I discussed an idea for an art project involving super 8 film, that I intend to do after university, with Patrick Chapman. He was positive about it and said that I may be able to get funding to at least cover my costs for the project, but only if I have a clearer idea of the motivation behind the project, what its purpose is and what I intend to achieve.
The project is basically to shoot a film, which is similar in style to the films from the straight 8 competition, on a roll of Super 8 every month for 6 months.
I had two different approaches in mind for how I would focus this idea into a more concise project with clear intentions behind it.
One was to borrow an Idea from a poet friend of mine, who had a project called door to door poetry and knock on a random door every month to ask for an ordinary person's input into the type of film I make.
The other was to expand the idea into a sort of bigger monthly event where many such films are screened and members of the public are encouraged to shoot their own super 8 rolls.
I have written some basic notes of expansion on the second idea and these notes are as follows:
Super 8 film project after uni
Approach 1
What are you doing it for?
Find a way to make films without using the mechanism of the current big industry.who focus on what money is available etc. Like music eg punk rock. Making their own art. Not relying on existing structures. Not having to rely on people within those structures.
With the intention of making films that truly communicates more with thoughts and concerns of people, as it’s being made by the community not as made by the people who are speculating what real people are thinking/concerned about.re
Create a structure where people can enjoy films made by their peers. Rather than only having access to films made by a distant film industry. Introduces to the idea that they can make films. People like them make films too. Not just someone in Hollywood can do. Making their own art seems accessible. Make films they want to make . Communicating with people does not necessarily about their situ’ poeple can also relate to things that are distant from themselves. Not trying to impose ‘higher’ cultural standards on people.
What are you getting out of it?
I want to make and screen my own work. Build my profile as a film-maker and artist. Outside of existing structures. Get to the stage can make and market my own films. Current films don’t communicate with people anymore. Make the films I want to make. People want to make.
Start an alternative way in filmaking and viewing.
What am I exploring?
Is it Observational (does it have to be)?
How does it engage people?
Participants?
Audience?
Film fans and makers. 1) who might ordinarily go to independent films. 2) those who might not, who only go to multiplexes usually. 3) People who don’t go to cinema anymore ‘cos they don’t think films ar much good.
Any age group. Arty types - late 20’s early 40’s. I would like to appeal to 18-20 discovering something for the first time. Sparking something in them. Who’ve never thought about it before. Making films themselves.
How do reach them? Where do they hang out?
Thru’ music venues/gigs. Live music venue eg Dog and Parrot. Cumberland Arms - older audience -/crossover pubs?
Ask people how did they get into going to gigs/find out what’s on?
Publicise in mags. Dazed and confused feature.
Grants available
Where is it happening? Start out at arty pubs/venues. Where you don’t need certain numbers to attend to make it viable. Eg Upstairs room in Bar Loco. Open all time and not stopping other events happening. Anything drawing in customers is better than none.
Monthly.
Open entry. Non super 8 section of night possibly.
Having limitations frees you from overthinking something puts you off doing it.
Super 8 film. Rolls of film. 1 for me. Few to give out. People in pub join in to pick/pitch ideas to.
Winner of the night/free roll of film.
In a few different poplulation centres - N/C, Durham, Miidlesborough, Sunderland.
Drinks available.
Shortness of films. Programme repeated? Or spaced out? Has to be worth coming to time wise.
