1. What do you think of my blog?
What do you particularly like about it? What's especially impressive?
What could be improved? What's missing or could be added?
2. Based on what you've read on the blog (and maybe seen in test screenings in class) what suggestions do you have regarding what I could do to make my Practical Production really successful?
What other things could I include in the production?
How should I go about filming any remaining scenes or editing the footage during post-production (+ suggestions for music, etc.)?

-[[ South Asia Earthquake ]]-

This film is called "South Asia Earthquake". It isn't an actual documentary but more of a charity film however, I liked the ideas it in which could be interpreted into my own documentary. The film is very personal using phrases such as "just like me and you" which brings the audience in to it and makes them feel affected too. I particularly liked this idea as my film is short and I need to bring the audience into it at an early stage just like this does. It is primarily made up of stills which produces a greater impact and makes the audience think. It also has a positive message at the end which is what I aim my documentary to have too. Also it tells a bit of Kashmiri lifestyle at the begin which I think is important for my documentary as many people aren't too sure of where Kashmir is actually located.

-[[ When The Mountains Moved ]]-

When The Mountains Moved: Survival and Friendship in the 2005 Earthquake. Part 1 - A film about changing attitudes between Americans and Pakistanis as a result of the 2005 earthquake. This film explores the human dimension of the interaction between Americans and Pakistanis resulting from the earthquake. It brings to light how people relate at a human level and how easily perceptions, preconceived notions and mutual suspicion break down when people respond with their innermost self. The theme and style are positive, upbeat and celebrating the human spirit, highlighting how two diverse and sometimes diametrically opposed cultures come together and rise above these differences. The earthquake spawned countless stories of kindness, compassion and selfless giving.

-[[ Half A Year On...]]-

"Half a year after the 7.8 earthquake in Kashmir, the victims are facing a small window of reconstruction before the next winter closes in" Yuli Yang (Director)

This documentary uses many interviewees especially of the survivors which I liked as its an idea for my own production. It also uses specialists and experts who are helping to rebuild Kashmir. It shows the people of Kashmir in desperate situations right before the snow closes in and as we are told kills many. The purpose is to get more money funded into the rebuilding of the land in the few months before the snow which in many places falls upto 8 feet. The film also shows why it is so serious as Kashmir is purely a mountainous area where majority of the people actually lived in the mountains, it shows that they need help before there lifes are threatened again. I liked the way the interviews took place and how in between speech footage was shown which I would like to interpret into my own documentary but unlike this film representing the people as desperate I would prefer to show them as strong due to how much they have overcome.

-[[ The Forgotten ]]-

"Why does the news interest fade so quickly on a disaster that took the life of more than 87000 people?ft. interviews with BBC, Al Jazeera journalist, Pakistani foreign spokes person, Imran Khan, Lord Ahmed"

I particularly liked this film as it's main question was something which interested me "why does the news interest fade so quickly on a disaster that took the life of more than 87,00 people?" it works to find answers for it and discusses it with many people who are meant to be helping the situation. It also like the other films discusses the problem of rain, snow and landsliding which I escaped too this year. Showing that news interest has still lessened despite all these issues which are still killing people. Again its a short film which fits in all the questions the director had to ask which can help me produce a short and concise film of my own.

-[[ Azan ]]-

I have decided to use the arabic call for prayer (azan) within my documentary. I will be using it in the opening montage as the earthquake took place in the early morning when azan occurs so many people were praying or had just finished. I think the azan will be parallel to what will be occuring on screen and be effective in gaining the attention of the audience and creating an atmosphere.