The Sessions L (less) FAQ
1. How much does it cost?
This is a question that is hard to answer without knowing all the various parameters of the event. It depends on the following factors: group size, team size, location, duration, time between filming and screening, costume requirements. We are very flexible but the best way to approach this is by calling for a chat.
2. How long does it take to make a short film?
We recommend a minimum of 3 hours but ideally another hour or two . It's the perfect half day exercise.
3. When can we see ourselves on the silver screen?
After filming is complete our editors take charge of the show. Our experience is that based on a half day of filming, a minimum of 2 hours is required to cut and polish the film ready for screening. Depending on the budget and how many films are made, you could see your films very quickly indeed.
4. What about costumes and props?
We generally supply a mixed bag of costumes and props as standard. If you request anything particular in advance that can easily be done. Story ideas are often triggered by the costumes.
5. How do we decide what our film is about?
The starting point is the general theme, something which is established beforehand in consultation. At the beginning of the session, our facilitator will outline the process, give some tips for story ideas and then hand over to the individual team leaders. Because our team leaders are all professional film makers, they will be able to steer your team towards the decisions that have to be made. One of the components of the exercise is obviously the time frame, so it's very useful to have a professional guide managing expectations against reality. Coming up with cool ideas is the beginning of the fun.
6. How are teams formed?
You can decide on team members beforehand or as is often the case, on the spot! We think it adds to the experience for this to be spontaneous and random. You might end up directing the boss in her cameo performance.
7. What about the cameras and sound ?
The most efficient way to do this is with an IPhone and a special app for taking videos. We can of course supply specialised camera equipment, but the IPhone app does a very good job. Before the day we will consult with you about this and on the day we will supply a pro Gimbal setup for filming. This unit includes a microphone and a cable for connection. Your team leader will make sure it all works perfectly.
8. How do we decide who's doing what in each team?
Again, from experience this seems to work best as a spontaneous decision rather than anything pre ordained. You will find that one of the most rewarding and interesting aspects of this event is how a creative environment inspires a wonderful camaraderie and that individual roles and egos take a back seat to being in the zone. Some people naturally gravitate to acting roles, others prefer to hold the camera. Everyone is important to the final product.
9. What happens if we run out of time?
Put simply, you won't. This is one of the many good reasons we only use professional film makers as team leaders. Their experience at managing time and script and shooting schedule means you will always get it all done.
10. How does the screening work?
Any way that suits you. If you want to watch it on a TV screen , that's fine. If you want to hire a movie theatre , that's also fine. Often we find that the screening fits neatly with a conference dinner, perhaps on the final night after all the work is done. Also, our facilitator will act as host for the screenings as a default position, but of course it's your choice. We can organise a celebrity or perhaps someone from your company will want to do it. Also, it's always fun to write some film reviews.
11. What happens to the films after it's all over?
They are all yours to keep. We don't keep them and we don't show them to anybody else. Obviously many of them will be quite personal not to mention quite possibly proprietary so we take great care to support your privacy at all times .