Email sent in on Tuesday, 4th December 2007, 1144hrs:
"Hi Team 6
The CNA team and I have watched your story.
Overall, we think your story and edit so far is very good. It helps that Uncle Boy is a very interesting character, hence it makes is watchable. For me, the best part was when he got drunk. It also helps that Uncle Boy is very comfortable and at ease with the production crew so the audience feel they are really getting to know the person.
The next step will be for you to work on revisions: additional filming and re-editing. Deadline 14 Dec!
We are looking to make the story even better and to give it a bit more depth, more context. For instance, while I understand he's lost his wife, everything due to his addiction, I don't know how he got addicted in the first place. and why he hasn't been able to kick his habit and why he hasn't gone for professional help. I also don't know why he's going to court. You need to explain his situation clearer. Go through the rushes carefully and see what bits you have left out can be included.
As you already have 5-6 tapes of rushes, your team doesn't need to do a lot of additional filming. Perhaps what you need to get is someone who can give a rational perspective on Uncle Boy. For instance, the church he goes to regularly. Can you try to interview a church member he is close to? I think just one more interviewee will suffice.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED AND FILMED:
- How often does Uncle Boy go to church?
- Is the church aware of his problems? Has the church offered to help? If so, in what ways? Or if the church is unable to help, has it referred Uncle Boy to other institutions?
This shoot should take about 1-2 hours or so, including general shots.
In addition, I know your team is setting up the web-blog and I would like your team to put it up as soon as possible and let as many people know so hopefully there will be feedback. Once there is any feedback from concerned members of public, we can even consider interviewing them.
Please start as soon as possible on the changes.
THINGS TO NOTE:
- please, please, PLEASE update me regularly on your production & post-production schedule. If you have arranged your shoot, let me know the venue and time so I can be there to observe and film.
- if you run into any problems getting the contacts for interviewees or filming issues of course let me know (early) so I can try to help
- any new scripts please EMAIL me. I want to see a proper audio/visual script
- lastly, if you have any questions or need help, PLEASE ASK. We will be around to guide/help you tell your story as well as it can be presented.Let me know if you have any further questions.
All the best!
Yueh Peng"