polkadots on raindrops was founded as a non-profit company in 2003. This was a time when film making and digital technology had converged to the point of being able to put all your production and post production gear in one bag and ride to work. 

 

Teaching film making became a lot less technical and more acessible in every way. There was a demand for everything digital and the company flourished, producing over forty films and raising many thousands of pounds. polkadots on raindrops is playful and visual but takes a long time to spell on the phone.

 

Please visit film education site polkadotsonraindrops.

 

 

polkadotsonraindrops Manifesto for film making and other artistic adventures.

 

1. You have to know the rules to break them but you should always make up your own rules.

 

2. Trust your intuition. You need to use your brain before and after filming but not during it.

 

3. Seek the extraordinary in everyday objects – richness in the banal. Question why pain, suffering and violence are popular subjects for films.

 

4. If you’re going to interview someone then allow them to talk about anything they want to talk about – this way they’ll reveal more about themselves.

 

5. Why make a film? Don’t film if you can live without filming - just write it or say it. If you want to say something then film someone not talking. Film only if you want to show something. This concerns every single shot within the film.

 

6. If you already knew your message before filming – just become a teacher. Don’t try to save the world or change the world. Better if your film changes you. Discover both the world and yourself while filming.

 

7. Film when you aren’t sure if you hate or love your subject. Doubts are crucial for making art.

 

8. Try not to force people to repeat actions or words. Life is unrepeatable and unpredictable. Remember that the very best moments are unrepeatable in life as in film.

 

9. Film are films – stories are stories. Think what the viewers will feel when seeing your shots. Then, form a dramatic structure using the changes in their feelings. Find a film – not a story.

 

10. Not working is only the build up to working. There is nothing more important than your own work but never feel bad about not working.

 

11. Believe that editing is the most fun you will ever have.

 

12. At the end of working each day – ask yourself what you’re curious about – what do you need to know? Keep a record of this and refer back to it so as to understand your work process.

Compiled and culled from thoughts by Mark Aitken, Victor Kossakovsky and David Wingate (all documentary film makers)