SDF et al,
Indeed, a well-made doco on the 'sexier' aspects of our corner of the
sport aviation sandpit would be a great promotional device. There are
perhaps a few things to ponder further:
1. Cost. To shoot even a 5 minute doco of TV broadcast quality is an
expensive exercise. Before the howls of "I' have a videocamera, I
could do it" erupt, let me say that for any program to have even a
snowflake's chance in hell on the ABC, let alone the commercial
channels, it has to be of 'industry standard' broadcast quality.
Admittedly there are many great mid-range vid cams on the market than
can produce quality images, however that's only part of the
challenge. Good audio and great editing are essential; just look at
much of the 'general' YouTube stuff to see the 'abuse' of video
editing software transition effects and the like, as well as hear
crap audio. Getting the result required would mean a professional
cinematographer, sound recordist and editor, not to mention someone
to produce the doco as well. May be the GFA has some money in the
coffers, or do we all cough up an extra $20 in a future GFA
membership renewal to fund such an exercise?
2. 'Packaging' and marketing. I've mentioned the ABC and the
commercial TV channels; having the 'goods' in the form of a 'sexy'
doco is a great start, however the challenge continues in 'pitching'
to the broadcasters in order to get the footage on many small screens
and out to many people. Television networks are notoriously fickle
beasties in regard to what they will and won't screen, so further
professional help may be required in preparing the right 'message'
for the network progam poobahs. No doubt there's a range of
opportunities in the form of 'lifestyle' shows etc; massaging the
message to present a compelling case for broadcast is a reality these
days. Perhaps bit of the dreaded 'market research' may be required
(or evidence of it...) in order to play the TV 'game' and get the
material out to the population.
3. Story development. SDF mentions this and it's a critical element.
The 'Gladiators' theme is a good start, as it has 'combat',
'struggle' and 'victor/vanquished' all wrapped up in there.
Contemporary TV viewers consume a bizarre diet of news, 'reality'
programs (no such thing in my opinion, because unlike reality,
they're all contrived!), docos, sport, drama and Lotto results. What
do all good TV programs have in common? A hook, ie some device which
gets you watching and keeps you watching. Our little production would
need a hook, one that will convince the non-flying viewers that
giving up 5, 10 or X minutes of their time watching 'glider jockeys'
prepare to do battle with the elements and each other will be a good
decision. Good storytelling is essential - the challenge is to figure
out what parts of our story will lure viewers into the world of VNE,
10 kt climbs and worm-burning finishes. I'd suggest that a good story
would contain some of the familiar (to bring the viewers in
'closer'), the exotic and the exciting. Folks like a good yarn, and
with a bit of 'grey matter' applied, our set of yarns could be
attractive to the inhabitants of the '2D' world (so to speak).
The classic ' Zulu Romeo: Good Start' ('74 World Comps, Waikerie,
shot on good old-fashion acetate film) is one treatment of comp
gliding; I would suggest that this sort of story would need to be
modified to meet the 'tastes' of the larger contemporary TV viewing
market. Sure, the 'pitch battles' and low saves would be retained,
however there may be the need for more 'back-' and 'side-' stories,
more to do with the frailties of of the 'human condition'. This could
perhaps be standing by helplessly as someone drives over your wingtip
or having a 'chance encounter' with the farmer's daughter/son etc
(c'mon - these are contemporary TV viewers...) after an outlanding
(the latter particularly if we pitch the piece to SBS). Maybe the
'pedal to the metal' stuff could be intercut with the long months
prepping gliders, the domestic disputes over food/rent money being
spent on aerotows or a new vario or the moments of anguish when a
central character realises that they're about to land wheels-up. Lots
of possibilities. Maybe not even racing? A 'rite of passage' perhaps,
as a young or old sprog graduates from nervous ab-initio to steely-
eyed glider 'wrangler'? Something featuring a cross-section of
'plywood patrons' like Patch, Caleb and JR, as they experience the
highs and lows associated with taking to the skies in the more
'organic' end of the glider material spectrum (steadyyyy, you lot -
put down those G-clamps...)? Enough from me ('hurrah!!" says the
forum) - I'm off to work up my treatment for a new TV show, in which
young female Swedish backpackers have to build a glider out of scrap
in 3 days and then fly across Australia in it while racing a bloke on
a moped who is raising money for the Salvos and recording regular
segments for the 'Footy Show' and 'The 7:30 Report'.
Kerry Murdoch Esq.
On 20/06/2007, at 4:51 PM, Stuart & Kerri FERGUSON wrote:
Good ideas BUT not quite what I had in mind.
I see a story line based on an event, not unlike "Gladiators"
that would follow the fortunes and frustrations of competitors,
and organisers. The edited story would have to be edited for the
electronic media and marketed.
If they can make a house makeover "riveting" TV, a gliding competition
would be a walk in the park for those with the required media skills.
SDF
-
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