So you’re probably all wondering what’s going on now we’re all back home… Well, as you know, one of the main points of the trip was to make a documentary…

James, the director, pictured above, is the guy charged with making this happen. In between sifting through hours of b-roll, he sent over this update….

Q. How do you edit 50 hours of footage down to 45 mins?
A. No really, I’m asking………

First week editing the documentary completed.  I’ve laid down everything that could go in, but that works out around 2 hours, so there will be some tough decisions to make next week.

With each clip comes an amazing memory or even something I missed at the time.  Seeing them first time round through a view finder, watching it back in glorious HD is a real experience.  Whether it’s the deep reds of Khayelitsha, the orange and yellow costumes of Cuttack or even the detail in Travis’ tattoos, I’m relieved the footage really does them justice.

For our more geeky followers – we shot tapeless in HD on Sony EX-1s, with stills and promo shots captured on a Canon EOS 5D Mark II.  Our genius cameraman Ben (benedictspence.com) gave each country a different look via the settings in the camera, so we will have very little to do when it comes to grading in post-production.

Our editor Nick - who has the longest arms in the world - wasn’t on the trip with us so it’s been really interesting getting his reaction to what he sees.  I can’t wait for you guys to see it.

On the agenda for the next week:

•    Send Xosa, Tagalog and Hindi footage off for translation
•    Choose the music to go with the show
•    Get ready for Georgia’s first viewing
•    Send copies to NYC for Trav and co to view
•    Cut down on custard cream biscuits in edit suite

Wish me luck…

James

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