TrainingandSupportMarchArchive

The Best Way to get your Voice on the Box!

By Rewa Harker, Morningside Productions

Do you, or a group that you’re involved with, have something to say to the people of New Zealand?

If you’re actively involved with an issue - be it social, sexual, political, family or whatever - a door is about to open again on TV3 Network Television.

Morningside Productions is looking for applications for the Open Door documentary series. The Open Door project gives access to TV3 Network television to selected individuals and groups of New Zealanders.

The Open Door project, in that it gives editorial control to participants, is a form of access television. The idea of 'ordinary' people getting involved in and seeing themselves on their own television screen was first explored in Canada but versions of it have existed in Britain, where Keith Lambert, Open Door's Director, became aware of it.

Unlike the rest of New Zealand television programming which can be characterised as 'top down'; where programme initiatives come from the broadcaster, Open Door is 'bottom up'; the creative initiative comes from members of the general community, who also control the programme outcomes.

Open Door is unique in that it allows groups and individuals to speak for themselves. The format is straightforward. Only people directly involved in the issues appear on the screen, rather then "experts" and commentators, or outside observers.

The programmes are made using the expertise and equipment of the production team but with participants taking editorial control: nothing will appear in the program that you’re not happy with. Open Door offers the opportunity to let people have their own say in their own way. We are looking for people with firmly held opinions and an energetic commitment to a matter that they’re actively involved in. The key to the success of the process is having a clear idea of what you want to say.

Open Door is funded by New Zealand On Air as part of its 'Special Interest' funding through which it aims to;

Reflect and develop New Zealand identity and culture by promoting programmes about New Zealand and New Zealand interests.
Ensure that a range of broadcasts is available to provide for the interests of women, children, people with disabilities, and minorities in the community - including ethnic minorities.

Above: A documentary was made about the Papakura Community Patrol, where volunteers act as the eyes and ears for the police to help keep the community safe.

Below: A picture from a documentary about Impact Alternative Education, an alternative education for those kids who can't make it in the regular education system.

The Open Door documentaries, which are TV half hour long (approximately 23 minutes) will be broadcast by TV3 (who have the final say on which 10 proposals are chosen). Many of the previous participants also found that the DVD copies of their programme proved to be a valuable and lasting resource.

Some previous Open Door documentaries include:

Speaking Out. "Just because we wobble and dribble a bit, people think we're stupid but we're not!" Four people with cerebral palsy have their say through computerised voice simulation.

Vibe. Vibe is a network of young people who are using their own experience of mental distress to raise awareness of discrimination and stigma.

Dress for Success. DFS is a charity which helps boost women’s self esteem by providing work appropriate clothing and interview tips. DFS clients are women who are often returning to the work force after child rearing. The women have made the decision to get off welfare and back into the workforce. DFS helps them by preparing them for job interviews, offering advice with their CV and a complete makeover. Many of the volunteers who run DFS are former clients helped by the organization.

Impact Alternative Education. There is an alternative to formal secondary school education for those who just can’t make it in the regular system. Most of the kids have been expelled for gross misconduct and had become caught up in the drug scene because they failed to cope with the regular classroom situation. Impact gave them encouragement to achieve and as a result the majority of students have not wanted to run away from this school. Some of the footage for this programme was shot by the students themselves and their involvement in the making of the programme was crucial as they saw their own achievements documented.

For further information about the Open Door documentary series or to apply to make a documentary about your voluntary group or organisation visit our website at www.opendoor.net.nz .

You can apply to make a programme directly from the site, or send a brief outline of your interest or issue to:

Morningside Productions Ltd

PO Box 108, Kaukapakapa, New Zealand 1250

Ph: 64 9 835 9285 Email: morningsideproductions@xtra.co.nz