Pre-interview questions for pitch

Prior to the pitch and shooting dates, we sent an e-mail to the owners of Syd & Mallory outlining our idea and including some pre- interview questions, which we were originally hoping to go on to review the collected responses from and take a selection of quotes to include in and strengthen our initial pitch. Although we did not get a reply before our pitch, in our interview we re-addressed some of the below questions and were actually able to use feedback that we gained in the pitch in order to create additional questions which was a positive benefit of pitching before the filmed interview:

Initial pre - interview questions

1. Can you tell us a bit about the store and why you think Sheffield is a great location for it?

2. What are your views on independent stores and what do you feel that they bring to a city like Sheffield?

3.  We’ve read the news recently about  redevelopment plans to demolish the row of independent businesses along Division Street, in order to create bars and restaurants and apartments. Can you tell us a bit about your perspective on this please?

4. Why do you think that these plans have been proposed?


5. If our film could be shown to the people behind the plans, what would be the key message that you would want it to highlight, and is there any specific visual content that you feel would be beneficial for them to see?

6.  We want our documentary to be focused on celebrating what independent businesses like yours mean to the local community and the negative change and effects that will be brought about if the redevelopment plans get the go ahead. Do you know any regular customers that may be willing to be involved with the film?

7. Are you aware of anyone else who has commented on the negative impacts of the redevelopment plans  in the media that we may be able to get in touch with?

8.Do you have any upcoming events that we may be able to film at, to form part of our documentary?