Tea: Fuel of the Nation

Above you can see the faces of a distraught Director and Editor. This is what spending most of your life for weeks in a tiny box room with no windows and masses of computer equipment pumping out hot air with no air con does to you. But it was worth it!

At the crit screening we got great feedback, everyone seemed to like it and there just a few things to change. Now we had seen it with the questions in it, it was clear that they were no longer needed. So we took those clips back out and did a few minor tweaks to the timeline before handing it over to Jamie to do the audio. 

Tasha then got on with changing the aspect ratios etc and I got Chris to do a colour grade on the piece. It is amazing the effect altering the shape of the video can do and how much a colour grade transforms the quality of the flat footage!

I saw Jamie in the protools suite and was astonished at the difference the proper sound made, it was like watching a different piece all together. The audio brought the piece alive and made you feel more a part of it.

Overall I am really pleased with this final video, for the first proper thing I have directed and shot I don't think it has turned out too shabby.

I think my favourite parts are:

• The ending sequence at Charlottes tea house, I was so lucky to stumble across such an amazing contributor and the perfect end shot. I would however like to be able to lengthen the sequence so I can get it to how I want it without the worry of time constraints.
• Burger van man, I really love the look of the van. I'm glad I didn't give up on it.
• Proper sound, it makes such a difference.
• Essence of Tea shoot.
• The fact that Jonathon is standing amongst tea in the rain holding the umbrella - genius.
• I love how the contributors are looking down the lens, it's like they are talking straight to you.
• Aspect ratio, not a bad idea even if I do say so myself.
• The tea party.
• WI tracking shot, the movement makes it look really cinematic.

The areas for improvement:

• The intro, we could not fix the fluctuations in the lighting as it was not to do with the exposure it was shadows. If I were to do it again I would make sure it was in a more controlled environment.
• Missing audio, the waitress at Charlottes Tea house has the wrong audio and it is really noticeable. In the future I will definitely make sure I save copies of EVERYTHING.
• I should have shot more cutaways. Luckily we were OK but I can see now what I need to get on shoot, I was really focused on getting the right interview shots that I didn't consider close ups of hands etc.
• The music, although I really like the composition of the piece of music I am not quite sure if guitar is the correct choice of instrument for the video.

I really enjoyed working as Director and Camera on this project and I have surprised myself, I was certain I would be no good. OK I am far from perfect at it but it is all a learning curve and I have definitely learnt a lot from this project that I can take on to my next film.

I must give thanks to my team, it would not have been possible without them, they all did such a great job and now deserve a well earned rest.

I'm looking forward to getting stuck into my next project. But first here is the video... I hope you enjoy!

Tea: Fuel of the Nation - Video

:)