What followed was a step-up from the level of director to a managerial/communications type role, which requires me to look to business plans and structures which will benefit us as a production company. This is where my meetings with Pat Chapman come into play, as I look to gain an understanding of the official processes of employment/self employment, and charging for our services. For a few weeks I went down these avenues and for the time being neglected by duties as a creative director.
Over the past week as I have just touched upon, I was allowed to get my creative juices flowing. I enjoy writing concepts the same way I enjoy writing scripts, as they're very condensed stories within their own right. At the same time, short concepts for advertisement require a different mindset. If a story is to be nuanced for advertisement purposes, it has to be so very quickly. Advertisements give a film crew a very small amount of time to sell a product, which is why the attention to detail in the concept-writing process was so important. To set things in motion I started a 'concepts database' document, where I would write each concept out in the form of a synopsis and ten step outline. I would also back the concept up with a visual mood board, so that it wasn't all writing.
Below is an example of the concept in writing and a mood board for it;
On Wednesday I received a call from one of our business partners and founders of GMTD, who was extremely pleased with my progress and what I had provided. I was also hit with a significant request which involved doing something I have never done - nor feel qualified to do, but I decided not to turn it down. The request was to interview someone to become part of our production team. Fortunately the member of GMTD whom I was speaking to is a recruitment consultant by day, so they were able to give me an interview structure. Aside from that I believe that my interpersonal skills are strong enough to conduct an interview, and I also feel that I can accurately define someones level of skill and work-ethic. I said yes to the opportunity, seeing it as just that. It may be something I excel in and at the very least it gives me the experience of interviewing and it also allows me to see an interview from the side of the employer - for future interviews I will inevitably attend to become an employee.
Today we had another official meeting, our first in over a week. We had all been working toward the tasks we had been set and had each made progress in our areas. The meetings we have in person are to bring everything together and to outline the steps we will all take over the next week until the next meeting. During this weeks meeting I got to meet another potential member of the crew, who has been brought on board after another member left the project a week or so ago. I got to informally interview/question the individual to get a greater picture of their skills and what they can bring to the table.
Another main point of the meeting was that the offices for GMTD will be ready at the start of April. I have been invited to view the offices on Wednesday or Thursday next week to make sure that they are a suitable size and location. The offices will be used as a temporary hub for us to work out of and invite clients, actors and crew to until we get our permanent offices in Hartlepool as part of the graduate office scheme in July/August when they become available. Another point from the meeting was that business cards will soon be available to use once we have a graphic design logo. The plan is to use the business cards at networking events - which I will be attending in Newcastle on the 29th as part of a filmmakers hub event at Newcastle Film Festival. These kinds of events are a great opportunity for me to spread the word about GMTD and gather potential clients.
The final point which I wanted to end on regarding the meeting today was that we have been directed toward a 2 day intensive business course in Newcastle. There are a few available dates for this - 2 days in April, May and June. Unfortunately we have just missed the March one. This will be extremely useful and is free to attend. It gives us a contextual awareness of business as we aim to venture forward into the industry. My position as creative director means I have very little to do with the business side of things, however I am eager to learn more about the subject anyway as a form of self development. This can also be used as a great CV builder and shows my willingness to adapt to business structures.
Below are some screenshots from the Eventbrite page showing the event dates and what will be covered over the two days;
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