Documentary Filmmaking

Hello everyone,

Just a quick update;

That’s me back in the UK and it’s good to be home. It was an action packed 2 weeks and I managed to get some great footage which will enhance the footage I already have from the first trip.

The filming is the easy part, it’s now the post-production phase! The dreaded editing. Storyboarding and finalising the story arc on how best to tell the story. I will complete a rough edit, then pass it on to a professional to polish up the technical sides of things.

As for trips, my filming on the Ukrainian side is complete. The plan is still to try and go to the Russian separatists side to meet volunteer fighters there. I’m still having dramas 1. Being a former British Royal Marine 2. The fact I’ve filmed with the Ukrainians. 3. They believe anyone from the media is a spy. I’ve been advised not to go and meet the separatists, however in order for the documentary to be objective, I’m going to try my hardest to get access via Russia officially. If that fails, I will just have to work with what I have.

I don’t have a timeframe for you on when the documentary will be finished, but I’m hoping no later than October (but I hope a lot sooner)

Once again, this project wouldn’t be where it is without your support and donations, so I thank you again for your support.

I’ll keep you all updated on how it’s progressing. You are all now part of Robin Hood Complex - Ukraine Europe’s Forgotten War project.

Have a great weekend.

Emile

Hello everyone,

A quick update on filming so far. So far so good. Luke & Marta who have been working with me on this project, have both returned to the UK, so I’m now on my own. (Yep lonely old me)

We’ve had some exciting moments on the frontline getting shot at by some accurate sniper and machine gun fire and I’ve conducted some great interviews. I’m currently back in Kiev and moving out again tomorrow to a Ukrainian Marine battle camp to film with some more volunteers who are heading to the frontline soon. I’m still trying to secure access to another frontline area to get more footage, so fingers crossed later in the week I get the call giving me permission, however I don’t want to take unnecessary risks if I don’t have to. Putting my life in danger for a bit of footage isn’t worth it, so I will do my risk assessments beforehand.

The hardest thing about doing what I do is all the networking. The amount of time I spend on my phone speaking to people, following leads, chasing access while trying to direct and film can be a nightmare at times, but so far all is good. So many people are happy to help which is great.

Thanks for your continued support, you can follow what I’m getting up to on Facebook & Instagram.



Have a great weekend.

Emile

Hello,

Just a quick update.

Last night I was on the frontline with the Ukrainian Marines in their trench positions. A really interesting 24 hours. Reminded me of the pictures I’ve seen from World War 1. Men littered along the front in gun positions holding the line with their enemy 500m away under constant threat of attack.

Once night fell, the shooting started. Accurate sniper fire missing us by a couple of feet, showing how accurate the other sides snipers are at night. The fighting was sporadic and went on for a few hours with no one hurt. Luckily there was no artillery or mortar fire bought down on us.

Back at their Forward Operating Base which is a farm house full of flies waiting for the soldier who is suppose to be minding us to come back. We are left in this FOB alone full of weapons! What could possibly go wrong!

Next stop is to head to the group called Azov to meet the British volunteers again.

Thanks.