-sided, objective debate. 

During this lesson I have been researching producer Nick O'Dwyer and his work from 'Landmark Films', who has produced similar short films that will perhaps influence my creative media thinking. 

Shot List and Concepts

Before I begin filming, it is essential that I plan the type of camera shots I will use, in order for my documentary to appear as professional and aesthetically pleasing as possible. This will also help me to organise what, where and who to film using which particular shot or angle. Some of the shots that I will be using will demonstrate the generic codes and conventions of a documentary as I have researched into various shot types and concepts. These are only examples of shots, as once I start filming I will be able to judge what shot will work the best.


Shot Types for Documentary

Production Companies

I have created a powerpoint to display three possible institutions that I could use for my own documentary. Consequently, after some in depth research, I have made a decision with regards to what i believe will be most suitable and successful for my documentary and target demographic.

http://www.landmarkfilms.com/films.html

http://www.bfi.org.uk/filmtvinfo/library/

Whilst researching the Production company, 'Landmark Films', I became interested in the work of producer, Nick O'Dwyer, therefore I researched into his work and decided to find a short film similar to the documentary I am in the process of creating. I found BBC's "Tracy and Joey" from 1996. 

This research will help me decide on the final decision regarding which Production company will produce and distribute the products.

Whilst looking at the News, I found this article regarding the Cannabis ban in coffee shops in the Netherlands, which is a huge part of the cannabis culture, in an attempt to cut down on drug traffiking. However, this will also have a negative effect on the local economy. I thought this article is extremely useful in the research process of my documentary, as I could possibly ask opinions about this decision by the Dutch Government.

"Maastricht bans cannabis coffee-shop tourists"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15134669