Films
This week has been a real eye opener as far as what a film crew has to do and just how important each person’s role is. When you see a film crew you think the most important part is the person in front of it but Bob, Ed and Steph have shown us so much that we now appreciate just how hard it is. The team have, just like on other courses, gelled SO well and everyone has put 100% in to it that it’s been great to do. We have been able to speak to loads of different people, get their life stories and it is so important to get them represented properly. I have to say a big thank you to Bob, Ed and Steph because they have been great to be taught by but they have become part of the our little Revolving Doors group.
Nick Woodland
I have spent all this week working in P3, Wolverhampton with Tina and six other members of our National Service User Forum being trained in film making by freelance, BBC accredited, trainer Bob Walters. As per usual it has been a pleasure (and a laugh a minute) working with our Forum members. We have captured some absolutely amazing footage from people experiencing homelessness, fighting drug addiction and trying to rebuild their lives after being in trouble with the police and having been caught up in the criminal justice system. At the minute the really difficult task of editing begins, cutting footage down into two five minute documentaries: one for P3 with the emphasis on homelessness and the other for Revolving Doors with the emphasis on mental health and the criminal justice system.
Terry Murtagh
I have found this week very interesting and have learnt quite a bit about myself and being part of a film crew. No matter how small a part you play as part of that team your role is important and essential to ensure that the final result is the one you have aimed for. The highlight of my week was filming some outside shots of the Molineux football stadium. We were allowed inside to do a sweep of the football pitch. We were asked why we wanted to carry out this filming and I explained that P3 and the local Service User Involvement Team (SUIT) were entering a joint football team in the homeless world cup and we were doing a film about homelessness.
Alan Killmister
This week has been interesting learning how to use video cameras and the video editing software. The most interesting part of the week was seeing where homesless people sleep as it wasn’t the place where you would normally expect to see them, like a big derelict warehouse which had been set on fire and left burnt. It was a shock to me. The most difficult part of the week was getting used to positioning the camera and keeping it stable when using it without a tripod. Everyone has coped very well, everyone has pulled together and it has been fun while we have been doing this course. I cannot wait to see the final product!
David Bryce
This week, working with the group from Revolving Doors, has been one of the most rewarding I have had. With no previous experience of working with people with backgrounds such as these guys have, I had no real idea of what to expect. I can honestly say this group has been one of the most friendly and professional groups of people I have ever worked with. With only being shown once how to operate a camera, they were all, without exception, able to set up and film an interview useable in our film. I am proud to have been able to meet and work with such a unique group. I am sure that each of them will go on to do well in whatever they choose to do, and maybe make some nice little films along the way.
Edward Rolfe, Trainer
This week of training here at P3 in Wolverhampton has been a brilliant week. The training has helped me understand more about how to make a documentary. Camera operation, sound and editing have been explained by Bob Walters in a way that has made it easy to understand. We have also learnt about interview techniques and story telling. The training has helped me build some confidence and everybody has been really positive and friendly, we have make a brilliant team.
Daniel Coriat
This week for me has been very surprising on the basis that I thought there were only a few things I needed to know. It was the opposite. There was quite a lot more I needed knowledge about. The Revolving Doors team as usual all pulled together and were a barrel of laughs but at the same time professional in their approach. Bob was very professional in this training, and is very very passionate in his work. Ed was also very professional in his training and was quite good at making things clear first time around. Stephanie was a breath of fresh air to work with, always had a smile to keep everyone happy, and kept the good mood for us boys going. Overall, a great bunch of people and a great experience, plenty of experience gained and more friends made.
Brett Hawskley
This last week has been a real eye opener. I never thought that I would learn so much and laugh so much doing this course. The people that I’ve met are incredible human beings and they are a true inspiration. I hope what we’ve done will help other people who are going through a hard time. It’s amazing what a little help can do. I just want to thank everyone who has been a part of this; you’ve given me the most incredible week.
Stephanie Axelsen, Assistant Trainer
