Photo: (self) Isolation ©Jason Florio, March 2020, UK https://photostellstories.org/
This is a challenging time for making films. Within our Collaborative Work based Practice and Experimental Media Arts modules as well as in tutorials we have been discussing different ways you may want to consider working during these times.
Below is an idea by Adrian Goycoolea - Senior Lecturer in Filmmaking at University of Sussex in the style of DOGME 95’s Vow of Chastity.
Could be used as a vehicle for interesting collaborative project (s), during these times.
"THE VOW OF SELF-ISOLATION”
I swear to submit to the following set of rules drawn up and confirmed by SUSSEX20 :
Shooting must be done in self-isolation. Props and costumes must not be brought in (if a particular prop is necessary for the story, it can be brought in but must be thoroughly disinfected).
Only film with readily available technology. (Phones, laptops, tablets, personal cameras etc are all you need. Anything else is bonus.)
All actors must perform in self-isolation or, if more than one actor is in the same location, then any blocking and staging must maintain a six foot distance from all performers and crew at all times.
No physical contact allowed.
Temporal and geographic alienation is necessary!
Use available light or practical lights.
Found footage can be used.
Furthermore I swear as a director to refrain from “professionalism!” I am no longer seeking out “slickness.” I swear to refrain from worrying about “technique,” as I regard the story as more important than the style. My supreme goal is to force the truth out of my characters and settings. I swear to do so by all the means available and at the cost of any good taste and any aesthetic considerations.
Thus I make my VOW OF SELF-ISOLATION.
Brighton, Thursday 19 March 2020 On behalf of SUSSEX 20
School of Media, Film and Music"
“In this time of apocalyptic “shelter in place” orders, school closures with impromptu home-schooling, and toilet paper shortages, everyone is asked and admonished to practice “social distancing”. By this, public health professionals mean people should stay home except for essential tasks, keep 6 feet distance from each other, wash hands frequently, and cover coughs. These measures can slow the spread of COVID-19 and help keep our underfunded health system from collapsing.
Yet, these calls are not really for “social distancing”, but rather “physical distancing” – as pointed out by a medical student in my newly-online class last week. In fact, while society must take “physical distancing” extremely seriously, we need the opposite of “social distancing” to survive this pandemic. We need social solidarity in this time of physical distancing.” Seth Holmes . Read More
Also see competition brief BELOW from Bertha Dochouse and BBC WRITING COMPETITION
Take a look at the following threads on the ‘Films to Watch’ blog too for inspiration and research.
More Examples
Great example from Ayo Babatunde, 1st year FdA Film & Media Arts Production - UCW.:
The Actor (and winemaker) Sam Neill posted this short on Twitter, “DAS LEEK . Yes , finally it’s here. The Art Fillum Premiere you never knew you needed. Starring the great @TheStevenWeber and ... er... moi. Vast distances , viruseses, you name it - nothing could keep us apart ! This could be the #BestForeignFilm ever made in #America !”