Filmmaker Q&A (1 of 2)
with Director Erfan Saadati
Is there a particular video, film, campaign or filmmaker that had a major influence on your career?
I had the unbelievable opportunity of studying under the late Abbas Kiarostami, his peaceful attitude towards life and crafty filmmaking techniques gave me a new perspective on life.
My mentor and fellow nominee, Richard Nocklels, inspires me to be better everyday, leading by example.
What motivated you to make this film?
Reading about ‘The Jungle’ in tabloids everyday on the tube, I decided to find out for myself who these people are. After producing a 3 minute expose about the camp, National Theatre partnered with Surround Vision to raise awareness about the life’s of its inhabitants.
Please tell us what camera(s) you shot with primarily – and any other special equipment that you used and why you used it.
GoPro Rigs, they are mobile and perfect for pointing and shooting. In difficult environments such as Calais, where rain and mud are the only two constants, being able to travel light is key.
Please tell us about any special styles or techniques that you used during the production of your virtual reality video to help tell your story.
We highlighted the empty spaces that our hero Aamir would experience on a day to day basis to allow audiences to step into his shoes
How did your story evolve from day one, to the very last day in post? Is your story what you thought it would be?
We began the project aiming to document the evolution of The Jungle and captured its rise from a shanty town made up of festival tents to a 7,000 strong mini town with shops, restaurants and a theatre, to its fall to ashes.
Please describe the most rewarding experience you had while making this film.
Seeing the support offered by the hundreds of lawyers, doctors and volunteers who provided a much needed support to the refugees, not only by providing them by food and clothes but also by befriending and entertaining them.
What advice can you give to other impact filmmakers?
If you’re passionate about something just do it, don’t overthink it. The story will lead you.
What’s your favorite part about the filmmaking process and why?
Experiencing a new community from within, getting to know people that I wouldn’t cross paths with usually.
What’s the one item you always take with you when working out in the field and why?
A good pair of boots. Last thing you want is blisters and cold feet when carrying equipment when walking for hours in rough conditions.
Please provide a brief description of the work or organization featured in your video:
Good Chance Theatre & Independent volunteers – They provided entertainment, food, healthcare as well as professional legal advice to the thousands in the camp.
Please share a personal story about your experience making this virtual reality video.
The first time we arrived there, we got caught in torrential rain, having to seek refuge in the makeshift church. Shocked by the living conditions around the camp, I was lost. As the storm wore off and the sun pierced through the clouds, people started appearing, music began playing. Experiencing the lively atmosphere of the camp, I realised this place is more than just a front page of a tabloid.
What do you want audiences to take away from this video?
To experience the Jungle first hand. During the production process we tried to stay as neutral as possible, sticking to just what we saw and heard, so that viewers can judge for themselves.
Please list key points that should be covered in a post-screening discussion:
Why was this more beneficial to do in VR rather than traditional.
Has your views on the Refugee crisis been reinforced or challenged?
Did you feel any connection to Aamir?
Please provide information on any recent developments regarding the issue or subjects of the video. How have things changed or not changed?
The Jungle, refugee camp in Calais, that was the premises of this film has now been completely destroyed.
What opportunities are available for those interested in getting further involved?
Providing support to the thousands of refugees who are now spread across Europe in smaller camps such as Dunkirk.
Please provide any additional resources (websites, links to additional videos, forms, articles, etc.) relevant to the context of the issue discussed in your video:
https://futureofstorytelling.org/project/home-aamir
http://www.screendaily.com/news/the-10-vr-films-that-soared-at-festivals-in-2016/5110264.article
Filmmaker Q&A (2 of 2)
with Director Toby Coffey
Is there a particular video, film, campaign or filmmaker that had a major influence on your career?
Many influences from many artists and practitioners, constantly evolving, no single example. Influenced as much by Theatre practitioners as by Filmmakers.
What motivated you to make this film?
In considering the National Theatre’s response to the European refugee humanitarian crisis that began to emerge in 2015, the 360 medium seemed like the most relevant form for telling this story and so we partnered with Surround Vision and began filming in the extraordinary place that had become temporary ‘home’ for so many thousands – Calais Jungle camp
How did your story evolve from day one, to the very last day in post? Is your story what you thought it would be?
This was an extremely iterative filming process. We did not embark on our filming schedule with a single narrative in mind, only with a direction the film might take. We knew a story would emerge and we left ourselves to be led by the material we collected and those we met during filming.
Please describe the most rewarding experience you had while making this film.
Proudest moment was when Aamir himself told he was proud of the film and that we had told his story well.
What advice can you give to other impact filmmakers?
360 is a new and open form of story telling which requires creators to be open to iterate continually, the very nature of the volatility of the circumstances and crisis we were filming in meant we had to remain 100% responsive and nimble – it is important to stay open.
What’s your favorite part about the filmmaking process and why?
Bringing the film to its audience, seeing how incredibly moved they are by the piece.
Please provide a brief description of the work or organization featured in your video:
The National Theatre
The National Theatre is dedicated to making the very best theatre and sharing it with as many people as possible. We produce productions on the South Bank in London each year, ranging from re-imagined classics to modern masterpieces and new work by contemporary writers and theatre-makers. The National’s work is seen on tour throughout the UK, in London’s West End, internationally (including on Broadway) and in collaborations and co-productions with regional theatres.
Mahdi Yahya / Room One
Mahdi Yahya is the founder and Managing Director of SAMA, one of the largest international telecommunications carriers in the Middle East. In 2013 he founded Room One, a creative space that combines modern technology with the arts. Room One specialises in the development of Virtual Reality (VR), spearheading its use within theatre, film, television, gaming and daily life. He is also CEO of Opto Industries, a new company that creates innovative hardware for VR content. Alongside this Mahdi is an investor in a number of technology companies around the world and has a seat on the Middle East and North Africa Acquisition Board of the Tate Gallery.
Surround Vision
Surround Vision is a full service 360º production company specialising in VR film, documentary, interactive content, and apps for the new generation of digital audiences. Constantly pushing the boundaries of VR production, they deliver beautiful films, stunning mobile VR applications, and engaging and immersive 360º content. Based in London, Los Angeles and the Netherlands, and with over six years at the forefront of commercial 360º production, their award winning teams produce content for broadcast, advertising and commercial clients, and they work with some of the most progressive agencies and brands around the world including: Budweiser, Tate Modern, EA Games, Land Rover, Sky, Chivas Regal, BBC, Nike, Disney, Virgin, Intel, RayBan, The Guardian, Channel 4 and the United Nations.
What have you learned about the value and impact of the project?
We now know for certain that the 360 form for storytelling is uniquely powerful and we at the National Theatre are dedicated to continue to perfect our practice in this medium and to tell stories in this form that have this level of impact.
What do you want audiences to take away from this video?
A greater understanding of this humanitarian crisis.
Please list key points that should be covered in a post-screening discussion:
Our storytelling process (ours changed dramatically changed from the start of the project to the end)
Please provide information on any recent developments regarding the issue or subjects of the video. How have things changed or not changed?
We would rather not say, we are maintaining his anonymity.
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