As our documentary timeline gets closer, this week was really about getting organized and making things more real. Instead of just talking about ideas, we focused on dividing roles so everyone knows exactly what they’re responsible for moving forward.
We split the work based on strengths. Neil is handling all the footage since he has the equipment and technical experience. David is continuing communication with the Regent Park Community Centre coordinating with the instructor Will, along with reaching out to Rod. Hana is developing the research questions and will take the lead on editing. My role is focused on outreach, I’m connecting with DJs and setting up interviews.
One of the most successful parts of this session was finally having clear direction. Once roles were defined, everything felt more structured and easier to manage. We also started refining our interview questions so they connect better to the overall message of the documentary, rather than just asking general questions. That helped us feel more aligned as a group.
For me, the most challenging part has been reaching out to DJs and coordinating interviews. Everyone has different schedules, and getting responses or locking in times can take effort and follow-ups. At the same time, using social media has made this process easier since it allows for quicker and more direct communication. So far, most of the DJs I’ve contacted have been open to participating, which has been a huge relief.
The range of DJs we’re hoping to interview includes those who have worked in Regent Park venues for years, newer DJs building their presence, educators, and DJs who are closely connected to the community. Having a mix of perspectives will help us tell a more complete story.
This project is also changing how we see the city. We are starting to understand how much creative communities like this contribute to the identity of a place. It’s not just about music it’s about connection, opportunity, and giving people a space to express themselves.
Looking at where we are now, it feels like things are starting to come together. We still need to confirm interviews and begin filming, but the structure is there. Moving forward, it would be helpful to get guidance on how to conduct stronger interviews and make sure we’re capturing meaningful stories.
Overall, this week was about building a foundation so we can move into the next phase with more confidence.
The team members of Scratches & Mixes are David Scrivener, Lisa Truong, Hana Golightly and Neil Patel.