Profile: Laura Mobbs, Charley Fletcher and Kenny Tran

Why did you pick this subject for Fresh?

We felt that the subject of being a teenage parent was very relevant to young audiences nowadays, as it’s something that carries with it great emotion and struggle. We wanted to highlight this emotion and to show that even through trying situations, something good will arise, which we thought was an important message to deliver to the BBC Fresh audience. 

What motivated you to make this film?

We were motivated to make this film because we felt that it was a story that needed to be told. We believed that telling such a story from the father’s perspective was something that hadn’t been explored enough in pre-existing media. We were driven by the emotion that Callum’s story possessed and we wanted to make people aware of the hardships that certain teenagers have to face everyday. 

What equipment did you use to shoot the film?

We used the Panasonic GH4 with the 12-35mm lens. We used this camera in particular due to its compact size as well as being able to film in 4K. By filming in 4K and editing on a 1080p timeline, all the extra space allowed us to reframe our image. 

We set our Mosaic Limelight twin-panel LED light to 5600*K daylight balance to create a natural, pure, innocent atmosphere towards Riley. In order to create this atmosphere, we needed to have our scene heavily equipped, therefore we decided to make the construction of the film obvious and have Riley interact with the camera rather than ignoring it. 

Tell us about post-production:

To edit our sound and visuals we used Adobe Premiere Pro, we worked as a team to edit the film, the three of us have different skills and ideas so it took us a few days to create something we were truly happy with. For the ‘eye shot’ in particular Kenny used Adobe After Affects to mask Riley’s image into Callum’s eye.

Who/what inspires you?

Laura: I am inspired by life itself, I have never really been inspired by a certain filmmaker but rather life that goes on around me. People and their stories inspire me to make films, as I feel that their stories need to be shared with the world.

Charley: As an Editor, someone who truly inspires me is Thelma Schoonmaker, the ingenious way she transforms films and recreates scenes is something I aspire to do myself. Working with people who inspire you and are as passionate as yourself is the best way to reach your goals.

Kenny: My main influence is Philip Bloom. His cinematic work during his reviews on upcoming cameras, in particular his analysis of the GH4. This review inspired me to use this camera for shooting ‘Dear Riley’. I aim to produce the same level of professionalism in order to create high quality content. 

What are your plans for the future?

Laura: My ultimate plan for the future is to travel the world and make documentaries, but until then I hope to graduate from Coventry University.

Charley: Documentary filmmaking has become something I’d love to continue doing, speaking to people and finding out their views, stories and aspirations. I’d also like to travel, experience different cultures, work on projects I love and learn more about the world.

Kenny: After I graduate from Coventry University, I plan to continue being the DOP for our London and West Midlands based production company, Silent Speech Productions. We primarily focus on commercials/ promotional videos for businesses and/ or individuals, documentaries and short films. 

What is the most important thing you have learned so far?

Laura: To do what you love. Have a passion for the film you are making, if you put your heart and soul into a project, it will show in the finished product.

Charley: Documentary doesn’t have to be boring, it’s much more flexible than I first realized, being open minded and taking time to observe your surroundings is the key to making imaginative films.

Kenny: Being a media producer, the most important lesson to learn is to adapt and adjust. Media is an ever-changing platform and we have to adapt to these changes.