Ferment
UK, 2000
Director: Tim Macmillan
Language: English
Colour: Colour
Runtime: 4 minutes
Short synopsis
Beginning with a death, and ending with a birth, Ferment cuts a cross-section through one moment in a city's day.
Long synopsis
Ferment tells a story in space rather than time, portraying human life across the city centre of Bath at a single instant in time. Using 'time-slice' techniques, the film captures momentary scenes from the everyday lives of Bath's residents, beginning with the death of a man and ending with the simultaneous birth of a new baby. The two events are linked by the sights and sounds of city life as seen by the camera as it journeys between the two locations. The 'time-slice' camera captures moments frozen in time - starting as a man falls from a bench in a city square, then moving along streets into cafes, offices, houses, shops, restaurants, and into different homes. The diegetic sound snippets that accompany the images evokes the bustle and din of the city. The dream-like result shows the multiple layers and realities of 'everyday' life in only one moment of time.
Background information
About the film
Ferment , made with funding from Channel 4 and the Arts Council of England, went on to win several prices and has been screened at numerous film festivals.
With all the participants and extras playing themselves in the film, it is as much a documentary snapshot of the city as it is a portrayal of the cycle of life.
About the film-maker
Between 1981 and 1984, while studying at Bath and the Slade, Tim MacMillan discovered a way of freezing apparent time in a motion-picture tracking shot. This resulted in what he now calls the 'time-slice' technique we see in Ferment. In 1997 MacMillan established Time-Slice Films Ltd to expand the use of the frozen-time effect within the TV and film industries. He has used it in a diverse range of works, including gallery installation, natural history, commercials and feature films.
Teaching materials and additional materials
The teaching materials have been developed by practising teachers to provide a springboard for your own work with your students. Feel free to use and adapt them appropriate to your students' needs.
The additional materials, provided by the film-makers, can be used to develop your work with the film and deepen students' understanding of the process of film-making.
