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.