Unit 21: Discuss Client Considerations From Pitch

Links:

• The Pitch - click here.

Moving forward with client feedback:

The client, Kristel Hutchings from the BBC, made some very good points that I would take forward before pre-production would begin. 

Change of some of the branding & imagery

Kristel suggested that some of my branding and the ident would make the programme look too much like a documentary when it was sat alongside other programmes on the BBC Three iPlayer. This may confuse viewers that clicked on it expecting something else making them potentially turn away too early. If I were to take the programme into pre-production work would be done on these graphics to make the programme appear more like a drama in the order it to not be misinterpreted. This could include using graphics more than real-world images to make them look more functional, however, we would have to be careful not to put across the idea that the programme is animated if this was done. All the options would have to be weighed up and a decision made of how best to represent the programme. 

Methods of the production

The client suggested that my plans for production in a studio would cost above the forecasted budget for the production as extensive props and scenery would have to be made. She suggested that moving production to suburban areas or to the countryside where existing scenery would require only minimal dressing to look realistic. She added that production locations in Eastern Europe would be ideal as these are much cheaper and would suit the backdrop I am trying to create. This is something I would have to consider as I did not realise the restraints this budget causes. I think producing in Eastern Europe is a good idea although the cost of getting crew and cast out there may be expensive. A local crew may be the best option but then this is taking away from British jobs which I would have to consider from a moral standpoint. 

Addition to the story

Kristel questioned as to whether the protagonist, Sheena Willcox, was leaving a boyfriend from university in the UK. I had not originally written this in the screenplay but as part of the pre-production. However, I thought this was an as really do think this would add another dimension to the storyline making it increasingly interesting for the audience. 

Stereotypes

During the pitch, I was questioned a lot on the stereotypes of the characters and how we were representing different people. I got the impression that maybe this was not to the liking of the client. However, I think these stereotypes are required in the story to make the wider message stand out. The shock of what is actually happening in Europe is exaggerated by these stereotypes. 

Younger Characters

The client also mentioned how the target audience usually prefer storylines about older characters as they look forward to that age in their life and can either potentially see them doing something like that or not. A form of surveillance. I wasn't aware of this but don't believe my story could easily be changed to adapt to this. It is something that I could consider in the future.  

Unit 21: Responding to Feedback from the Client

Links:

• The Pitch -  click here.

Feedback and questions from the client, Kristel Hutchings, a BBC Producer:

1) You have a title and 'look' of a documentary, what is your drama going to give to the viewers that a documentary programme would not?

In this question, the client was highlighting issues with the branding that may cause confusion and also questions around what the audience would gain from this being a drama rather than a documentary on the subject. My response to this is that the programme is designed to study a real-life scenario so there may be of some elements of a documentary style to it, but these real-life situations will be dramatised to make them more interesting for the viewer, this style is likely to keep the viewer engaged for longer as this format is more popular amongst the target audience thanks to services such as Netflix. 

2) Is your female protagonist set up as a stereotypical young white British, does she represent 'Britishness'? Does she have any preconceived ideas?

The client was questioning the use of stereotypes and representation in my production here, these need to be carefully considered in the modern day social environment - especially when the programme is being broadcast on the BBC (a public service broadcaster) - they have a duty to represent all viewpoints/people. My response to this question was: yes, this character is based off a stereotype of a British female character but I believe this was the best way that the audience would be able to relate to issues in Calais - from an outsider perspective who doesn't know very much about the issue, who is shocked.

3) How does the audience relate to the male protagonist?

Here, I think the client was questioning as to whether this character would be interesting and relatable to the audience throughout the length of the series. If the character was not then this could turn viewers away. My response to this was that I believe the character's background is interesting from a surveillance perspective and will also but a stereotype in the viewers head. However, when we meet this character the stereotype is broken, we see these people from a different perspective. Hopefully keeping it interesting. 

4) Is she leaving a 'boyfriend' back home in the UK?

I believe this was an idea from the client that they could see making the story more interesting. This is something I had not of thought of but would definitely consider now as I see her thinking on how this could add a new dimension to the storyline. 

5) Potential to go serial

I believe the client was intrigued to see if the programme could go further if it would be greenlit. My response was that there are many ways in which the programme could be continued as there are lots of avenues in the storyline that could be developed further. 

6) How does the relationship arise?

I initially wasn't sure what this question was asking but after some thought believe it may be related to political correctness? The relationship could be seen as unprofessional in an environment and could promote immoral acts to the audience? This is something I may have to consider for future developments of the storyline. 

7) Does the title not give away the storyline?

I think the client is concerned that the title gives away to much about the story before it is even told potentially not driving people to watch the programme. I had a slightly different viewpoint on this, I believed that the title does obviously tell the audience what happens, but I believe the interest may come from how the story gets to that point. 

8) The idea of producing the programme in a studio is unrealistic, I think it would cost too much to produce because of having to make props to make it realistic. You'd be better going to urban locations and 'dressing them up'? You may have to look into lower cost locations such as Eastern Europe to keep costs low.

The client believes that my budget is too low for my planned production methods. I would definitely take this point on board in further development. 

9) Market ideas were sound.

I was pleased that my marketing methods were approved of and appropriate for the target audience and efficient for the BBC. 

10) Characters are the same age to the target audience, that is not what people actually want to watch - people like to watch characters older than them, this is 'what they could be' etc - a form of surveillance.

This is not something I had considered but found very interesting. It would be definitely something I would take forward with future developments of ideas. 


Overall, I found the feedback incredibly useful and has given me lots of ideas on how to improve. I think the main message was that the marketing methods were very good and that the idea has potential. However, the main suggestion from the client before production would begin would be to consider production methods and also the representation of some of the characters and the effect this could have on the audience.

Unit 21: Pitch to the Client

Final Pitch with improvements in front of BBC Producer Kristel Hutchings:

Final Presentation Used in Pitch (PDF):

Notes used in for the Pitch: 

Unit 21: Create a Pitch

First Draft Pitch to Teacher & Class