Short Summary
One Year is a partially completed 46min experimental documentary by Australian film maker Mark Atkin. The film captures the weather cycles and seasons in Naarm (Melbourne, Australia) at one location over 12 months. The two main characters are the sky and the city interacting in various moods depending on the time of day and weather. Climate change and the impact of human activities are themes informing the film and reflected in the scenes. But the main purpose is to immerse the viewer in the power, volatility and lyrical beauty of the weather - in moments we normally pay little attention to and yet are quite extraordinary. And there’s constant presence of passing bird life and the occasional aircraft on daily routines.
The spine of the film features a series of carefully aligned wide shots that “jump cut” from one moment to the next. Occasional close up views reveal finer details. Long periods of stillness build a sense of expectation and tension that are then released with the sudden appearance of an object or abrupt cut. It’s a visual poem set to an evocative score by internationally renowned cellist, Clancy Newman.
The film will be best enjoyed as an immersive experience on large screens with surround sound. So once it is completed, we will enter it film festivals and offer it to gallery and installation spaces for exhibition.
What We Need & What You Get
The funding goal is AU$35,000 which will cover the final stages of the post production process as well as the administration costs of entering festivals. The film is already shot and edited and now needs to have the high resolution images professionally colour graded - sound track sound designed and mixed - and then master copies made for release.
However, any amount raised under the target amount will still help finish the film. We’d obviously much prefer to finish it with full funding and engage an experienced colourist and sound designer, but if absolutely necessary, parts of the process can be done with the equipment and softwares we have at our edit suite.
A personal note on the project: After three decades largely working on film and TV drama and documentary productions as an editor, I now want to spend more time focussing on my own projects. I have always had an interest in experimental forms of film making and now, having honed my skills in the mainstream arenas, I want to bring that experience to less conventional, more artistic practices. Funding for this project will full-fill this dream and enable us to complete it to the highest standards.
Supporters of the film, whether financial or by helping spread the word, will be credited at the end of the film and given a copy via download. In the “slow film” tradition - it offers a window through which we can appreciate the small things without the bombardment of the senses usually experienced in mainstreams medias and in our daily lives. It’s also an opportunity to be part of something unique that celebrates the power and beauty of the world.
Risks & Challenges
Experimental films do not have wide access to exhibition and audiences including festivals which often have particular themes or restrictions on content including the duration. Getting access to galleries and exhibition spaces will also be a challenge unless I can gain the support of people with connections in those areas within Australia and around the world. I do have a strong profile in the Australian film and TV industry and some connections to people in the art world - so hoping doors can be opened once the film is completed.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't help with funding you can still support the film by using the Indiegogo share tools and for passing the word to any friends and family you think might interested in this project. Thank you for your interest.
The team
Mark Atkin: Director/Camera/Editor
Robin Plunkett: Consultant/Mentor
Clancy Newman: Composer/Cellist
Colourist: Marcus Smith
Sound Designer: Emma Bortignon