Journalling: Film Screening

Friday 21st April 

I decided to do a group screening of my artefact as it stood in the female dressing room after warm up - as well as opening it up on the work WhatsApp to any other colleagues interested in watching it. I then effectively held a 'focus group' style discussion where my colleagues provided feedback and I asked questions regarding any personal concerns. Particular concerns for me were: the length of the film, the clarity of my inquiry message and the structure. 

"It was really interesting. You really drove the theme home" 

"The quotes after the group dance were a bit fast, I struggled to read it" 

"I didn't feel like anything stuck out as being in the wrong order"

"The editing was seamless" 

"It went really quickly because you're interested in it and are involved in the project"

The word "nostalgic" was mentioned a few times. One particular colleague told me about some of his family members who were 92 & 88 years old and came to watch the show Thursday. He was nervous about what they would think with the sexy dancing, limited clothing and loud music but they absolutely loved it. The show gave them happy memories from the 50's and 60's, they were watching from a different perspective to other generations. It made me realise how every single moment in the show is equally as important and how it is our responsibility to connect with and consider every single audience member.  

I decided to shorten the group activity footage and incorporate knowledge gained from the 'sound' and 'light' departments after other feedback received. Unfortunately the video journals I had for these departments weren't of great quality because they were too loud or too dark so I decided to make collages of photographs I'd captured and bullet point key points. 

Showing everyone my artefact was a really special moment because I could see the smiles on their faces and hear the giggling. I was nervous and quite apologetic before hand because it is my work and everyone knows what i have been up to - it's something I've spent a lot of time on it and is personal to me. Therefore I am exposing myself to my colleagues on an academic level as well as professionally on a day day basis. It was so nice to receive a round of applause and congratulations afterwards!

The screening was a lovely thing to do just before I finished because I felt like I was leaving a little bit of a legacy behind me through the project, and giving the people who are
staying on some inspiration and motivation. It is natural to feel complacent and moan about things the more you do it.

"I needed that, it makes you realise you're in a great job" 

It was also a great way of engaging in the collaborative cycle I am aiming for. Continuing this idea of interdisciplinary practice by sharing ideas and feeding back, in order to enhance team work and collective intelligence/success.

I am intrigued to see how my findings compare from my previous company to the one on my new job - particularly because there is a mix of people who did it before and of those who didn't. After applying some of the knowledge and skills I've learnt, I'd be interested to see how the perceptions people have of me change or develop.