On the 16th May six veterans and the Military Afterlives team met at University of Exeter to put together a short film. There had already been two Zoom meetings where we discussed ideas and came up with a ‘sort of’ plan. In reflection these meetings were an important part of the process as we developed those relationships that were so important to what we were setting out to collectively achieve. For non-film makers to venture into a new discipline with participants that are not used to being in front of camera is quite daunting and not without its risks. However, I think this raises a really important point about working as a team. I think without the essence of being in a successful collaborative team like ours taking those risks would not be collectively possible. I also feel that the Military Afterlives team has a sense of collective vision on how veteran and family narratives are represented. It quickly became apparent that the veteran participants shared this position. This enabled a collaborative, engaging and at times humorous working relationship. In addition building on veteran to veteran relationships already established with the veteran researchers on the team.
We met at the Alexander Building in Exeter on the morning and started the days filming. Each veteran was interviewed for 45 minutes by either Caroline or David with all three of us clarifying and asking additional questions as necessary as part of the story-building process. The important part for us was to encourage the veterans to tell their story in their own way, building on our approach during the Military Afterlives Project. It was a tiring day for all involved and generated over 6 hours of footage. Once the dust had settled the team, as non-film makers, then realised that this is where their work really began.
Two months later we are nearly there with a few small edits to carry out on the film. We can take a breath now so this is the opportunity for the Military Afterlives team of Sarah, David and Caroline to publicly thank our participants. In the photo above, in good old military fashion ’from left to right…..’ are:
Sarah (ex-RAF), Caroline (MA team), Gabe (MA team), James (ex-Army), Charlie (ex-Army), Lexi (ex-Army), Eddie (ex-Royal Marines), Sarah (MA team), David (MA Team). Not in picture Rob (ex-Royal Marines) who lives in Australia and participated over Zoom.
Thanks so very much for your time, enthusiasm and fantastic work.