1. Ian Dunning
MA TV Documentary
Advanced Production Practices and Techniques
Tutor: Fraser Durie
Short Film Synopsis
Working Title: “In Pastures Green”
Many of us have a rather sentimental view of nature and of the countryside. This is particularly the
case in relation to our attitudes to food. Most of us eat meat and are aware of where it comes from,
yet we are squeamish about seeing at close quarters how it is actually produced.
“In Pastures Green” will be a 4 minute film which, by plainly showing the basic context in which
food is produced, will provide a gentle corrective to this commonplace attitude. Focusing on the
life of a lamb and the role of the farmer in breeding and rearing his lambs, it will give a simple,
clear-eyed but affectionate representation of the business of farming and the role of farm animals in
human life.
Narrative
In order to avoid over-sensationalising its subject, the film will have a very simple narrative:
• Beginning – the birth of the lamb
• Middle – early days in the fields – threats from predators etc.
• End – looking ahead to the future
Despite this simple narrative, the film will attempt to suggest the drama and complexity of the
subject and to give the audience an “open text” from which to draw their own conclusions. On the
one hand, the lambs' lives may be seen as harsh and cruel – brought into existence purely in order to
be sacrificed for human consumption; on the other hand, however, the lambs may be seen as living
a charmed life, protected by a benign father figure who cares for them and looks after their needs.
From this point of view, the film may be read as a poetic work, with a philosophical or religious
subtext, although this will remain understated.
Audience
The film will not be made for any particular commercial purpose or any specific broadcasting
context. While its content will be quite graphic – involving images of animals in all stages of life
from birth to death – it is hoped that people of all ages, including children, will find it engaging and
interesting. Potentially the film might find a place on the short film festival circuit and be useful as
a calling card for the director in seeking future work.
Production
The film will be assembled from the following materials:
• Video footage of the birth of a lamb
• Video footage of what happens to the lambs after birth
• Video footage of different areas of the farm and different animals on the farm
• Video footage of sheep and lambs in the fields in spring
• Video footage of the farmer with his sheep
• An audio recording of an interview with the farmer

2. • Audio recordings of the country setting
Music
In keeping with the theme of the film, an appropriately simple folk/blues instrumental tune played
throughout on acoustic guitar will accompany the images in the film. “The Lord's My Shepherd”
may feature at the end of the film in order to make a subtle connection between the lambs' lives and
human life, linking back to the title.