Pitch

 IN THIS POST: Pitch notes, pitch presentation, feedback, teaser trailer

Pitch presentation:

The Next Act by Јоvana Filipovic

One page pitch:

The Next Act is a documentary series that aims to explore the role of traditional arts in modern society as well as their evolution that came as a response to a rapidly changing media and technological landscape. While arts such as the opera, ballet and orchestra are often overlooked and viewed as entertainment of the past, we aim to show that they are constantly being reshaped throughout the use of new formats, adaptation, digital innovation and change in participants. The documentary series portrays the arts as dynamic, offering a fresh forward looking perspective rather than being stagnant in what people presume are traditional values. 

The pilot will focus on local orchestras such as the UvA, VU and Rotterdam Orchestra, following participants throughout rehearsals, professional and personal preparations leading up to a live performance. Simultaneously it will aim to interview “regular people” in order to better grasp their opinions and views on the orchestra. 

With access to the previously mentioned institutions, the pilot aims to capture the behind the scenes, discipline and the way in which tradition and modernity are combined in order to invite more contemporary audiences. 

Through the use of archival footage, interviews, on and behind the scenes footage, this pilot aims to portray the shift in the arts and the new hybridity in which the traditional, classical format meets modernity creating contemporary music styles. 

Traditional arts such as the orchestra are often reduced to stereotypes, with the common belief being that they are meant for older generations, the elites and are often outdated or inaccessible. Most media coverage on this topic is focused on the final product (the performance) and overlooks the creative processes and labour that go into not only creating a show, but involving culture and innovation in them. 

Moreover, there is a growing divide between younger audiences and the traditional arts influenced by the changing media landscape. Recently there has been a shift in viewing habits, an increase in streaming and binging content and reduced attention spans. With our knowledge and research in these topics, we aim to use exactly these techniques in order to draw in younger audiences and  present them with a new perspective on the previously mentioned arts. 

The series offers an intimate perspective with behind the scenes and rehearsal footage showing how the arts are actively adapting. By showing the way in which institutions adapt, The Next Act reframes classical arts in a modern society. 

Production will begin with research on general style and aesthetics, narrative, archival footage, and relevant institutions. It will then go into a discussion and interviewing stage in which key actors will be identified. Filming will consist of formal and informal interviews, behind the scenes and rehearsal moments, B-roll footage. In the final stage, the post production, the footage will be edited in order to create a clear story and narrative. 

The series adapts to the growing demand for authentic, intimate storytelling using the behind the scenes footage. The blurring of lines between modernity and tradition offers great audio-visual appeal that invites both more niche audiences such as orchestra goers as well as audiences that might not be as familiar with it. 

However some limitations may be logistical challenges with securing access to institutions. Additionally due to competition with other documentaries about music and declining attention spans with younger audiences, a distinctive recording and editing style are required in order to keep the audiences engaged. 

Overall, The Next Act will focus on the evolution of art, shifting the focus from performance to the ever changing nature of arts and their re-connection with contemporary audiences. 

Feedback from students:

Why would we watch it:

• Cultural aspect, like the opera
• Timothy Chalamet relevance
• Niche and unique
• Visually appealing !!!
• Music

Why would we turn it off:

• too niche
• how to make it appeal to a broad audience
• how to be a series / how to expand / seriality

Questions:

• define audience! young audience, classical audience…
• which platform ?
• Benjamin Clemantino … Who?
• More specfic on an instrument
• Rap and pop included 
• What’s happening, what will we see?
• Why don’t we care anymore? its ineresting