From Victim To Survivor | Documentary Proposal

by Avion Anderson
(Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago)

FROM VICTIM TO SURVIVOR
My Documentary Television/Video Project Proposal Series On Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence

By Avion Anderson

Domestic Violence affects us all…. If we are directly exposed to it, we all know someone who has suffered. Likewise we all relate to Television Series/Films/Mini Series which documents the dramas and terrors from actual true cases, where on the outside, everyone and everything appears to be very “normal”.

Only rarely do we see the truth and also investigate the deeper emotional scars suffered by not only the victims, but also their families, friends and co-workers (and sometimes the actual perpetrators themselves) of domestic violence, of whom many have suffered recurring problems of severe depression, psychosis, trauma, stress and varying degrees of mental and psychological disorders.

Who stops to look at these victims? Who takes care of them? Who helps them to recover, so they can enjoy life and interact with general public again? Who changes the politics and laws? Who STOPS these attacks from happening again?


OBJECTIVE

The project will be focusing on victims and survivors (men, women and children) of domestic violence, whether it be, emotionally, socially, spiritually, physically, mentally, sexually and otherwise; including a look into the life of a woman, man or child who have been a victim of domestic violence or abuse and have either overcome it or lost the battle. Surviving any form of abuse or domestic violence involves not only physical survival but the slow restoration of emotional and spiritual wellness.

This documentary television/video series will focus on the victims and survivors, who poignantly and openly share their experience and aftermath with us. The purpose of these television/video series are to educate the public on this sensitive subject. Most importantly, it is to encourage present and future victims of domestic violence or those who have and are enduring other forms of abuse to come forward and receive the help and support they desperately need, plus rebuilding their lives with honesty, dignity, humour and grace.


DESCRIPTION

Using documentary film techniques, weaving together moving interviews, which will be illustrated with family/personal photographs, home movies and voice recordings of each victims and survivors (men, women and children) of domestic violence, to be followed through the series.

Along with studio interviews will include victims and survivors, family members, friends, co-workers, doctors, therapists, police officers, even the perpetrators themselves, policymakers and personnel’s from non-profit and faith-based organizations who assist in housing and helping victims of domestic violence; historical and modern film and television clips along with magazine and newspaper articles, including facts and figures about domestic violence around the world; and websites which will demonstrate the ways that mainstream culture deals both ineffectively and effectively with domestic violence and the resources for victims and family support.

The eradication of Domestic Violence can not only be accomplished through the development of an integrated socio-legal response to domestic violence, but also through the open dialogue with the victims and survivors, their family members, friends, co-workers, and even the perpetrators themselves and all other personnel involved in housing, helping and as such integrated response must ensure the equalization of power relations between women and men, the redefinition of masculinity away from control over women and the creation of economic, legal and social options for women, men and children which facilitate the escape from abusive situations and relationships.

It is highly important to hear the variety of stories and circumstances that these individuals who come from all walks of life share their stories on how they have coped, survived and even have them confront their attacker, in a positive and meaning way that will bring light to everything and help both the victims and the perpetrators come to grips with reality and help each other and others who are involved domestic violence relationship come forward and able to rebuild their lives.

I will also focus on and wish to address, is by shedding light on the current state of domestic violence, as well as the institutions and policies/laws set in place regarding the issue of domestic violence and also talk to the policymakers, police officers and non-profit and faith-based organizations, who assist in housing and helping victims of domestic violence and their families rebuild their lives; as well as assist in developing and implementing outreach programmes to educate the general public and raise awareness on the issue of domestic violence; and even hold events such as walk against domestic violence and other minor and major events.

Therefore, it is very important to gain consent from each victims and survivors (men, women and children) of domestic violence, family members, friends, co-workers, doctors, therapists, police officers, even the perpetrators themselves and personnel’s from non-profit and faith-based organizations who assist in housing and helping victims of domestic violence. This is the most important and most difficult part of the project and adaptions will be made according to the wishes of everyone.

However, I strongly believe that this project will stand as evidence or a road-map for victims and survivors and their families, as they learn to navigate this journey, share their stories with others and thereby we all can become empowered and liberated and work together as one unit in addressing and helping victims and survivors and their family members, friends, co-workers and even the perpetrators themselves lead a normal and better life.


KEY MESSAGES (for the documentary television/video project series) will include:

• In-depth interviews with the victims and survivors, family members, friends, co-workers, doctors, therapists, police officers, even the perpetrators themselves, policymakers and personnel’s from non-profit and faith-based organizations who assist in housing and helping victims of domestic violence.
  
• Photographs, home movies and voice recordings of and from victims and survivors of domestic violence and their families.
  
• Along with historical and modern film and television clips along with magazine and newspaper articles and websites will demonstrate the ways that mainstream culture deals both ineffectively and effectively with the
  Issue of domestic violence and the resources for the victims and survivors and family support.
  
• Photographs and video footage of events and meetings in locations throughout the island.
  
• Each community where each victim and/or survivor reside will be highlighted, such as housing, schools, restaurants, entertainment, etc.
  

VIDEO DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

Phase One: Planning

• Research on domestic violence and the challenges faced through the Caribbean and around the world.
  
• Research and get consent from each victims and survivors, family members, friends, co-workers, doctors, therapists, police officers, even the perpetrators themselves, policymakers and personnel’s from non-profit and faith-based organizations who assist in housing and helping victims of domestic violence.
  
• Coordinate and pre-produce locations and schedule shooting days.
  
• Create rough outline.
  

Phase Two: Production

• Film all scenarios.
  
• This includes multiple studio interviews with each victims and survivors, family members, friends, co-workers, doctors, therapists, police officers, even the perpetrators themselves, policymakers and personnel’s from non-profit and faith-based organizations who assist in housing and helping victims of domestic violence.
  

Phase Three: Post-Production

• Complete rough edits of DVD for client review.
  
• Incorporate client feedback. Re-edit video, submit for client approval or changes, then final re-edit and approval.
  
• The editing and filming will be a collaborative team effort with Freelance Documentary Grant Writer and Consultant Avion W. Anderson, and an independent filmmaker and/or production company and everyone involved in the development and production of the project.
  

Phase Four: Mastering and Distribution

• 20 to 40 DVD’s are expected to be delivered for each version. Files are also delivered for use with CD’s and Web Deployment.
  

Phase Five: Production Time-line

• March 2014 – Phase One.
  
• April – June 2014 – Phase One and Two are completed.
  
• July – August – Phase Three and Four are completed
  

Note that timing may change due to the availability of people and locations.

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