Small Tree Productions’ approach to filmmaking is to enable the reality on the ground to be authentically and ethically revealed through the filmmaking process. Using sound and tested evaluation methodologies to ensure that individuals and communities participating in the filmmaking process have the space to share their views and opinions means that the footage captured is true and non-judgemental. We do not take a script-led approach to the filmmaking process but construct the script using what has been collected. 

 

Each film project requires its own process to developed in close consultation with the client. Past projects have started with focus group discussions with community members, carrying out semi-structured interviews with different community members, 

 

Different levels of community participation can be built into the filmmaking process; this will be dependent not only on the objectives, intended audiences and usage for the films being made, but also the amount of available time and budget. Being clear about these different parameters (‘cutting the coat to fit the cloth’) is an important stage in working out whether and how film is an approach to be used. 

 

 

One filmmaking process can lead to a number of films

A guiding principal for Small Tree Productions is to ensure that the footage gathered through the filmmaking process is used to produce a variety of films for different audiences and different purposes, to extract the maximum value from the investment of time and resources into capturing the footage at community level. As well as delivering a film to meet the primary purpose identified by the client, footage shot can be used to make short films for other purposes, for example to be used on websites, in meetings, during training courses, with volunteers, for fundraising, etc. 

 

Small Tree Productions uses HD cameras, aim for high production values so that the films are of broadcast quality as we believe that this gives the films credibility.